inspection, testing and maintenance of sprinkler systems · inspection, testing and maintenance of...

26
1 ©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1 RISK CONTROL REDUCE RISK. PREVENT LOSS. SAVE LIVES. 1 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems Hosted by Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association Presented by Dawn Safine, Risk Control Account Executive, CPCU | ARM | CFPS, MBA 2 Disclaimer This program or presentation is only a tool to assist you in managing your responsibility to maintain safe premises, practices, operations and equipment, and is not for the benefit of any other party. The program or presentation does not cover all possible hazardous conditions or unsafe acts that may exist, and does not constitute legal advice. For decisions regarding use of the practices suggested by this program or presentation, follow the advice of your own legal counsel. Travelers disclaims all forms of warranties whatsoever, without limitation. Implementation of any practices suggested by this program or presentation is at your sole discretion, and Travelers or its affiliates shall not be liable to any party for any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with, the information provided or its use. This material does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy or bond issued by Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy or bond. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law. © 2011-2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Upload: others

Post on 08-May-2020

13 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

1©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

RISK CONTROL

REDUCE RISK. PREVENT LOSS. SAVE LIVES.1

Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler SystemsHosted by Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association

Presented by Dawn Safine, Risk Control Account Executive, CPCU | ARM | CFPS, MBA

2

Disclaimer

This program or presentation is only a tool to assist you in managing your responsibility to maintain safe premises, practices, operations and equipment, and is not for the benefit of any other party. The program or presentation does not cover all possible hazardous conditions or unsafe acts that may exist, and does not constitute legal advice. For decisions regarding use of the practices suggested by this program or presentation, follow the advice of your own legal counsel. Travelers disclaims all forms of warranties whatsoever, without limitation. Implementation of any practices suggested by this program or presentation is at your sole discretion, and Travelers or its affiliates shall not be liable to any party for any damages whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with, the information provided or its use. This material does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy or bond issued by Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy or bond. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law.

© 2011-2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Page 2: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

2©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

3

Objectives

• Identify components, maintenance,

testing and operation of sprinkler systems

• List ways sprinkler systems fail

• Frequency of testing for sprinkler

• systems components

• Fire Pumps - Tests

4

Agenda - Inspection – Testing – Maintenance (ITM)

• ITM frequencies for various components

• ITM procedures

• How sprinkler systems can fail

Page 3: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

3©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

5

System components

• Above ground system:

– Sprinklers

– Piping

– Valves

• Underground system:

– Piping

– Hydrants

– Valves

• Water supply:

– Tanks

– Fire pumps

6

Sprinkler head inspection

• Damaged heads

• Build-up of dust or debris:

– Can blow off or vacuum:

No touching

• Glass bulbs without liquid

• Inverted heads

• Leaking

• Obstructions

• Storage too high

Page 4: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

4©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

7

Sprinkler head inspection (cont.)

• Leaking heads

8

Obstructed heads

Page 5: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

5©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

9

Storage too high

10

Sprinkler heads

• Sprinkler heads (typical):

– Visual inspection annually (5.2.1.1)

– Test or replace at 50 yrs then every 10 yrs. (5.3.1.1.1)

– Test or replace at 75 yrs then every 5 yrs (5.3.1.1.1.5)

– UL Stats

• Quick response heads:

– Visual inspection annually (5.2.1.1)

– Test or replace at 20 yrs then every 10 yrs (5.3.1.1.1.3)

Page 6: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

6©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

11

Sprinklers - ITM priorities

• Dry heads:

– Test or replace every 10 yrs (5.3.1.1.1.6)

• Heads in harsh environments (corrosive atmospheres and corrosive water supplies):

– Test or replace every 5 yrs (5.3.1.1.2)

• All sprinkler heads manufactured prior to 1920 should be replaced (5.3.1.1.1.2)

12

Sprinklers - ITM priorities (cont.)

