Why Plan a Fire Protection Inspection?

Planning a fire protection inspection is an important step to take in protecting your facilities, people, and assets. Fire incidents can have devastating consequences, both in terms of human life and financial loss. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one-third of all fires occurring in 2023 (470,000—or 34 percent) occurred in or on structures, leading to $14.7 billion of property damage. Regular fire protection inspections are essential to ensure your systems meet industry standards and function correctly. These inspections not only minimize risk but also contribute to business continuity by preventing extended downtime after a fire.

As experts in serving a variety of facilities and industries, including but not limited to: schools, universities, apartment buildings, hotels, commercial buildings, and more, we are prepared to deliver comprehensive inspections of your fire protection systems. Our team of experienced and NICET-certified inspectors provides detailed reports for each inspection, outlining any deficiencies and recommended actions. We stay up-to-date with the latest fire codes and regulations to ensure your facility’s compliance.

Types of Fire Inspections

International Fire Protection offers a wide range of fire protection inspections, including:

Fire Sprinkler Inspections
Fire Suppression System Inspections
Fire Alarm System Inspections
Fire Pump Inspections
Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections

Each inspection type is tailored to the specific systems within your facility. Let’s explore these vital inspections to determine your needs.

Benefits of a Fire Sprinkler Inspection

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to discharge water in case of a fire emergency, meaning they can be the first line of defense. NFPA data shows that deaths are lower by 90% in properties with sprinklers than in properties with no AES (automatic extinguishing system). Having a functioning fire sprinkler system can be imperative when considering the safety of people, assets, and facilities. Inspections include checking water pressure, flow rates, sprinkler heads, and other critical components. For this reason, it’s easy to understand how incorporating fire sprinkler inspections into regular maintenance can be a great way to get comprehensive reports on the system, maintain fire safety standard compliance, and provide servicing when needed.

It makes sense to understand the various components and system types, to better prepare you for your own inspections.

Fire Sprinkler System Components:

Water Supply: Municipal water, storage tanks, fire pumps.
Piping: Steel or CPVC pipes, fittings.
Sprinkler Heads: Heat-sensitive element (bulb/link), deflector.
Valves: Control (main stop, sectional), check valve.
Alarms: Waterflow, tamper switches.
Other: FDC, drain valves, pressure gauges, air vent.

Sprinkler System Types:

Wet Pipe: Pipes filled with water.
Dry Pipe: Pipes filled with pressurized air (for freezing areas).
Pre-Action: Combination of wet/dry (for sensitive equipment).
Deluge: All heads activate simultaneously (for high-hazard areas).

Learning the type of system you have, and how to properly maintain it between inspections, will not only prepare you for a more successful inspection result but also allow you to better maintain your system the rest of the year.

Benefits of a Fire Suppression System Inspection

In high-risk environments or areas susceptible to water damage, fire suppression systems offer a specialized solution. These systems are designed to detect heat, give proper notification for evacuations, and suppress fire via appropriate intervention if an emergency were to occur.

Many experts suggest that the frequency at which fire suppression systems should be inspected is semi-annually or at the very least, annually. This includes all of the components of the fire suppression systems, which include the following:

Sensory System: This comprises smoke, heat, and flame sensors that help detect potential fires.
Suppression Agent Containers: This is where the suppression chemicals are stored. These chemicals are the primary components that aid in extinguishing fire by forming a frothy layer and halting combustion.
Duct System: These pathways dispense the chemical agents from the container to nozzles and sprinklers onto the affected areas.
Control System: The central unit where the suppression system receives signals and activates the system.
Alarm Systems: After detecting a possible fire, signals are sent to these units to alert occupants and commence evacuation.

The IFP team is trained in designing, servicing, testing, and inspecting fire suppression systems, including FM-200, CO2, and high-pressure foam systems. At IFP, our skilled service professionals can conduct fire suppression system inspections on a basis that aligns with your needs, whether they are monthly, quarterly, or allow for a longer timeframe. In an environment where fire suppression systems are present, determining the appropriate time frame for fire suppression system inspections that meet fire safety standards may be dependent on your insurance and local safety requirements.

