Attachment 1_UFC 3-601-02.pdf

UFC 3-601-02

7 October 2021

Change 1, 18 April 2025

UNIFIED FACILITIES CRITERIA (UFC)

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

INSPECTION, TESTING,

AND MAINTENANCE

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE

Any copyrighted material included in this UFC is identified at its point of use. Use of the copyrighted material apart from this UFC must have the permission of the copyright holder.

Indicate the preparing activity beside the Service responsible for preparing the document.

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND

AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER (Preparing Activity)

Record of Changes (changes are indicated by \1\ ... /1/)

Change No. Date Location 1 18 April 2025 Chapters 1 - 3, throughout

This UFC supersedes UFC 3-601-02, dated 8 September 2010.

FOREWORD

The Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) system is prescribed by MIL-STD 3007 and provides planning, design, construction, sustainment, restoration, and modernization criteria, and applies to the Military Departments, the Defense agencies, and the DoD field activities in accordance with USD (AT&L) Memorandum, dated 29 May 2002. UFC will be used for all DoD projects and work for other customers where appropriate. All construction outside of the United States is also governed by Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), Host Nation Funded Construction Agreements (HNFA), and in some instances, Bilateral Infrastructure Agreements (BIA.)

Therefore, the acquisition team must ensure compliance with the most stringent of the UFC, the SOFA, the HNFA, and the BIA, as applicable.

UFC are living documents and will be periodically reviewed, updated, and made available to users as part of the Services’ responsibility for providing technical criteria for military construction. Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (HQUSACE), Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), and Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) are responsible for administration of the UFC system. Defense agencies should contact the preparing Service for document interpretation and improvements. Technical content of UFC is the responsibility of the cognizant DoD Working Group. Recommended changes with supporting rationale may be sent to the respective DoD Working Group by submitting a Criteria Change Request (CCR) via the internet site listed below.

UFCs are effective upon issuance and are distributed only in electronic media from the following source:

• Whole Building Design Guide web site https://www.wbdg.org/dod.

Refer to UFC 1-200-01, DoD Building Code), for implementation of new issuances on projects.

AUTHORIZED BY:

CHRISTINE T. ALTENDORF, PhD, P.E., SES

Chief, Engineering and Construction

R. DAVID CURFMAN, P.E., SES

Chief Engineer and Assistant Commander of Design and Construction

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

NANCY J. BALKUS, P.E., SES, DAF

Deputy Director of Civil Engineers DCS/Logistics, Engineering & Force Protection (HAF/A4C) HQ United States Air Force

MICHAEL McANDREW Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Construction) Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment) https://www.wbdg.org/dod

REVISION SUMMARY SHEET

Document: UFC 3-601-02, Fire Protection Systems Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

Superseding: UFC 3-601-02, dated 8 September 2010, and all subsequent changes.

Description of Changes: This Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) provides best practice maintenance methods from the DoD, other government agencies, and the private sector for inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems. Criteria for the following technical areas was added/updated/revised:

• Update Naval Facilities Engineering Command to Naval Facilities Engineering System Command.

• Update Naval Facilities Engineering System Command signature block.

• Adds U.S. Space Force.

• Revises the term “authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)” to conform to UFC 1-200-

01 and UFC 3-600-01.

• Life-cycle guidance, Section 2-2.2, “Fire Detection and Alarm System.”

• Fire watch procedures.

• Extreme weather events and natural disasters – guidance for pre-event preparation, trans-event actions, post-event recovery actions.

• Nitrogen generation systems.

• Low-pressure water mist systems.

• Hybrid water mist systems.

• Deletes product information in Halon system ITM

• Fire and smoke barrier opening protectives.

• Heat and combustion products removal and venting systems.

• Ignitable liquid floor drainage assemblies.

• Guidance on AFFF control during ITM (2020 National Defense Authorization

Act).

• General guidance on life cycle and obsolescence.

• Air Force guidance on excess features (2008 A4C Policy Letter).

• Navy requirements for contract technicians qualifications.

Reasons for Document:

• This UFC provides updated requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire protection and life safety features in DoD facilities.

Impact:

• Personnel safety and continuity of mission are primary considerations.

Unification Issues:

• None.

