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Fire
Protection Manual Chapter 4, testing procedures |
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Appendix 9: Testing Very Early
Smoke Detector Apparatus (VESDA) Aspiring Smoke Detectors |
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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)
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 |
05.19.2022 |
05.19.2025 |
1.0 |
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