A Health System Risk Management member asked for advice regarding the prevention of accidental fire sprinkler system activation in addition to sprinkler system cleaning practices, while maintaining compliance with infection control, life safety, and facilities management standards as well as other standards and regulations.
Accidental discharges of fire sprinklers typically occur due to inadvertent overheating, freezing, mechanical damage, corrosion, manufacturing or installation defect. For many of these reasons, the facility's sprinkler maintenance vendor would be able to offer specific guidance as they are aware of the maintenance requirements and specifications related to the facility's system, including best cleaning practices.
In general, automatic sprinklers are triggered by high temperatures when a liquid-filled glass bulb bursts or a soldered metal link melts at a given temperature. However, fire sprinklers can't tell the difference between "normal" sources of heat and fire. If a sprinkler is located too close to heat sources, even temporary heat-producing sources such as additional lighting or machinery can set off a sprinkler. In addition, if something comes into contact with the sprinkler head and breaks the glass bulb, the sprinkler would then be activated. In this case, facilities can consider using fire sprinkler head guards to protect from accidental damage by impact. Again, the facility's sprinkler vendor would be able to point them in the right direction.
NFPA 25 Annex A.5.2.1.1.2 (5) allows facilities to clean sprinklers with compressed air or with a vacuum, provided that the equipment does not touch the sprinkler. However, cans of compressed air (commonly used to clean keyboards or other electronics) carry the risk of cooling the sprinkler's thermal glass bulb, which could also cause it to burst and discharge, so users should ensure they hold the can at a safe distance from the bulb.
After every accidental discharge, staff members involved in the incident should complete the following tasks:
- Clear the area to avoid slips or falls as water accumulates on the floor.
- Check nearby electrical equipment to avoid electrical shock.
- Stop the flow of water through the use of fire sprinkler tools (see example), or by shutting off the water supply.
- Document the scene with pictures, witness descriptions of what happened, and collect any broken parts, all of which could help establish the cause of the malfunction.
- Consult the facility's sprinkler vendor and insurance carrier for repairs, if needed.
The facility may also want to review its maintenance contract to ensure both the facility and vendor are complying with established terms and maintenance schedule. According to the 2017 edition of NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (current as of this writing and available for purchase), the following represents the recommended schedule for fire sprinkler inspections, testing, and maintenance.
- Weekly or monthly:
- Inspection of gauges and control valves in dry, wet pipe, preaction, and deluge systems
- Quarterly:
- Inspection of alarm devices, hydraulic nameplate, and fire department connections
- Testing of alarm devices and main drain
- Annually:
- Inspection of hanger/seismic bracing, pipe and fittings, spare sprinklers, signage, and sprinklers
- Testing of main drain, water flow, fire pump, antifreeze solution, alarm devices, deluge, and preaction valves
- Maintenance of valves and low point drains in dry pipe systems
Here are a few other external resources that may prove helpful:
