How to Change Fire Protection Companies?
Switching fire protection companies can sometimes be a tough decision. You need to evaluate whether you want to change fire protection companies then find another competent fire protection service provider. This is a daunting task. In the process, you may neglect to obtain critical pieces of information from your existing contractor. This can cause problems for your new provider and possibly land you in hot water down the road. If you want to know how to change fire protection companies seamlessly, then obtain fire protection service records and note irregular services.
Collect Fire Protection Service Records
If you work with a reliable fire protection company, then you probably have all the service records for the work they’ve completed. But because there are so many records and years of service to keep track of, you may misplace a file. Even the best company might forget to provide you with a record for a minor repair. Ask your service provider for a copy of their services to mitigate this issue. Then you can compare their fire protection system service records to your copies. This ensures you have all the same information.
Note Irregular Fire Protection Services
Note when the company last performed irregular services. For example, some fire protection services are only required every few years and are easily overlooked. You won’t know when they last performed certain tests without the proper records. Unfortunately, this information is a nightmare to track down if you change fire protection companies regularly. Here are a few items you should keep track of based on NFPA requirements:
- Full trip test dry pipe systems – 3 years
- Replacing gauges fire sprinkler – 5 years
- Obstruction, internal inspection of fire sprinkler piping – 5 years
- Hydrostatic test fire sprinkler standpipes and FDC – 5 years
- Fire extinguisher maintenance – 6 years
- Auxiliary pressure container testing kitchen hood wet and dry chemical – 12 years
- Hose assembly testing kitchen hood, wet, and dry chemical – 12 years
- Wet and dry chemical kitchen hood container testing – 12 years
- Dry chemical in stored pressure system maintenance – 6 years
- External visual of cylinders clean agent, halon, carbon dioxide – 5 years
- Hose testing clean agent and halon – 5 years
- Hydrostatic test cylinder carbon dioxide – 5 years
- Smoke detector sensitivity – 2 years
- Fire damper inspection and testing every – 4 years and every 6 for hospitals
You may neglect to obtain all your service records from your previous contractor when going through the process of changing fire protection companies. This critical error can result in servicing irregular items at improper intervals. If you’re planning on making the switch, get all your fire protection service records. Take a note of when irregular items were last serviced. Additionally, speak to your Authority Having Jurisdiction and confirm that your facility meets all of the code requirements.
Categorized in: Education, Fire Alarms, Fire Damper, Fire Pumps, Fire Sprinklers, Fire Suppression, General