• Dry heads:

– Test or replace every 10 years (5.3.1.1.1.6)

• UL testing – 2006-2010

Years in the Field

O Ring Failure

Non O Ring

Failure

< 10 yrs 17% <1%

11-15 47% 1%

16-20 52% 4%

21-25 47% 21%

26-30 60% 14%

>30 77% 23%

Page 7: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

7©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

13

Piping

14

Sprinkler piping - ITM priorities

• Pipe and fitting external inspections completed annually (5.2.2):

– Look for physical damage, leakage, misalignment, etc.

– Do not hang anything from the piping

• Internal inspections (Obstruction Investigation Chapter 14):

– Perform internal inspection every 5 years (14.2.1.1)

– Any sign of sludge must be tested for MIC (14.2.1.3)

– Internal inspection annually in dry and pre-action systems looking for ice plugs (14.4)

Page 8: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

8©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

15

Sprinkler piping - ITM priorities (cont.)

• Look for signs of pipe damage or obstruction

16

Sprinkler control valves

• Valve inspection – (13.3.2):

– Weekly for unsupervised valves

– Monthly for locked or supervised valves

• Valve testing – (13.3.3):

– Operate through full range annually

• Valve maintenance – (13.3.4):

– Lubricate annuallyWall Mounted Control Valve

OS and Y Control Valve

Butterfly Valve

Post Indicating Valve

Page 9: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

9©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

17

Control valve supervisory switches

• Test quarterly per Travelers recommendations

• Test semi-annually (13.3.3.5.1)

• Make sure to test by actually turning the valve

• Don’t move the mechanism by hand

18

Fire Department connection ITM

• Inspect quarterly (13.7.1)

• Need proper drainage to prevent freezing

• Caps maintained in place to prevent obstructions in piping

• Should be properly labeled

Page 10: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

10©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

19

Why do sprinkler systems fail?

• For all types of sprinklers combined:

– 64% equipment being shut off

– 17% manual intervention defeated the equipment

– 7% component was damaged

– 6% lack of maintenance

– 5% inappropriate design

These statistics come from the NFPA report titled, “U.S. Experience with Sprinklers and Other Automatic Fire Extinguishing Equipment” authored by John R. Hall, Jr., and dated September 2010.

20

Page 11: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

11©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

21

Water flow alarm testing

• Water motor gongs test quarterly (5.3.3.1 and 13.2.6)

• Vane-type or pressure switch-type tested semi-annually (5.3.3.2)

• Quarterly testing is recommended by Travelers

• Use inspectors test connection if possible (5.3.3.3)

22

Wet pipe - water flow alarms

Vane Typewater flow switches

Page 12: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

12©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

23

Wet pipe systems - inspector’s test

24

Water flow alarm testing - high rise bldg

Main Drain

Inspectors Test Connection

Vane Type Waterflow Alarm Switch

Standpipe

Page 13: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

13©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

25

Wet pipe - alarm check valve

• Alarm by-pass – can be used

• Better to use the inspector’stest connection

26

Alarm valves - ITM

• Inspect externally monthly (13.4.1.1)

• Inspect internally every 5 yrs (13.4.1.2)

• Test alarm quarterly (5.3.3.1 and 13.2.6)

• Maintain and clean as needed (13.4.1.3):

– Per manufacturer’s recommendations

Page 14: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

14©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

27

Water motor gong - ITM

• Inspect quarterly (5.2.5)

• Test quarterly (5.3.3.1 and 13.2.6)

• Maintain as needed or as per manufacturer’s recommendations

28

Dry pipe valves - ITM

• Test waterflow alarm quarterly (5.3.3.1)

• Inspect daily/weekly during heating season (13.4.4.1.1)

• Annual trip testing (13.4.4.2.2):

– Full flow every 3 yrs (13.4.4.2.2.2)

– Air test every 3 yrs (13.4.4.2.9)

• Perform maintenance during annual trip test (13.4.4.3.1)

