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Precautions for Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinklers are an essential part of an overall commercial or residential fire protection program. Depending on the media used in the sprinkler head and the method of activation, these systems can be depended on to extinguish fires or suppress the intensity and control the spread of a fire. Several aspects of a sprinkler system must be inspected on a regular basis to avoid sprinkler system impairment.

  1. Ensure Proper Qualifications of Maintenance Contractors

    • Contractors working on fire suppression systems such as sprinklers must understand their role. This includes a thorough understanding of the type, design and intricacies of the system they have been contracted to maintain. End consumers of these services must be aware of the contractor's qualifications to work on and maintain sprinkler systems so that the system operates properly when it is required and does not prematurely activate, causing undue property damage.

    Ensure Protection and Proper Function of Physical Components

    • The sprinkler head is the most active component in a fire emergency as it is the action point where the extinguishing or suppression occurs. For proper system operation, ensuring that these sensitive parts are not damaged is essential. Many sprinklers have a fusible link, a glass tube that is designed to melt when exposed to heat, causing the sprinkler head to activate. This link must be protected because, if it breaks, it will activate the sprinkler head prematurely or cause general malfunction of a portion of the sprinkler system. A bulletin published by the U.S. Product Safety Commission in 2001 illustrates the importance of properly functioning sprinkler heads. In 2001 Central Sprinkler Company recalled 167,000 sprinkler heads with an O-ring design, making it susceptible to malfunction. While this recall was voluntary in nature, many fire districts required that these sprinkler heads be replaced, citing an increased likelihood of malfunction and the safety hazard it created.

    Avoid Blockages to the System

    • Avoiding blockages to sprinkler systems is important. Actions such as hanging clothes hangers on sprinkler heads can cause blockage and shielding of the sprinkler head, increasing the time required for the fusible link to melt, activating the sprinkler head. In industrial and commercial settings, care must be taken to avoid blocking sprinkler heads with boxes or other storage. Such blocking may disrupt the spray patterns of a sprinkler system, making it less effective in suppressing or extinguishing a fire.

    Weather Considerations

    • Facility Safety Management advises sprinkler system owners in cold climates to implement a cold weather readiness program. These types of programs involve prevention of freezing of wet and dry sprinkler systems that may be exposed to cold temperatures. Freezing of either type of system may cause breakage of sprinkler heads, bursting of pipes and failure of seals. Reputable contractors can install or implement safeguards against such freezing or recommend systems resistant to such damage.

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