Method Statement for Fire Protection System Testing and Commissioning

Fire protection system is useful for protecting the property in the case of fire breakout. In this system there are many fire protection equipment involving fire extinguisher, fire sprinkler, fire hose reel and hydrants etc.

In addition to these equipment there are different controls that monitor the whole system i.e. fire alarm system, valves and flow detectors. For convenience, the entire testing and commissioning procedures have been divided into various parts as below:

Sprinkler system test

A flow test will be conducted for fire sprinkler system in the building floor areas. Water flow will be established by opening the inspector test and drain valve of zone control valve assembly.

The flow shall be equivalent to flow through sprinkler head as it is preset in test and drain valve.

Ensure that fire alarm is activated when inspectors test valve is opened, which means flow detector shall be interfaced with fire alarm system (fire signal).

Ensure that water motor gong will operate in the pump room when the pump is in running condition. Manufacturer’s written instruction shall be followed for the testing of sprinkler.

Fire Alarm Valves

Verify that auxiliary drains are closed and that the system is free of leaks.

Open the system test valve (and any auxiliary vents provided to facilitate the removal of air from the system) to allow air to escape from the system while it is filling with water.

If desired, close the alarm shut-off valve to prevent local alarms from operating while filling the system.

Slowly open the water supply main control valve. Allow the system to completely fill with water.

Allow water to flow from the system test valve and any other open vents provided until all air is exhausted from the system.

After all air is exhausted from the system, close the system test valve and all other open vents.

The pressure gauge on the system side of Alarm Check Valve Clapper should indicated water pressure equal to greater than the water pressure indicated on the gauge located on the supply side of the clapper.

Open the Alarm Shut-Off valve in the Alarm Valve trim, and verify that all other valves are in their normal operating position.

Secure all valves in their normal operating position.

Water Flow Detector

A flow test will be conducted for water flow detector.

Water flow will be established through the inspectors test connection.

Ensure that fire alarm is activated when inspectors test valve is opened, which means flow detector shall be interfaced with fire alarm system (fire signal). Manufacturer’s instruction shall be followed for the testing of main drain valve.

Landing Valve & Fire Hoses

After completing the hydrostatic pressure testing of wet riser piping, a flow test will be conducted to ensure proper operation of the landing valve.

Unwind the 2 ½” dia fire hose and connect one end of fire hose to branch pipe and other end to the outlet of landing valve.

Slowly turn the hand wheel of the landing valve, till we get a constant flow through the branch pipe outlet. Ensure the flow and pressure at the outlet of branch pipe.

Fire Hose Reel

Once the hose reel piping is under pressure and tested, a flow test will be conducted to ensure proper operation of the hose reel.

Unwind the hose from the hose reel, and after removing 2-3 meter of hose from the hose reel, the automatic valve will open automatically.

Open the nozzle and ensure the flow and pressure at the nozzle of the hose reel. 1” dia. PRV shall be used to maintain an outlet pressure of 4 bars.

One of the remote hose reels will be operated to measure the quantity of water discharge.

The water discharged from the hose reel will be collected in a calibrated container to measure the water flow per minute to establish the flow rate which shall be 23 l/min approximately.

Fire Extinguisher

Check for physical conditions for the fire extinguisher and the pressure gauge reading of the fire extinguisher.

Inspect the fire extinguisher to determine that the hose and horn is unobstructed and the plastic tamper seal is intact.

Recharge if the weight has reduced more than 5% of the extinguisher content weight.

Portable fire extinguishers supplied and installed will be inspected and checked during the commissioning period to ensure that they are in good working condition.

Any extinguisher losing 10% of its nominal content by weight will be recharged to the required standard.

All cylinders containing the chemical extinguishing agents will be checked to ensure that the contents are up to the specified standards and are so marked with paint on the outside of cylinders. Fire extinguisher types also need to verify.

A sample fire extinguisher (as selected by the Consultant) shall be discharged during testing & commissioning demonstration.

The discharged cylinder will be replenished as required. Work Inspection Request shall be raised for Consultant’s inspection and sign off.