What to Inspect While We’re Inspecting

Annual Inspections:  What You Need to Know

As a business owner or property manager, you have a lot on your plate. When it comes to annual inspections of fire and security systems, you might not be aware of all you need to know. In this blog, I’ll give you the inside scoop on the Brothers Fire & Security inspection process.

Some fire and security companies perform annual inspections, but don’t provide repairs or dedicated account management services. It can be costly—and even chaotic—to have inspections performed by one company and repairs done by another. As a result, service needs after inspections sometimes get put off. While your company is inspected, it can still be vulnerable because often issues may not be resolved correctly.

However, Brothers Fire & Security offers the bundled approach to inspections, which saves you time, money and stress. Not only do we coordinate and perform annual inspections, but your dedicated account manager will make sure that all repairs and system deficiencies are addressed quickly and cost effectively. We take the customer approach to make sure that you are always satisfied with all of your fire and security services.

Your fire and security systems has many moving parts that need to be inspected and serviced annually. Here’s what Brothers Fire & Security will do for you.

Sprinkler Systems

Our external visual inspection looks for:

• Exposed leaks
• Areas that need to be covered or are not properly covered.
• Corroded pipes
• Missing hangers
• Outdated or Recalled Fire Sprinkler Heads

Our check list includes:

• Are the sprinkler heads in good shape? Did they get painted over and need to be replaced?
• Is your system designed to what you are currently storing or how you are using the building?
• Are the systems set up to perform properly?
• Are the flood switches and control values monitored correctly? Do they open and close properly? We “exercise the valve” to make sure that it will stop the flow of water as needed.
• Is the paddle broken or bad, and will it hold the water back?
• Is the timing of the flow switch adequate?

Dry Valve Systems

Brothers Fire & Security completes all of the above, PLUS:

• Are air pressure levels within the specific range for the system?
• Is the clapper gasket functioning? We open the face plate and take the air pressure off the clapper gasket to make sure it will not be in a stuck position if activated.

Fire Pumps

• We test the pump to make sure it’s performing as it was factory designed.
• We create a hydraulic curve based on output.
• We check the three performance capacity points for pressure and flow:
  • Churn: We make sure that the water is circulating correctly in a loop and recaptured.
  • 100 percent capacity: Is the pump performing at capacity?
  • 150 percent capacity: Will the pump perform at this level if needed to address the intensity of a fire?

Fire Alarm Systems

Brothers Fire & Security tests all the devices connected to the fire alarm panel:

• Smoke detectors
• Poles
• Horns
• Strobe Lights
• Heat detectors

Security Systems

While not all systems are required to be tested annually, it’s an excellent idea to include them in your coordinated annual inspections.

• Is card access working correctly at all entry and exit points?
• Is the system programmed properly?
• Do all the cameras work and do they record correctly?
• Do you have the right people authorized with the appropriate level of clearance?

Kitchen Hoods

Brothers Fire & Security takes a close look and makes adjustments.

• Replace the links as needed on the nozzles.
• Confirm that the physical wire connections are working so if you have to manually activate the system it will work.
• Make sure the tank is full of chemical and in good operating condition.
• Check the nozzles to be sure they are pointed directly and working properly. Sometimes equipment gets moved and the kitchen hood nozzles are not positioned correctly, new ones are needed, or existing nozzles need to be rewired to meet requirements.

Extinguishers

Extinguishers should be available every 75 feet in hallways and visible. Our job is to:

• Weigh the extinguisher to make sure it has the proper amount of chemical.
• Make sure the hose is attached correctly and in good working order.
• Check the gage.
• Check the pull pin.
• Make sure it has a new seal.
• Update the tag with current inspection information.

If you have any questions about your annual inspection, call your Brothers Fire & Security account manager.

ABOUT BROTHERS FIRE & SECURITY

As one of the premier providers of fire and security solutions in the Upper Midwest, Brothers Fire & Security strives to build long-term, value-added relationships. We work with business owners and property management companies, as well as all types of public institutions to solve fire and security needs. By taking advantage of our integrated bundled services, many of our clients find that they can save 25-30% on their safety services, annual inspections and more. From a single location to franchises throughout the region and the country, our integrated approach saves our clients valuable time, money and stress. We provide fire protection systems, security systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, 24-7 monitoring, fire extinguishers, card access and kitchen hoods.