Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire Sprinkler Systems

 

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to control or suppress a fire in its early stages, helping protect building occupants and limit fire spread. Building owners and property representatives are responsible for ensuring required sprinkler systems are inspected, tested, maintained and kept in working order.

This page provides information about sprinkler system maintenance, control valves, fire department connections, system impairments and service records.

 

Understanding Your Fire Sprinkler System
A sprinkler system consists of more than the sprinkler heads you see throughout a building. Depending on the building and system, components may include:

  • Sprinkler heads
  • Piping and water supplies
  • Control valves
  • Alarm and supervisory devices
  • Fire pumps
  • Backflow prevention equipment
  • Fire Department Connections (FDCs)
  • Other system-specific equipment


Building owners and property representatives should know where key system components are located and who to contact when inspection, testing, service or repairs are required.

 

Sprinkler Heads & Storage
Sprinkler heads need adequate clearance and must not be obstructed, painted, damaged or otherwise altered.

 

Building occupants and operators should:

  • Keep storage and other materials clear of sprinkler heads.
  • Never hang items from sprinkler piping or sprinkler heads.
  • Never paint, cover or modify sprinkler heads.
  • Report damaged or leaking sprinkler components promptly.
  • Maintain required storage clearances below sprinklers.

If you're unsure whether storage or alterations may interfere with your sprinkler system, contact a qualified fire protection service provider.

 

Sprinkler Control Valves
Sprinkler control valves are critical to the operation of the system.

Required valves should generally remain open and appropriately secured or supervised. Closing a valve can disable fire protection to part or all of a building.

Do not close or manipulate sprinkler control valves unless you are authorized and qualified to do so.

If there is a leak, damaged sprinkler or other system problem, contact your sprinkler service provider.

 

Fire Department Connections (FDCs)
The Fire Department Connection allows firefighters to supplement the water supply to a building's sprinkler or standpipe system during an emergency.

FDCs must remain:

  • Clearly visible and identifiable
  • Accessible to firefighters
  • Free from storage, vegetation and other obstructions
  • Appropriately maintained
  • Protected from damage
  • Do not park vehicles, place storage, landscaping or other obstructions where they may prevent firefighters from accessing the FDC.

 

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance
Required sprinkler systems must be regularly inspected, tested and maintained.

Building owners and property representatives should:

  • Arrange required inspection, testing and maintenance through qualified service providers.
  • Address identified deficiencies.
  • Maintain inspection, testing, repair and service records.
  • Ensure control valves and other critical components remain in their required operating position.
  • Keep sprinkler equipment accessible.
  • Update the building's Fire Safety Plan when changes to the system affect the information or procedures contained in the plan.

 

Is Your System Out of Service?

If all or part of your fire protection system is impaired or not operating normally, contact your qualified fire protection service provider promptly.

Specific notification, temporary safety measures or a Fire Watch may be required depending on the nature and extent of the impairment.

See: Fire Protection Equipment - Out of Service for more information. 


Changes to Your Building or Sprinkler System
Renovations, changes in occupancy, new storage arrangements or changes in how a space is used can affect whether the existing sprinkler system provides appropriate protection.

Do not relocate, remove, add or modify sprinkler components without the appropriate permits, design and qualified professionals where required. See Chilliwack Sprinkler Bylaw for more. 

This is particularly important when there are changes involving:

  • Walls or room layouts
  • Ceiling configurations
  • High-piled or increased storage
  • Racking
  • Changes in building use or occupancy
  • New equipment or processes

 

Records to Keep
Maintain records associated with your sprinkler system, including:

  • Inspection and testing reports
  • Annual service documentation
  • Repair records
  • Identified deficiencies and evidence of correction
  • Records of system impairments
  • Fire watch records, where applicable
  • Documentation of significant system alterations

 

 

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