Temporary shutdowns of fire protection systems require careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of building occupants and the protection of property. By developing a detailed plan, implementing a fire watch, notifying the fire department, considering alternative fire protection measures, minimizing ignition sources, and restoring the system as soon as possible, building owners and managers can minimize the risk of fire during a temporary shutdown. During the shutdown, the following applies: Hot work prohibited extinguishers/hoses must be present. a fire watch should be present work should be completed as soon as possible
Impairment to fire protection systems!
When a fire protection system is out of order it is considered Impaired.
Guiding principles to manage Impairments:
Communicate to
Everyone inside your organisation
Fire department
Alarm Company
Your insurer
Minimize the affected area
Take as little of the system out of service as possible
Minimize the hazard in the affected area
Remove ignition sources
Prohibit hazardous operations such as hot work
provide temporary protection if possible
Minimize the duration
Reduce the time the system is impaired if possible
Facility Manager: The Facility Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all fire protection system impairments.
Fire Safety Officer: The Fire Safety Officer will provide guidance and support during impairment situations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Maintenance Personnel: Maintenance staff will perform necessary work on the fire protection system and notify the Facility Manager when impairments are required.
Impairments exceeding 24 hours, impairments of major fire protection systems (i.e. sprinkler systems) or impairments of fire protection systems protecting important processes or plant areas should be notified to the insurers:
The notification form should be sent well in advance of a planned impairment or immediately following either an emergency impairment or the discovery of an improper impairment. The insurers should also be notified immediately after the restoration of the system.
Please confirm accordingly
Select the Impaired system on the list below - if it's not on the list, please select other and describe in the comment field
Please provide a detailed description of the area or systems that will be impaired. This could include specifics such as the building or floor number, the affected fire protection equipment (e.g., sprinklers, fire alarms, fire suppression systems), and the reasons for the impairment (e.g., maintenance, construction, repairs).
During a fire protection system impairment, it is essential to implement specific precautions to maintain safety and minimize risks. These precautions should be clearly communicated to all relevant personnel. Fill out the performed protection by clicking the list below
With all precautions enforced above, the work is authorised to start in the area listed above. The person(s) conducting the work will maintain all precautions until the permit is completed.
Conduct any necessary inspections and tests.
To finalise the Impairment please confirm below tasks has been performed
Advise supervisors that protection is restored.
Notify the fire department, insurance carrier, alarm company, property owner, and other authorities that protection is restored.
Remove the impairment tag(s).
All work is now done, relevant tests have been performed, and the system is now active.