Fire alarm systems must be tested, documenting results, by a qualified professional. Depending on the facility, the system might have to be fully tested twice a year, and some components of it monthly to comply with local codes. Getz Fire Equipment employs qualified personnel who will work with you and your local or state authorities to assist you in determining the best plan for your facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of fires?
Fires fall into four categories:
- Class A: combustible materials like paper and wood.
- Class B: flammable liquids such as gas and grease.
- Class C: electrical causes.
- Class D: combustible metals.
What type of fire extinguisher do I need?
The most common fire extinguisher for residential and light commercial areas is an ABC chemical extinguisher. It uses a powder-like material to extinguish the most common types of fires (classes A, B and C).
Determining which fire extinguisher you need depends upon the type of fire you’re most likely to encounter. Experts at a fire protection equipment company will help you determine which type you should have on hand.
How often should fire extinguishers be tested?
Regular checks must be carried out to ensure that your fire extinguisher is in proper working condition.
At Home:
- Check for pressure
Many fire extinguishers for use at home have a pressure gauge indicating whether it is in the proper range. Low pressure is a sign that it needs to be recharged or a new extinguisher is needed.
- Check for damage
Check that the cylinder, hose and nozzle are in good condition. If the extinguisher is dusty, oily or greasy it can be cleaned as part of your inspection. Visible signs of damage, such as rust or dents, indicate it’s time for a replacement.
In the Workplace:
Monthly: OSHA requires that employers perform a visual inspection of all fire extinguishers every month to ensure they are free of visible damage.
Annually: An annual inspection, carried out by a certified and licensed fire inspector from a fire protection equipment company is legally required. A dated inspection tag, valid for one year, is provided for every passing extinguisher.
Hydrostatic Testing: Hydrostatic testing of wet chemical extinguishers is done every five years, dry chemical extinguishers every 12 years.
Internal Inspection: Every six years an internal inspection must be completed by a fire protection company. The process consists of discharging, examining and recharging each fire extinguisher.
All checks and inspections should be documented. Any fire extinguisher that fails inspection must be repaired or replaced.
What do I do with an old fire extinguisher?
If it becomes necessary to replace your fire extinguisher, you are not permitted under law to simply throw the unit away. Fire extinguishers are designated as hazardous material and need to be disposed of properly. Check with your local government or fire department for the specific disposal requirements in your area.
You may be able to have specific components repaired, especially if the unit is relatively new and rechargeable. If you are unsure whether you should replace or repair an expired or damaged extinguisher, call us for an inspection. We can provide you with professional advice based on our evaluation.
If properly cared for, a fire extinguisher should last at least a decade. When a dry chemical fire extinguisher reaches this age, it should undergo hydrostatic testing to ensure the integrity of its outer shell. If the fire extinguisher passes this test, you may recharge the unit and continue using it for several more years.
Are fire extinguishers recyclable?
Most fire extinguishers are made of steel, which is a recyclable material. If the extinguisher is empty, squeeze the trigger to verify that the unit is not holding any pressure then remove the valve. If your extinguisher isn’t empty, you can have your local fire company discharge the unit then, after removing the valve, you can take it to a recycling facility. The fire company may even handle recycling for you.
What are fire alarm systems?
Fire alarm systems are electronic devices that have two primary functions: notify building occupants to evacuate and alert first responders.
The essential components of a fire alarm system are the signaling appliances that provide both audible and visible indication of fire. These notification systems can be manually activated.
Fire alarm systems are designed and customized specifically to accommodate each facility, in accordance with national, state and local laws. Several overlapping factors determine the size and complexity of the system, including building construction type, the use of the facility, the occupant load and specific hazards within. Risk analysis by professionals guides the design.
How often should a fire alarm system be tested?
What is a fire-suppression system?
A fire suppression system quickly moves fire suppression materials through high-risk areas via a network of pipes. When a system detects heat or smoke above set limits, it sends the control unit a message—instructing it to send fire suppressant throughout the pipe network. Valve heads open above the fire, spraying suppressant over the area until the fire is extinguished.
How do fire sprinkler systems work?
Fire sprinklers activate as soon as heat from a fire is detected. Only sprinklers directly above the heat source, where the threshold temperature is reached, activate. In most cases, sprinkler heads are fitted with a small glass tube containing glycerin; heat from the fire causes the glycerin to expand, breaking the glass and activating the flow of water. Running across the ceiling, above the sprinklers, are a series of pipes that deliver water to the system.
How often do sprinkler systems need to be inspected?
The type and frequency of inspection and maintenance tasks are covered under NFPA 25 requirements.
Gauges are tested weekly or monthly, as required. Other components (including the supervisory alarm devices, control valves, signal devices and hydraulic nameplates) are inspected and tested every three months. Once a year, pipes, fittings and relevant signage are checked. Every five years sprinklers are dismantled to check their integrity and perform an internal inspection.
What is a fire pump?
When a sprinkler system is activated, an attached fire pump delivers water at an accelerated rate to ensure sufficient pressure to effectively work the system. It is recommended that an independent source of power be used for fire pumps, which is why many are connected to external emergency generators.
How often must a fire pump be tested?
An annual inspection conducted by an independent third party who meets relevant NFPA 25 guidelines is required for every fire pump. Beyond that, it is recommended that each fire pump be tested weekly by running for a short period and that regular visual checks be done to detect early signs of wear.
What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow preventer does exactly as its name suggests: allows the flow of water in one direction only—making it a critically important component to maintaining the safety of drinking water systems.
A backflow preventer responds to changes in pressure. When water flows in the proper direction, pressure pushes the valve open—allowing water to move freely. When pressure builds in the opposite direction, pressure pushes the valve closed—eliminating risk to public health by preventing potentially contaminated water from making its way back into the supply system.
Sprinkler systems are among the places where water can become contaminated, necessitating the installation of a backflow prevention device in every system.
How often must backflow preventers be tested?
Plumbing cross-connections, defined as actual or potential connections between a potable (drinkable) and non-potable (non-drinkable) water supplies, are regulated by OSHA and environmental and public health agencies. Backflow prevention devices fall under this classification.
Every backflow preventer attached to a sprinkler system must be inspected annually by a fire inspection company and licensed plumber.