GSA Region 10 Dry Sprinkler System Guidelines.pdf

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GSA Region 10 – Dry Sprinkler Systems Guidelines

Description of Work

The entire dry-pipe automatic sprinkler system shall be designed in all areas (as described on the scope of the contract) in accordance with this document and contract specifications. Any reference to "authority having jurisdiction" shall be interpreted to mean the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer. All material and equipment used shall be listed or approved by UL, FM or another nationally recognized testing agency approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer, for their intended use and service.

For spaces in historic or culturally significant buildings, the A/E or Design-Build fire protection engineer or designer shall indicate special consideration in this section to ensure that the installation of the dry-pipe sprinkler system is conducted with minimal disturbances and damage to the historic fabrics of these areas. This includes ensuring that the visual integrity of these areas is least affected by the installation of the dry-pipe sprinkler system. Similar precautions should be considered for other architectural sensitive areas. Any questions with regard to installation of the dry-pipe sprinkler system in these areas shall be brought to the immediate attention of the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

Applicable Publications:

In addition to this document, Sprinkler system design, equipment, specialties, accessories, installation, and testing shall comply with the latest editions of the following codes and standards with all annexes and all required and advisory provisions of the following:

A. PBS-P100 - Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service B. NFPA – National Fire Protection Association C. ANSI A17.1 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators D. ADA & ABAAS – Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act

Accessibility Guidelines E. Guidelines for Fire Watches During Sprinkler and/or Fire Alarm System

Impairment in Federal Buildings (attachment #1) F. GSA Region 10 – Fire Alarm Design, Installation and Testing Policy

Performance Requirements

Each system shall be designed using the area/density design approach as defined by NFPA 13. The room design method shall not be used. Design and provide each system to give full consideration to blind spaces, piping, electrical equipment, ducts and other construction and equipment in accordance with detailed working drawings to be submitted for approval. Design systems for earthquake protection.

A. General Design Area Sizes and Densities

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1. Provide the appropriate sprinkler design density based on the occupancy hazard or commodity classification of the space being protected in accordance with NFPA 13.

2. The minimum discharge design area shall be the hydraulically most demanding 1,950 sq ft except as specifically noted below. There shall be no reduction in area for the use of quick response sprinklers.

3. Standard-Pressure Piping System Component: Listed for 175-psig minimum working pressure.

B. Specific Design Area Sizes and Densities

1. Loading Docks shall be sprinkler protected in accordance to NFPA 13 Ordinary Hazard Group II

2. Trash collection rooms shall be sprinkler protected in accordance to NFPA 13 Ordinary Hazard Group II.

3. Storage Rooms in excess of 1,500 sq. ft. shall be sprinkler protected in accordance to NFPA 13 Ordinary Hazard Group II.

C. Total Combined Inside & Outside Hose Allowances: Hydraulic calculations shall include an allowance of required by NFPA for hose streams, added at the point of connection to the water supply.

D. Sprinkler System Layout: Approved by GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

A. Other Design Criteria:

1. Margin of Safety for Available Water Flow and Pressure: 10 percent, including losses through water-service piping, valves, and backflow reventers.

2. Maximum protection area per sprinkler shall be per NFPA 13 unless noted otherwise.

3. Velocities in all piping shall not exceed 20 ft/sec. Velocities in standpipes must be calculated based on the combined sprinkler flow.

4. Water shall flow from the inspector’s trip test connection within a maximum time of 60 seconds regardless of system size.

5. Total Combined Hose-Stream Demand Requirement shall be according to

NFPA 13.

6. Hot dipped galvanized (internal and external) sprinkler piping must be used for all dry-pipe sprinkler systems

7. Interior pipe coatings are specifically prohibited where not listed for fire protection use.

B. Seismic Performance: Sprinkler piping shall withstand the effects of earthquake motions determined according to NFPA 13.

1. Seismic Expansion Joints: Provide flexible piping systems of a length that exceeds the maximum design movement of seismic expansion joints. The

G S A R e g i o n 1 0 P a g e | 3 use of 90 degree fittings in pipe as shown in NFPA 13 is specifically prohibited.

