Fire & Life Safety Inspections
Presented by Rick Glenn, P.E.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 1
April 19, 2007
Who is Schirmer Engineering?
 Established in 1939
 Licensed Fire Protection Engineers and NICET
Technicians
 Wide range of expertise and services
 Building/Fire Code consultation
 Systems design and evaluation (fire alarm/fire
sprinkler/special hazards/security)
 System inspections and testing
 Computer fire modeling
 Performance-based designs
 Repeat business greater than 85%
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 2
April 19, 2007
Who is Schirmer Engineering?
 21 Offices Nationwide
Atlanta
Miami
Austin
New York
Boston
Philadelphia
Charlotte
Phoenix
Cincinnati
Princeton
Dallas
San Antonio
Denver
San Diego
Houston
San Francisco
Las Vegas
Temecula
Los Angeles
Washington, DC
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 3
April 19, 2007
NFPA Fire & Life Safety Manual
 Current edition: 8th, Copyright 2002
 Based upon 2000 Life Safety Code and
other NFPA standards
 Addresses fire protection and life safety
inspections
 Compilation of inspection procedures,
requirements, and regulations
 Provides information on identifying a
deficiency or dangerous condition
 Spells out the major areas that should
be focused on during an inspection
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 4
April 19, 2007
Importance of Inspections
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Long, tedious activity
Not glamorous
Not easy to do
Sometimes no immediate results
Typically not appreciated
HOWEVER …
 Has major impact on Owner, User, Public, and Insurance
Carrier
 Consequence: Critical equipment fails when needed
 Consequence: Loss of use of a system, floor or building
 Worst case: People are injured or die
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 5
April 19, 2007
Successful Inspections
 Continuous process
 Goes from very beginning to end of project
 Very thorough; there is no time limit
 Completed by trained and competent individuals
 Closely coordinated with the Construction Process
 Are done in a timely manner, including the
documentation thereof
 Repeated follow up to past inspections
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 6
April 19, 2007
What Are We Inspecting To?
 Codes listed in the construction contract?
 Construction documents and all addenda?
 Life Safety Code (if enforced by AHJ)
 The 300+ standards issued by NFPA?
 IBC and its referenced standards?
 DOE Orders?
 Local Fire Code?
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 7
April 19, 2007
The Inspector Should Have:
 Excellent communication skills
 Exceptional judgment
 Detective skills
 Reporter skills
 Technical skills
 Ability to be part missionary
 Ability to be part educator
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 8
April 19, 2007
Equipment (Ch. 2)
 To conduct an inspection safely and efficiently, an
inspector should have the following equipment:
 Visible means of identification
 Flashlight
 A notebook or clipboard
 Report forms
 Pens/pencils
 Tape measure
 Floor plan drawings or “as-built” drawings
 Hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes (for areas under
construction)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 9
April 19, 2007
Observations (Ch. 2)
 Evaluate how the facility is used and determine which
occupancy classification it falls under. This will enable you
to choose the appropriate checklist and code requirements
to accurately conduct the inspection and make the
appropriate evaluations.
 If inspecting a large property, it is better to inspect the
exterior first. Tour the outside to observe how the buildings
relate to one another and to adjacent properties. The
following features that can be noted while inspecting the
exterior of the building:
 Address
 Names and type of occupancies
 Exterior evidence of building construction type
 Building height
 Exterior housekeeping and maintenance
 Potential exposures and outdoor storage
 Locations of fire hydrants
 Conditions affecting fire department response
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 10
April 19, 2007
Observations (Ch. 2)
 It is important to accurately determine the
construction type classification of the building
 Based on NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building
Construction, or local building code
 Construction type influences the fire resistance ratings of the
building’s structural elements
 The integrity of fire-rated walls must be assured:
 Openings in fire-rated walls must be protected to retard or prevent the
spread of fire
 Doors in fire-rated walls must be kept closed or on automatic hold-opens
 Penetrations in fire rated walls are to be sealed to prevent the spread of
fire
 Exit stair enclosures are to be rated from top to bottom of stairs
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 11
April 19, 2007
Observations (Ch. 2)
 Hazards of Contents
 The hazard level of contents will have a significant impact on the fire
safety evaluation and the resulting recommendations.
 Hazard of the contents of a building are categorized as low, ordinary,
and high by Chapter 6 of the LSC.
 Low-Hazard Contents: Contents of such low combustibility that no self-propagating
fire therein can occur, and thus the only probable danger requiring the use of
emergency exits will be from panic, fumes, smoke, or fire from some external
source.