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 BACKGROUND

1-2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1-3 APPLICABILITY

1-3.1 Commercial Facilities on Government Property

1-4 AUTHORITY

1-5 GLOSSARY

1-6 REFERENCES

1-7 OBJECTIVE

1-8 CRITERIA

1-8.1 Systems and Applications Not Covered

1-8.2 Medical Facilities

1-8.3 Conflicts

1-9 COMPONENT OFFICE OF RESPONSIBILITY

1-10 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

1-10.1 ITM Tasks

1-10.2 Qualified Personnel

1-10.3 Other Inspections

1-11 RECORDS

1-12 SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT OR OUT-OF-SERVICE TAGGING

1-13 SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT OR OUT-OF-SERVICE NOTIFICATION/

WARNING

1-14 REPAIR OR CORRECTION OF IMPAIRMENTS TO SYSTEM OR

FEATURE PERFORMANCE

1-14.1 Response to Abnormal Conditions

1-14.2 Impairment Correction

1-14.3 Maintenance Activity Notifications

1-14.4 Extended Impairment Measures

1-15 SYSTEM IMPAIRMENTS AND REPAIRS AND CORRECTIONS

REPORTING

1-16 EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS AND NATURAL DISASTERS

1-16.1 Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Tropical Storms ii

1-16.2 Tornados

1-16.3 Flooding and Extreme Rain Events

1-16.4 Arctic Vortices and Other Low Temperature Extremes

1-16.5 Earthquakes

1-16.6 Wildland Fires

1-17 LIFE CYCLE/OBSOLESCENCE

1-18 EXCESS FEATURES \1\ (AIR FORCE ONLY) /1/

1-19 REPLACEMENT PARTS

CHAPTER 2 FACILITY SYSTEMS

2-1 ITM METHODOLOGY

2-1.1 Features Requiring Maintenance

2-1.2 Non-required Features

2-2 ITM TASK DESCRIPTIONS AND FREQUENCIES

2-2.1 Task Descriptions

2-2.2 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

2-2.3 Mass Notification Systems

2-2.4 Installation Fire Alarm Reporting Systems

2-2.5 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection

2-2.6 Hydrants and Monitors

2-2.7 Water Supply Tanks

2-2.8 Fire Pumps

2-2.9 Backflow Prevention Devices

2-2.10 Standpipe Systems

2-2.11 Wet Pipe Automatic Sprinkler Systems

2-2.12 Dry Pipe Automatic Sprinkler Systems

2-2.13 Deluge Sprinkler Systems

2-2.14 Pre-Action Automatic Sprinkler Systems

2-2.15 Nitrogen Generation Systems

2-2.16 Water Spray Systems

2-2.17 Water Mist Systems

2-2.18 Foam and Foam-Water Systems

2-2.19 Dry Chemical Systems iii

2-2.20 Wet Chemical Systems

2-2.21 Halon Systems

2-2.22 Clean Agent Systems

2-2.23 Carbon Dioxide Systems

2-2.24 Emergency Lighting Systems

2-2.25 Egress Marking Systems

2-2.26 Fire and Smoke Barrier Opening-

2-2.27 Smoke Control Systems

2-2.28 Heat and Combustion Product Removal/Venting Systems

2-2.29 Ignitable Liquid Floor Drainage Assembly

CHAPTER 3 MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING SYSTEMS

3-1 SCOPE

3-1.1 DoD Military Family Housing

3-1.2 Privatized Military Family Housing

3-2 RESIDENTIAL SMOKE ALARMS

3-3 RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

3-3.1 Multi-Family Residential Buildings

3-3.2 One- and Two-family Residences and Townhouse-style Units

3-4 CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

3-5 ITM TASK DESCRIPTIONS

APPENDIX A NAVY CONTRACT TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS

A-1 INTRODUCTION

A-2 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

A-3 WATER BASED SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

A-4 SPECIAL HAZARD SYSTEMS

APPENDIX B GLOSSARY

B-1 ACRONYMS

B-2 \1\DEFINITION OF TERMS

APPENDIX C REFERENCES

iv

FIGURES

Figure 1-1 System Out-of-Service or Impaired Sign

Figure 2-1 Typical Emergency Lighting Systems

Figure 2-2 Typical Egress Marking Units with a 10-year Manufacturer’s Estimated Service Life Battery

Figure 2-3 Typical Combination Egress Marking and Emergency Light Units with a 5-year Manufacturer’s Estimated Service Life Battery (Not Energy Star® Compliant)1

