Thanks Mike.
This is the road we are currently on. I just wanted to get some feedback
from the forum on if they have had experiences with this and how they
responded.
Our response with educationally driven with an air of caution. we are being
directed (not asked) to clean sprinklers that we and the owner feel should
be replaced. We are also being directed to not install protection on the
new (or cleaned) sprinklers. It isn't the first time I have run into a
(well let's just call it different way of thinking) Fire Inspector with
these types of ideas. Our position remains that cleaning the sprinklers
will result in an unsafe level or even lack of fire protection in the most
combustible of areas in the facility and that not protecting the sprinklers
creates the same situation. Our dismay is that the OWNER is being prevented
from maintaining the fire sprinkler system to the highest level of readiness
because of an obvious misinterpretation of NFPA 25 while completely
disregarding NFPA 33.
I am also inviting professional opinions, should anyone wish to submit one.
You can email me for the exact onsite conditions.
JD Gamble
Life Safety Solutions of Sheridan
307-763-3361
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Henke
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:31 AM
To: JD Gamble ; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Cleaning Sprinklers
JD,
For the 2nd part of your question you can request a technical interpretation
of that section of the standard as indicated below. I copied this from the
NPFA web site.
Technical questions
We've created a more efficient way for members and Public Sector
Officials/AHJs to submit questions about codes and standards to NFPA staff.
Our Technical Questions Service provides a convenient way to receive timely
and consistent technical assistance when you need to know more about NFPA
codes and standards relevant to your work. Responses are provided by NFPA
staff on an informal basis.
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from the complete list of NFPA codes and standards. You may also go directly
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*Select the "Technical Questions" tab on the document information page.
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Important Notice: NFPA's Technical Questions Service is meant to provide
information on and assistance in accessing and understanding NFPA codes and
standards. Interpretations and opinions contained in responses provided in
fulfilling this service do not constitute Formal Interpretations issued
pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed, therefore, is the
personal opinion of the responder and does not necessarily represent the
official position of the NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition,
responses provided are not intended, nor should they be relied upon, to
provide professional consultation or services.
Regards,
mike
Mike Henke CET
Sprinkler Product Manager
Potter Electric Signal Co.
www.pottersignal.com
314-595-6740 Direct
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of JD
Gamble
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 6:02 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Cleaning Sprinklers
Anyone out there want to address the 'cleaning' of sprinklers as included in
NFPA 25, 2011 Ed.
A.5.2.1.1.2(5) - In lieu of replacing sprinklers that are loaded with dust,
it is permitted to clean sprinklers with compressed air or by a vacuum
provided that the equipment does not touch the sprinkler.
I have a situation where this is being interpreted to mean that sprinklers
covered with residue from a powder coating operation are to be cleaned by
order of the Fire Inspector.
Also, who can we contact with the NFPA 25 that may have already or will
address the intent of the above standard.
Thanks,
JD Gamble
Life Safety Solutions of Sheridan
307-763-3361
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