Notification

Prior notification of waterflow or other tests to be made to a sprinkler system shall be given to parties who could be affected by an alarm.

Testing

Automatic Sprinkler Systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in conformance with the B.C. Fire Code by qualified service personnel at least annually. Records are required of Annual Inspection by qualified personnel.

Waterflow Alarm Tests
Waterflow alarm tests using the inspector's test connection shall be performed on wet pipe sprinkler systems at intervals not greater than twelve (12) months.

Waterflow alarm tests using the alarm test connection located at the sprinkler valve shall be performed on sprinkler systems at intervals not greater than one (1) month.

Electrical Supervisory Signal Testing
Where an electrical supervisory signal service is provided, transmitters and water flow actuated devices shall be tested at intervals not greater than two (2) months.

Gate-valve supervisory switches, tank water level devices, building and tank water temperature supervisory devices and other sprinkler system supervisory devices shall be tested at intervals not greater than six (6) months.

Main Drain Test
A main drain test shall be conducted at intervals not greater than twelve (12) months to ensure that the water supply available to the sprinkler system has not deteriorated.

Trip Testing of Dry-Pipe Valves
Dry-pipe valves shall be trip tested at intervals not greater than twelve (12) months with the control valve partially open.

Dry-pipe valves shall be trip tested at intervals not greater than three (3) years with the control valve fully open using the inspector's test valve.

Maintenance

Valve Inspections
Valves controlling sprinkler water supplies or alarms shall be inspected at intervals not greater than seven (7) days to ensure that they are in the open position. Exemption: valves which are locked open shall be inspected at intervals not greater than one (1) month.

Valves which are electrically supervised shall be inspected at intervals not greater than two (2) months.

Air Pressure
Air pressure on dry-pipe automatic sprinkler systems shall be read at intervals not greater than seven (7) days, and the system shall be maintained at the required pressure.

Winter Drainage
Auxiliary drains shall be drained before each winter.

Protection Against Freezing
Dry-pipe valve rooms or enclosures in unheated buildings shall be inspected at intervals not greater than 24 h during periods of freezing weather and measures shall be taken to ensure that the temperature of the room or enclosure is maintained above 4oC.

Records

A record shall be kept of tests and operations of each system, and this record shall be retained for examination by the Pitt Meadows Fire Department.

Fire Department Connections

Protective caps shall be kept in place at all times on fire department connections.

Where protective caps are missing, the fire department connections shall be examined for accumulated refuse, back flushed when conditions warrant, and the caps replaced.

Fire department connections shall have their location clearly identified by a visible sign, and be kept readily accessible and clear of all obstructions, including vegetation, for 3 feet in all directions.

Hose Stations and Cabinets

Hose stations and cabinets shall be inspected, tested and maintained in conformance with the B.C. Fire Code by qualified service personnel at least annually. Records are required of Annual Inspection by qualified personnel.

Hose stations and cabinets shall be

• conspicuously identified,

• maintained free of obstructions, and

• inspected at intervals not greater than one (1) month to ensure that the hose is in proper position, and

• all the equipment is in place and in operable condition

• Hose cabinets shall be used for fire protection equipment only.

Standpipe and hose systems having defects shall be repaired or replaced where necessary to ensure they will operate effectively and safely.