LPC Rules Update on Sprinkler System Service and Maintenance
As the leading provider of service and maintenance for fire suppression systems we pride ourselves on keeping our clients up to date on regulation changes and developments that effect the maintenance of live systems.
There has been a change to the LPC Rules incorporating BSEN12845 – TB203, which specifically covers the requirements for testing and maintenance of your sprinkler systems.
The guiding body has produced an update to TB203 relating to the vital testing of fire pumps. The change indicates that fire pumps, when running, should be manned from a safe location whenever they are in operation, this includes when carrying out the mandatory weekly test on the pump themselves and when the pumps are used to carry out weekly bell checks on the individual systems at your facilities.
How can this be achieved? There are a few options:
- You may provide a member of your team to monitor the pumps. This will typically be someone always stood outside the pump house / room (in a safe location as above) in mobile / radio contact with the weekly testing engineer. Please note – this person should undergo training* to be classed as competent in the event of a problem arising. A competent person must understand what to do in the event of a problem with the fire pump and how to safely shut it down.
- Alpine can provide an extra operative to carry out the above duties. Please note – this will incur additional costs.
- With agreement from your insurer, the pumps can be un-attended (as is the case currently) whilst carrying out the required tests. This will present a risk that you would need to be fully aware of if the pumps were not able to be stopped in the event of an incident where our engineer could not shut the pumps down. Alpine Fire Engineers would not be held liable for any damages that occurred to the pump/s if they were not attended in testing operation.
We are aware that this is a significant change and some consideration will be needed. Alpine will support our clients to come to the best solution dependent on their site, however as with all things we advise to take insurers advice and keep them informed of any changes to your service and maintenance regime.
The new guidance is effective from the start of any new agreements.
If you are a current client of Alpine, or a looking for advice around fire sprinkler systems maintenance, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service on 0161 791 4500 or [email protected] should you have any questions or require assistance.
