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NFPA 25 ISSUES

NFPA 25 ISSUES

NFPA 25 ISSUES

(OP)
Dear Friends of Eng-Tips Forums

The reason for this posting is to discuss an ongoing subject that appears not to be so important to those involved in the fire protection business.
The subject is the proper training and certification requirements for those performing water based systems inspection & testing throughout the country. For the past years I have spent most of my time doing research, comparing inspection reports, providing NICET training, etc., but for some reason it seems clear to me that the combination of training and mandatory certification must be implemented by all business owners asap.

Some of the main issues I continue to find are:
NFPA 25-2002 Section 5.2.1.2 Obstruction to Spray Patterns
This section seems to be the most complicated of all since it covers a diverse type of issues as describe on NFPA 13. The main misconception is that it only covers 18" rule below the sprinkler heads. Not True. This section covers all obstructions applicable to spray patterns as shown on NFPA 13. For example a large banner next to a sprinkler head is considered an obstruction to spray pattern.

NFPA 25-2002 Section 4.1.2.2 Manufacturer's Instructions
This section is another one that even though is not really covered on this document it is well covered under products literature. Mixed specific products can not be used with other brands otherwise it voids warranty. Inspection and Testing procedures shall be performed as required by manufacturer's specs.

NFPA 25- 2002 Section 12.7.2 FDC
This one here is the most common mistake made by inspectors in the field. Plugs or caps are missing but do not recommend the internal inspection of the FDC, instead recommends the installation of caps. Has anybody look inside an FDC bottom elbow when missing caps over 5 years? Take a wild guess.

NFPA 25 -2002 Handbook Section A4.1.4 Recall Products
It seems a bit disturbing that 10 years have passed since the recall announcement but yet the industry still have inspectors that do not recognize the most common recall heads in the field. That to me is not acceptable. Many other products where recalled in the past and still 90% of inspectors don't know this.

We need to ensure that all field personnel obtain proper training and require them to be certified in order to move up the ladder.
The person giving such training must be certified as well in order to ensure proper guidance to our techs.

RE: NFPA 25 ISSUES

I share your concerns.
All of our Inspectors are trained through an Apprenticeship Program and State Certified.
Continual Education should be required in any profession, including fire sprinkler inspections.
I disagree with your statement that business owners in the fire protection business are not concerned with competent inspections.
Many companies belong to the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), which is actively involved in the code development process. The NFSA conducts training for governmental and contractor members across the country.
We are also a union signatory company and the Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 Union regularly conducts training classes for its members.

As with anything else, the customer always has the choice of hiring a professional, established company or one of less experience.

Forest Wilson
Cherokee Fire

RE: NFPA 25 ISSUES

(OP)
I did not mean to include all business owners but I have experience many, many of them that just did not had the drive to execute accurately.
Its just part of the game unfortunately. No debate in this case

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