Are you aware of your responsibilities as the Premises User?
Care and Maintenance of Automatic Sprinkler Systems:
Premises User’s ongoing, weekly and monthly responsibilities as identified in the LPC Technical Bulletin TB 203:2015
The following tests and checks should be made as applicable by the Premises User’s as stipulated in the LPC Technical Bulletin TB 203: 2015 of ‘LPC Rules For Sprinkler Installations’ incorporating BS EN 12845:2015:
Continuous Review of Hazard:
Review of hazard should be a continuous process undertaken by the user. Where changes occur that might change the effectiveness of the sprinkler protection, immediate remedial action should be taken. At quarterly intervals the process should be formalised by a review by a Sprinkler Servicing Contractor.
Weekly Routine:
General:
Each part of the weekly routine shall be carried out at intervals of no more than seven days.
Checks:
The following shall be checked and recorded:
(a) all water and air pressure gauge readings on installations, trunk mains and pressure tanks;
(b) all water levels in elevated private reservoirs, rivers, canals, lakes, water storage tanks (including pump priming water tanks and pressure tanks);
(c) the correct position of all stop valves which control the flow of water to the sprinkler system(s) from the water supply, up to and including the installation control valves stop valves but excluding the water undertaker’s stop valve on a town main supply to the system.
Tests:
Water motor alarm test:
Each water motor alarm shall be sounded for no less than 30s.
Automatic pump starting test:
Tests on automatic pumps shall include the following;
(a) water pressure on the starting device shall be reduced, thus simulating the condition of automatic starting;
(b) when the pump starts, the starting pressure shall be checked and recorded;
(c) check that there is cooling water flowing through open circuit cooling systems;
(d) check diesel pump oil pressure;
(e) fuel and engine lubricating oil levels in diesel engines shall be checked;
(f) check the correct operation of any automatic ventilation louvres.
Diesel engine restarting test:
Immediately after the pump start test, diesel engines shall be tested as follows:
(a) the engine shall be run for 30 minutes, or for the time recommended by the supplier. The engine shall then be stopped and immediately restarted using the manual start test button;
(b) the water level in the primary circuit of closed circuit cooling systems shall be checked.
(c) Oil pressure (where gauges are fitted), engine temperatures and coolant flow shall be monitored throughout the test. Oil hoses shall be checked and a general inspection made for leakage of fuel, coolant or exhaust fumes.
Trace heating and localised heating systems:
Heating systems to prevent freezing in the sprinkler system shall be checked for correct function.
Fire and rescue service and remote central station alarm connection:
The equipment for automatic transmission of alarm signals from a sprinkler installation to a fire and rescue service or remote manned centre shall be checked for:
(a) continuity of the connection; and
(b) continuity of the connection between the alarm switch and the control unit, if the circuits are continuously monitored.
Monthly routine
General:
Each part of the monthly routine shall be carried out at intervals of no more than one calendar month in addition to the tasks identified in the weekly routine (TB203.2.2).
Checks:
Batteries:
Check the electrolyte level of all battery cells, (including diesel engine starter batteries and those for control panel power supplies) and carry out all other maintenance procedures specified by the battery manufacturer. Check the battery charging voltage and make sure it has not changed. Report any changes to the sprinkler service contractor.
Water storage tank security:
The access ladder to all sprinkler water storage tanks shall be checked for correct housing and security and any tank ball valve covers shall be secured and locked.
Need Help With Testing?
If you need any assistance with testing please, contact us on any of the below. Please reference your project name or number and our trained engineers will be on hand to answer your queries and offer advice.
Email: Info@firesecurity.co.uk
Telephone: 01440 705 815