 Ordinary Hazard Contents: Contents that are liable to burn with moderate rapidity
or that give off a considerable volume of smoke, but probably will not explode in the
event of a fire.
 High Hazard Contents: Hazards that are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from
which explosions are likely in the event of fire.
 Be aware that the classifications used by NFPA 13, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems, are different.
 Low hazard contents are rarely found in occupancies; thus this
condition normally would not be a major classification during most
inspections.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 12
April 19, 2007
Observations (Ch. 2)
 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
 The purpose of a fire detection/alarm system is to detect the
presence of a fire, alert the occupants, notify the fire
department, or a combination of these functions.
 An inspector should understand the function of, and be able to
identify, the major components of these systems.
 Fire Suppression Systems
 Typically includes sprinkler systems, standpipes, and portable
fire extinguishers
 Routine inspections should determine that:
 Sprinkler control valves are open
 Sprinklers are unobstructed
 The system has not been altered
 The sprinkler system has been extended to cover building additions
 Fire extinguishers are accessible and have been serviced within the past
year
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 13
April 19, 2007
Observations (Ch. 2)
 Reports
 A written report should be generated after each inspection to
describe the conditions found and the corrections needed.
 In general, every report should include the following
information:
 Date of inspection
 Name of inspector
 Name and address of property, noting the name and title of the
person(s) interviewed, and phone numbers
 Name, address, and phone number of owner
 Names of major tenants of a multiple occupancy building (not
necessarily the name of every tenant)
 Type of occupancy
 Dimensions of building, including height and construction type
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 14
April 19, 2007
Observations (Ch. 2)
 Reports (cont.)
 Factors that could contribute to fire spread inside buildings, such as
lack of vertical and horizontal separations
 Common fire hazards, such as open flames, heaters, and inaqueate
wiring
 Special fire hazards, such as hazardous materials and their storage,
handling, use, and processes
 Fire extinguishing, detection, and alarm equipment
 Exits
 Outside exposures, including factors making fire spread possible
between buildings
 Recommendations or notations of deficiencies
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 15
April 19, 2007
Fire Department Access
 Fire lanes should be marked and unobstructed
 Vehicular activity should be limited to passenger
pick-up and drop-off in the fire lane. Parking is
prohibited.
 Fire lanes must be wide enough to allow fire
apparatus to pass
 Fire hydrants and other sources of water must be
visible and accessible from the fire lane.
 Sprinkler/standpipe connections must be capped,
free of debris, and accessible.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 16
April 19, 2007
Housekeeping/Building Procedures (Ch. 3)
Effective indoor/outdoor housekeeping
practices accomplish the following:
 Eliminate unwanted fuels
 Remove obstructions
 Control sources of ignition
 Improve access for emergency responding forces
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 17
April 19, 2007
Look for:
 How contractors use, arrange and layout their
equipment
 Material storage and handling
 Flammable/combustible liquid spills and waste
disposal
 Paints/coatings/lubricants
 Waste and rags
 Shipping materials and packing
 Compressed gas cylinders
 Smoking
 Ignition sources
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 18
April 19, 2007
Documentation (Ch. 4)
Need to document findings…
What is the issue?
Where is it located?
Who is responsible?
Why was it identified as an issue?
How should it be corrected?
When is it to be corrected by?
Document findings via email, letter, field reports, etc.,
BUT IT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 19
April 19, 2007
Fire-resistance Rated Construction (Ch. 5)
 Fire Wall – A fire-resistance rated wall having protected
openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends
continuously from the foundation to or through the roof,
with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to
allow collapse of construction on either side without
collapse of the wall.
 Fire Barrier – A fire-resistance rated vertical or horizontal
assembly designed to restrict the spread of fire in which
openings are protected.
 Smoke Barrier – A continuous membrane such as a wall,
floor, or ceiling assembly, that is designed and
constructed to restrict the movement of smoke.
 Through-Penetration Firestop System – An assemblage of
specified materials or products that are designed, tested
and rated to resist the spread of fire through penetrations
for a prescribed period of time.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 20
April 19, 2007
Fire-Protective Coatings (Ch. 5)
 Fire-Protective Coating
 Fire-resistance ratings for steel
structural framing are usually
achieved by the application of a
spray-applied fire protective coating.
