When you install fire sprinkler systems, you expect it to provide total protection against fire hazards. But there’s a lot that you can do and others that you need to avoid in order to ensure a fire protection system remains effective always. We’ll cover these dos and don’ts below.
Do Ensure Sprinkler Heads Are Easy To Access
If your sprinkler heads are covered up by elements inside the building, they will not perform as they should during a fire emergency. It is always important to perform regular checks just to ensure the sprinkler heads are visible and easy to access. If there is a newly built partition in the room, make sure it doesn’t obstruct the sprinkler heads.
Do Conduct Repairs When Needed
Sprinkler systems need to be properly maintained and tested depending on the NFPA guidelines as well as the manufacturers recommendations. It is always important to stay on top of repairs as they could prevent you from spending thousands of dollars on issues that could have been easily fixed. For instance, if you fail to repair a rusted wet pipe sprinkler system, it may not perform effectively during a fire hazard.
Don’t Use The Sprinkler System Inappropriately
You’ve probably seen this in some buildings- items hanged or hooked on fire sprinkler heads. Sprinkler heads shouldn’t be seen as hooks and rods that you can use to hang anything and everything. When you misuse these components, you risk exposing the glass bulb inside of the sprinkler head to damage. Once this bulb is broken, it can easily discharge water leading to unnecessary damage to your property. Straining the pipes can also result in leaks that compromise the entire system.
Do Let The Occupants Of The Building Know Where Sprinklers Are Located
Doing this is very important as it can help them to take extra caution. For instance, in commercial buildings, one may want to hoist a ladder or install a piece of equipment close to where the sprinkler head is located knocking it down inadvertently and cause water to be discharged. Avoid such incidences by making sure all staff are aware that there are sprinkler heads in the building so they need to be extra careful.
Do Move Heat Sources Away From Fire Sprinkler Heads
If you have any equipment that produces a considerable amount of heat, you need to keep it away from the sprinkler heads. Keep in mind that sprinkler heads are activated by heat so it’s easy for it to discharge water when the equipment you just installed starts running. In residential areas, equipment such as bed bug extermination can easily dispense heat that triggers sprinkler heads. You need to be extra cautious when running such equipment in a room with sprinkler heads.
Most importantly, make sure all the occupants of the building are well equipped with the information on how to handle different fire emergencies including false alarms. For instance, if the sprinkler heads are activated, make sure they know how to shut them off. Employees of a building need to know where the control valve of the fire sprinklers is located so that they can immediately respond to an emergency.
