ANNEX A 13–343

If valves are locked, any distribution of keys should be re-

stricted to only those directly responsible for the fire protec-
tion system. Multiple valves should not be locked together;
they should be individually locked.
The individual performing the inspections should deter-
mine that each valve is in the normal position, properly locked
or sealed, and so note on an appropriate record form while
still at the valve. The authority having jurisdiction should be
consulted for assistance in preparing a suitable report form
for this activity.
Wet pipe system Dry pipe system Identification signs should be provided at each valve to in-
dicate its function and what it controls.
The position of the spindle of OS&Y valves or the target on
the indicator valves cannot be accepted as conclusive proof
that the valve is fully open. The opening of the valve should be
followed by a test to determine that the operating parts have
functioned properly.
The test consists of opening the main drain valve and per-
mitting free flow of water until the gauge reading becomes
stationary. If the pressure drop is excessive for the water supply
involved, the cause should be determined immediately and
the proper remedies taken. When sectional valves or other
Wet pipe and dry pipe system special conditions are encountered, other methods of testing
should be used.
If it becomes necessary to break a seal for emergency rea-
sons, the valve, following the emergency, should be opened by
the person responsible for the fire protection of the plant, or
his or her designated representative, and this person should
apply a seal at the time of the valve opening. This seal should
be maintained in place until such time as the authority having
jurisdiction can replace it with one of its own.
Seals or locks should not be applied to valves reopened
after closure until such time as the inspection procedure is
carried out.
Where water is shut off to the sprinkler or other fixed
Preaction system Deluge system
water-based fire suppression systems, a guard or other quali-
fied person should be placed on duty and required to continu-
ously patrol the affected sections of the premises until such
Check valve Deluge valve time as protection is restored.
Indicating type control valve During specific critical situations, a person should be sta-
Fire department connection
Alarm valve tioned at the valve so that the valve can be reopened promptly
Preaction valve if necessary. It is the intent of this section that the person re-
Dry pipe valve main within sight of the valve and have no other duties beyond
this responsibility. This procedure is considered imperative
FIGURE A.8.16.1.1 Examples of Acceptable Valve Arrange- when fire protection is shut off immediately following a fire.
ments. An inspection of all other fire protection equipment
should be made prior to shutting off water in order to make
sure it is in operative condition.
Where electrical supervision is not provided, locks or seals In case of changes to fire protection equipment, all pos-
should be provided on all valves and should be of a type ac- sible work should be done in advance of shutting off the water
ceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. so that final connections can be made quickly and protection
Seals can be marked to indicate the organization under restored promptly. Many times it will be found that by careful
whose jurisdiction the sealing is conducted. All seals should be planning open outlets can be plugged and protection re-
attached to the valve in such a manner that the valves cannot stored on a portion of the equipment while the alterations are
be operated without breaking the seals. Seals should be of a being made.
character to prevent injury in handling and to prevent reas- Where changes are being made in underground piping, all
sembly when broken. When seals are used, valves should be possible piping should be laid before shutting off the water for
inspected weekly. The authority having jurisdiction can re- final connections. Where possible, temporary feed lines, such
quire a valve tag to be used in conjunction with the sealing. as temporary piping for reconnection of risers by hose lines,
A padlock, with a chain where necessary, is especially desir- and so forth, should be used to afford maximum protection.
able to prevent unauthorized closing of valves in areas where The plant, public fire department, and other authorities hav-
valves are subject to tampering. When such locks are em- ing jurisdiction should be notified of all impairments to fire
ployed, valves should be inspected monthly. protection equipment.

2016 Edition