Effective Handling of Fire Protection System Impairments

History shows that some of the largest property losses have occurred during periods when protection systems are out of service. Once a system is installed and in service, everyone, including the property insurer depends on the system being available when needed. In real life problems occur, systems malfunction, dry sprinkler valves trip, detectors fail, gaseous protection systems and fire pumps require service, etc. It is critical that these occurrences or impairments are properly handled to minimize exposure while the system is down.

Impairments are any partial or complete shutdown of fire protection, sprinkler or alarm systems, and water supplies, including control valves, fire pumps, suction tanks, underground mains, sprinkler systems, gaseous suppression systems, detection systems, guard services, etc. Impairments can be planned or unplanned and may include new installations, additions, removals, maintenance or emergencies.

Clearly, the potential can be reduced though good internal and external communications as well as proper planning. Communications must start at the top, with management committing to a written impairment program, such as the one provided by Matrix Risk Consultants. For planned or emergency impairments, a procedure to notify plant and area management must be followed. During periods of impaired protection, the shutdown of hazardous processes may be advisable; the provision of a continuous fire watch in the area may be needed; and notification to the local fire department as well as your internal emergency response team should be standard procedure. The provision of temporary protection, such as extra extinguishers, a fire hose extended to the area, etc. should be considered.  

Alarm system “tagged out”

 

Shut Valve “tagged out” using weather cover to protect tag

The impaired protection should be “tagged out” with the Matrix Risk Consultants Impairment Tag. For fire protection valves, the number of turns to close should be recorded. When reopening the valve, the number of turns to open should also be recorded on the tag, along with the results of a “main drain” or 2 inch drain test.  

Client facilities are requested to notify Matrix Risk Consultants immediately whenever an impairment occurs, regardless of length, size or severity. This should be done by calling Matrix Risk Consultants at (937) 886-0000 or Toll free at (888) 4-IMPAIR.

Impairment Stickers on Sprinkler Riser  

Impairment Stickers should be affixed to sprinkler risers, valves and key fire protection equipment. 

What happens when you call Matrix to report an impairment? 

  • Seven days a week - twenty-four hours a day, your phone call will be answered by a real person who will have access to a Matrix Engineer if necessary.

  • First, you will be asked for your location number, plant location, phone number, etc. 

  • Then we will ask for a good description of what is impaired, i.e. water supply, alarm system, sprinkler system, underground main break, etc. 

  • We will then discuss any hazardous operations in the area, and discuss who has been notified, what temporary precautions have been taken, and what efforts are being made to restore the system to full service as soon as possible. 

  • All information is then data based for later use if needed. 

  • If the impairment is not restored as estimated, we will follow up for status reports until it is restored. 

Depending on the situation, we may ask for temporary protection to be installed, additional fire watches to be provided, etc. The goal is to insure that the impairment is minimized from both a time and risk standpoint. Remember, your insurance is based on the protection systems being in service. One of the most serious occurrences is finding protection that is out of service and forgotten. The goal is to make sure that Matrix, or more importantly, a fire, does not find the impaired system first. The results can be catastrophic for the property and it’s employees. Remember, almost 40% of manufacturing plants which burn down are never reopened. Don't let this happen at your plant!  

Matrix Best Advice Impairment Kit 

Complete Impairment Kits include an impairment log, stickers, impairment tags and waterproof plastic “baggies” with ties to attach the tags in areas where weather or moisture are a problem. Impairment Kits or refills can be obtained from Matrix Risk Consultants, by phone (937) 886-0000, email matrix@matrixRC.com or from our Client Access Center on the website www.MatrixRC.com.