Sprinkler Control Valve Inspection Form

Valve Location Area Controlled Open Shut Locked Sealed Dry Pipe Valve  

Were any valves operated since last inspection  

Has the valve reopened fully and was a full flow 2-inch drain test  

All flammable liquids are volatile and evaporate rapidly. As they are evaporating they continuously give off vapors. It is the invisible vapors that present the fire threat. When the combustible vapors are mixed with air in certain proportions and combined, they are potentially explosive, 

Flammable vapors are usually heavier than air so they naturally seek out and settle at the lowest possible level. This makes the detection of vapors more difficult. Vapors will move toward low points in the building. It s possible that a dock well could hold flammable vapors as a result of a spilled or punctured container of flammable liquids. 

---

An analysis in 1977 of all Factory Mutual incendiary losses over 100,000 showed that the primary factors contributing to the extent of the loss were the lack of automatic sprinklers and closed sprinkler conti ol valves (p. 14). These were valves not closed by the arsonist. This study further states that valve supervision is one of the most important forms of protection against incendiary losses (1977, p. 14). Even in those buildings that are equipped with sprinklers, incendiary fires can be devastating if the owners do not regularly maintain and inspect their fire protection systems. Therefore, regular inspections by the building owner, as well as strict code enforcement, should control this problem. 

---