 The coating is applied at a specified
thickness that equals the rating
required by the code
 The thickness should be measured
and verified against the listing
requirement, such as UL Fire
Resistance Directory
 Verifying the density is also
important because the thickness
may be adequate but the material
may not be sufficient enough to
protect the surface
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 21
April 19, 2007
Fire-resistance Rated Construction (Ch. 6)
 Fire-resistance rated construction is determined by the
construction type of the building. The following is an
excerpt from the 2006 International Building Code, Table
601:
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 22
April 19, 2007
Vertical Openings (Ch. 8)
 Vertical Openings
 Floor/Ceiling Penetrations
These penetrations are created when holes are made through
floor/ceiling assemblies for routing cables, conduits, or pipes and
thus permit the passage of smoke and fire from floor to floor.
Methods to seal these openings include:
– Modular devices sized for the pipe, conduit, or cable that contain an
organic compound that expands when heated to seal the penetration.
– Foamed-in-place fire-resistant elastomers
– Various caulking materials
– Poured- or troweled-in-place compounds
These method/materials are required to be listed and/or
approved by either UL or FM.
An inspector should be aware of penetrations that may be
hidden in concealed spaces (i.e. above drop ceilings)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 23
April 19, 2007
Penetrations (Ch. 8)
 Here is an example
of a listed assembly
for protecting
throughpenetrations per UL.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 24
April 19, 2007
Vertical Openings (Ch. 8)
 Vertical Openings (cont.)
 Stair enclosures, shafts, and chutes
These vertical openings cannot be sealed because their
functions require that they communicate between floors.
Such openings should be enclosed in fire-resistive construction
– Fire rating is determined by the local building code
Door openings in the walls of stair enclosures, elevator shafts,
and chutes must be protected by self- or automatic-closing fire
door assemblies
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 25
April 19, 2007
Horizontal Openings (Ch. 8)
 Horizontal Openings – openings in fire rated walls
and partitions
 If left unprotected will allow smoke and fire to spread
horizontally through the building.
 Fire Door Assemblies
Means for protecting door openings in fire-resistive walls
Fire doors are given an hourly rating
Listed fire doors must be identified by a label, a listing mark, or
a classification mark that is readily visible.
– Labels or classification marks may be of metal, paper, or
plastic and is commonly located on the hinge side of the
door.
Occupants tend to prop open these doors with wood blocks,
wedges, or rope. If these materials are located near a door it is
a sign that this is happening. Having the door open defeats the
purpose of the door, and is a condition that should be corrected
immediately.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 26
April 19, 2007
Horizontal Openings (Ch. 8)
 The following table shows the required ratings of fire doors per the
rating of the wall with the opening:
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 27
April 19, 2007
Horizontal Openings (Ch. 8)
 Horizontal Openings (cont.)
 Fire Door Assemblies
Inspection
– Highly combustible material should not be stored near the
opening. A fire may spread through the opening before the
protective device can operate.
– Fire doors are not to be obstructed or blocked in any way or
intentionally wedged open so that self-closing is not possible.
– Test the door to ensure that the door closes and latches.
– Check the label provided on the door for proper rating.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 28
April 19, 2007
Smoke Control Systems (Ch. 12)
 Smoke control systems are complex systems
involving the:
Exhaust and make-up air supply systems
HVAC control system
Fire detection and alarm system
Building’s architectural features
 Smoke control systems are normally required for
underground buildings, malls, high-rise buildings,
and buildings having an atrium
 There are two types of smoke
control systems:
Passive (barriers, partitions, natural
vents)
Active (mechanical)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 29
April 19, 2007
Smoke Control Systems (Ch. 12)
 Passive Smoke Control System
 Definition: A system of smoke barriers arranged to limit
the migration of smoke.
Usually incorporated in
institutional buildings (e.g.,
hospitals, detention centers)
Smoke-tight barriers provide
smoke control
Amount of leakage limited by
code
Can be tested by “door fan”
method or by HVAC fan system
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 30
April 19, 2007
Smoke Barrier Allowable Leakage
 Walls:
A/AW = 0.00100
 Exit enclosures:
A/AW = 0.00035
 Other shafts:
A/AW = 0.00150
 Floors/roofs:
A/Af = 0.00050
Smoke Barrier Construction
 Doors: Tight-fitting, gasketed, 20-minute assembly
required
 Dampers: Class 2 smoke dampers required
 Penetrations: Must be properly sealed
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 31
April 19, 2007
Active (Mechanical) Smoke Control System
 Active (Mechanical) Smoke Control System
 Definition: An engineered system that uses mechanical
fans to control smoke movement.
