Inspecting a Sprinkler Systems:

When inspecting a building that has sprinklers fitted it is not easy to check that the correct water pressure and flow rate can be achieved by the pumps.   It is also not always easy to check that all the areas that should have sprinkler coverage do actually have the correct coverage.  Therefore it is necessary to examine the installer's material and test certificate for above ground piping to see that the system conforms to the required standard.  If it does not meet the standard then there should comments on the certificate signed by the installation or service engineer.

Sprinkler systems are tested and serviced regularly after installation and records of these tests and services should be made available on inspection.

There are a number of faults that can occur in a building with respect to the sprinkler installation.  Some of the more commonly found faults include:

• New walls constructed too close to existing sprinkler heads

• Reduction of the water pressure in the supply

• Contents of the building stacked to too great a height

• Contents with a higher fire loading introduced into an area where the sprinklers are designed to deal with a lower level of fire loading

• Damaged pipework leading to an area that has no cover

• Painted sprinkler heads

• Dirty sprinkler heads

• Items stored too close to the sprinkler heads

• Decorative items placed over the sprinkler heads