Fire
Alarm Systems
Fire Alarm Systems are required to be maintained
in operable condition at all times. As well, fire alarm systems shall
be inspected in conformance with ULC-S536 (per the Ontario Fire Code).
This code requires monthly and annual testing. Records must be kept by
the building owner/manager for examination by the insuring agent and/or
the authority having jurisdiction. Only technicians who have completed
the Canadian Fire Alarm Association Technician Education Program, or an
equivalent course may perform maintenance and inspections.
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Sprinkler
Systems
Automatic Sprinkler Systems (wet and dry) are required to be maintained
in operable condition at all times. Maintenance and inspection is required
monthly, quarterly and yearly as mandated by the Ontario Fire Code. These
inspections ensure the sprinkler systems are operable and ready for use should the
need arise. Records of your sprinkler systems must be kept by the building owner for examination
by the insuring agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction.
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Standpipe/Fire
Pumps
Standpipe and fire pump systems are required to
be maintained and inspected monthly, quarterly and annually in accordance
with NFPA 25.
Flow tests of wet standpipe systems shall be performed every 5 years.
Dry standpipes are required to be hydrostatically tested every 5 years.
Records must be kept by the building owner for examination by the insuring
agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction.
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Fire
Hoses
As an extension of a standpipe system, a fire hose
can mean the difference between the success and failure of the delivery
of water to a fire. The Ontario Fire Code requires each hose to be removed
and re-racked so that the folds occur at a new spot on the hose annually.
Nozzles and all accessories must be inspected every year to ensure there
are no visible signs of deterioration.
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Emergency & Exit Lighting Systems
Emergency lighting systems require test and inspections
to be performed monthly and annually. The
Ontario Fire Code mandates
systems should be checked monthly and annually to CSA 22.2 to ensure they
operate in conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
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Clean
Agent Systems
Clean Agent Systems such as Halon, FM-200, FE-13
and Inergen require inspection semi-annually in accordance with the
Ontario Fire Code and
various sub-referenced NFPA codes.
Enclosure inspections and integrity testing, as warranted, are essential
to the continued efficiency of a total-flooding system.
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CO2
Systems
NFPA 12 requires Carbon
Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems to be inspected semi-annually. Reliable
operation is essential for un-interrupted fire protection in industrial
facilities protected by systems such as these. Inspection and testing
of enclosure integrity is highly recommended to ensure proper operation
of any CO2 system.
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Smoke
Alarms
As the earliest warning in most fire situations,
it is imperative that smoke alarms are continuously operational. Whether
operated by 9V battery, 110VAC or a 10-year lithium cell, smoke alarms
must be tested annually.
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Portable
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are essential for controlling
a fire before it gets started. A partially charged, or neglected extinguisher
may not be reliable in a fire situation. All occupancies covered by the
Ontario Fire Code require monthly and annual inspections of portable extinguishers.
Any dry chemical extinguisher, whether for private or commercial use,
must be disassembled, inspected internally and re-built every 6 or 5 years
and hydrostatically tested every 12 years. Extinguishers containing other
agents are subject to other periodic maintenance.
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Kitchen
Fire Suppression Systems
Wet and dry kitchen suppression systems shall be
inspected semi-annually by the terms of the
Ontario Fire Code and
NFPA 17, 17A and 96.
Fusible links must be changed annually or more frequently if mandated
by the manufacturer. It is imperative to ensure the cooking appliances'
fuel sources are properly interrupted upon activation of the fire suppression
system. Therefore testing does mean that a shutdown of the cooking equipment
is required. Inspection reports must be kept by the owner/manager for
examination by the insuring agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction.
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Industrial
Fire Suppression Systems
Industrial Fire Suppression Systems, like Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems,
require maintenance and inspections semi-annually under
NFPA 17. As these systems
are not widely applied, our technical staff undergoes stringent training
in order to be able to provide these specialized services.
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Fire
Hydrants
Fire Hydrants are the Fire Department’s main
source of extinguishing agent. A non-operational hydrant could result
in the loss of an entire structure. The Ontario
Fire Code requires an inspection be performed
annually. Traditionally, these inspections are performed in spring and
in fall, prior to freeze up. This ensures there is no accumulation of
water in the barrel, which can result in costly repairs.
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