Fire protection-related work
Fire protection-related work, when applied to a licensed fire protection contractor, means the sale, design, installation, modification, or inspection of a fire protection system, its parts, or related equipment, or the offer to do so. Fire protection-related work, when applied to a journeyman sprinkler fitter or an apprentice sprinkler fitter, means the installation, connection, alteration, repair, or addition to a fire protection system.”
The term “installation” is not defined in the statutes or rules. The State Fire Marshal division (SFM) recognizes there are various tasks associated with the “installation” of a fire protection system and that it requires further definition.
What is fire protection-related work?
- Designing a fire protection system, including the performance of hydraulic calculations.
- Installing a water-based fire protection system. “Installing” is defined by the SFM as tasks involving the spacing, positioning, and final placement of sprinklers and piping and includes:
- Inserting sprinklers into the fitting (which often determines their final placement).
- Connecting to a water supply.
- Assembling or constructing the valve assembly.
- Installing the system’s fire department connection.
- Attaching the system to the structure.
- Conducting inspections of water-based fire protection systems (see other side for “Who can perform inspections?”).
- Installing water-flow devices and tamper switches.
- Altering, modifying, or adding onto a water-based fire protection system.
The following tasks do not constitute fire protection-related work:
- The carrying or transporting of components for a fire protection system.
- Drilling holes in the structure to install a fire protection system.
- Preparing the system for installation, such as cutting hangers and their components; cutting, threading, and assembling sprinkler drops, sprigs, or arm-overs (not involving the installation of sprinklers into these components); or attaching hangers to structural members. Inserting sprinklers into fittings is considered fire protection-related work.
- The wiring of alarm devices.
- The demolition or removal of a fire protection system.
- The installation of multi-purpose potable water piping systems as part of the potable water supply if licensed as a plumber and trained by the system manufacturer.
Who can perform fire protection-related work?
All fire protection-related work must be performed by or directly supervised by a certified journeyman sprinkler fitter or a managing employee (ME). “Directly supervised” is interpreted to mean that the journeyman sprinkler fitter or ME is on site observing the work being performed (physically at the facility address) and readily available to answer questions, address installation and ensure that the fire protection components and system are correctly installed.
Who can perform inspections?
Certain types of inspections and tests need to be conducted by a licensed fire protection contractor. These are:
- Final acceptance tests
- Trip tests of dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems
- Fire pump tests
- Tests required by the authority having jurisdiction to be performed by a contractor.
Certain types of inspections must be performed by a certified journeyman sprinkler fitter or ME. Work that requires removing any system components or invasive procedure is considered an “alteration” and must be performed by certified sprinkler fitters or MEs. Examples include:
- Performing pressure tests
- Removing or replacing sprinklers (for any reason)
- Performing internal inspections of piping, valves, or components
- Inspections and testing require system component replacement, disassembly, or reassembly
Licensed plumbers are allowed to inspect standalone standpipe and hose systems.
Fire marshals, fire inspectors, building inspectors, insurance inspectors, and professional engineers are not required to be licensed to conduct inspections.
Who can perform maintenance work?
Maintenance is:
- Scheduled activities to keep a fire protection system operable (such as exercising valves, lubricating valves, routine running of fire pumps, painting piping, etc.).
- Emergency repairs to correct an emergency impairment until permanent repairs can be performed by a licensed fire protection contractor.
Maintenance is not defined as “fire protection-related work” and does not need to be performed by a licensed fire protection contractor, certified journeyman fitter or certified managing employee.