What Is an Out of Service Fire Protection System?
In a fire emergency, every second matters. That’s why fire protection systems must be fully functional at all times. This isn’t just for safety, but also to comply with fire codes.
When a fire protection system is out of service, it won’t operate as intended during a fire event, which presents a hazard to the property, its occupants, and first responders. Examples of an out of service fire protection system include a fire sprinkler without water pressure, a suppression system without an extinguishing agent, or an offline fire alarm. Whatever the problem, even a short amount of downtime from your protection system can jeopardize lives, property, and regulatory compliance.
With over 45 years of protecting businesses, Fire Systems of Michigan is your single source for fire safety solutions.
The Risks of an Out of Service Fire Protection System
From property management to healthcare facilities and more, any commercial space should have fire protection systems.
Because each of these systems plays a part in preventing fires and fire damage, when just one is out of service, it can have serious consequences for your building. The major risks of an out of service fire protection system include:
- Increased fire hazards: Without a fully functioning suppression system, a small flame can quickly escalate into a major disaster.
- Legal liability: As a property owner, you can face citations, fines, or lawsuits for failing to maintain your fire protection system.
- Potential for business shutdown: Beyond liability, your business could get shut down if the system failure poses an immediate danger.
- Greater damage costs: Part of a fire protection system is to minimize any damage. So, when a few components aren’t working, fire and smoke damage can be more catastrophic.
- Danger to occupants: Most importantly, an impaired fire protection system puts anyone inside (like employees, customers, tenants, and emergency responders) at greater risk.
Steps to Take When a Fire Protection System Is Out of Service
It might not always be obvious when your fire protection system is impaired. A few signs to watch out for include unusual sounds, pressure loss in sprinklers, missing extinguishing agents, or an alarm system that doesn’t activate. If your system is out of service, you are required to follow these steps:
- Notify the fire department and the fire official immediately that your system is out of service.
- Assign an impairment coordinator, such as an owner, property manager, or maintenance staff, to oversee the situation until the system is completely restored.
- Review and comply with your fire protection impairment program. For more information, refer to your local fire and NFPA codes.
- Have a professional, like Fire Systems of Michigan, provide a quote to inspect and repair or replace any components that compromise the system.
- Review the inspection or service report from your professional technician.
How Our Techs Handle Out of Service Fire Protection Systems
Because we know how important a fully functioning fire protection system is, the Fire Systems of Michigan team will spring into action to resolve your impaired system:
- Immediate on-site notification: Our technician will inform your staff that the system is impaired. If no one is onsite, we’ll email the contact on file.
- System tagging: We will tag the out of service component so it’s clearly recognizable.
- Written notice: We will provide an impairment notice listing the affected system(s) and outlining the next steps.
- Repair or replacement quote: We will send a detailed quote for repairing or replacing any components affecting the fire protection system.
- Notify the AHJ: Finally, where required by code and jurisdiction, we will notify the fire code official for you. Please note that Fire Systems of Michigan will not act as your impairment coordinator or provide fire watch services.
We want to ensure that you, your employees, your property, and your valuables are safe from potential fire dangers. We approach your out of service fire protection process with tremendous care, urgency, and safety.
Why Choose Fire Systems of Michigan?
Trust the team that’s been helping Michigan businesses like yours for decades. As a customer-first company, Fire Systems of Michigan offers fast, effective solutions that give you—and everyone inside your building—peace of mind.
Call Fire Systems of Michigan today to request a quote for out of service fire system services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an impairment coordinator, and why do I need one?
The impairment coordinator is an employee responsible for managing the process of resolving an out of service fire protection system. They will be the go-to contact for everything related to the situation.
Where can I find the contact for my local fire code official?
Your local city, county, or state will have contact information on their website for the Fire Marshal, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and fire department.
Do I need to contact the AHJ about my situation?
Yes, the AHJ must be notified when any of your fire protection systems are out of service. They may facilitate a fire watch, suspend hazardous processes, require alternative fire protection, or, in severe cases, order a building evacuation.
Will I be on fire watch while the system is down?
Not necessarily, as only a Fire Marshal can place you on fire watch. Your insurance company may also restrict your business activities while the system is out of order.
Can Fire Systems of Michigan perform repairs and restore the system while onsite?
If our technician has the required materials to restore or repair the system, they will seek approval to perform the repairs. If not, they will send a quote to your facility contact for approval and return at a later date.
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