Submittals

A. Product Data: Submit to the Contracting Officer and/or Project Manager for each type of product indicated. Include rated capacities, operating characteristics, electrical characteristics, and furnished specialties and accessories. Partial submittals will not be acceptable and will be returned without review. Before any work is commenced, the submittal must be approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer. Manufacturer's data shall be provided for all products applicable to this project and annotated to show the specific model, type and size of each item:

B. Shop Drawings: submit drawings to the Contracting Officer and/or Project Manager that include all information as required by NFPA 13. Partial submittals will not be acceptable and will be returned without review. Before any work is commenced, the submittal must be approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer. Shop drawings shall include (as a minimum) plans with field verified proposed pipes and sprinkler head locations, elevations, sections, details, isometric diagram of sprinkler system riser piping showing all control valve locations, and attachments to other work.

C. Hydraulic Calculations. Submit name of hydraulic program and comply with the following:

1. Where a single riser supplies water to more than one floor or level, separate calculations shall be performed for the hydraulically most demanding area of each floor or level served.

2. Minimum operating pressure of any sprinkler shall be according to NFPA 13 and appropriate UL listing or FM approval.

D. As Built Drawings:

1. General: Prepare and submit to the Contractor Office and/or Project Manager detailed sets of "As-Built Drawings". The drawings shall show the system as installed, including all deviations from both the project drawings and the approved shop drawings. The drawings shall also include all information as required by NFPA 13. Submit these drawings within two weeks after the final acceptance test of the system.

2. Field Test Reports and Certificates: Submit test certification, to the Contractor Office and/or Project Manager, for all pipe and fittings. Indicate and interpret test results for compliance with performance requirements and as described in NFPA 13. Include "Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping."

3. Operation and Maintenance Data: Not less than 14 calendar days prior to the final acceptance testing of the entire system, and for use during the

G S A R e g i o n 1 0 P a g e | 4 instruction period herein after specified, provide bound copies of an Operation and Maintenance Manual to the Contracting Officer and/or Project Manager.

The manual shall include an index, copies of all approved shop drawings and submittal materials (updated to as-built), and a complete parts list of all components. The manual shall also include, for each item, the manufacturer's name, the serial number of the part, an ordering number, if appropriate, and a physical description of the part. The manual shall include all data relative to alarm valves, waterflow switches and tamper switches.

Quality Assurance

A. Qualifications:

1. Layout and hydraulic calculation shall be performed by a NICET Level III or IV

Technician certified in Automatic Sprinkler Systems Layout or a Registered Fire Protection Engineer.

2. Installation shall be performed by a licensed sprinkler contractor who is experienced in the layout and installation of automatic sprinkler systems (minimum 3 years) of comparable size and type.

3. Installer's responsibilities include layout, fabrication, and installation of sprinkler systems.

4. Drawings shall be sealed by a licensed Professional Fire Protection Engineer or be stamped by a NICET Level III or IV Technician certified in Automatic Sprinkler Systems Layout.

B. Guarantee. The Contractor shall guarantee labor, materials, and equipment provided under this contract against defects for a period of one (1) year after the date of final acceptance of this work by the Government (unless otherwise noted). Final Acceptance includes, but is not limited to, the receipt of as-built drawings and operation and maintenance manuals.

C. Conflicts. The system shall be installed in accordance with the drawings, specifications and referenced publications. Any conflicts between these documents shall be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer’s Representative, Project Manager, and the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

Project Conditions

A. Interruption of Existing Sprinkler Service: Do not interrupt sprinkler service to facilities without prior approval of the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer and the facility’s Senior Property Manager:

1. Existing Sprinkler Equipment: Existing sprinkler equipment shall be maintained fully operational until the new equipment has been tested and accepted by the Government as indicated in the contract.

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2. When sprinkler interruption is necessary, a written plan for putting the system back into service shall be submitted to the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer and the facility’s Building Management.

3. Equipment Removal: After acceptance of the new system by the Government, all existing equipment so indicated shall be removed and all damaged surfaces shall be restored as herein specified.

Coordination

A. Coordinate layout and installation of sprinklers with other construction that penetrates ceilings, including light fixtures, HVAC equipment, and partition assemblies.

B. Sprinklers shall be located in center of ceiling tile in all acoustical tile drop ceilings.

Products

A. All products shall be UL listed or FM approved for Fire Protection Service unless specifically addressed otherwise by the contract.

