STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PUMPS &

SPRINKLER SYSTEM

1. PURPOSE
To ensure that Fire Pumps & Sprinkler system provided for building fire protection
are periodically inspected, tested & maintained in serviceable condition at all times
and relevant records are maintained.

2. SCOPE
The system and procedure for inspection, testing and maintenance of Fire Pumps
and Sprinkler System as laid down in this document is applicable to all buildings
/units under LSKB Aluminium foils
3. ABBREVIATIONS
S. No. Full Form Abbreviation
1 Standard Operating Procedure SOP
2 Fire Officer FO
3 Not Applicable NA

4. STANDARD OPERTING PROCEDURE IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITY

The Building Manager & Fire Officer (FO) shall be responsible to ensure
implementation of this SOP, thereby ensuring inspection, testing & maintenance of
Fire Pumps & Sprinkler system as per the periodicity and procedure stipulated in
this SOP.

A) FIRE PUMPS SCHEDULE OF INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

Inspection, testing and maintenance are to be carried out for ensuring service ability
of fire pumps are given as below

i. Daily Inspection of Fire Water Tanks & Fire Pumps

The daily inspection covering the following check points to be conducted on daily
basis and the records are to be maintained.
• Check the fire water tank level (Terrace & Underground - Always > 90%)
• Check all the fire pumps selector switches are kept in auto mode
• Check all the pumps electrical panel indicator lights are in working condition
• Check all the valves are secured in open/close position as indicated
 • Check all the pressure gauges in the pump room and ensure pressure reading
is within the range as displayed in fire pump room
• Check the Pressure gauge at last end point to ensure sufficient pressure (> 3.5
bar) is availability
• Check for any leakage from pump gland, pipes etc
• Check the fuel level in diesel engine fire pump fuel tank ( Always > 90% of
total volume)
• Check the level of engine oil of the diesel engine fire pump
• Check the coolant level (Heat exchanger) of the diesel engine fire pump for
adequacy
• Check the condition of battery charging (reading in electrical panel ammeter)
• Check the flasher light & hooter alarm received at fire control room and the
fire pump room, when the pumps are kept in manual/off position and power
supply to Fire pumps panel Switch –Off
• Check that no combustible material is stored inside the pump room and all
the passages are free from obstructions

The “Daily Fire Pumps Inspection Checklist” is attached as per Annexure-1 and
all the points in the checklist are to be physically checked and recorded in the Daily
Inspection Checklist of Fire Pumps register and also records to be maintained at the
facility. Any defects or abnormality should be recorded and immediately notified to
the Building Manager for remedial action.

ii. Weekly Test: Diesel Engine Fire Pump

In addition to the daily checks the following inspection and testing are required to be
carried out on weekly basis. Before testing the Diesel engine driven fire pump "Put all
other pumps on manual mode".

a) Inspection
• Check to ensure all the battery terminals are free of corrosion, connections
are tight and terminals covers are in place.
• Check all the hoses, fuel lines, and cooling line connections for any leakage
and ensure that they are in healthy condition
b) Testing
After completing all inspection procedures, start the pump by slowly dropping
the pressure through bypass valve.
• Record the pressure at which the pump automatically started.
• Run the pump for 10 Minutes
 • Check the pump packing glands and ensure its proper tightness.
• Check for any leakage in the valve.
• Check for any unusual noise or vibration.
• Check oil pressure (should conform to manufacturer’s recommendation) and
record.
• Verify working of all supervisory signals (i.e., pump running, pump off etc.), if
provided
c) After Testing
• Verify that pump is put on in the automatic start mode upon completion of
the test.
• Check the pump shaft bearings, packing gland stuffing box, and casing for any
signs of overheating

iii. Weekly Test: Electrical Pumps

a) Before carrying out the weekly test, daily checks are required to be carried
out
b) Testing of Pumps

Jockey Pump
Put all pumps in manual mode except jockey pump. Release the system pressure
by slightly opening the bypass valve provided in the pump room. The jockey
pump will come into operation. Check the auto start and auto cut-off at preset
pressure level displayed at the pump room. After verifying put the jockey on
manual mode using auto/manual selector switch.
Electrical Pumps (Hydrant/Sprinkler/Water Curtain)
• Check the auto start of Main Electrical pumps (Hydrant/Sprinkler/Water
Curtain) by slowly dropping the pressure by opening the bypass valve.
• Record the pressure at which the pumps are automatically started. And also
see whether the auto start pressure matches with the designed pressure
chart of the building.
• Check the pump packing glands to ensure proper tightness.
• Check for any unusual noise or vibration.
• Verify operation of all supervisory signals (i.e., pump running, loss of power,
phase reversal, etc), if provided.
c) After Testing
• Verify that pumps are put in the automatic start mode upon completion of the
test.
 • Check the pump shaft bearings, packing gland stuffing box, and casing for any
signs of overheating (Ensure pump is on ‘manual mode’ during these checks
& refix the guards after inspection)
All Inspection & test results shall be recorded in “Weekly Fire Pumps
Inspection & Testing Checklist”. Any defects or abnormality should be recorded
and immediately notified to the building manager for remedial action. (ANNEXURE
# 2)

Annual Testing
Annual testing is covered under clause no. 4 under the heading “Maintenance of
Fire Pumps and Accessories”. Annual testing to be conducted and records to be
maintained

iv. Maintenance of Fire Pump and Accessories:

Maintenance is necessary to keep Fire pumps operable. Perform maintenance for
the pumps in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintenance
shall be performed monthly / half Yearly/annually, to ensure that the system
will operate when needed. However, if any defect/ deficiency is noticed during
any of the inspection/testing the required repair and maintenance to be carried
out immediately to ensure continued operation of the system.
Monthly Maintenance:
• Check bearing grease cut ( get it lubricated, if needed)
• Check the starter contacts ( get it cleaned, if needed)
• Sluice valve operation, gland packing and lubrication to be carried out.
• Check alignment of the pump motors, nut bolts& couplings.

