Fire Sprinkler Maintenance: Here Is What You Need To Know

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in Saint Cloud, FL

Fire sprinklers are an essential part of any building's safety system, and sprinkler maintenance an essential business function. In fact, reports shared by the National Fire Protection Agency reveal that working sprinklers not only prevent costly damage but also prevent injury and even death. Below are just a few of the most astonishing findings:

• When sprinkler systems are present during a fire, the firefighter injury rate is, on average, 80 percent lower.
• When both sprinklers and fire alarms are present, the death rate drops by approximately 90 percent.
• When working sprinklers are present, fires are restrained to the room of origin 97 percent of the time.

These stats indicate that sprinklers are not only necessary, but that sprinkler maintenance should be a key function of any business.

How To Maintain Your Sprinkler System

Fire sprinklers should be inspected on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis. During your weekly inspection, you should check the gauges for a read on normal air and water pressure. You should also check the control valves to make sure that they work properly and that they're locked, sealed and ready to open when necessary.

During your monthly inspections, re-inspect your gauges and check your alarm valves. During the quarterly checks, examine the alarm devices and the hydraulic nameplate to ensure that it is secured to the sprinkler riser.

As a business owner, you are required to have a licensed technician inspect your sprinkler system on an annual basis. During this yearly inspection, your technician assesses and maintains all aspects of your system, including the following:

• Alarm devices
• Gauges
• Pipes and fittings
• Control valves
• Sprinkler heads
• Deluge valves
• Hangers/bracing
• Antifreeze solution
• Backflow prevention components
• Water flow alarm
• Main drain

If the technician notices any issues or obstructions, he or she will perform the necessary repairs.

Sprinkler maintenance is a key business operation. Your attention to your sprinkler system can prevent costly and even potentially fatal damage. For more information on what you can do to maintain a safe work environment, contact your Saint Cloud, FL, fire remediation team.