TABLES

Table 2-1 Fire Detection and Alarm System ITM Tasks

Table 2-2 Mass Notification System ITM Tasks

Table 2-3 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection ITM Tasks

Table 2-4 Hydrant ITM Tasks

Table 2-5 Yard Hydrant Monitors and Hose Houses ITM Tasks

Table 2-6 Water Supply Tank ITM Tasks

Table 2-7 Fire Pump ITM Tasks

Table 2-8 Backflow Prevention Device ITM Tasks

Table 2-9 Standpipe Systems ITM Tasks

Table 2-10 Wet Pipe Sprinkler System ITM Tasks

Table 2-11 Dry Pipe Automatic Sprinkler System ITM Tasks

Table 2-12 Deluge Sprinkler System ITM Tasks

Table 2-13 Pre-Action Automatic Sprinkler System ITM Tasks

Table 2-14 Nitrogen Generation System ITM Tasks

Table 2-15 Water Spray System ITM Tasks

Table 2-16 High Pressure Water Mist System ITM Tasks

Table 2-17 Low-Expansion Foam System for Ignitable Liquid Tank ITM Tasks . 56

Table 2-18 Low Expansion Foam Spray and Sprinkler System ITM Tasks

Table 2-19 Low Expansion Foam Monitor Nozzle System ITM Tasks

Table 2-20 Low Expansion Grate Nozzle Foam System ITM Tasks

Table 2-21 High-Expansion Foam System ITM Tasks

Table 2-22 Dry Chemical System ITM Tasks

Table 2-23 Wet Chemical System ITM Tasks

Table 2-24 Halon System ITM Tasks v

Table 2-25 Clean Agent System ITM Tasks

Table 2-26 Carbon Dioxide System ITM Tasks

Table 2-27 Emergency Lighting System ITM Tasks

Table 2-29 Fire and Smoke Barrier Opening Protection ITM Tasks

Table 2-30 Smoke Control ITM Tasks

Table 2-31 Heat and Combustion Product Removal/Venting System ITM Tasks 80

Table 2-32 Ignitable Liquid Floor Drainage Assembly ITM Tasks

Table 3-1 MFH Residential Smoke Alarm ITM Tasks

Table 3-2 MFH Residential Sprinkler System ITM Tasks

Table 3-3 Carbon Monoxide Alarm ITM Tasks vi

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 BACKGROUND.

This Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) has been developed from an evaluation of Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, from surveys of maintenance methods, and from selection of the best practices of the DoD, other government agencies, and the private sector. This UFC is based on recognized reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) concepts and reliability-centered risk management. It was prepared using model building maintenance codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) National Fire Codes®, industry standards, and other recognized standards to the maximum extent feasible. It does not directly adopt the tasks requirements from the model codes.

Personnel safety and continuity of mission were primary considerations.

1-2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE.

This UFC provides requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of active and passive fire protection and life safety features in DoD facilities. Do not deviate from these criteria without prior approval of the Component office of responsibility.

Compliance with criteria issued in accordance with this UFC does not constitute an exception to the public laws. Fire protection criteria must conform to the requirements of this UFC and the NFPA National Fire Codes®, except as modified by this UFC and specifically referenced by this UFC. Additional criteria include portions of the FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets, as specifically referenced by this UFC.

This UFC for DoD compliance with all U.S.C. Title 10, 15 and 29 occupational health and safety requirements related to fire protection feature maintenance fully meets the intent of the U.S.C. requirements. Any questions related to compliance should be directed to the Component office of responsibility.

1-3 APPLICABILITY.

\1\ In addition to the applicability of UFC 1-200-01, paragraph 1-3, this UFC applies to USACE Civil Works. It also applies /1/ to DoD-leased facilities where DoD, as the lessee, is responsible for maintaining the fire protection and life safety features.

In \1\ Navy-leased /1/ facilities where the lessor is responsible for maintaining the fire protection and life safety \1\ features /1/, the \1\ Navy /1/ lessee should use this UFC as a guide along with the requirements of the lease contract to the extent possible.

1-3.1 Commercial Facilities on Government Property.

\1\ This UFC does not apply to commercially owned and occupied facilities on DoD installations. /1/ In commercially owned facilities occupied via a ground lease, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems will be the sole responsibility of the commercial lessee. The lease agreement may use as guides:

• this UFC;

• the requirements of the local (off-installation) authority having jurisdiction;

• the lessee’s internal ITM standards; or

• national consensus codes and standards.

1-4 AUTHORITY.