Page 15: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

15©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

29

Dry pipe valve

30

Dry pipe systems - ITM

• Internal ice plug inspection done annually (14.4)

Page 16: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

16©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

31

Quick opening devices

• Accelerators and exhausters tested quarterly (13.4.4.2.4)

• A.13.4.4.2.4 gives instructions

32

Dry system - low point drain

• Low point drains should be drained after each trip test and annually before the onset of freezing weather (12.4.4.3.2)

Page 17: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

17©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

33

Water supplies

34

Water supplies - main drain test

Page 18: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

18©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

35

Main drain tests

• Main drain testing (13.2.5)

• Completed quarterly as recommended by Travelers

• NFPA recommends annual test

• Helps verify:

– Water supply has not deteriorated

– Underground valves are open

36

Water supplies - tanks

• Water level (9.2.1):

– Quarterly inspection if water level monitored

– Otherwise conduct monthly

• Heating system (9.2.3):

– Weekly if temperature monitored

– Otherwise daily

• Exterior (9.2.5):

– Quarterly inspection

• Interior (9.2.6):

– Inspect every 5 yrs

– Every 3 yrs for steel tanks without corrosion protection

Page 19: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

19©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

37

Types of pumps

• Booster pump:

– Used to boost pressure from a pressurized system

– City main

– Gravity tank

• Fire pump:

– Water provided from a stagnant (non-pressurized) source

– Lake, pond, river, etc.

38

Types of pumps (cont.)

• Horizontal-shaft centrifugal fire pumps:

– Designed to operate under positive suction head

Page 20: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

20©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

39

Types of pumps (cont.)

• Vertical turbine fire pumps:

– Needed where pump would operate with suction lift

40

Fire pump drivers

• Typical fire pump installations - electric motor

Suction ValveElectric Supply

Page 21: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

21©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

41

Fire pump drivers (cont.)

• Typical fire pump installations - diesel engine

Testing fire pumps

42

– Two types of tests should be conducted on all fire pumps:

– Weekly/Monthly run test

– Annual flow test

Page 22: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

22©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Other things to evaluate

• Electric pump:

– Circulating relief valve operating (check each time pump is started)

– Volts and amps (during annual flow test)

• Diesel pump:

– Main relief valve (each time)

– Batteries are charged/charging (annual flow test)

– Cooling water line operating (each time)

• Packing has water dripping for cooling and lubrication (each time)

• Proper start pressures for pump and jockey (annual flow test)

43

Weekly/Monthly run testing of fire pumps

• Electric pumps run for 10 minutes - monthly

• Diesel pumps run for 30 minutes - weekly

• Need to make sure the pump is running properly:

– No excessive noise or vibration

– Not overheating

– No smoke!

– Starts with a drop in system pressure

– Batteries are charged/charging

44

Page 23: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

23©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Annual flow tests

• Two reasons to conduct annual flow tests:

– Test pump performance:

Use net pump pressures

Net pressure is equal to discharge pressure minus suction pressure

– Verify pump can supply sprinklers:

Use pump discharge pressures

Compare with sprinkler demands

45

Tools for testing fire pumps

• Pitot tube

• Pressure gauges

• Playpipes

• Hose monsters

• Calculator and graph paper

46

Page 24: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

24©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Tools for testing fire pumps (cont.)

47

Pitot Tube UL Playpipe

Hose monster

48

Page 25: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

25©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Flow testing of fire pumps

• 3 rating points:

– At churn, or zero flow, the net pump pressure should not exceed 140% of the rated pressure

– At 100% of the rated flow the net pump pressure should be 100% of the rated pressure

– At 150% of the rated flow, the net pump pressure should be at least 65% of the rated pressure

49

Testing of fire pumps

• More commonly referred to as:

– Zero flow, or churn

– 100%, or rated

– 150%, or overflow

50

Page 26: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems · Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems ... • Frequency of testing for sprinkler • systems components

26©2011- 2014 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. CT0039P1

Next Steps

51