Fall Maintenance Tips

The hot summer days are behind us and the crisp fall breezes are beginning to creep in. As the seasons change, so do the needs of our fire protection systems. Following is a checklist of tips to help you and your fire systems through this time of year, and help prepare you for the extremes of the coming winter.

Fire Pumps:

• Is the fire pump house adequately heated to prevent freezing?
• The pressure sensing line is most susceptible.
• Construction features such as doors, windows and penetrations should be properly sealed.
• Heaters should be operational and the pump house temperature should be maintained at a minimum of 40°F for electric pump houses and at a minimum of 70°F for diesel pump houses.
• Check to insure adequate combustion air is available through manual or automatic louvers.
• Is all necessary servicing completed?
• Have antifreeze levels in the cooling system and the operation of block heaters been checked?

Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems:

• Are low point drains provided where needed?
• Have all low point drains been identified and condensate blown down?
• Is there a programmed schedule in place to blow down low points regularly during freezing weather?
• Have the air compressor and low air supervisory alarms been calibrated?
• Are the valve houses adequately heated to prevent freezing?
• The valve trim is most susceptible.
• Construction features such as doors, windows and penetrations should be properly sealed.
• Heaters should be operational and the valve house temperature should be maintained at a minimum of 40°F
• Are all accelerators and/or exhausters in service?

Antifreeze Filled Sprinkler Systems:

• Is the concentration adequate for the coldest expected temperature?
• If not, weak solutions should be replaced with the proper antifreeze.
• Where your sprinkler systems are connected to a public.

And don't forget your building...

• Are there any broken windows or doors that don't close properly, where fire protection water mains or wet pipe sprinkler lines may be exposed to freezing temperatures?
• Has the roof been visually inspected for damage, ponding water, clogged drains or gutters? Clogged drains or gutters could cause water and/or ice and snow buildup during the coming winter, risking partial roof collapse and further damage to your sprinkler systems and facility.
• Discuss cold weather precautions at plant safety meetings.
• Insure that your PEO is aware of plans for snow removal for roofs which may accumulate drifted snow, as well as plans to keep all fire protection valves and hydrants cleared and accessible during snow storms.
• Make sure hydrants are not leaking and drains are working properly so they won't freeze during winter.

We are sure there are other items you could add to the above. If so, make a list and keep it handy for next year. It can save you time if everything is documented and placed in computerized maintenance or work order systems and programmed to come up automatically.
Check this site often for timely tips to help keep your fire systems in tip-top shape!