Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-24 - General safety and health standards › Part G-3 - FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT › Section 296-24-62999 - Appendix A-Fire detection systems

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
Installation and restoration.
Fire detection systems must be
				designed by knowledgeable engineers or other professionals, with expertise in
				fire detection systems and when the systems are installed, there should be an
				acceptance test performed on the system to insure it operates properly. The
				manufacturer's recommendations for system design should be consulted. While
				entire systems may not be approved, each component used in the system is
				required to be approved. Custom fire detection systems should be designed by
				knowledgeable fire protection or electrical engineers who are familiar with the
				workplace hazards and conditions. Some systems may only have one or two
				individual detectors for a small workplace, but good design and installation is
				still important. An acceptance test should be performed on all systems,
				including these smaller systems.
DOSH has a requirement that spare components used to replace
				  those which may be destroyed during an alarm situation be available in
				  sufficient quantities and locations for prompt restoration of the system. This
				  does not mean that the parts or components have to be stored at the workplace.
				  If the employer can assure that the supply of parts is available in the local
				  community or the general metropolitan area of the workplace, then the
				  requirements for storage and availability have been met. The intent is to make
				  sure that the alarm system is fully operational when employees are occupying
				  the workplace, and that when the system operates it can be returned to full
				  service the next day or sooner.
(2)
Supervision.
Fire detection
				systems should be supervised. The object of supervision is detection of any
				failure of the circuitry, and the employer should use any method that will
				assure that the system's circuits are operational. Electrically operated
				sensors for air pressure, fluid pressure, or electrical circuits, can provide
				effective monitoring and are the typical types of supervision.
(3)
Protection of fire detectors.
Fire detectors must be protected from corrosion either by protective coating,
				by being manufactured from noncorrosive materials or by location. Detectors
				must also be protected from mechanical impact damage, either by suitable cages
				or metal guards where such hazards are present, or by locating them above or
				out of contact with materials or equipment which may cause damage.
(4)
Number, location, and spacing of
				detectors.
This information can be obtained from the approval listing
				for detectors or NFPA standards. It can also be obtained from fire protection
				engineers or consultants or manufacturers of equipment who have access to
				approval listing and design methods.
Statutory Authority:
					 RCW
					  49.17.040 and
					 49.17.050. 82-02-003 (Order
					 81-32), § 296-24-62999, filed
					 12/24/81.