Signage

A. Provide aluminum signs for each valve and to identify hydraulic design. Signs shall have white lettering on a red background with holes for easy attachment.

Enter pertinent data for each system on the hydraulic placard.

B. Securely attach identification signs to control valves, drain valves, and test valves. Locate hydraulic placard information signs at each sectional control valve where there is a zone water flow switch. Where more than one sprinkler zone is provided, signs shall indicate the specific zone served by the valve.

Sprinkler Cabinet

A. Provide metal cabinet(s) as required containing a stock of spare sprinkler heads of all types and ratings installed as well as any special tools required for removal or replacement of the heads. The number of spare sprinklers shall conform to NFPA 13. The cabinet shall be located, in an area where the temperature will not exceed 100 degrees F, and approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

Alarm Devices

A. Pressure Switches:

1. Type: Electrically supervised water-flow switch with retard feature.

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2. Components: Double-pole, double-throw switch with normally closed contacts.

3. Design Operation: Rising pressure signals water flow.

B. High/Low Pressure Switch

1. Type: Electrically supervised pressure switch.

2. Components: Double-pole, double-throw switch with normally close contacts.

3. Design Operation: Loss of half of normal pressure to tripping point and when air pressure reaches 10 psi above normal pressure.

C. Valve Supervisory Switches:

1. Type: Electrically supervised with screw terminals.

2. Components: Double-pole, double-throw switch with normally closed contacts.

3. Design: Signals that controlled valve is in other than fully open position.

D. Indicator-Post Supervisory Switches:

1. Type: Electrically supervised with screw terminals.

2. Components: Double-throw switch with normally closed contacts.

3. Design: Signals that controlled indicator-post valve is in other than fully open position.

Piping Materials

A. Materials shall be interior and exterior hot dipped galvanized steel.

Sprinkler Installation

A. Branch Outlet Fittings:

1. Use welded, threaded or grooved outlets only.

2. Mechanical fastened tees are not permitted.

3. Where welded outlets are used, cutouts shall be fastened to the pipe from which they are cut.

B. General Requirements:

1. Pressure Rating for Automatic Sprinklers: 175 psig minimum.

2. Pressure Rating for High-Pressure Automatic Sprinklers: 300 psig.

3. Sprinklers with O-rings are not permitted.

C. Sprinkler Finishes:

1. Chrome plated.

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2. Bronze.

3. Painted.

D. Special Coatings:

1. Corrosion resistant coating.

E. Sprinkler Guards: Provide mechanical guards as required to prevent mechanical damage in accordance with NFPA 13, and as follows:

1. All sprinklers installed below 7 ft.

2. All sprinklers installed in elevator machine rooms.

3. All sprinklers installed in electrical distribution rooms.

F. Hangers

1. Provide materials to comply with location and application.

G. Temperature Rating: Install ordinary temperature sprinklers, unless modified herein the specification. Sprinklers installed in higher ambient temperature areas shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13.

1. For sprinklers installed directly underneath skylights, install intermediate temperature sprinklers.

2. Emergency Generator Rooms: Install high temperature sprinklers.

H. Corrosion Protection: Provide corrosion-resistant sprinklers in locations where chemicals, moisture, or other corrosive vapors sufficient to cause corrosion of such devices exist, and as follows:

1. Install corrosion-resistant sprinklers in all open parking garages

2. Install corrosion-resistant sprinklers where exposed to the exterior.

I. Quick Response Sprinklers:

1. Install in all areas where listed for use and in accordance with NFPA 13.

J. Flexible sprinkler fittings shall not be used.

K. Drains

1. Pipe drains to discharge at safe points outside of the building or to drains of adequate size to readily carry the full flow from each drain under maximum pressure. Do not provide a direct drain connection to sewer system or discharge into sinks. Install drips and drains where necessary and required by

NFPA 13.

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• All drain discharge outlets on the outside of the building shall be located no higher than 1 foot above grade level.

• Provide a floor drain within the dry-pipe valve assembly room.

• Drip drum drains are not required to be discharged to the exterior if not required to drain the piping system.

L. Firestopping and Fireproofing

1. Firestop all holes for piping, or other penetrations which pass through floor slabs, fire-rated walls, partitions with fire-rated doors, vertical service shafts, or any fire-rated assemblies. Existing holes through which new piping for this project passes shall be totally firestopped in a manner that restores the fire protection rating of the penetrated wall, floor, ceiling or other structure.