Pressurization method
Exhaust method
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 32
April 19, 2007
Pressurization Method
 Primary means of controlling smoke by pressure differences across
smoke barriers
 Method relies on reasonably air-tight construction around smoke
zones
 This method is used in high-rise buildings
 Minimum pressure difference across smoke barrier is 0.05 inches
water gauge (w.g.)
 Maximum pressure difference is dictated by door opening force (30
lbs)
Smoke Barrier Wall
 Calculate volume of air necessary to provide a pressure differential
 Determine leakage in smoke zone
Q = 2610 A (P)1/2 (Q = K (P)1/2
Q = Volume of air cfm
A = Leakage area in square foot
P = Pressure differential (inches w.g.)
p
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 33
April 19, 2007
Exhaust Method
 For large enclosed volumes (e.g., atria and malls), the exhaust method may
be used
 Identifies minimum exhaust rates based on ‘design fire’ and space
geometry
 Can be used when permitted by the Code Official
 Smoke layer must be maintained at least 6 feet above any walking surface
 Equal amount of supply air to be introduced
 Maximum air supply velocity not to exceed 200 ft per minute
6’ 0’
Supply
Exhaust
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 34
April 19, 2007
Smoke Control Systems (Inspections & Tests)
 Inspections are time consuming and labor intensive.
 Must verify that:
 Smoke barrier partitions are of 1 hr. fire resistive construction
 Smoke barriers are continuous from outside wall to outside
wall and above suspended ceilings
 Smoke barrier doors have a 20-minute fire resistance rating
 Ducts and air transfer openings have smoke dampers
 Pipe, conduit, and cable penetrations are properly sealed
 Each means for system activation must be functionally
tested (e.g., smoke detectors, sprinkler waterflow switch,
manual override switch)
 Periodic testing of the system is required semi-annually
 For large and complex systems, inspections and tests are
normally done by third party specialists.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 35
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Fire alarm systems are to be installed per NFPA 72,
National Fire Alarm Code
 Types of initiating devices
monitored by fire alarm
systems include:
 Types of notification
appliances connected to fire
alarm systems include:
 Manual fire alarm stations
 Bells
 Heat detectors
 Horns
 Smoke detectors
 Chimes
 Flame detectors
 Speakers
 Fire suppression system
supervisory devices
 Strobes
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
 Rotating Beacons
Slide 36
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Types of Initiating Devices
 Manual Fire Alarm Boxes (pull stations)
 Verify that the installer has installed manual fire alarm boxes at
unobstructed, readily accessible locations
 Are required at each exit from the floor and building
 Travel distance to a pull station should not exceed 200 feet
 Pull station is to be located within 5 feet of the exit doorway
 Pull station should be mounted so that the operable part is between
3.5 feet and 4.5 feet above the floor
 Waterflow-actuated
 The fire alarm system is to monitor the operation of automatic
sprinkler systems by means of a listed waterflow detector or waterflow
pressure switch
 In the event the sprinkler system activates, a means to detect to the
flow of water and sound an alarm is needed
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 37
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Heat Detectors
 Heat detectors respond to the thermal energy (temperature) of
a fire and are located on or near the ceiling
 Fixed-Temperature Heat Detectors
 Initiate an alarm when the detecting element reaches a predetermined
fixed temperature.
 For some older detectors, once operated the device must be replaced
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 38
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Heat Detectors (cont.)
 Rate-of-rise detector
 Operates when the rate of temperature increase from a fire exceeds a
predetermined level, typically around 5°F in 20 seconds or 15°F per
minute
 These detectors are restorable
 Combination detector
 Detectors can contain more than one element to respond to a fire.
 Examples include:
– Combination rate-of-rise and fixed temperature heat detector
– Combination smoke-and-heat detector
 Line type detector
 Made of heat sensitive cable
 Testing
 A heat detector should be tested by exposing the detector to a safe heat
source, such as a hairdryer or a shielded heat lamp, until it activates.
 The detector should reset automatically after each heat test.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 39
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Smoke Detectors
 Three types of smoke detectors:
 Spot type smoke detector (ionization and photoelectric)
 Projected beam detector
 Air-sampling smoke detector
 Ionization smoke detector
 Uses radioactive material to ionize air and detect smoke particles
 Photoelectric smoke detector
 A light source and a photosensitive
sensor arranged such that the rays
from the light source normally fall on
the photosensitive sensor. When
smoke particles enter the light path,
the intensity of the light is reduced,
causing the detector to initiate a fire
alarm signal.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 40
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Smoke Detectors (cont.) - Projected beam detector
 Consists of two units arranged such that one unit sends a beam of light across a
space to a separate photoelectric receiving unit.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 41
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Smoke Detectors (cont.)
