In the July issue, I wrote about how to have a successful Inspection and Testing department and show clients your credibility. This is part two of that article.
When you arrive to perform the inspection and testing, review the test plan with the owner or representative. NFPA 72 requires test plans, so update your client on the schedule. You may spread the inspections and tests over a number of visits, especially if it is a large facility.
Test schedule and system issues
This is a good time to discuss a schedule for testing the audibles. It is OK to turn off the audibles when testing the initiating devices and test them all at the end, or at a separate time established with the client.
Find out if there have been any issues with the system since your last visit, or if the building has been altered. This gives you a heads up to watch for new rooms with no audible or visible notification appliances.
Tenant notification
Then, verify that the owner or representative has notified the occupants about the test. You should also review how occupants will be notified in case of an actual fire emergency while testing the system.
Before you begin testing, don’t forget to call the monitoring company to place the system on test. If the person you speak to says they will do it, stay on the phone to ensure it happens. They may get distracted by another call or visitor and forget about it. It is also a good practice to call the responding fire department to let them know you will be testing the system, so you can avoid problems if someone hears the alarm and calls 911.
Make sure to have all the necessary test equipment and tools for the job with you, including ladders and radios. To reduce interference with the operation of the facility, find out if the client has any personnel who can assist your team with verifying the operation of the notification appliances. Remember, you do not need to test decibel levels. You only need to verify operation of audible and visible appliances.
I suggest budgeting to replace defective devices as you perform the test. It will save you from needing to make a return trip, and your customer money by not having to pay additional trip charges. When the test is completed, let the client know what you replaced. It keeps the system functional and helps build your client’s trust in you.
Documentation
Be sure to document everything you inspect and test as you do it. Be clear about what you are testing. For example, if you are testing elevator lobby smoke detectors, record where the elevator goes when testing the detectors. Remember, you are not testing elevator recall, you are testing the connections between the fire alarm system and the elevator controller.
Periodic tests are only to verify the proper operation of the fire alarm equipment. You have to sign the Inspection and Testing Report, and I am sure you don’t want to sign an incorrect one. Review the inspection and testing results with the customer.
If you have any suggestions to improve life safety, such as adding notification appliances due to building modifications or replacing smoke detectors with heat detectors if the client is prone to unwanted alarms, do this now. Remember that you will have to get fire marshal approval if you are going to change equipment that was previously approved.
Keep it clean and clear
Be sure your team cleans up any mess they may have caused, possibly from removing ceiling tiles to test duct detectors above the ceiling. Notify the monitoring company to reactivate the system. If you have a system with an emergency voice alarm communications system, it is a good idea to make an announcement stating the test is completed and to respond to any future alarms.
Communicating clearly with your clients and keeping them informed of the status of their fire alarm systems will go a long way to showing your professionalism and keeping them happy.
stock.adobe.com / Vectorvstocker
About The Author
HAMMERBERG, SET, CFPS, is an independent fire alarm presenter and consultant currently residing in The Villages, Fla. Tom represented the Automatic Fire Alarm Association on multiple NFPA technical committees as well as actively participating in the ICC code making process for many years. He is NICET Level IV certified in fire alarm systems and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. He can be reached at [email protected].