2. Where structural fireproofing is disturbed, damaged, or destroyed as a result of the sprinkler system installation, the contractor shall be responsible for restoring the fire proofing to the required fire resistance rating in an approved manner. This restoration shall be done in accordance with the UL listing or FM approval of the fireproofing materials, requirements of the building, fire, and life safety codes in effect for the project.

M. Sleeve Installation

1. General Requirements: Install sleeves for pipes and tubes passing through penetrations in concrete or masonry walls and floors.

2. Cut sleeves to length for mounting flush with both surfaces unless otherwise indicated by this specification.

3. Install sleeves that are large enough to provide minimum 1/4-inch annular clear space between sleeve and pipe. In seismic zones, for pipe 2½ inch and smaller install sleeves that are large enough to provide 1 inch annular clear space between sleeve and pipe, for pipe larger than 2½ (65 mm) inch install sleeves that are large enough to provide 2 inch annular clear space between sleeve and pipe.

4. Escutcheon plates shall be installed where exposed piping penetrates through walls, ceilings and floors.

5. Sleeves in Other Than Masonry and Concrete Walls, Floors, and Roofs:

Provide 26 gauge galvanized sheet steel.

6. Escutcheon plates shall be installed where exposed piping penetrates through walls, ceilings and floors.

N. The Contractor shall coordinate this sprinkler system work with other trades to avoid conflicts, assure system completion and testing within the project schedule and to assure a quality, workmanlike finished product. In occupied buildings the Contractor shall coordinate all work with the GSA Property Manager to limit the disruptions to government business and activities. This may mean altered scheduling, after hours work, and/or sequencing construction activities to avoid disruptions to occupants of the building.

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1. Disruptions to existing automatic sprinkler systems shall be kept to a minimum or avoided. Sprinkler systems outside of the construction project shall be kept in service at all times in a method approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

2. Delineate phasing of construction to ensure that installations of new systems are expedited, and existing systems are kept in service until the replacement system is operational.

Field Quality Control

A. Tests and Inspections:

1. Hydrostatically test dry-pipe sprinkler system, as required by NFPA 13, in the presence of the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer or their designated representative. The Contractor and an authorized representative from each supplier of equipment shall be in attendance at the preliminary test. Test waterflow alarms, tamper switches, and all other devices for smooth and correct operation. Test the waterflow alarms by flowing water through the inspector's test connection. When tests are completed and corrections made, submit signed and dated “Contractor’s Material and Test Certificates” in accordance with NFPA 13, with a request for final inspection and tests.

2. Test and adjust controls. Replace damaged and malfunctioning controls and equipment.

3. Flush, test, and inspect sprinkler systems according to NFPA 13.

4. Energize circuits to electrical equipment and devices.

5. Coordinate with fire-alarm tests. Operate as required.

6. Coordinate with fire-pump tests. Operate as required.

7. Verify that equipment hose threads are same as local fire-department equipment.

B. Final Inspection and Testing: Advise the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer when hydrostatic and alarm tests have been completed and all necessary corrections made, so as to permit final inspection and testing. Submit request for testing at least 15 calendar days prior to test date. A final acceptance test WILL NOT BE SCHEDULED until operation and maintenance manuals have been received by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer or designated representative.

1. At the final test, a material and test certificate must be provided in accordance with NFPA 13.

2. Submit up-to-date red-lined shop drawings to the GSA Regional Fire

Protection Engineer or designated representative at the final test. These drawings shall be undamaged sets of prints of the shop drawings, with changes from the original drawings marked in red. Up-to-date drawings shall be maintained on site throughout construction.

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3. The final test shall be witnessed by GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

The Contractor and an authorized representative from each supplier of equipment shall be in attendance at the final test.

4. Final testing shall include, but is not limited to, full flow testing through both the main drain and the inspector's test connection as well as testing of all waterflow and tamper switches.

5. Provide all equipment, services and labor to properly perform all required tests. The GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer shall supervise all testing.

