Fire protection equipment is necessary in a workplace to protect the building and its inhabitants during an emergency. As such, you must maintain these systems properly so that they work when necessary. Below are several steps to ensure that your sprinkler system and tools will perform effectively.

How to Take Care of a Fire Protection System

1. Check System Clearances

To ensure that sprinklers work correctly, clear away any obstructions around your fire protection equipment. There should be at least 18 inches of space below each sprinkler so that nothing interrupts the water flow. Also, move furniture and other equipment away from pull alarms, fire extinguishers, or emergency exits.

Keep smoke detectors in an open area so that they can trigger if anything happens, and never wrap streamers or other decor around sprinkler pipes. Walk through your building every month to check for these issues—especially during holidays when tenants hang decorations—to see if anything is interfering with the fire protection equipment.

2. Test & Replace Equipment

Once a month, check the batteries in every smoke detector by pressing the “Test” button. Replace them when the alarm beeps regularly, and buy new detectors every 10 years to ensure they are functional. You can usually find the expiration date on the side or back of the device.

Also, inspect all fire extinguishers each month. Look for any dents on the tank or broken connections on the hose, and replace the device if you notice these issues. Extinguishers can last for up to 15 years, and yours should have an expiration date on the tank or label. If it doesn’t, make sure that the needle on the valve is in the green, and replace the tool when it falls below this mark.

You must also schedule regular tests with a professional service. Sprinklers require an inspection every year to remain in compliance with fire safety guidelines. Additionally, you must test the function of wet sprinklers every 50 years, and dry systems every 10 years. Professionals will check gauges, water flow alarms, and antifreeze levels every quarter.

3. Mind the Temperature

Wet sprinkler systems are ineffective if the pipes freeze. To prevent this, the piping and ambient air should be at least 40 degrees. Check the air in these areas with a handheld thermometer any time the outside temperature is below freezing.

If the indoor temperature drops, you may need to add insulation to the rooms with water storage and piping. Also, consider installing a heat tracing system that monitors pipe temperature and alerts you when it’s too low.

When you need to schedule a professional fire protection equipment inspection, contact Advanced Fire & Safety Inc. in Dothan, AL. They have 20 years of experience and are fully-trained to manage fire safety equipment. They also handle hood cleaning, system installation, and more, which you can learn about on their website. Call (334) 671-4596 to schedule an inspection.