Testing, and Maintenance Programs

Since the occurrence of an emergency cannot be predicted, it is essential that fire protection equipment be inspected, tested, and maintained to be certain 

Key components of a fire protection equipment inspection, testing, and maintenance program  

Inspections consist of a visual check of the fire protection systems by qualified personnel to ensure the system is available for immediate use. Visual checks should be made using a checklist. The inspection should verify that the fixed and portable equipment is ready to be operated. The associated devices, fittings, piping, and valving are inspected to ensure they have not been tampered with and that there is no obvious deterioration, physical damage, or condition to prevent operation. Documentation of the visual inspections may vary from 

Maintenance includes athorough check of equipment or a device to give maximum assurance that the equipment or device will operate effectively and safely. It may be necessary to disassemble and reassemble the equipment or device to ensure a through examination. Maintenance procedures should follow manufacture s recommended guidelines or accepted practices developed by recognized authorities, such as NFPA. Documentation of maintenance activities should be part of the facility s mechanical integrity program and all documentation should be part of the equipment history file. 

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Equipment used to process, store, or handle highly hazardous chemicals must be designed constructed, installed and maintained to minimize the risk of release. A systematic, scheduled, test and maintenance program is preferred over "breakdown" maintenance " that could compromise safety. Elements of a mechanical integrity program include 1) identification and categorization of equipment and instrumentation, 2) documentation of manufacturer data on mean time to failure, 3 ) test and inspection frequencies, 4) maintenance procedures, 5) training of maintenance personnel, 6) test criteria, and 7) documentation of test and inspection results. 

The reliability and availability performance requirements of safety systems and especially fire protection systems should be considered in the design. Fire protection systems are not used on a regular basis, but must work when required. It is also important that the design of the fire protection system facilitate a testing and maintenance program for achieving these goals. 

For guidance on fire detection and alarm system design, installation, testing and maintenance, see NFPA 72. For additional discussion on inspection, testing, and maintenance programs see Chapter 8. 

Reliability of those systems and building components that contribute to safety or environmental and property protection can be maximized through comprehensive inspection and test and maintenance programs. Because many of these systems and components are not exercised except in emergencies, breakdowns or failures may not be readily detectable other than through inspections and tests. 

Calibration and maintenance programs [45], challenge tests [2], accelerated shelf life tests [53], auditing [2], sensory tests [46], microbial tests [47]... 

Personnel assigned to the Fire Protection Department may be responsible for all elements of the fire protection program, including inspection, testing, and maintenance activities. 

Perform nondestructive testing, inspection and maintenance programs to avoid SCC precursors, such as a concentration of stresses by localized corrosion. In case of protective coatings, routine maintenance is essential since scratches could create favorable sites for initiation of SCC. 

QC sample analysis program and results, instrument testing and maintenance records, results of performance demonstration projects, results of data assessment, audit reports, and record retention policies. 

This chapter describes the plans and provisions for the initial testing, insen/ice surveillance, and maintenance programs for the structures, systems, and components (SSCs) and the design features associated v nth the Hot Cell Facility (HCF). 

Management Operating policies and procedures Training for vapor release prevention and control Audits and inspections Equipment testing Maintenance program Management of modifications and changes to prevent new hazards Security... 

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