 Air-sampling smoke detector
 A system of tubing installed around the protected area with small ports
that draw in samples of the air. The air is monitored by a device that
detects the smoke and initiates a fire alarm signal.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 42
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Smoke Detectors (cont.)
 Testing
Smoke detectors should be inspected visually to detect any
debris or obstructions that may prevent the smoke detector
from operating properly.
To test the detectors, introduce smoke or some other aerosol
acceptable to the manufacturer into the detector at its
installed location to ensure that smoke can enter the chamber
and initiate an alarm.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 43
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Location of Heat and Smoke Detectors
 The following illustration indicates the proper location for
heat and smoke detectors:
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 44
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Ceiling Surfaces as defined by NFPA 72
 Smooth Ceiling: A ceiling surface uninterrupted by continuous
projections, such as solid joists, beams, or ducts, extending 4
inches or less below the ceiling surface.
 Beam Construction: Ceilings that have solid structural or
nonstructural members projecting down from the ceiling
surface more than 4 inches and spaced more than 3 feet, center
to center.
 Solid Joist Construction: Ceilings that have solid structural or
nonstructural members projecting down from the ceiling
surface more than 4 inches and spaced at 3 feet or less, center
to center.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 45
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Location of Heat Detectors (cont.)
 The following illustrations indicate the proper location and
spacing requirements for heat detectors installed on smooth
ceiling construction:
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 46
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Location of Heat Detectors






For solid joist construction, detectors should always be mounted
on the bottoms of solid joists. Use spacing for smooth ceilings,
except in direction perpendicular to the joists use ½ smooth
ceiling spacing.
For beam construction, detectors can be installed on the bottoms
of beams that are less than 12 inches deep and less than 8 feet on
center. Use spacing for smooth ceilings, except that in direction
perpendicular to the beams use 2/3 smooth ceiling spaces.
For beam construction where beams are more than 18 in. deep
and beam spacing is more than 8 ft. , each bay must be treated as
a separate area.
For ceiling heights exceeding 10 ft., heat detector spacing must
be reduced by factors that range from 0.91 times the listed
spacing for up to 12 ft. to 0.34 times the listed spacing for ceiling
heights up to 30 ft.
Reductions due to ceiling height and construction are cumulative.
Sloped or Peaked Ceilings: A row of detectors is required within 3
feet of the peak or high side. The spacing of additional detectors,
if any, are based on the horizontal projection of the ceiling in
accordance with the type of ceiling construction.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 47
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Location of Smoke Detectors
 In general, smoke detectors are spaced at 30 feet on flat, smooth
ceilings
 Solid joists are considered equivalent to beams for smoke detector
spacing
 For ceilings with beam depths less than 10% of ceiling height, use
smooth ceiling spacing (2007)
 For ceilings with beam depths equal to or greater than 10%, and
beam spacing equal to or greater than 40% of ceiling height, spot
type detectors are required in every beam pocket (2007)
 For sloped ceilings, use spacing requirements for level beamed
ceilings. Ceiling height is taken as average height over slope.
 For rooms having an area of 900 sq.ft. or less, only one smoke
detector is required, regardless of ceiling surface (2007)
 Smoke detectors should not be located within 3 feet of a supply air
diffuser or return air opening
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 48
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Audible Notification Appliances
 Basic Rule: Audible signals must have a sound level that meets
the greater of the following two conditions:
 A sound level at least 15 dBA above the average ambient sound level
 A sound level at least 5 dBA above the maximum sound level having a
duration of at least 60 seconds
 The sound level is measured at 5 feet above the floor
 Audible appliances used in sleeping areas
 A sound level of at least 75 dBA, measured at the pillow, must be achieved
 Wall mounted audible appliances are to be installed at least 90
inches above the floor but not closer than 6 inches to the ceiling
 NFPA 72 does not indicate the specific locations for audible
devices, however they are to provide the required sound levels
throughout the entire occupiable area.
 Speakers for emergency voice/alarm communications are
required to produce the same sound levels for the evacuation
tone signals (not the voice messages) as other audible appliances
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 49
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
 Visible Notification Appliances
 Are required in all public areas, including corridors, lobbies,
conference rooms, meeting rooms, dining areas, lounges,
toilet rooms, etc.
