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The
Division of Fire Safety has received information regarding wide-spread
deficiencies in the periodic inspection and testing, as performed by
some servicing companies, of commercial range hood suppression systems.
The specific requirements for inspection,
testing and maintenance criteria are provided in Chapter 5 of the Uniform
Fire Code and are in accordance with the provisions of the 1994 Edition
of NFPA 17 and 17A.
All systems shall be inspected and
tested for proper operation at six-month intervals by a trained person
who has undergone the instructions necessary to perform reliably the
maintenance and recharged service and who has the applicable manufacturer’s
installation manual and service bulletins.
A complete written record of all
tests and inspections are to be maintained on the premises and made
available to the fire official. Tests
shall include a check of the detection system alarms and releasing devices,
including manual stations and other associated equipment.
These tests must determine that manual and automatic-activating
devices, equipment interlocks (i.e. fuel shutdowns/gas, electric shunts)
and alarms (if provided) function as intended.
System agent containers shall be
inspected to ensure that hydrostatic testing has been performed at intervals
not exceeding 12 years. Fixed
temperature sensing elements of fusible metal alloy (fusible links)
shall be replaced at least annually from the date of installation.
n conducting inspections
of commercial kitchen systems, inspectors should pay close attention
to the following requirements:
(a) The maintenance tag or certification is in place
and validated every six (6) months.
(b) The extinguishing system is in the proper location.
(c) The manual actuators are unobstructed.
(d) The tamper indicators and seals are intact.
(e) The pressure gauge(s), if provided, is in operable range.
(f) The appropriate fuel shut-off(s) (gas, electric)
are in place and operable.
(g) The nozzle blow-off caps are intact and undamaged. (where provided)
(h) The hydrostatic
testing has been performed at intervals not exceeding 12 years.
(i) The fusible link(s) has been replaced annually.
(j) No obvious physical damage or condition exists
that might prevent operation.
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