As part of your quarterly maintenance, a hazard review is required. The LPC Rules state that a hazard review must be carried out by a competent person such as a specialist sprinkler contractor or engineer.
A hazard review is a process that is used to determine if there are potential hazards and risks involved with a procedure. It reviews changes to structure, occupancy, storage, heating, lighting, hazard class and equipment, and should be a continuous process. Areas to consider include:
Changes to the building structure – for example, have there been any new partitions added which may affect the sprinkler layout and coverage?
Changes to occupancy – for example, is the manufacturing process the same now as it was when the sprinkler system was installed, or has the process changed and increased the potential risk of fire?
Changes to storage – for example, are the goods being stored of the same type as when the system was originally installed, or are the goods being stored in a different way, such as on racks? If the goods are now shrink wrapped or stored higher than when the system was installed, this can affect the risks from fire.
A review of hazards must be carried out so that appropriate modifications can be carried out.
- sprinkler heads, multiple controls and sprayers should be carefully cleaned
- pipework and supports should be checked for corrosion
- tape wrappings on pipes should be repaired
- pipework should be checked for earthing connections
- water supplies should be tested
- electrical supplies should be tested, including from any generators
- stop valves should be operated to ensure they are in working order and securely fastened in the correct mode
- flow alarms should be checked for correct function including pressure and flow switches -
the spares held onsite should also be checked and replenished, including sprinkler heads and sprinkler spanners, plus any other spares required for valves, flow metres and pumps