Fire protection equipment only works when it is properly serviced and maintained—but deficiencies are inevitable. Identifying, classifying, and correcting deficiencies are critical functions that NFPA standards and insurance policies require business managers and owners to perform. Want to learn more about fire protection system deficiencies? Join our live webinar on July 25 to discover the Top 10 Most Common Deficiencies and what you can do now to reduce the likelihood of these issues happening in your systems. Register today.
Types of Deficiencies
There are three types of deficiencies: Non-Critical, Critical, and Impairment.
Non-Critical Deficiency
It does not have a material effect on the ability of the fire protection system or unit to function in a fire event, but correction is needed to meet the requirements of this standard or for the proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system or unit.
Critical Deficiency
If not corrected, it can have a material effect on the ability of the fire protection system or unit to function as intended in a fire event
Impairment (Planned and Emergency)
This is a condition where a fire protection system or unit or portion thereof is out of order, and the condition can result in the fire protection system or unit not functioning in a fire event.
Common Fire Protection System Deficiencies
Fire Alarm Deficiencies
There are many components to fire alarms—each with its own inspection cycle. Some can easily be overlooked through inspections and fall under deficiency. It’s important to have inspections performed by a professional so nothing is missed.
- Dead or low batteries - indicated by fire alarm control panel
- Control panel is not communicating with the monitoring station to alert local first responders
- Initiating devices not detecting properly
- Pull station obstructions
- Notification appliance failed to sound
Fire Sprinkler Deficiencies
Fire sprinkler deficiencies can be all too common. All fire sprinkler systems need to be tested and regularly maintained to ensure the safety of all assets in the building.
- Gauges out of date
- Painted heads
- Internal blockage or corrosion
- FDC caps broken or missing
- Signage missing on all valves
Fire Suppression Deficiencies
A fire suppression system has built-in components that detect fires at the beginning stages through heat, smoke, and other warning signals. These are attached to an alarm system that will alert you when the fire has been detected and initiate steps for action to further suppress the fire. Suppression systems can easily malfunction if not maintained.
- Clogged nozzles
- Semi-annual inspection not completed
- Tank weight is incorrect and not inspected
- Cylinders have lost pressure or are leaking
- Liquid level indicators show leakage
Fire Extinguisher Deficiencies
Fire extinguishers are often the first thing in fire safety people think of when there is a fire. It’s critical to have these inspected annually, but visually inspected monthly so they don’t become deficient.
- Improper type and/or number
- Discharge
- Damaged units
- Travel distance not within code
- Gauges broken
Emergency and Exit Lighting Deficiencies
Emergency and exit lighting devices often become damaged over time. By performing daily checks, you ensure these systems are clear and performing as they should. These should not be overlooked just because they are already visible to everyone.
- Dim or burnt-out bulbs
- Damaged or hanging lights
- Dead backup batteries
- Arrows pointed in the wrong direction
- Lack of inspection and maintenance
Fire code deficiencies range from non-operable to suggested and each category has a variety of consequences related to them. All of these deficiencies can be avoided if you take the necessary steps in finding a preferred fire protection and life safety vendor to inspect, maintain, and manage your fire and safety systems. Hiring a preferred fire protection and life safety company ensures you and your company stay fire code compliant.
PSI Can Help
Our NICET-certified and factory-trained technicians ensure that each deficiency is properly identified, classified, and corrected so that your systems perform as expected. At every stage, our repair teams adhere to all NFPA standards, local building codes, and requirements specified by your insurance provider. When our team services your systems, you can rest comfortably knowing that your systems will deliver dependable life-saving performance.
Contact Performance Systems Integration to learn more about our custom deficiency management services to keep your buildings safe and secure.
