32/Plumbing Engineer June 2021
A
n incredible 1 in 5 sprinkler system failures result from deficient inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) procedures, notes a July 2017 National Fire Protection Association report, "U.S. Experience with Sprinklers." Failure to maintain sprinkler systems causes 10 percent of documented failures; system damage is the cause for another 7 percent of failures (https://bit.ly/3u3toID). ITM is critical to determine if end-of-life components will prevent a fire sprinkler system from operating during an emergency. One example of failure to adequately perform ITM is a building with a dry pipe system installed where the piping was not verified to be free of corrosion during five-year inspections. Corrosion inside the pipe was able to completely occlude branch line piping, resulting in the failure of sprin- klers to operate and, ultimately, a total loss. The results can be tragic because buildings are designed with the intent of sprinkler systems working. Travel distance increases, storage height increases and increased commodity hazards can be allowed when sprinkler systems are present. No matter the building status, whether filled to capacity or temporarily emptied due to a pandemic, ITM is absolutely essential to ensure sprinkler systems are healthy and func- tional at all times. However, when buildings are vacant and a pandemic restricts travel, creative ideas must be considered. Two such creative ideas, remote ITM and automated ITM, have arrived. Let's explore each of these innovations that, even with some additional upfront costs, have the potential to reduce life cycle costs to building owners. Remote ITM Building owners can benefit from implementing remote ITM. Reducing travel to sites reduces exposure to corona- virus SARS-CoV-2 or whatever new pathogen may develop in the future. Additionally, reducing inspection time on-site reduces owner costs, allowing limited staff and budgets to stretch a bit farther. Local building departments can realize the same benefits. Reducing travel has the added benefit of reducing the need for truck travel, reducing emissions and carbon footprint. When the worldwide pandemic was announced in 2020, NFPA socialized the many resources available for remote video inspections (RVI). One comprehensive resource is the NFPA's Building Code Development Committee's white paper (https://bit.ly/3e15Gao), "Conducting Remote Video Inspections." Let's take a closer look. First, set clear expectations for RVI. Which inspections are appropriate for RVI? Not all facilities or ITM situations are the same. Is it safe to conduct the RVI at the scheduled time? Perhaps weather or site safety conditions will impact that decision. What administrative provisions are required? Maybe special applications or fees are required. Approval of the process from the authority having jurisdic- tion (AHJ) is a key component of RVI success. What does a successful RVI look like? Although NFPA defines minimum requirements for ITM, owners, insurers, and AHJs may have additional requirements. Second, determine who will perform the on-site work: the building owner, a subcontracted third party, or someone else? Regardless, all parties should be identified and approved ahead of time, then confirmed on-site. Third, select the technology used for remote video inspec- tion. Consider the additional technical requirements needed for live interaction. Is internet required and is the connection
Improving Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems
When buildings are vacant and a pandemic restricts travel, creative ITM ideas must be considered.
By Christopher Culp
An engineer uses a tablet to check the generator pump for the water sprinkler piping and fire alarm control system. Photo: iStock.com/A stockphoto
Previous Page