Inspection Code Requirements for Fire Protection Systems

NFPA 25 sets the standards for inspecting, testing, and maintaining commercial water-based fire protection systems. Complying with these requirements helps maximize your system’s performance, prevents system failure, and ensures fast, effective response in a fire emergency.

This NFPA inspection checklist includes what you need to know about various fire protection system inspection and maintenance requirements to ensure your West Michigan commercial property remains safe and compliant.

Here, Fire Pros explains the inspection code requirements for fire protection systems and provides a breakdown of their maintenance needs.

Understanding NFPA Code Requirements

Numerous NFPA codes pertain to fire safety. For instance, NFPA 25 outlines fire sprinkler inspection codes, while NFPA 72 covers fire alarm inspection requirements. Each requires commercial property owners to:

• Conduct periodic inspections, flow tests, device tests, and valve inspections on their systems
• Perform routine maintenance, including operating low-point drains and valves and replacing obsolete sprinklers, to ensure fire safety systems perform optimally in an emergency

Fire alarm systems require professional installation, maintenance, and regular testing, including battery replacements and system upgrades, to ensure they provide clear and audible notifications to occupants and immediately alert fire departments through central monitoring stations. Other NFPA standards address exit and emergency lighting and fire extinguisher inspections.

By adhering to these standards, commercial property owners and managers protect lives and property, safeguard against potential legal liabilities, and ensure they meet insurance requirements.

Fire Safety System Inspection & Maintenance Checklist

Local fire authorities and qualified fire protection professionals can help you determine your property’s specific local codes and regulations. However, this list includes some of the most common functional and visual inspections most commercial properties must follow:

Daily/Weekly Inspection Checklist

For daily or weekly inspections, our specialists will follow this checklist:

• Inspect system control valves are open.
• Inspect sprinkler system control valves to ensure they’re in the open position.
• Check water pressure gauge readings.
• Confirm the fire pump running status.
• Verify the fire alarm panel system status is “normal,” with no faults.
• Check for visual indications of system issues.

Monthly/Quarterly Inspection Checklist

Is it time for a monthly inspection? Our team will perform these steps:

• Ensure valves, valve components, and valve supervisory signals are properly working.
• Check alarm devices, fire department connections, hose connections, and racks.
• Verify fire extinguishers are in designated locations and are visible and accessible.
• Ensure pressure gauges are in the operable range and the seal is intact.
• Perform functional and visual tests on emergency lighting and exit signs.

Semi-Annual Inspection Checklist

On a semiannual basis, our team will:

• Conduct visual inspections of sprinkler risers and braces for signs of damage.
• Verify fire department connections are clean and obstruction-free.
• Inspect fire alarm devices, including smoke detectors and manual pull stations.

Annual Inspection Checklist

For annual inspections, it’s important to complete the following:

• Inspect the overall sprinkler system, including pipes, fitting, and hangers, for signs of wear or corrosion.
• Check for proper signage indicating the location of control valves, drains, and fire department connections.
• Inspect valves and valve components, including pressure and control valves.
• Perform detailed fire extinguisher inspections to ensure they’re fully operational and meet NFPA 10 requirements.
• Perform inspection of emergency lighting and exit signs.
• Perform fire pump system annual maintenance.

Additional inspections include internal sprinkler piping and valve inspections (required every five years), sprinkler age testing (varies between 15 and 50 years), and 12-year hydrostatic testing on portable fire extinguishers.

The Benefits of Fire Protection System Maintenance & Inspections

Regular fire protection system maintenance and inspection are essential for preventing fires and ensuring a swift emergency response. Fire safety inspection tips that can help you meet NFPA requirements include:

1. Preparing a comprehensive fire safety plan.
2. Investing in employee training.
3. Staying current with NFPA codes.
4. Conducting regular inspections to identify potential issues.

Request a Quote To Schedule an Inspection

To ensure the highest level of safety, always work with qualified professionals to install, maintain, test, inspect, and repair your fire protection systems. The Fire Pros team has proudly protected West Michigan businesses for over 40 years.

No matter your industry, our experts can provide comprehensive services to ensure your property is ready if a fire breaks out.

Call Fire Pros today to request a quote for an inspection and keep your commercial property safe and compliant.