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Fire System Testing Requirements Guideline: WMC Environment, Health & Safety Management System
Fire System Testing Requirements Guideline: WMC Environment, Health & Safety Management System
Darren Batchler
157400
Reviewed
Description of Changes
First Issue
Date
31/03/2004
Approved
M Webb
CONTENTS
1
PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................. 3
GENERAL.................................................................................................................................. 3
MONTHLY TESTING................................................................................................................. 4
ANNUAL TESTING.................................................................................................................... 5
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 5
10
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................ 7
Page 2 of 21
PURPOSE
The Purpose of this Guideline is assist WMC operations in complying with the requirement for a
fire protection management plan as detailed in the WMC EHS Management System Standard,
Crisis and Emergency Preparedness (WMC-EHS-STD-006).
GENERAL
This Guideline provides a summarised description of the relevant testing, inspection and
maintenance requirements for fire protection systems. The requirements have been compiled from
relevant Australian Standards (AS) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
These standards include requirements for the following:
Fire pumps
Monitors and hydrants
Deluge systems
Foam systems; and
Fire ring mains.
The testing intervals described in the tables in the following sections are based on the
maintenance requirements of the various systems.
Requirements for small fire protection items such as fire blankets and fire extinguishers have not
been addressed in this guideline.
It should be noted that often standards specify prescriptive requirements to address a particular
item. These may not necessarily be practical in given circumstances or may be superseded by
advances in design. In cases such as these, the main focus is on meeting the performance
requirement or desired outcome of the standard.
The standards often provide guidance or suggest alternative testing or inspection methods for
different or unusual designs. In the event that a particular task cannot be completed due to design
or other external factors, then the referenced standard should be reviewed before contemplating a
solution.
The inspection, testing and maintenance routines have been sorted into different frequency
intervals. The following frequency intervals are used:
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annual; and
Two yearly or greater.
Page 3 of 21
The testing requirements are further split from the above headings into subsections.
subsections are divided into tables for the following systems:
These
TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Each operation should review the following tables and identify the requirements that are applicable
to their fire protection systems.
Certain requirements listed in the tables in this guideline may not be relevant to a particular sites
fire protection system. In this event they may be disregarded however a note made to substantiate
this decision.
Once requirements have been identified and agreed upon the specific testing and inspection
requirements should be entered into the WMC SAP maintenance module.
The record in SAP should contain the actual test required, the piece of equipment for which it is
intended, the level of performance required and the organisational position that has responsibility
for performing the test or inspection.
Completed inspections and tests should be entered into SAP together with any maintenance
performed on the fire protection equipment.
NOTE: A procedure or similar document, stipulating who needs to be contacted and what
additional precautions need to be taken prior to any inspection, testing, or maintaining of fire
protection equipment is performed should be available and communicated to responsible
personnel.
WEEKLY TESTING
Weekly tasks that are required for the pump and deluge systems are listed in Table 3.1 and Table
3.2 respectively.
MONTHLY TESTING
Monthly tasks that are required for the pump systems, deluge systems, foam systems and hydrant
and monitors systems are listed in Table 4.1, Table 4.2 and Table 4.3 respectively.
Page 4 of 21
QUARTERLY TESTING
Quarterly tasks that are required for the pump system, deluge system, hydrants and monitors,
foam system, and ring main are listed in Table 5.1, Table 5.2, Table 5.3 and Table 5.4. It is also
worth noting that certain subtasks listed at the end of the Pump System Table (Table 5.1) and the
Deluge System Table (Table 5.2) only need to be performed semi-annually.
ANNUAL TESTING
Annual tasks that are required for the pump system, deluge system, hydrants and monitors, foam
system and ring main are listed in Table 6.1, Table 6.2, Table 6.3, Table 6.4 and Table 6.5
respectively.
8.1
2-Yearly Requirements
2-Yearly tasks that are required for the pump system are listed in Table 7.1.
8.2
3-Yearly Requirements
3-Yearly tasks that are required for the pump system, deluge system and hydrants and monitors
systems are listed in Table 7.2, Table 7.3 and Table 7.4 respectively.
8.3
5-Yearly Requirements
5-Yearly tasks that are required for the deluge system, foam systems and ring main systems are
listed in Table 7.5, Table 7.6 and Table 7.7 respectively.
8.4
6-Yearly Requirements
6-Yearly tasks that are required for the hydrants and monitors systems are listed in Table 7.8.
8.5
10-Yearly Requirements
10-Yearly tasks that are required for the foam systems are listed in Table 7.9.
