The importance of fire suppression system inspections

Key takeaways:

• There’s no question fire suppression systems are vital for schools — but they should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they can continue to keep students and staff safe.
• Schools can accomplish monthly inspections of their systems on their own, as long as they adhere to a specific checklist.
• However, when it comes to quarterly, annual and five-year inspections, schools should bring in a third-party vendor.

When an insurance company is surveying a school to determine insurability and rates, it takes many factors into consideration — including whether the facility is compliant with federal inspection guidelines.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has very specific requirements related to fire suppression systems. CM Regent’s role is to make sure school districts are bringing in professional inspectors to meet those criteria.

According to the NFPA, civilian fire deaths and injuries between 2017 and 2021 in buildings with sprinkler systems were 90% and 32% lower, respectively, than in those without such systems. The evidence is clear: Sprinklers save lives.

The combination of both sprinklers and fire extinguishers can significantly reduce a school’s risk of building damage, injuries and deaths. But they can’t do so if they aren’t working. Schools should inspect their fire suppression systems on the following schedule:

Monthly (can be performed in-house)

• Clean the system, identify any damage, and check the servicing tag and gauge on fire extinguishers.
• Inspect the gauges and servicing tags on the sprinkler systems.
• Inspect the gauges, nozzle blow-off caps and clearance of pull stations for automatic extinguishing suppression systems commonly found in kitchens.
• Visually inspect the servicing tags, filters, sprinkler heads and clearance of pull stations for spray booth suppression systems.
• Perform a visual inspection of fire alarm control equipment and batteries, and conduct functional tests of certain initiating devices (e.g., smoke/heat sensors).
• Document all inspections and report any defects. Most service tags will have available space to provide initials and the inspection date.

 Quarterly (should be performed by an outside company)

• Inspect for physical damage to the supervisory alarm devices and water flow alarms.
• Test the sprinkler system water flow alarms.
• Inspect the hydraulic nameplate. This metal nameplate will provide information including the design area, system demand and name of the installing contractor.
• Inspect the valves to verify they are in good condition, not leaking and are in the open position.
• Document all inspections and complete any necessary repairs.

Annually (should be performed by an outside company)

• Inspect and tag automatic extinguishing suppression systems commonly found in kitchens. This will include inspection and replacement of any fusible links, sprinkler heads and testing the operation of the system and its components.
• Inspect and tag spray booth suppression systems.
• Inspect and tag the sprinkler system. This inspection will include a full test of all fire sprinkler system components.
• Thoroughly test all fire alarm components, including smoke detectors, pull stations, notification appliances (horns/strobes) and monitoring connections.
• Document all inspections and schedule any necessary repairs.

Every five years

The NFPA requires sprinkler system inspections every five years by an outside organization to identify corrosion or blockages in the system. This inspection shall include an internal examination at a minimum of four points in the system. It shall also include an examination of sprinkler heads where they may be subject to excess corrosion such as swimming pool areas.

It’s important that schools maintain a rigorous inspection schedule not only to keep students and staff safe, but also to keep their budget under control. They can potentially lower the cost of insurance by proving they’re compliant with all laws and regulations.

Check out these articles for more risk management information about fire suppression systems and other ways to help protect your buildings.

Q&A about fire suppression system inspections

Q: Why do insurance companies evaluate fire suppression systems in schools?
A: Because compliance with safety standards — like NFPA guidelines — affects both insurability and insurance rates.

Q: What evidence shows the effectiveness of sprinkler systems?
A: Buildings with sprinklers had 90% fewer fire deaths and 32% fewer injuries compared to those without them (2017–2021 data).

Q: How often should fire suppression systems be inspected?
A: Monthly (in-house), quarterly and annually (by professionals), plus a detailed internal inspection every five years.

Q: How can proper inspections benefit schools financially?
A: Staying compliant can reduce risks and potentially lower insurance costs by demonstrating strong safety practices.