C. Cleaning and Painting

1. Clean dirt and debris from sprinklers.

2. Remove and replace sprinklers with paint other than factory finish.

3. All patch and paint work must match the existing background and finish.

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Attachment 1 - Guidelines for Fire Watches During Sprinkler or Fire Alarm System Impairment in Federal Buildings

Note:

- The GSA Fire Protection Engineer shall witness the final test(s). At this time, any and all test(s) required to confirm system operation in compliance with the contract documents shall be repeated at the discretion of the Government. Should the fire alarm system or any of its components or interfaces to not operate as required, the GSA Fire Protection Engineer may cancel the final test and require the final test to be repeated when deficiencies are resolved to the satisfaction of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer. Any such repeated test, as required by the Government, shall be done at no additional expense to the Government. The repeated test(s) expenses shall be borne by the contractor and shall include but not be limited to, contractor’s direct and indirect expenses for repeating the testing, travel and professional expenses for project Architects and Engineers related to final acceptance testing, travel and professional expenses for GSA fire protection engineers, technicians, contracting officers, contracting officer’s representatives, project managers and property managers and any other expense necessary to repeat final acceptance testing as required by this contract.

Applicability

In the event that a required fire alarm or sprinkler system is determined to be out of service, the International Fire Code (IFC), which is applicable in federal facilities, requires that the building be evacuated, or an approved fire watch be established. In addition, property protection and continuity of operations are important in federal facilities, and a fire watch serves as a means of minimizing the risk when fire protection systems are impaired.

Whenever a fire protection system is impaired for any reason, the local fire department shall be notified immediately.

When a fire protection system, or portion of a system, must be shut down for any scheduled repairs or alterations the contractor will required to provide a fire watch at all times and the contractor will be responsible for all cost associated for this service for the entire duration unless the Building/Property Management is culpable for this requirement. For such impairments, the fire watch shall be in accordance with applicable contract documents.

Where the impairment is unscheduled – generally resulting from failure of system components – the GSA regional fire protection engineer shall be notified of the system, or portion thereof that is impaired, the reason for the impairment and a point of contact at the facility. An approved fire watch shall be established for all areas left unprotected by the shutdown.

The GSA Fire Protection Engineer is the only personnel authorized to approve fire watch.

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Roles and Responsibilities (where applicable)

A. Point of contact personnel (POC) - Building/Property Management or

Contractor's Representative

The POCP shall immediately notify the GSA regional fire protection engineer, local fire department, and tenant agencies that the fire alarm or sprinkler system is not operational. Where the fire alarm system is monitored by an alarm-receiving facility (e.g., central station and/or GSA Regional Emergency Management & Communication Center), the facility(s) that monitors the fire alarm shall also be notified. The notification shall include the purpose of the shutdown, the extent of the impairment (system or component involved), and estimated time of shutdown.

The POCP shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with these guidelines. The POCP shall oversee all repairs or modification to the fire protection system, and shall be responsible for making all notifications.

The POCP shall establish a temporary fire watch by responsible individuals who are dedicated solely to fire watch duty and provide fire watch personnel with a means of identifying themselves as authorized representatives of the facility.

The contractor with the building/property management shall designate the route to be covered by fire watch personnel. The route shall be explicitly defined to ensure that the fire watch personnel patrols the correct area(s).

The impairment coordinator shall provide fire watch personnel assigned to each route with instructions, all details regarding the route, and the functions to be carried out in covering the route.

The contractor with the building/property management shall establish procedures for orderly conduct of the operations at the property, including procedures for fire loss prevention both by employees and by outside contractors, and the prompt reporting of any fires discovered by notifying the local fire department. In addition to notifying the local fire department, the predefined emergency building notification and evacuation procedures shall be initiated.

The POCP shall inform the fire watch personnel to ensure they are familiar with the property being protected, and procedures, including:

• Occupancies and hazards.

• Fire suppression systems.

• Manual and automatic detection and alarm systems.

• Portable fire extinguishers.

• The building occupant emergency plans (e.g., evacuation or relocation of building occupants) for dealing with fires and other emergencies.

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• Hazards to look for including, poor housekeeping, improper use or storage of hazardous materials, electrical hazards, etc.

The impairment coordinator shall ensure that fire watch personnel are familiar with the procedures to follow in the recognition and reporting of an emergency, including:

• When and how to use the telephone, or radio equipment to summon aid.

• How to notify the local fire department, and the Federal Protective Service

• GSA personnel to be contacted.