REFERENCES
Fire System Testing Requirements, Moduspec Australia. Ref 350-57 release 01, March 2004
Australian Standard, AS 1851.3-1997, Maintenance of fire protection equipment Part 3:
Automatic fire sprinkler systems , Standards Australia, Third Edition, 1997.
Australian Standard, AS 1851.2-1995, Maintenance of fire protection equipment Part 2: Fire
hose reels, Standards Australia, Fourth Edition, 1995.
Australian Standard, AS 1851.4-1992, Maintenance of fire protection equipment Part 4: Fire
hydrant installation, Standards Australia, Third Edition, 1992.
Page 5 of 21
Page 6 of 21
10
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Tables
Page 7 of 21
APPENDIX A - Tables
Table 3.1: Weekly Pump System Requirements
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
W-1
AS 1851.4-1992
W-2
Ensure all valves located around the pump are correctly set and secured.
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
W-3
W-4
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
W-5
W-6
W-7
W-8
W-9
Page 8 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
W-10
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
W-11
(a-n) AS 1851.141996
(Table 7.1)
and
(d and o-q) NFPA 25
(Section 8.5.3)
W-12
W-13
Page 9 of 21
Action Required
Reference
W-14
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1) and NFPA 25 (Section
12.3.2.1)
W-15
W-16
W-17
AS 1851.8-1987.
W-18
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
Action Required
Reference
M-1
Test the isolating switch and check the circuit breakers or fuses.
M-2
M-3
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.3.1.6)
M-4
NFPA 25 (Section
10.2.1.1, 10.2.1.2,
10.2.1.6, 10.2.5.1, &
10.2.5.2)
Page 10 of 21
Action No.
M-5
Action Required
Reference
AS1851.8-1987.
Action Required
Reference
M-6
AS1851.4-1992
M-7
Inspect the condition of fire hoses, including fittings. Ensure they are properly
stowed
AS1851.4-1992
M-8
Check that the hydrants have the correct fittings and that they are secure.
AS1851.4-1992
M-9
AS1851.4-1992
M-10
Check water levels and automatic filling facilities of all water supply tanks.
AS1851.4-1992
Action Required
Reference
M-11
NFPA 25 (Sections
11.4.6(a) & 11.4.7(a))
M-12
Action Required
Reference
Q-1
Check the operation of all pump isolation valves and non-return valves, including
monitoring valves if fitted.
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
Q-2
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.2)
Q-3
Clean the fuel strainer and the fuel crank case breather.
Page 11 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
Q-4
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1) and NFPA 25 (Section
8.5.3)
Q-51
Q-6
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.2)
Q-7
Q-8
Clean the water strainer in the cooling system. Semi-annually test the antifreeze
protection levels.
Q-9
Check the exhaust systems insulation for fire hazards. Semi-annually inspect
the flexible exhaust section.
Action Required
Reference
Q-10
Test each water flow alarm switch and indicators at the panel. Operate the flow
switch test valve and ensure correct operation at indicator panel.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1) and
NFPA 25 (Section 12.2.7)
Q-11
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
Q-12
Check that all water supply non-return valves are correctly seated.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
Q-13
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.3.2.1)
Q-14
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.3.2.10)
The different available starting sequences for fire pumps should be used on a rotating basis during regular
tests, meaning that each are tested within the required timeframe.
Page 12 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
Q-15
Clean the mainline strainer and inspect and clean nozzle strainers:
(a) Mainline strainers (basket or screen) shall be flushed until clear after each
operation or flow test;
(b) Individual water spray nozzle strainers shall be removed, cleaned, and
inspected after each operation or flow test; and
(c) Oil the external alarm water motor.
(d) Mainline strainers (basket or screen) shall be flushed until clear after each
operation or flow test;
(e) Individual water spray nozzle strainers shall be removed, cleaned, and
inspected after each operation or flow test; and
(f) Oil the external alarm water motor.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1) and
NFPA 25 (Sections 10.2.7,
10.2.1.7, 10.2.1.8 & 10.2.7)
Q-16
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
Q-17
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
Q-18
Q-19
For systems where the sole water supply is through a backflow preventer and/or
pressure reducing valve, perform a drain test:
For such systems, the main drain test of at least one system downstream of the
device should be conducted quarterly (main drain test requirements for other
systems are detailed in the annual tasks (Table 6.2)).
Q-20
Q-21
Q-22
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.4.2.4)
Page 13 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
Q-23
Check the operation of the alarm. Ensure that it is directly linked to the fire
authority.