Note: Ensure pump is on ‘manual mode’ during the above activities & refix the
guards after maintenance
Half Yearly Maintenance:
• Insulation resistance of the pump motor should be examined and records
maintained.
Annual Maintenance:
• The annual fire pump testing shall also cover the following:-
• Conduct Pump performance test
• Verify pump speed at each flow
• Record discharge pressure at each flow
• Verify setting of Relief valve(Air Vessel) and calibrate the ARV
• Operate water flow and alarm switches
 • Confirm valve positions
• Calibration of pressure gauges and pressure switches
• HP test of Air vessel to be conducted
• Suction strainer cleaning

The diesel engine maintenance to be carried out as per manufacturers’

recommendations including the load test.

Competent agency shall carry out Annual maintenance and performance test
and any deficiency observed shall be rectified and the maintenance report along
with pump performance report shall be maintained at site level. The agency
engaged for annual test and maintenance shall submit detailed report including
pump performance test

B) SPRINKLER SYSTEM:
Automatic sprinklers are intended to protect life and property. It is designed to
suppress and prevent the spread of fire.
Major Components of Automatic Sprinkler System
1. Sprinkler Heads.
2. Piping Network.
3. Pressure Gauge, Valves and Alarm Devices.
4. Water Flow Alarm Switches
5. Pumping System
6. Fire water storage.

SCHEDULE OF INSPECTION AND TESTING OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER

SYSTEM 1. Daily Inspection
• Visual inspection of installation control valve to ensure the following:
• Valves are secured (locked) in the open and free from leaks.
• Pressure gauge readings above (system pressure) and below (Line Pressure)
should be monitored for adequate pressure in the system and records
maintained.

2. Weekly Sprinkler Gong bell testing:

In addition to the daily inspections following inspections and testing shall be
performed on weekly basis:
  Check for any visual damage.
• Open the drain cock and test gong bell ringing.
• If not ringing then arrange to repair it.

Note: Record the daily inspection and weekly testing in the “Daily Fire Pumps
Inspection Checklist” (Annexure1) and “Weekly Fire Pumps Inspection &
Testing Checklist” (Annexure 2) respectively. Any defects or abnormality should
be recorded and immediately notified to the Building Manager for remedial action.

3. Quarterly Inspection and Testing

In addition to the daily inspections and weekly testing following inspections and
testing shall be performed on quarterly basis:
• Installation control valves should be thoroughly checked, cleaned &
lubricated for smooth operation.
• Visually inspect sprinkler heads. Sprinklers should be free from paint,
corrosion, physical damage and any obstructions to the water spray pattern.
• All isolation valves should be checked for open and secured in locked
condition.
• Check isolation valves have no damage or leakage.
• Inspect fire service inlet connections to verify that they are visible and
accessible.
• Blank caps are in place and not damaged.
• Test the water flow switch on sprinkler systems by opening the drain valve
provided for each taping, in such a way that in a year all flow switches are
tested.

Record the quarterly inspection and testing in the “Quarterly Sprinkler Inspection
& Testing Checklist” (Annexure 3). Any defects or abnormality should be
recorded and immediately notified to the Building Manager for remedial action.
4. Annual Inspection & Testing
In addition to the daily, weekly and quarterly inspections and tests, following
inspection and testing shall be performed on annual basis.
 A visual check of sprinklers, hangers/support, pipe and fittings.
• Flushing of entire Sprinkler system.
• Alarm gong bell assembly should be thoroughly checked and maintained.

Note : Before and after conducting the test of the automatic sprinkler system,
permission / notification shall be given to the all concerned person, i.e., Building
Manager, Occupants. At a time only one sprinkler riser should be flushed. Hydrant
line of that area must be kept charged during this procedure.

Procedure for performing the flushing of entire sprinkler system:

STEP 1
Isolate all the sprinkler system discharge valves in Fire Pumps.

STEP 2
Open the main drain valve slowly until it is opened full. Make sure that a steady
flow of water is discharging from the main drain pipe. Allow the water to flow
until it is clear of any foreign debris and the lower pressure gauge drops and
stabilizes.

STEP 3
Close the main drain valve slowly.

STEP 4
Put the jockey pump in auto mode to recharge the line.

STEP 5
Check for any leakage in the line.

STEP 6
Put all Fire Pumps on Auto mode when pressure is maintained in the line.

Note :
i) Please ensure that fire water tanks are full of water, before performing flushing
of entire sprinkler system.
ii) Record the Annual inspection and testing in the “Annual Sprinkler Inspection
& Testing Checklist” (Annexure 4). Any defects or abnormality should be
recorded and immediately notified to the building manager for remedial action