Inspection / Fire Alarms
Fire Alarms Inspections
Inspection Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems
Rule 2-004 (1) of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code
Inspection Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems Rule 2-004 (1) of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code states that a contractor shall file with the Electrical Safety Authority an application for inspection for any work on an electrical installation within 48 hours.
There were concerns raised that Electrical Safety Authority would require an application for inspection for the replacement of devices associated with a fire alarm system or for the testing of a fire alarm system.
For example, during the testing of a fire alarm system, one test requires the removal of an end of line resistor to do the test. Strictly speaking this involves the breaking and remaking of a connection. Similarly, during the testing of the fire alarm system it may be discovered that a smoke detector or other devices needs to be replaced. Again, strictly speaking, this would involve the breaking and remaking of a connection.
Regular inspection and testing is required to be performed by the Ontario Fire Code (OFC) on existing fire alarm systems. Persons performing this work are required to be recognized in accordance with Article 1.1.5.3 (1) of the Ontario Fire Code. Service and maintenance requirements for fire alarms systems are covered by the regulations of the Ontario Fire Code.
Bulletin 2-15-0 was developed in conjunction with the Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM) office; the Canadian Fire Alarm Association and the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario to identify the inspection requirements associated with the testing and maintenance of existing fire alarm systems.
The bulletin gives the following Direction An application for inspection under rule 2-004 is not required for the inspection and testing of fire alarm systems for conformance to CAN/ULC-S536, "Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems", provided that accurate record keeping is made available to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) upon request. Examples of the type of work that do not require an application for inspection are:
• Control unit components, transponder component and/or field device component replacement;
• Like for like active field device and supporting field device replacement;
• Removal and replacement of devices for testing, and maintenance purposes.
An application for inspection is required under 2-004 when repair, replacement and alterations of fire alarm system components require compliance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Installation of Fire Alarm Systems". Examples of this are:
• Extension of the existing fire alarm system;
• Replacement of Control unit and or transponder;
• Relocation of field devices, control units and/or transponders;
• Replacement of fire alarm system wiring.
Rationale
The inspection and testing of fire alarm systems is required to be in accordance with Article 6.3.2.2 of the Ontario Fire Code, which requires conformance with CAN/ULC-S536, "Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems" This means that all fire alarm inspection and testing excluding alterations or addition of components fall under this category. ESA would rely on the record keeping that is required under the Fire Code and associated standards as the application for inspection, as permitted by Subrule 2-004 (5). These records would be available to the Electrical Safety Authority upon request.
(Note: it is the Owners responsibility for record keeping..... 2-004 (5) ...states that inspections as required by the Inspection department may be made at such time and in such manner as the inspection department determines. Rule 2-003 states that it is the owner's responsibility to maintain a record of electrical installations. The Service Provider will provide S536 documents to the Owner.)
Persons who repair, replace or alter components of a fire alarm system are required to conduct this work in accordance with Article 6.3.1.8. in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Installation of Fire Alarm Systems"., and requires an Application for inspection (Rule 2-004 (1) of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code)
Bulletin 2-15-0 (Inspection Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems), was issued in May 2003, details the inspection requirements for these systems.
For further information and how to acquire the complete bulletin, as well as others, please visit our website at www.esa-safe.com.
Ted Olechna,
P.Eng Provincial Code Engineer
Electrical Safety Authority
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Annually A fire alarm system, with or without voice communication capability, shall be inspected and tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S536, “Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems”.
"The fire alarm system must be inspected and tested by a qualified technician. A copy of the inspection certificate must be submitted to the fire department"
6.3.2.2.
Daily The central alarm and control facility shall be checked daily for indication of trouble in the system.
6.3.2.3.
Annually Voice communication systems Monthly Voice communication systems that are not integrated with a fire alarm system shall be tested monthly in compliance with Sentences (2) and (3) ** Voice communication systems are not required to be tested in conformance with Sentences (1) and (2) where the systems are regularly used as part of a paging system. **
6.3.2.5.(1)
Monthly Loudspeakers described in Sentence (1) shall be tested monthly as an all-call signal to ensure they function as intended.
6.3.2.5.(2)
Monthly Communication form at least one remote firefighter emergency telephone location to the control unit shall be tested monthly on a rotational basis so that communication from all remote firefighter emergency telephone locations are tested at least once per year.
CHECK, TEST, INSPECT REQUIREMENTS OF THE ONTARIO FIRE CODE
CHECK - Means visual observation to ensure the device or system is in place and is not obviously damaged or obstructed.
TEST - Means operation of device or system to ensure that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.
INSPECT - Means physical examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function. A record of all tests and corrective measures as required by the Ontario Fire Code will be retained for period of two years after they are made.
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Monthly Inspections
Ontario Fire Code
All occupancies covered by the Ontario Fire Code require monthly and annual inspections of portable extinguishers. Any dry chemical extinguisher, whether for private or commercial use, must be disassembled, inspected internally and re-built every 6 or 5 years and hydro statically tested every 12 years. Extinguishers containing other agents are subject to other periodic maintenance.
Inspections—Its the Law!
Article 1.1.1.1
Inspections of your portable fire extinguishers is the law in Canada Article 1.1.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, the owner is responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code.
Article 1.1.1.2. Where this Code requires that records of inspections, maintenance procedures or tests be retained for examination by the authority having jurisdiction, such records shall be retained during the required time interval between the inspections, maintenance procedures or tests, or for 2 years, whichever is greater.
Article 1.1.2.1. A written record shall be kept of all tests and corrective measures for a period of two years after they are made, and the record shall be made available upon request to the authority having jurisdiction.
At SCO we perform and complete an inspection with proper paper work and your report is then transferred to a PDF file and made available to you in both print and CD form. Your printed form will have a separate form with all listed inspection deficiencies found by our technicians with code references and recommendations and cost of repairs and or corrective measure.
Lost your inspection report? Not to worry we keep our reports on site for a minimum 5 years!
Fire Extinguishers
Portable Fire Extinguishers are essential for controlling a fire before it gets out of control. A partially charged, or neglected extinguisher may not be reliable in a fire situation. All occupancies covered by the Ontario Fire Code require monthly and annual inspections of portable extinguishers. Any dry chemical extinguisher, whether for private or commercial use, must be disassembled, inspected internally and re-built every 5 or 6 years and hydrostatically tested every 12 years. Extinguishers containing other agents are subject to other periodic maintenance.
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire Alarm Systems are required to be maintained in operable condition at all times. As well, fire alarm systems shall be inspected in conformance with ULC-S536 and the Ontario Fire Code. This code requires monthly and annual testing. Records must be kept by the building owner/manager for examination by your insurance company and/or the authority having jurisdiction. Only technicians who have completed the Canadian Fire Alarm Association Technician Education Program, or an equivalent course may perform repairs and inspections.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler Systems Automatic Sprinkler Systems (wet and dry) are required to be maintained in operable condition at all times. Maintenance and inspection is required monthly, quarterly and yearly as mandated by the Ontario Fire Code. These inspections ensure the sprinkler systems are operable and ready for use should the need arise. Records of your sprinkler systems must be kept by the building owner for examination by your insurance company and/or the authority having jurisdiction.