AS1851.4-1992
Q-24
AS1851.4-1992
Q-25
Check the pressure readings on the low pressure side of the pressure reducing
and pressure limiting valves:
Compare with design operating pressure.
AS1851.4-1992.
Q-26
AS1851.2-1995.
Action Required
Reference
Q-27
NFPA 25 (Section
11.2.7.2)
Q-28
NFPA 25 (Section
11.2.7.2)
Q-29
Ensure that drainage facilities, such as trap sumps and drainage trenches, are
not blocked and retention embankments or bunds are in good repair.
Action Required
Reference
Q-30
Q-31
Action Required
Reference
A-1
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1 & 7.2), AS1851.4-1992
and NFPA 25 (Section
8.5.3)
A-2
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
A-3
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
A-4
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
Page 14 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
A-5
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.2) and NFPA 25 (Section
8.5.3)
A-6
A-7
A-8
A-9
A-10
A-11
A-12
A-13
A-14
A-15
A-16
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.2)
A-17
A-19
A-20
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
Page 15 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
A-21
(a-e) AS 1851.141996
(Table 7.1) and (f & g)
NFPA 25 (Section 8.5.3)
A-22
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
Action Required
Reference
A-23
Check that all open discharge devices are clear and operational.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Appendix
C)
A-24
Check the system operating mechanism by activating the automatic and manual
releases.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Appendix
C)
A-25
Test the water supply to verify that the system pressure/flow requirements are
satisfied.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
A-26
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
A-27
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
A-28
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
A-29
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
A-30
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
A-31
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
Page 16 of 21
Action No.
Action Required
Reference
A-32
A-33
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.3.2.2, 12.4.3.3.2,
12.4.4.2.2, 12.4.4.3.2
12.4.4.1.5 &
12.4.3.1.7)
A-35
All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested.
This is normally completed by performing a full flow test.
A-36
A-37
A-38
AS 1851.8-1987
Page 17 of 21
Action Required
Reference
A-39
Check that every hydrant valve is open in the system and prove the presence of
water at each point.
AS1851.4-1992
A-40
AS1851.4-1992 and
AS1851.14-1996
A-41
Check to ensure that all water supply non-return valves are correctly seated.
AS1851.4-1992
AS 2845.1-1998 (where
potable water is used for
hydrant supply)
A-42
Externally check all water storage tanks and take off connections:
Ensure they are in a good condition.
AS1851.4-1992
A-43
Check and lubricate all hydrant stems, caps, plugs and threads.
A-44
A-45
Ensure that the monitors and nozzles are clear of obstructions and are
undamaged.
A-46
Ensure the proper operation of the monitor shutoff valves (if supplied).
A-47
Ensure that all parts associated with the monitor are intact.
A-48
AS1851.2-1995.
A-49
A-50
All monitor nozzles shall be oscillated and moved throughout their full range to
ensure proper operability.
Action Required
Reference
A-51
A-52
Page 18 of 21
Action Required
Reference
A-53
A-54
A-55
Test hydrants:
(a) Each hydrant should be opened fully and left open until all foreign material
has cleared;
(b) Flow shall be maintained for not less than 1 minute;
(c) After operation, dry barrel and wall hydrants shall be observed for proper
drainage from the barrel; and
(d) Full drainage shall take no longer than 60 minutes.
A-56
Action Required
Reference
Action Required
Reference
3yr-1
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
3yr-2
AS 1851.141996 (Table
7.1)
Page 19 of 21
Action Required
Reference
3yr-3
AS 1851.3-1997 (Appendix
C)
3yr-4
Fit new drain and test valve washers and examine seating.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-5
Remove the alarm cock barrels, clean, lap in, grease and reinstall.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-6
Fit the new pump path cock washers and inspect seatings.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-7
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-8
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-9
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-10
Renew the water supply non-return valve seatings and gaskets, check the
seating and spindle.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-11
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-12
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-13
Overhaul valves:
Overhaul all pressure-reducing valves, deluge valves and any other special
valves that may be installed in accordance with suppliers specifications.
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-14
AS 1851.3-1997 (Table
4.1)
3yr-15
Action Required
Reference
AS1851.4-1992.
Page 20 of 21
Action Required
Reference
5yr-1
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.2.1)
5yr-2
NFPA 25 (Section
12.4.3.1.8)
Action Required
Reference
Maintain and service the foam pumps, drive train, and drivers:
Frequency should be as per manufacturers instructions but not at intervals of
more than 5 years.
Action Required
Reference
Action Required
Reference
AS1851.4-1992.
Action Required
Reference
Page 21 of 21