Fire Protection Manual

Chapter 4, testing procedures

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1:  Clean Agent Suppression System Control Panels

 

 

 

 

1.0           Purpose

This document provides a procedure for conducting periodic testing of a fire-detection device required by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, Table 14.4.3.2 Device 17 (2).

2.0           Scope

This test shall be performed semi-annually on every clean agent suppression system control panel.

3.0           Planning

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 area’s production schedule. 

Testing requirements include:

-      2 staff members

-      2 hours of time

-      equipment

o   manufacturer’s manual (see Section 8.0)

o   Safe Guard Aerosol Smoke Tester

o   Air Blast Aerosol Cleaner

o   thermometer or temperature gauge

o   Clean Agent Control Panel Data Sheet

o   Cylinder Inspection 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           Use Chapter 5:  Fire Protection System Impairment Procedure for detailed instructions on work planning, advanced notification, and administrative controls.

4.3           Post the Fire Alarm Systems Testing in Progress sign(s).

4.4           Notify the technical representative (TR) to witness the test.

4.5           Evacuate the hazard area of all personnel.

4.6           Disconnect the building audible alarms at the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).

4.6.1      Station a knowledgeable technician at the FACP at all times that the audible alarms are disconnected.

4.6.2      This technician is to remain attentive until the audible alarms are reconnected.

4.6.3      In the unlikely event an unanticipated fire alarm signal is received on the FACP, the technician shall reconnect the building audible devices and join the building evacuation.

4.7           Disconnect clean agent system control and releasing devices from agent storage cylinders and tag out.

5.0           Test Implementation

5.1           Clear all passages on smoke detectors with Air Blast Aerosol Cleaner.

5.2           Record all agent storage cylinder

-      serial numbers,

-      Tare/Gross/Net weight,

-      hydrostatic test date,

-      pressure, and

-      ambient temperature.

-      Note any mechanical damage to the storage cylinders or cylinder brackets.

5.3           Record discharge nozzle and orifice plate nomenclature; verify that no obstructions exist.

5.4           Examine the entire piping system, including hangers; verify that everything is secure.

5.5           Note any signs of corrosion on the piping system, or abrasion on flexible discharge hoses.

5.6           Verify that all instruction and warning plates are installed properly and are legible.

5.7           Using the Safe Guard Aerosol Smoke Tester, verify the operation of each smoke detector.

5.8           Use the Air Blast Aerosol Cleaner to clear passages after smoking each detector.

5.9           Operate all manual actuation and abort controls, resetting each after verification of proper operation.

5.10        Verify the operation of the releasing mechanism. Record data indicating zoning, notification appliance operation, and pre-discharge delay setting.

5.11        Record backup battery condition and verify the charging circuit.  Confirm

-      that the detector LED lights.

-      proper indication of the suppression control panel.

-      an alarm condition is indicated on the NCC workstation, security post 2 workstation, and the alarm viewer and associated graphic display.

-      an alarm condition is indicated on the Fire Protection Engineer’s pager.

6.0           System Restoration

6.1           Reconnect the clean agent control and releasing devices; remove the 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 TR when the tests are complete and the system is on-line and operational.  Allow the TR to verify normal operating conditions of the system.

6.4.2      Allow personnel to return to the area previously designated as hazardous.

7.0           Conclusion

Upon completion of the procedure, the clean agent suppression system control panel is on-line and operational.

8.0           References

-      Control Panel Manufacture O & M Manual; MAINTENANCE Section

-      NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

9.0           Revision History

rev

summary

date

1.0

triennial review

-  updated

-  header and footer per discussion with T. Minga, 05.05.2022;

-  9.0 per footer dates, as well as format of 9.0;

-  made general edits and format updates (e.g., bullets, spacing, etc.)

-  corrected acronyms and abbreviations (e.g., SOTR to TR)

-  replaced previous red-boxed links with more up-to-date red-outlined box links (see below)

05.14.2022

0.2

periodic review; updated author and Fire Protection Manager from E. Douberly to T. Minga

06.02.2019

0.1

periodic review; minor edits

06.02.2016

0.0

initial release

06.15.2011

 

 

 

 

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

AUTHOR

APPROVAL DATE

NEXT REVIEW DATE

rev

 

 

Fire Protection Department

Tim Minga

05.14.2022

05.14.2025

1.0

 

This document is controlled as an online file.  It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document.

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current online file.  This copy was printed on 5/14/2022.