Fire Pump Systems Testing Competency Guide

	Installation of Sprinkler Systems
	Installation of Standpipe Systems
	Equipment to conduct the testing.

	Vancouver Fire Bylaw
	B.C. Fire Code
	NFPA 14 Installation of Standpipe Systems
	NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
	NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps.

Competencies - Technician is able to:

1	Conduct inspection and testing in conformance with applicable codes.
2	Conduct visual inspection for pump house conditions.
3	Conduct visual inspection of the Fire Pump System.
4	Conduct visual inspection of Electrical System Conditions.
5	Conduct visual inspection of Diesel Engine System Conditions.
6	Conduct visual inspection of Steam System Conditions.
7	Conduct inspection of all fire pump circulation relief valves.
8	Conduct inspection of all pressure relief valves.
9	Conduct a no-flow pump operation test.
10	Conduct a flow condition pump operation test.
11	Conduct a Pump System Procedure Test
12	Conduct an Electrical System Procedure Test.
13	Conduct a Diesel Engine System Procedure Test.
14	Conduct a Steam System Procedure test.
15	Conduct alarm tests.
16	Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports.
17	Communicate clearly with the owner or authorized agent.
18	Communicate clearly with the authority having jurisdiction

Performance factors - The technician is able to:

1	Understand and conduct all inspection and testing in conformance with the applicable code requirements.
2	Conduct inspections on item such as but not limited to, adequate heat and ventilating louvers free to operate.
3	Visually inspect Fire Pump system for, but not limited to, pump suction and discharge, piping leaks, pressure gauge reading normal and suction reservoir full.
4	Visually inspect Electrical System conditions for, but not limited to, Controller pilot light on, transfer switch normal, isolating switch closed, reverse phase alarm normal and oil level in vertical motor light glass normal.
5	Visually inspect Diesel Engine System Conditions for, but not limited to, fuel supply, controller in Auto position, battery voltage readings, alarm lights off, crankcase oil normal, cooling water normal.
6	Visually inspect Steam System Conditions for the steam pressure gauge reading normal.
7	Conduct an inspection of the relief valves to verify that when the pump is operating sufficient water flows through the valve when the pump is operating at shutoff pressure to prevent the pump from overheating. During the annual pump test it shall be verified that the circulation relief valve closes.
8	Conduct inspection of pressure relief valves to verify that the pressure downstream of the relief valve fittings in the fire pump discharge piping does not exceed the pressure for which the systems components are rated. During the annual pump test it shall be verified that the pressure relief valve is correctly adjusted.
9	Conduct a test of the electric motor driven pump assembly weekly without flowing water.
10	Conduct an annual flow test of each pump assembly under minimum, and peak flows of the fire pump by controlling the quantity of water discharged through appropriate test devices.
11	Conduct a Pump System Procedure test such as but not limited to, recording system suction and discharge pressure gauge readings, check for unusual noise or vibration, packing boxes for overheating and pump starting pressure.
12	Conduct a Pump System Procedure test such as but not limited to, time for motor to accelerate to full speed, record time controller is on first step and record time pump funs after starting ( for automatic stop controllers).
13	Conduct a Diesel Engine System Procedure test such as, but not limited to, time for engine to crank, time for engine to reach running speed, observe oil pressure gauge, speed indicator, water and oil temperature, observe abnormalities and check cooling water flow.
14	Conduct a Steam System Procedure Test such as, but not limited to, the recording of steam pressure and observe the time for turbine to reach running speed.
15	Conduct test of alarm conditions by simulating activation of alarm circuits at alarm sensor locations, and all such local or remote alarm indicating devices (visual and audible).
16	Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports and maintain records for the authority having jurisdiction.
17	Communicate with the owner or authorized agent and make recommendations for deficiencies that need to be rectified.
18	Communicate clearly with the authority having jurisdiction and advise him of any problems or unsafe conditions in the building.

Note: The above mentioned competencies are to be used as a guideline for the type of work the technician is required to do. For accurate testing references the appropriate code shall be consulted.