ABSTRACT
The term preventive maintenance obviously is used very extensively throughout industry, but is very seldom used when referring to the fire protection field or fire protection equipment. Fire protection equipment preventive maintenance should be a regular part of the overall preventive maintenance program at the facility. The self-inspection program will point out obvious problems with fire protection systems, which could include closed valves, a loss of power to a fire pump, obstructed sprinkler heads, the loss of heat in sprinklered areas, and many others. Special protective systems such as carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and halon systems should be part of the overall fire protection preventive maintenance program. Due to the specialized knowledge generally required for the proper servicing of such systems, it is suggested that service contracts be let to qualified firms for performance of these portions of the preventive maintenance program. In the safeguarding of lives and property, great dependence is placed upon fire protection equipment and systems.
