Special Fire Suppression Systems – Custom (SP-C)

Special Fire Suppression Systems Inspection & Testing Competency Guide (SP-C)

General Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of Installation requirements.
  • Knowledge of parts and their sources.
  • Knowledge of inspection procedures.
  • Knowledge of Manufacturers Inspection and Test requirements

Applicable Codes:

  • Vancouver Fire By-law
  • B.C. Fire Code
  • B.C. Building Code
  • Vancouver Building By-law
  • NFPA 11 – Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems.
  • NFPA 11A – Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems.
  • NFPA 12 – Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
  • NFPA 12A – Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems.
  • NFPA 12B – Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems
  • NFPA 15 – Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.
  • NFPA 16 – Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems and Foam-Water Spray Systems.
  • NFPA 17 – Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems.
  • NFPA 17A – Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems.
  • NFPA 18 – Wetting Agents.

Competencies – Technician is able to:

Note: The certification from ASTTBC does not supersede or preempt any certifications required by the manufacturer of special fire suppression systems.

  1. Inspect and Test as per the requirements of the applicable standard as indicated above.
  2. Inspect Operating and Maintenance instructions.
  3. Inspect Valves and Controls.
  4. Inspect Extinguishing Agent Containers.
  5. Inspect Discharge Outlets.
  6. Inspect Piping and Equipment.
  7. Inspect the hazard for which the Fire Suppression Systems is designed.
  8. Inspect and Test in accordance with the Manufacturers Instructions.
  9. Prepare a clear and accurate inspection and test report.
  10. Communicate to the owner or authorized agent.
  11. 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 and manufacturer’s requirements.
  2. Inspect the “operating and maintenance instructions” to determine that they are posted in proximity to the equipment and shall be located near manual controls.
  3. Inspect the Valves and Controls to ensure they are clearly marked to indicate their function and shall be accessible at all time.
  4. Inspect the Extinguishing Agent Containers to determine they are fully charged with the proper quantity of extinguishing agent and the appropriate operating pressure.
  5. Inspect Discharge Outlets to ensure they are kept free of dirt and residue.
  6. Inspect Piping and Equipment to ensure it is secure and accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
  7. Inspect the equipment for which the system is protecting to ensure that there is not an increased hazard for which the system is designed.
  8. Inspect and test in accordance with the Manufactures Instructions. The Technician shall be required to submit documented training on each system he inspects and tests.
  9. Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports and maintain records for the authority having jurisdiction.
  10. Communicate clearly with the owner or authorized agent and make recommendations for deficiencies that need to be rectified.
  11. 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.

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