 Are not required in exit stair enclosures, exit passageways, or
elevator cars
 Visible notification in rooms is based on providing a minimum
illumination of 0.0375 lumens/ft2
 Visible notification in corridors is based on the direct viewing
of the appliance.
 Visible notification devices can be either wall or ceiling
mounted.
 Wherever more than two visible notification appliances are located in
any field of view, they must be spaced a minimum of at least 55 feet
apart or they must be synchronized
 Wall mounted notification devices are required to be between 80 and 96
inches above the floor
 Ceiling mounted devices are limited to 30 feet in height
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 50
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 51
April 19, 2007
Fire Alarm Systems (Ch. 13)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 52
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Ch. 14)
 NFPA 25, Standard for Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems
 The inspector should be familiar with the requirements of
NFPA 25.
 There are standardized forms in Annex B for the inspection of
automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, private fire
service mains, fire pumps, water storage tanks, etc.
 The inspector should inspect the facility’s water
supply arrangements before inspecting the water
based extinguishing systems.
 Water supply may come from private or public water system.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 53
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Backflow Prevention) (Ch. 14)
 Water used for fire protection may have to be segregated
by backflow preventers from the potable water delivered
through the public water system.
 Reduced pressure type backflow preventers are generally
required where the systems can be supplied by additional
non-potable water supply sources or where additives are
used (antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors).
 All backflow preventers must be tested annually by a
forward flow test.
 Backflow preventers have inherent pressure losses. They
should not be installed on existing fire protection systems
without being analyzed by a fire protection engineer.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 54
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Inspecting Valves) (Ch. 14)
 Water supply control valves must be in the “open”
position.
 Each control valve must be identified and have a sign
indicating the system or portion of the system it controls.
 NFPA 25 requires each valve to be secured in its normal
open or closed position by means of a seal or lock, or that
it be electronically supervised.
 NFPA 25 requires all valves to be inspected monthly,
except for sealed valves:
 Sealed valves are to be inspected weekly.
 Inspect valves to verify that they are:
 Accessible
 Free from external leaks
 Provided with appropriate signage
 NFPA 25 requires that all control valves be tested
annually.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 55
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Fire Dept. Connections) (Ch. 14)
 Must be inspected quarterly
 Items that must be verified:
 Visibility
 Accessibility
 Couplings and swivels have not been damaged
 Plugs and caps are in place
 Gaskets are in place and in good condition
 Identification sign
 Automatic drain valve is operating properly
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 56
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Private Fire Service Mains and
Yard Hydrants) (Ch. 14)
 The inspector could use the following checklist when
inspecting hydrants:
 The hydrant is set up plumb with outlets at least 18
inches above the ground.
 Open and close the hydrant to verify it is working
properly.
 Check that the hydrant drains properly. If the drain is
working properly, a suction can be felt at the outlets
immediately after the valve is closed.
 Check for leaks. The main valve should close tightly.
 Flush hydrants annually to remove debris. (Flow for
approximately 60 seconds)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 57
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Fire Pumps) (Ch. 14)
 Types of Fire Pumps
 Centrifugal – Single or multistage pumps
 Horizontal or vertical type
 Pump of choice for providing water under pressure to fire protection
systems
 Available in capacities up to 5000 gpm and pressures from 40-400 psi.
