How Often Do You Need to Inspect Your Fire Protection System?

fire inspection

Fire Inspections

A fire inspection should be performed by professionals on a regular basis. Committing to an inspections schedule can help remedy any issues that can cause sensors or sprinklers to work less efficiently or even fail entirely. Keeping your commercial property and its clientele safe from the fire means trusting that the network of fire protection equipment will work when a fire occurs.

As companies grow, there are fewer aspects of the business—from property maintenance to data storage to HR regulations—that can be ignored. If you manage, own, or lease a sizeable facility, warehouse, or commercial building, skimping on fire protection maintenance is out of the question. Read on to learn more if you’re unsure how often your fire protection system needs to be inspected.

Testing and Inspecting Are Both Necessary

As you know, there is a distinction between inspecting and testing fire control systems. Inspecting implies visually verifying that sprinkler systems and parts of the fire alarm are intact and have been serviced according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes. Testing means subjecting the equipment to simulations to verify it will function should it be needed. Every fire protection and control system has a code assigned by the NFPA. By checking the NFPA guidelines, you will have a complete list of the required inspection and can find out how often each system needs to be tested.

Establishing a Schedule for Inspecting Your System

How often you have your fire protection inspection will depend on several things but solely on the code adopted by your state’s NFPA standards. This specifies how often different systems need to be inspected on your commercial property and can let you know if an inspector is required. Here are some general NFPA guidelines regarding essential protection system equipment:

  • Extinguishers should be visually inspected monthly and must be serviced annually by professional technicians.
  • Fire alarm system control panels should be checked weekly; batteries and power sources monthly; smoke detectors and annunciators annually.
  • Sprinkler systems should have quarterly and annual signal device inspection of heads, fittings, pumps, and alarms.

Depending on the type of system your commercial building has, certain system areas need to be tested or inspected at different intervals, varying from weekly to as little as semi-annually. The code makes requirements for property managers to conduct most weekly and monthly inspections, while the examinations and tests required at longer service intervals are best left to professionals. When you’re not sure if you need an inspector or not, it’s safer to call just in case.

Conducting fire inspections to prevent and control fire is essential to your firm’s progress and its survival. No decision an executive can make is more important than selecting a professional, reputable partner safeguarding your DMV area facility. Contact us by calling 301-517-7349 or emailing us today!