Gaps in ITM Standards--An Evaluation of Potential Solutions
William Koffel, Koffel Associates, Inc.
Amanda Kimball, Fire Protection Research Foundation
Matthew Klaus, NFPA

Format: Audio MP3 Download: $18
Audio Compact Disc: $23

The intent of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, is to confirm that the system components in place are in good working order and will function properly if a fire event occurs. However, the scope of this standard, when considering inspection-related activities, is limited to "wear and tear" issues; it doesn't cover deficiencies in system design or installation. This creates a situation where safety hazards can remain in place without any protocol for identifying them. This gap in the ITM standards raises the following questions: Should NFPA 25's scope be reconsidered? Should a new standard on conducting design evaluations be developed? Should NFPA 3, Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, address a periodic system "re-commissioning activity" for some or all occupancies? Should these re-commissioning events be addressed by the occupancy chapters of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code? This session will discuss these and other questions addressed in a Fire Protection Research Foundation Workshop.