Further, the number of Omega heads that may not operate in a fire is small. The vast majority of sprinkler systems, therefore, are extremely reliable and will provide the expected high degree of life and property safety. But fire departments need to ensure that fire protection devices have as close to zero problems as possible and thus should take immediate steps to locate all Omega heads in their jurisdictions. They should require that sample heads be removed and properly tested. If any heads fail the test, the fire department should order that all of the heads be replaced.
Fire departments can identify the models of sprinkler heads from installation plans.
If the plans are not available, OLS can supply identification charts to assist with inspecting each system. OLS can also supply fire officials with the test procedure, names of testing agencies and additional background material. They have been installed in buildings since 1898, and about 30 million sprinkler heads are now installed each year. The National Fire Protection Association reports that there have been no instances of multiple fatalities in buildings protected with sprinklers. Fire sprinklers for residential dwellings have been available since 1980.