Description of Project
Elite Fire Protection was awarded an opportunity to design, supply and install fire protection at a snack company in 2023.
In keeping with our new theme for the quarter, the NFPA Ecosystem Fire & Life Safety Framework, this month we are zooming in on three (3) of the eight (8) key components that make up this regulatory framework of ensuring compliance and safety:
1. Government Responsibility
Policymakers setting the right regulatory framework
2. Development & Use of Current Codes
Jurisdictions using the most updated codes and standards
3. Referenced Standards
Using the most updated reference standards
In this case study, we discuss the upgrade of the existing warehouse fire sprinkler system and how the age of the system resulted in testing required to ensure the system complied with the most updated standards, in this particular case, ASIB Rules.
Project | Fire Protection Systems |
Age of System | >25 years |
Scope | Pipework Testing and Fire Sprinkler Head Replacement |
Discipline | Fire Protection |
Expected Completion | Ongoing |
Project Scope
- Pipework Testing
- Replacement of Fire Sprinkler Heads
Client and insurance require that the upgraded system needs to comply with ASIB Twelfth (12th) Edition Rules.
Process outline
Elite Fire Protection was requested to upgrade the existing fire sprinkler system, and water supplies (and water treatment plant).
With the upgrade of the fire sprinkler system, the existing system also needs to comply with the same standards.
According to ASIB Twelfth (12th) Edition, rule 8082 and 8085:
All installations of 25 years of age or older or where there are obvious signs of corrosion must have sections of pipe removed for inspection and any defect that might adversely affect the performance of the system must be eliminated.
15 pipe samples were removed from the existing sprinkler system and sent to Metallurgical Testing Labs for Flaring and Flattening Tests in accordance with International Testing Standards and SANS 62-1.
Outcome
Of the 15 pipe samples taken, only 1 pipe sample (50mm) in a packaging area failed the Flattening Test.
Observing the various areas in the existing warehouse and the structures surrounding the piping, the steel work in the packaging area, showed more signs of corrosion than the other 14 areas.
With more signs of corrosion in the steel work, this may indicate that this specific area has been more exposed to heat or moisture, causing corrosion the pipework utilised for the fire sprinkler system.
Sprinkler Head Replacement
According to ASIB Twelfth (12th) Edition, rule 8082 and 8083:
At not more than 25-year intervals a random selection of ten sprinklers shall be removed from each sprinkler installation and tested for correct operation, operation temperature, variation of K-Factor, spray obstacles and possible lodgement problems.
However, in this case the client chose not to do any testing on the older fire sprinkler heads, but to replace all.
Challenges
No challenges at this time.