Fire Sprinkler Maintenance and Testing

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

You should test and maintain your fire sprinklers.

Don’t wait until a fire has already struck your Buford, GA, property to find out if your sprinklers are working. You should test and maintain your fire sprinklers routinely to ensure that appropriate fire suppression protocols are in place to safeguard your business, your employees, and your inventory.

Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Procedures

Most fire sprinklers have a self-test mode that allows you to simulate what would happen in the event of smoke detection. You should run this test at least once per month (after covering your equipment), but you can also simulate sprinkler function by holding a cigarette lighter near the sprinkler head. To maintain your fire sprinkler, you should:

• Hire a professional for routine inspections. Professionals know building fire codes and standards for sprinklers and can test more accurately than self-testing.

• Conduct your own inspections. Between professional inspections, routinely inspect your fire sprinkler system to see if damage has taken place and all connections are active. Ensure nothing is blocking the sprinklers’ water supply.

• Clean your sprinklers. Fire sprinklers need to be regularly cleaned, particularly the sprinkler heads, so that no blockage prevents them from operating properly.

How to Clean Up After Fire Sprinkler Activation

Once your sprinklers have been activated by smoke or fire, you may have a bit of a sludgy mess on your hands. Wait until a professional has cleared you to enter the building before attempting cleanup. Sprinkler cleanup mostly involves drying and mopping any wet areas, but you may also have to haul out water-damaged equipment and inventory.

Try to avoid leaving standing water, particularly if you have electrical damage after a fire. Standing water can lead to further injuries and mishaps, and it can promote mold growth. Be careful of exposed wires and live power sources around water left behind by your fire sprinkler system.