§ 11-291. Inspection and test of fire protection systems, devices and equipment.

(a)

Acceptance test, generally. It shall be unlawful to occupy any building, structure, or any portion thereof, until all required fire protection systems have been tested, accepted, and approved by the appropriate fire official. Whenever it is likely that Fire/EMS Department personnel may need to operate installed systems, the Fire/EMS Department will be trained regarding these systems by the manufacturer's representative or installers.

(b)

Expenses. Inspection and tests of fire protection systems, devices, and equipment shall be conducted by and at the expense and risk of the owner or authorized representative.

(c)

Notification to Public Safety Communications. When testing any fire protection system, device, or equipment which is connected to a central supervisory station or directly to the Fire/EMS Department, notification shall be given to Public Safety Communications at least thirty (30) minutes prior to initiation of the test.

(d)

Frequency. The test pipe at the top of all fire extinguishing systems so equipped shall be operated at least once a year to determine that there is free flow at adequate pressure and that the supervisory service, if any exists, is operating properly.

(e)

Fire pumps. All fire pumps that automatically supply water to fire extinguishing systems or standpipes shall be operated periodically and at least once every thirty (30) days to assure that the fire pumps are operating properly.

(f)

Fire alarm systems (manual-pull stations). All interior fire alarm systems within all buildings shall be tested at least once every thirty (30) days. The use of the system for fire drill purposes shall be accepted as a test of only those parts of the system actually used in the drill procedure. Accurate logs shall be maintained on the premises indicating box number, location, date, and type of device tested. Any defect, modification, or repair shall be logged, and the log shall be available to the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(g)

Fire alarms (automatically activated). Fire warning systems and all alarms which monitor control valves and flow switches for fire protection and fire alarm equipment, and which transmit a signal to a central supervisory station, must be tested at least once a year.

(1)

Notification shall be given as required under Subsection (c) of this Section.

(2)

The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require the water control valves servicing the fire protection system(s) to be secured in an open position regardless of the supervision of said system. The ability to disable the redundant locking system shall be limited to that of the owner or occupant.

(h)

When required by other sections of this Code, the Life Safety Code, or other adopted referenced Fire Codes, specific occupancies shall be required to provide portable fire extinguishers. It shall be required that no portable fire extinguisher rated less than 2-A:10-B:C be allowed, and such portable fire extinguishers, when required, shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10.

(i)

Fire safety devices. Special fire safety devices including automatic smoke venting equipment, emergency generators, and any other special fire safety equipment required to be installed in any building, structure, or premises, shall be tested by the owner or authorized representative as prescribed by the Fire Chief or authorized representative.

(j)

Test records. A complete written record of all tests and inspections required under this Section, including servicing, repairs, or replacement of any portion of the system governed under this Section, shall be maintained on the premises by the owner or occupant in charge of said premises, and all such records shall be submitted to the Fire Chief or authorized representative when requested for inspection and evaluation.

(CB-107-1979; CB-80-2006)