Benefits of Fire Alarm System Inspections

If your fire alarm system is triggered, the alerts are intended to allow for the evacuation of people during the beginning of a fire. Fire alarm systems can also indicate the need for first responders through their systems. At International Fire Protection, we offer the design and installation of fire alarm systems that meet your needs as well as expected standards.

In a study by Building Reports, it was found that on average, 2.03 fire alarm and signaling devices failed to meet code requirements across all occupancy types. This makes a regular inspection all the more important. Fortunately, in addition to the design and installations, our team is trained in fire alarm system inspections, which can be an important factor when evaluating system function and any needed service or repairs. Once your system has been installed, we offer monitoring systems and services if maintenance or emergency communication is required.

Here are the common fire alarm system components:

Initiating Devices: Smoke, heat, flame, CO detectors; pull stations; waterflow/supervisory switches.
Notification Appliances: Horns, bells, strobes, text displays.
Control Panel (FACU): System “brain,” processes signals, activates alarms, monitors system.
Power Supplies: Primary power, backup batteries.
Wiring: Connects all components.
Annunciator Panels (Optional): Displays system status/location of alarms.
Communication Systems (Optional): Connects to monitoring station/fire department.
Interface Modules (Optional): Integrates with other building systems (elevators, HVAC).

Benefits of Fire Pump Inspections

Fire pump inspections are a critical component of a comprehensive fire protection strategy, particularly for buildings with complex fire suppression needs, such as high-rises, large industrial facilities, and campuses. These inspections ensure that fire pumps, which are essential for providing adequate water pressure to sprinkler and standpipe systems, are functioning reliably and effectively.

A properly functioning fire pump can mean the difference between containing a small fire and a catastrophic loss. Regular inspections verify that the pump can meet the demands of the fire suppression system, including flow rate and pressure requirements. This includes testing the pump’s performance under various conditions, checking for any mechanical issues, and confirming the integrity of the water supply. By identifying and addressing potential problems early, fire pump inspections help prevent system failures during a fire emergency, ultimately safeguarding lives and property.

The most common fire pump system components include:

Fire Pump: Provides high-pressure/flow water.
Driver: Electric motor or diesel engine.
Controller: Manages pump operation, monitors pressure and alarms.
Water Supply: Suction tank, reservoir, municipal water.
Piping: Connects water supply to pump and distribution.
Valves: Isolation, check, relief.
Pressure Gauges: Monitor water pressure.
Flow Meter: Measures water flow rate.
Test Connections: For performance testing.
Automatic Transfer Switch (electric pumps): Switches to backup power.
Alarm System: Connects to the building fire alarm.

Benefits of Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections

Portable fire extinguishers are often the first line of defense against incipient fires, offering a crucial opportunity to suppress a small blaze before it escalates into a major incident. Regular inspections of these extinguishers are paramount to ensure they are readily available, fully charged, and in proper working order.

Portable fire extinguisher inspections verify that the extinguisher is located in its designated spot, is easily accessible, and hasn’t been tampered with or discharged. They also confirm the pressure gauge is within the operable range, the seals are intact, and there’s no visible damage to the cylinder or nozzle. By catching potential issues like low pressure, leaks, or corrosion, regular inspections ensure that when a fire extinguisher is needed, it will function reliably and effectively, potentially preventing significant property damage and even saving lives.

Preparing for Your Next Fire Protection Inspection

Fire protection inspections are essential for building safety, occupant well-being, and code compliance. Whether you manage a business, industrial complex, or residential building, preparation is key for a smooth inspection process. This includes understanding the inspection schedule for all your fire protection systems, having established evacuation and maintenance plans, meticulously documenting incidents and training, and staying informed about code updates.

When preparing, ensure you’re working with a qualified company that can address all your fire protection needs. This includes comprehensive inspections and maintenance for fire sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, and portable fire extinguishers.

As an expert fire protection company, International Fire Protection (IFP) proudly offers these various services, covering everything from routine inspections to system design and installation. We can help you ensure your facility is fully protected and compliant. To learn more about IFP fire protection and inspections, including detailed information on each system type, visit our inspections & testing page.