 Vertical Turbine
 Used in streams, ponds, and pits
 Consists of a motor of right-angle gear drive, a column pipe and
discharge fitting, a drive shaft, a bowl assembly housing the impellers,
and a suction strainer
 Fire Pump Assembly
 Includes the water supply suction and discharge piping and valving,
the pump, the driver, the controller, and auxiliary equipment
 Auxiliary equipment consists of the shaft coupling, the automatic air
release valve, pressure gauges, the circulation relief valve (not for
diesel drive) with heat exchanger, pump test devices, pump relief
valve, alarm sensors and indicators, and jockey pump
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 58
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Fire Pumps) (Ch. 14)
 Inspecting Fire Pumps
 Inspected weekly to verify it is in proper condition
Weekly run test for electric motors should last at least 10
minutes
Weekly run test for diesel engines should last at least 30
minutes
These tests are conducted with an automatic start, but without
flowing water
 Fire pumps are also tested annually by flowing water at
“no load, “rated load”, and “peak flow” conditions
The purpose of the annual test is to compare the performance
of the pump assembly to the performance recorded in earlier
tests and at the time of initial field acceptance
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 59
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Fire Pumps) (Ch. 14)
 Inspecting Fire Pumps
 With the pump started, the inspector should check the
following:
Signs of leakage
Overheating
Irregular performance
All alarms and relief valves are operating correctly
Pressure gauges for erratic performance
– Gauges performing erratically could indicate poor suction,
obstructions, in adequate water supply, or insufficient immersion of
the suction pipe
 All valves and outlets should be closed at the end of the
test to note whether the pump shuts off at the correct
pressure
 Fire pump rooms should be kept clean, dry, and free of
miscellaneous stored materials
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 60
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Fire Pumps) (Ch. 14)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 61
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Flow Testing) (Ch. 14)
 Flow Testing Water Main
 Underground pipe is required to have a flow test every 5 years
minimum per Chapter 7 of NFPA 25, 2002 edition
 A flow test is to be conducted at the two hydrants nearest to the point
at which the building fire service main connects to the main water
supply
 The following is the procedure taken to conduct a flow test:
 Attach the gauge to Hydrant A and obtain the static pressure
 Attach a second gauge to Hydrant B and remove the cap from the
other 2 ½-in. outlet
 While Hydrant B is uncapped, measure the diameter of the outlet to
check its size. Although the inside diameter of the hydrant opening is
usually close to 2 ½-in., some butts are sufficiently different to require a
fairly close measurement. For convenience, this should be taken to the
nearest hundredth of an inch.
 Feel inside the outlet to determine its shape, that is, either smooth,
right angle, or projecting
 Slowly open Hydrant B and flush thoroughly, making sure a full flow is
established for accurate measurement
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 62
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Flow Testing) (Ch. 14)
 Flow Testing a Water Main
 The figure below illustrates a water main fed by a city
connection, which provides an example of how water flow in
such a system is tested:
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 63
April 19, 2007
Water Supplies (Flow Testing) (Ch. 14)
 Flow Testing Water Main
 A pitot tube is placed in the center stream of the flowing
hydrant to obtain an accurate reading
 To calculate the flow of water, the inspector uses the following
equation:
Q  29.84cd 2
p
Q = gallons/minute
c = coefficient of discharge for the opening
d = opening’s diameter in inches
p = Pitot pressure reading
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 64
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Classifying the Occupancy
 An important step in inspecting fire sprinkler
systems is to know the fire hazard presented by the
occupancy.
 Occupancies are categorized into three basic
hazards:
 Light Hazard
 Ordinary Hazard
 Extra Hazard
 These occupancy classifications are defined in
NFPA 13.
 The Occupancy Hazard Classification impacts
sprinkler spacing and types of sprinklers that can be
used.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 65
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 There are two occasions when an inspector must be at
their most observant and critical:
 When a new sprinkler system is installed
 When a system is shut down for repairs, inspection, or
modifications
 If the system is to be taken out of service for any reason, the proper
authorities (fire department, owner, etc.) must be notified
 Sprinkler System Water Supply
 One of the first items to be inspected is the water supply
 Inspect all control valves to verify that they are open/closed as
per the drawings and/or signs present
 The main drain test required by NFPA 25 can be used as an
indicator to determine whether there has been a reduction in
the available water supply
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 66
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 The Sprinkler System
 Sprinklers are to be inspected annually for signs of:
 Leakage
 Physical damage
 Corrosion
 Foreign materials (paint, grease, dirt, etc.)
 Loss of fluid (glass bulb sprinklers)
 Sprinklers should be checked for any obstructions that may
prevent proper discharge. Obstructions include light fixtures,
HVAC equipment, cables, and stored materials.
 Sprinkler system piping should be inspected to make sure that
it is in good condition, free from mechanical damage, and not
being used to support fixtures, ladders, or any other loads.
 Sprinkler system inspections are to be conducted from the
floor level. Sprinklers in inaccessible spaces are not required
to be checked annually.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 67
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 The Sprinkler System
 Sprinkler orientation should be checked that the sprinklers are
installed in the correct position
 Sprinklers installed before 1920 must be replaced
 Sprinklers installed more than 50 years ago need to be submitted for
operational testing
 The inspector should record pressure gauge readings of the system
and compare them with information provided during the acceptance
test and with previously recorded readings
 The inspector should make arrangements for testing the water flow
alarm devices
 Internal inspections of the pipe should be conducted when abnormal
conditions from a routine system test are observed. These conditions
include:
 Defects on an intake screen from a raw water supply source
 Foreign objects in the pump suction line, dry pipe valves, or deluge valves
 Obstructions in the sprinkler pipe
 False trips in a dry-pipe system
 Verify that a sufficient supply of spare sprinklers are available
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 68
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System
 A wet-pipe system is a system that contains water and is connected to
a water supply so that water immediately discharges from activated
sprinklers
 Dry-Pipe System
 A system where water does not enter the system until the system air
pressure drops below a predetermined point.
