Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this program is to minimize the risk associated with an impaired fire protection system by establishing procedures to follow when the fire protection system is removed from service due to repair, alteration, power outage or malfunction. Fire protection equipment/systems included automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, smoke detection systems, fire hydrants, fire mains, etc.
Policy
This procedure applies to all Physical Facilities Department (PFD) personnel and PFD vendor and/or contractor personnel who perform fire protection system installation, maintenance, repair or any other operation that requires impairment of a fire protection system regardless of duration. The project manager, prior to commencement of the project, must notify all contractors of the rules and regulations and all must abide by these rules while on campus or risk of termination of their contract.
Responsibilities
Any person installing, repairing, testing, or performing any other operation which may impair the fire protection system shall be responsible for the initiation and execution of approved fire system impairment and restoration procedures as outlined in this SOP.
Impairment Procedure
1. Minor Impairment
Fire protection system impairments are considered minor when service interruptions, testing, routine maintenance, and repairs are limited in duration to a maximum of 8 hours and do not pose a significant risk for loss of life and property. The impairment form is not required to be submitted for minor impairments. Interruptions affecting water supply, hood suppression agents, and major components critical to the operation of the fire protection system are not classified as minor and must follow the applicable impairment protocol.
2. Emergency Impairment
An emergency impairment occurs when an unexpected event interrupts the normal function of the fire protection system. In the event of an emergency impairment, all personnel and contractors must take the following actions:
- Isolate the impairment area. If possible, allow the remaining fire protection system to stay in service, even if requiring a bypass or temporary connection.
- Call 9-6111 to inform that an impairment has occurred so that a work order with Task Code SF001 can be created and assigned to the EHSO browse report for the TMA dashboard and safety coordinator oversite.
- Secure any hazardous operation in the area where the fire protection system is impaired.
- Properly tag out the impaired fire protection system or equipment.
- The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service.
- Activate fire watch.
- Initiate repairs once the area is secured and continue making repairs until service has been completely restored.
Once the situation is under control and all hazardous conditions have been eliminated, MUPD will notify the following that a fire protection system impairment has occurred:
- Oxford Fire Department
- Alarm Company (if applicable)
- Environmental Health and Safety Office
3. Planned Impairment
A planned impairment is scheduled in advance and is typically used for making improvements or alterations to existing fire protection systems. All planned fire protection system impairments shall be submitted through the TMA Work Order System at least 48 hours prior to the work being performed.
- Request the work order for Environmental Health & Safety to be assigned Task Code SF001 at the beginning of the request.
- The initial status of this tracking WO should be “Planned and Scheduled.”
The same procedures used for an emergency impairment should be followed for a planned impairment. Additional preparation should take place beforehand to ensure that the work area is free from hazards, proper notifications are made, and all replacement parts, materials, and permits are obtained before the work begins. If repairs to the impaired system require hot work to be conducted in a permit required area, please refer to SOP #412 Hot Work Program for further guidance.
4. Improper Impairment
An improper impairment occurs when a fire protection system is unknowingly impaired, left out of service or removed from service by unauthorized personnel. Improper impairments are typically identified by contractors, fire officials, or individuals working with fire protection systems. If an improper impairment is discovered call 9-6111 immediately so arrangements can be made to restore service. The same procedures used for an emergency impairment should be followed for an improper impairment.
5. Restoration Procedure:
After completing the work to repair the impaired system, the following steps must be taken to ensure that the fire protection system has been properly restored:
- Open all valves that were secured during the impairment and remove “out-of-service” tags. Conduct a 2” drain test to verify that the system is properly aligned and the valves are open.
- Place all alarms or detection devices back in service.
- Set all fire protection equipment to “automatic” if secured or placed in “manual”.
- Verify that portable fire extinguishers are in their designated location and fully charged.
- Notify 9-6111 that the fire protection system has been restored.
- 9-6111 will notify the following that the fire protection system has been restored:
- Oxford Fire Department
- Alarm Company (if applicable)
- Environmental Health and Safety Offices
- The Environmental Health and Safety Office will notify the property insurance carrier that the system has been restored as required.
- The Environmental Health & Safety Offices will retain the out-of-service tag on file for 1 year for review.
Related Documents, Forms, and Tools
Attachment: Fire Protection System Request for Impairment
Revision History