• Procedures to notify building occupants that there is a fire and that evacuation, or relocation to a lower floor, is necessary.

The impairment coordinator shall provide fire watch personnel with a means for continuous communication (i.e., two-way radio, walkie-talkies, bull-horns, etc.)

with a constantly attended location such as a guard station.

The impairment coordinator shall ensure that:

• Time record charts of fire watch personnel are promptly reviewed.

• Files are maintained for review.

• All irregularities are investigated, recorded, and corrective action is taken.

The contractor and building/property management shall create and maintain a continuously updated directory of names, telephone numbers, and other information to assist in making emergency calls. This directory shall include the telephone numbers of key facility personnel to be notified in an emergency, local fire department, and the Federal Protective Service. The impairment coordinator shall ensure that proper procedures are implemented when impaired equipment is restored to normal working order.

B. GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer

The regional fire protection engineer shall determine the extent and duration of the fire watch based on the contractor’s request.

The regional fire protection engineer shall provide consultation and technical advice to building/property management as necessary.

C. Fire Watch Personnel

Fire watch personnel shall make rounds at one (1) hour intervals.

Fire watch personnel shall create and sign a log sheet that is maintained in the building/property management office or fire alarm control room.

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Fire watch personnel shall use the telephone, or radio equipment to summon aid in the event of an emergency

Fire watch personnel shall notify the local fire department, the Federal Protective Service and GSA personnel in the event of an emergency

Fire watch personnel shall notify building occupants that there is a fire and that evacuation, or relocation to a lower floor, is necessary

Procedures

The GSA regional fire protection engineer and the local fire department shall be notified that the fire protection system or portion thereof, is out of service. The affected tenant agencies shall also be notified that the system is out of service and that a fire watch is being established.

A red tag shall be used to indicate that a sprinkler or fire alarm system, or portion thereof, has been removed from service. The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and command center, indicating which system or part thereof, has been removed from service. The impairment coordinator shall ensure that the appropriate system components are marked with tags.

The tags shall be titled “Fire Alarm Out of Service Tag,” and “Suppression System Closed Valve Tag.”

Fire watch rounds shall be conducted at one (1) hour intervals. A fire watch log stating the begin time and end time of each individual round shall be maintained in the building/property management office or the fire alarm control room. The exact scope and duration of fire watches shall be based on contract specifications for scheduled impairments.

For unscheduled impairments, the scope and duration of the fire watch shall be determined by building/property management in consultation with the regional fire protection engineer.

Impairment of a sprinkler system limited to a single floor or group of floors in an occupied building: The rounds shall include inspection of all unprotected spaces on the floor(s) including exit stairs.

Impairment of entire building sprinkler system: The rounds shall include all spaces throughout all levels including exit stairs. In addition, the rounds shall include inspections of basements, concealed spaces, attics, etc.

Scheduled impairment of sprinkler system on a floor or section of a floor due to construction operations: The rounds may be limited to the construction area if the

G S A R e g i o n 1 0 P a g e | 15 system impairment is limited to this area. If the system impairment includes adjacent occupied areas or an entire floor, the fire watch shall be expanded to cover these areas also. A fire watch may not be required in an area under construction when only the fire alarm notification appliances are not operational and the area is protected with sprinklers.

Scheduled impairment of a fire alarm system on a floor or section of a floor due to construction operations: The rounds may be limited to the construction area if the system impairment is limited to this area. If the system impairment includes adjacent occupied areas or an entire floor, the fire watch shall be expanded to cover these areas also. A fire watch may not be required in an area under construction when only the fire alarm notification appliances are not operational and the area is not occupied.

Restoring system to service: When impaired equipment is restored to normal working order, the following procedures shall be followed:

• Necessary inspections and tests shall be conducted to verify that affected systems are operational. This typically includes operational testing of fire alarm initiating devices, notification appliances, main drain test for sprinkler system, etc.

• Building personnel and tenant agencies shall be advised that protection is restored

• The local fire department shall be advised that the protection is restored.

• The GSA regional fire protection engineer, and where applicable, the alarm-receiving facility(s) (e.g., central station and/or GSA Regional Emergency Management & Communication Center), and the Federal Protective Service shall be advised that protection has been restored.

• The impairment tag(s) shall be removed.