 When one or more sprinklers operate in a fire area, the air pressure
drops, the dry pipe valve automatically opens, and water enters the
system
 Water is then discharged from any open sprinkler
 The inspector should check that the air pressure in the system
corresponds to that listed on the manufacturer’s data sheet for the dry
pipe valve
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 69
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Preaction and Deluge Systems
 Preaction and deluge systems use a supplemental fire
detection system to initiate the flow of water
 In a preaction system, only one or a few sprinklers will
open
 In a deluge system, all sprinklers are open and will flow
water upon activation
 Preaction systems with more than 20 sprinklers and all
deluge systems are to be supervised automatically
 The automatic water control valve must have a manual
means of activation that is independent of the fire detection
system.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 70
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Testing Sprinkler Systems
 Wet-pipe and Dry-pipe Sprinkler Systems
 A main drain test should be conducted annually as follows:
– Record the pressure on the water supply gauge
– If the system is equipped with an alarm check valve, close the alarm
line
– Open the main drain valve
– When the flow has stabilized, record the residual pressure from the
water supply gauge
– Close the main drain valve and note the time it takes the gauge to
reach its original static reading
– Place the valve on the alarm line back in its normal open position
– No flow measurements are taken during this test, only readings from
the pressure gauges
 Test each water flow alarm by opening the inspector’s test valve
(wet-pipe) or the alarm test valve (dry-pipe).
 Test each valve supervisory switch by closing/opening the
valve.
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 71
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Wet-pipe and Dry-pipe Sprinkler Systems
The gauges used on a sprinkler system must be replaced or
tested every 5 years
Gauges not accurate within 3% of the full scale reading must
be recalibrated or replaced
 Preaction and Deluge Systems
The same basic procedures used to test wet-pipe systems may
be applied to preaction and deluge systems
The interior of the preaction or deluge valve should be
inspected annually for any corrosion that might impair the
device
Preaction and deluge systems should be flow tested annually.
(Under special conditions, flow test may be postponed for up to
3 years).
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 72
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Standpipe and Hose Systems
 There are five types of standpipe systems:
 Automatic wet system – The most common standpipe system, charged
with water at all times
 Semiautomatic dry system – Equipped with remote control devices at
each hose station that admit water into the system
 Automatic dry-pipe system – Used for unheated buildings. A dry-pipe
valve prevents water from entering the system until the stored air
pressure in the discharge side falls below the water supply pressure
 Manual dry system – Has no permanent water supply. System is
composed of a pipe that contains air at atmospheric pressure and
receives its water supply from a fire department pumper
 Manual wet system – Has a permanent water supply. Composed of a
small-diameter water supply pipe that is connected to the system to
keep it filled at all times. The water supply for both flow and pressure is
provided by a fire department pumper
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 73
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
 Inspecting and Testing Standpipes
Inspectors should make sure that the valves in the automatic
sources of water are open (monthly) and should test the
supervisory means of such valves (quarterly)
The inspector should check the valve at each discharge outlet
or hose station for leakage and should examine the hose
threads (quarterly)
Check the condition of the hose and nozzle (annually)
Any pressure regulating valves provided must be tested every
5 years to ensure that they are properly set and adjusted
Chapter 6 of NFPA 25 provides additional information on
inspecting, testing, and maintaining standpipe systems
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 74
April 19, 2007
Automatic Sprinkler and Other Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems (Ch. 15)
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 75
April 19, 2007
Other Types of Systems
 Water Mist Systems, Chapter 16
 Special Agent Extinguishing Systems, Chapter 17
 Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems, Chapter 18
 Portable Fire Extinguishers, Chapter 19
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 76
April 19, 2007
Inspection Checklist Forms
 NFPA Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual,
Appendix, page 587
 NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code, Chapter 10
 NFPA 25 – Water Based Fire Protection Systems,
Annex B
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 77
April 19, 2007
Questions
Fire and Life Safety inspections©
Slide 78
April 19, 2007