Fire Protection Manual

Chapter 4, testing procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 9: Testing Very Early Smoke Detector Apparatus (VESDA) Aspiring Smoke Detectors

 

 

 

 

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(7)(d).

2.0           Scope

All VESDA Aspiring Smoke Detectors shall be tested, per this procedure, on an annual basis.

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; be prepared to reschedule the requested work to satisfy the area’s production schedule. 

Testing requirements include:

·       2 staff members

·       time – 0.5 hours

·       equipment

o   Detector Manufacturer’s O & M Manual (see 8.0 below)

o   Safe Guard Aerosol Smoke Tester

o   Stop Watch

o   Magnehelic Gauge (differential pressure measuring device)

o   ‘Stinger’ Reversible Vacuum with Tubing Adapter

o   VESDA LCD Programmer (LaserPLUS)

o   VESDA Data Sheet

4.0           Test Preparation

4.1           Establish the fire-detection system impairment using Chapter 5:  Fire Protection System Impairment Procedure for detailed instructions on work planning, advanced notification, and administrative controls.

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

4.3           Invite the technical representative (TR) to witness the test.

4.4           Evacuate the hazard area of all unnecessary personnel.

4.5           Station a knowledgeable technician at the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).

4.6           Disconnect the building audible alarms at the FACP.

4.7           The technician is to remain attentive at all times that the audible alarms are disconnected.

4.8           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.

5.0           Conduct the Test

5.1           Record the detector’s serial number and location on the VESDA Data Sheet.

5.2           Visually inspect the entire piping network, including hangers or supports. Check for mechanical damage or abnormalities.

5.3           Check the condition of the control panel batteries and charging circuit.

5.4           Perform the Gross Smoke Test.

5.4.1      Introduce aerosol smoke into the last sampling port of each branch.

5.4.2      Measure the elapsed time required for the respective display bar graph to illuminate 10 bar-graph segments.

5.4.3      Record the time on the VESDA Data Sheet.

5.4.4      Verify alarm conditions are indicated in the following locations:

·       associated agent release panel

·       building FACP

·       Fire Marshal’s pager

5.4.5      Place a “Tested” sticker on the detector housing with the date and technician’s name.

5.5           Perform the Sampling Hole Air-Flow Verification Test.

5.5.1      Measure the suction pressure of the first and last sampling hole.

5.5.2      Record the suction pressure data on the VESDA Data Sheet.

5.6           Perform the Sampling Network Backflush.

-       Use the Stinger reversible vacuum with tubing adapter to backflush in accordance with the ‘Manufacturer’s Maintenance Requirements’ section of the O&M Manual.

5.7           Conduct a System Performance Test (E70-D).  What is this number referencing? 

5.7.1      Lamp Test:  verify all control-system lamps illuminate steadily

5.7.2      Detector Test:  verify that 8 to 8.5 bar-graph segments illuminate

5.7.3      Alarm Setting:  verify the Alert, Action, and Fire levels display on the bar graph

5.7.4      Air Flow through the Detector:  verify the illumination of 5 bar-graph segments

5.8           Check/ Normalize Airflow Calibration (E70-D).  What is this number referencing?       

5.8.1      Scroll until the F-10 flow set/delay LED is illuminated.

5.8.2      Verify the illumination of 5 bar-graph segments.

·       If above or below 5, reset the AirFlow signal by pressing the ‘Enter’ button.

·       If an AirFlow restriction of over 2 segments exists, clean the sample piping network and replace the air filter.

5.9           LaserPLUS:  Check airflow using the VESDA LCD Programmer.

5.10        Record data on the VESDA Data Sheet.

6.0           System Restoration

6.1           Reconnect the building audible alarms at the FACP.

6.2           Dismiss the assisting technician at the FACP.

6.3           Remove the Fire Alarm Systems Testing in Progress notification signs previously posted.

6.4           Notify the TR that the tests are complete and the system is on-line and operational. 

6.5           Allow the TR to verify that the system is in normal operating condition.

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

7.0           Conclusion

Upon completion of the procedure, the VESDA is on-line and operational.

8.0           References

·       VESDA O & M Manual, Section 6 - MAINTENANCE

·       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)

05.19.2022

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

05.19.2022

05.19.2025

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 5/19/2022.