We run into this type of scenario almost weekly. I stand firm on the painted head issue and if I were in your situation I would only agree to cleaning of the heads with a letter of indemnification. Use language such as "this will serve to indemnify the undersigned, it's agents, employees and underwriters from any damages or reprisals resulting from the operation or operational failure of the fire sprinkler system in the following areas". Have it notarized and send copies to the AHJ, the owner, and the owners underwriter via certified mail, return receipt requested. Have the owner or AHJ describe in detail the cleaning process that you should use.
Once you do this you will shift the burden of liability from yourself. See how quickly their tone changes after they find themselves in the position that they have attempted to place you in. John W. Farabee, Vice President Bass United Fire and Security 561-707-5150 ________________________________ From: Matthew J. Willis <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, April 25, 2013 4:46:17 PM Subject: RE: Cleaning Sprinklers Also, do not forget to refer to the technical data sheets for more support for NOT cleaning a painted sprinkler. R/ Matt -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Matthew J. Willis Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 4:42 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Cleaning Sprinklers HE cannot be held responsible. He doesn't carry the insurance your company does for doing the work per code/regulations. Whims and on the spot calls are not allowed. Do what you know or are comfortable with in accordance with Adopted standards and Regulations. " If it ain't in writing, it ain't worth fighting.." R/ Matt -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ford, Charles Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 4:34 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Cleaning Sprinklers My sentiment exactly. He is beyond his authority and might, himself, be held responsible if anything were to happen based on his "orders". C. Burton Ford NICET Certified IV NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist Cintas Fire Protection Inc 1038 Conshohocken Rd Conshohocken, PA 19428 Tel 610-233-1400 Fax 610-233-1401 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Cahill, Christopher Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 4:19 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Cleaning Sprinklers Who's preventing anything? Pull a permit, if necessary, replace the heads and move on. What's he going to do? Tag you for replacing the heads? When he walks out after inspection put the baggies on the heads. Chris Cahill, PE* Senior Fire Protection Engineer, Aviation & Facilities Group Burns & McDonnell 8201 Norman Center Drive Bloomington, MN 55437 Phone: 952.656.3652 Fax: 952.229.2923 [email protected] www.burnsmcd.com Proud to be one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For *Registered in: MN -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of JD Gamble Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 2:28 PM To: Mike Henke Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: Cleaning Sprinklers 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. To submit a question by phone: *Call +1 800 344-3555, option 3, between the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm (EST) Monday through Friday. Please have your NFPA membership number on-hand. To submit a question online: *Visit the relevant document information page by selecting your document from the complete list of NFPA codes and standards. You may also go directly to a document information page by typing "www.nfpa.org/document#" (ie. www.nfpa.org/70) in your browser address bar. *Select the "Technical Questions" tab on the document information page. Not an NFPA member? Join NFPA today to get access to technical support and information to help you make the right choices in your on-the-job decisions. 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 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org This e-mail transmission contains information that is intended to be confidential and privileged. 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