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ES&H
Manual Fire Protection Supplement |
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Chapter 4: Fire Protection System Inspection, Testing,
and Maintenance Procedure |
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Appendix 11: Procedure for Testing Full-Flow Trip
Test of Preaction Water Sprinkler System |
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1.0
Purpose
Improper priming water levels can adversely affect the operation of supervisory air within preaction water sprinkler systems. This document provides a procedure to conduct a full-flow trip test of a preaction water sprinkler system, which is required by NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, 2010 Edition Table 14.4.2.2 Device 14(i-3) and Table 10.4.4 Component 15(l-4).
2.0
Scope
This test is to be performed on each preaction water sprinkler system within three years of the last test during a scheduled shutdown.
3.0 Planning
3.1. Notify the facility work coordinator using the approved electronic work control notification procedure. Allow one week for approval of the requested work and be prepared to reschedule the requested work to satisfy the areas production schedule.
3.2. Staff Required: 3
3.3. Time Required: 4 Hours
3.4. Equipment Required
· Manufacturer’s Manual
· Full-Flow Trip Test Data Sheet
4.0
Test Preparation
4.1.
Ensure
access to the necessary equipment is available and does not interfere with
accelerator operation.
4.2.
Reference Fire Protection Supplemental
Chapter 5: Fire Protection System Impairment Procedure for detailed
instructions on work planning, advanced notification, and administrative
controls.
· Post the ‘Fire Alarm
Systems Testing in Progress’ notification signs.
4.3.
Notify
the SOTR to witness the test.
4.4.
Evacuate
hazard area of all personnel.
4.5.
Disconnect
the building audible alarms at the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP); station a
knowledgeable technician at the FACP at all times that the audible alarms are disconnected. The knowledgeable technician is to remain
attentive at the FACP at all times that the audible alarms are disconnected.
· In the unlikely event that an unanticipated
fire alarm signal is received on the FACP, the technician must reconnect the
building audible devices and join the building evacuation.
4.6.
Disconnect
preaction water sprinkler system and tag out.
5.0
Test the Priming Water Level
5.1.
Open
the priming level test valve.
5.2.
If
water flows, drain it.
5.3.
Observe
the water discharge patterns from all open spray nozzles or sprinklers to
ensure the following:
· patterns are not impeded by plugged nozzles,
· nozzles are correctly positioned, and
· obstructions do not prevent discharge patterns from
wetting surfaces to be protected.
5.4.
Close
the valve when water stops flowing and air discharges.
5.5.
If
air discharges when the valve is opened, the priming water level could be too
low. To add priming water, refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5.6.
If
obstructions are found, perform the following steps until all obstructions are
clear and the discharge pattern is unimpeded:
· Clean the piping and sprinklers or nozzles.
· Retest the system.
6.0
System Restoration
6.1.
Reconnect
preaction water sprinkler system and remove lock out tag out.
6.2.
Reconnect
the building audible alarms at the suppression control panel.
6.3.
Dismiss
assisting technician at the FACP.
6.4.
Remove
the ‘Fire Alarm Systems Testing in Progress’ notification signs previously
posted.
6.4.1.
Notify
the SOTR that the tests are complete and system is on-line and
operational. Allow SOTR to verify that
the system is in normal operating condition.
6.4.2.
Allow
personnel to return to the area previously designated as hazardous.
7.0
Conclusion
Upon completion of the procedure, the preaction water sprinkler system is on-line and operational.
8.0
References
·
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing,
and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection.
2010 edition.
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ISSUING
AUTHORITY |
APPENDIX
AUTHOR |
APPROVAL
DATE |
EXPIRATION
DATE |
REV. |
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Fire Protection Dept |
06/15/11 |
06/15/16 |
0 |
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