Top signs it’s time to service your Fire Extinguishers and Sprinkler Systems.

One of the crucial steps to stay protected from fire damage is to ensure your fire sprinkler and other fire safety systems are functioning properly. For most organisations, fire protection has to be top-of-mind; it remains on the list of greatest concerns or priorities for a good reason.

Especially when we talk about oil and gas facilities, the fire suppression system is what is the first line of protection from large-scale disasters. So, keeping your fire Extinguishers and sprinkler systems in proper condition is important.

If it’s been more than 3-6 months since you last had your fire suppression system inspected, or you are not sure how well your system is doing, it’s time for a system inspection and checkup by a certified fire protection specialist. In this guide, we’ve focused on when to get your fire sprinkler system inspected and the signs that show that your fire system needs an upgrade. 

A fire sprinkler inspection is a thorough check on your system, where sprinkler heads, gauges, and control valves are inspected to ensure proper functionality. This inspection also checks if the sensors and alarm devices are working well or if there is any sign of damage or malfunction. In addition, this inspection ensures that the flow valves and main lines have any corrosion, rust, or signs of damage.

How Often to Inspect

Inspecting your fire sprinkler system is necessary. The Australian Standards and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has prepared a testing protocol that specifies how often the fire extinguisher and sprinkler system must be inspected. 

They recommend that all mechanical parts be inspected quarterly, and the area with a high chance of physical damage, holds or monitors pressure be tested twice a year. They also recommend yearly inspection, which involves monitoring your entire system, including the alarm functionality and the water flow within your pipes.

Some of the common signs that your fire system needs to be inspected. 

Now that you know why it is important for a fire sprinkler to get inspected, let’s go over the top signs that say it is time for the upgrade. 

1) Leaks from any part of the system 

If your fire extinguisher is leaking or there’s even a minor leakage found, consider that as a serious sign for an inspection. Leaks can result in major damage to your equipment and prevent your system from functioning properly. It can also lead to ineffective system potential.

2) Water corrosion

Water corrosion puts all fire protection systems at risk. Some parts of the fire extinguisher continually hold water, while others are full of oxygen, and both of them can have a corrosive effect on the equipment. Either the pressurised water can end up causing the system to fail or damage the parts of your sprinkler. So, it is better to get the system inspected beforehand. 

If you find rust, discoloured water moving out from the pipes, or find any unknown odour, you know your fire sprinkler system has a problem. Corrosion of the steel extinguishers can occur inside, damaging the cylinder’s integrity over time. 

3) Physical damage to the pipe or Head of your extinguisher

If you find any physically damaged portion in your system, don’t wait and get it inspected immediately. Any visual damage to the head pipe or other piping can result in malfunction and improper water flows in the case of a fire and leads to serious issues. 

4) It’s been a long since you got the system upgrade

No doubt, visible damage or physical issues are the signs of immediate system inspection, but systems also become less effective over time and may need to be upgraded or even completely re-worked.

If it’s been a while since you got your system checked or if your system is old, there are chances that you may not find issues with your equipment. Still, older materials can have internal defects or obsolete parts are often unsuitable for proper fire prevention.

Bottom Line

Getting your fire extinguisher inspected by a certified fire protection specialist and organising the testing and maintenance program ensures your system’s faculty works well and property loss control measures are in place to control the severity of the loss. If you take the signs mentioned above seriously and keep getting your system professionally inspected, you can easily minimise the incidence and severity of property loss.