One of the most important barriers against a catastrophic fire is having a functional sprinkler system. However, designing and installing a sprinkler system is not the last time you need to think about taking precautions against fire. Sprinkler systems need regular inspection; otherwise you cannot be sure that you are adequately protected.
Different states across the nation have different fire codes in place. When choosing a fire protection service, ensure that the engineers have an in-depth knowledge of local as well as state and federal codes. In New Jersey, it’s necessary to inspect sprinkler systems on an annual basis in order to keep your home or your building safe. Certain fire protection services advise that you should add additional inspections if any changes take place in the interim, such as if you change the layout or occupancy of your building, or if there are changes in the water supply.
Use an Expert
As with every other aspect of fire prevention, it’s important to use an expert to conduct the fire sprinkler inspection. There are several steps that need to be performed in order to ensure that the sprinkler system is fully functional and each of these should be performed during an inspection. Experts should start by conducting a visual inspection of all the sprinkler heads and piping, ensuring that all are free from leaks or damage. Water volume and pressure need to be at the right levels, and all the valves need to be lubricated for optimum effectiveness. Fire connections also need to be readily accessible and there should be no obstructions should a fire-fighting crew need to assist on-site. If there are any fire alarms or signals connected to a monitoring system, it would also be necessary to ensure that these are fully operational.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has 25 guidelines and some experts will provide you with a report following an inspection that will detail exactly the condition of your system based on these standards. Some fire protection services will also take the initiative and will email or call their customers to remind them that an inspection is due.
Individual Efforts between Inspections
Your fire protection service will most likely give you a to-do list to ensure that your sprinkler system will operate optimally in-between inspections. Certain things such as keeping the sprinkler system clear from other objects, not painting the sprinkler heads and immediately reporting any damage you notice to a fire protection company, are steps that will give you the best chance of mitigating the danger of fire. Get your fire sprinkler inspections in NJ today to have peace of mind that you are safe.
Having annual fire sprinkler inspections in NJ is vital, especially since they are mandatory in New Jersey. Contact Newark Professional Fire Protection Corp today to schedule your inspection.