10 U.S.C. § 1794 requires \1 \ life threatening /1/ ITM deficiencies identified in youth program facilities be corrected immediately \1\ or the facility closed by the installation commander /1/; non-life-threatening ITM deficiencies \1\ identified in youth program facilities /1/ may be waived \1\ by the installation commander /1/ for up to 90 days \1\ while corrections are undertaken /1/, after which the \1\ installation commander /1/ is required to close the facility \1\ when corrections are incomplete /1/ until corrections are completed.

15 U.S.C. § 272 identifies the necessary consensus technical standards required to implement policy objectives and activities within the area of fire protection engineering including the ITM of installed fire protection features.

1-5 GLOSSARY.

Appendix B contains acronyms, abbreviations, and terms.

1-6 REFERENCES.

Appendix \1\ C /1/ contains a list of references used in this document. The publication date of the code or standard is not included. Unless otherwise specified, the most recent edition of the referenced publication applies.

1-7 OBJECTIVE.

ITM tasks in this UFC represent the minimum required to achieve a 99 percent overall system reliability in response to an actual fire event.

A byproduct of the reliability centered maintenance analysis is a list of ITM tasks and how often they must be accomplished (frequencies) to achieve the minimum desired 99 per cent (0.99) reliability. The methodology used to develop the ITM tasks in this UFC is summarized in AFCESA/CES Technical Report 01-10, “Risk Based Reliability Centered Maintenance of DoD Fire Protection Systems, 1999 (Defense Technical Information Center AD-A392898).” The model used in the report assumed a system demand of one event in fifty (1/50) years and a task effectiveness (ITM is “done right”) of 99 percent. This RCM analysis emphasized task thing to do and is it done right?”) and timeliness (“Is it done before a demand?”). The resulting list of tasks and frequencies, therefore, considers frequency and probability effectiveness (“Is it the right of demands and failures.

1-8 CRITERIA.

Use the task frequencies in this UFC in lieu of the tasks and frequencies in the National Fire Codes.

1-8.1 Systems and Applications Not Covered.

When a specific system or application is not addressed by this UFC, follow national building codes, recognized industry standards, and standard engineering practices. In the absence of technical information, contact the DoD Component office of responsibility.

This UFC does not cover acceptance testing, system commissioning, or integrated systems testing. Do not use this UFC for construction contract acceptance or commissioning of fire protection systems or features.

Fire Emergency Services (FES) operations, staffing, and equipment are not addressed in this UFC.

1-8.2 Medical Facilities.

Medical facilities require Joint Commission \1\ accreditation. /1/ Follow the task frequencies indicated in the related NFPA codes and standards, except when otherwise approved by the Joint Commission.

1-8.3 Conflicts.

If a conflict exists between this UFC and any other DoD document, referenced code, standard, or publication, this UFC takes precedence.

1-9 COMPONENT OFFICE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

The term “authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)” as used in the codes and standards referenced in this UFC means the Component technical representative for fire protection engineering (CFPE) assigned to the Military Service or Defense Component office of responsibility or the Service delegated designated fire protection engineer (DFPE). For additional information on the CFPE and DFPE, see UFC 3-600-01 and Service-specific delegation direction.

The Component offices of responsibility are:

• U.S. Army: HQ USACE/CECW-CE.

• U.S. Navy: NAVFACENGSYSCOM HQ, Chief Fire Protection Engineer

• U.S. Marine Corps: NAVFACENGSYSCOM HQ, Chief Fire Protection Engineer

• U.S. Air Force: AFCEC/CO

• U.S. Space Force: AFCEC/CO

• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA): DS-IE

• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA): Security and Installations

• National Reconnaissance Office (NRO): MS&O/ESO

• Washington Headquarters Service (WHS): Office of the Pentagon Fire

Marshal

• National Security Agency/Central Security Service: Office of Occupational

Health, Environmental and Safety Services (NSA/CSS OHESS).]

1-10 PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS.

1-10.1 ITM Tasks.

ITM tasks must be performed by technicians qualified in the maintenance and repair of the specific fire protection system or subsystem.

“Qualified” personnel must only perform ITM and repair tasks on systems for which these personnel have been specifically qualified. Qualified personnel \1\ are permitted to /1/ supervise other less qualified personnel in the execution of the tasks covered in this UFC. At no time will apprentice-level technicians be allowed to execute the ITM tasks in this UFC without a qualified co-worker on the job site.

1-10.2 Qualified Personnel.

1-10.2.1 Technicians.

\1\ Technicians /1/ meeting any of the following are qualified personnel:

• Recognized journeyman or craftsman-level qualifications for fire protection systems:

– National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies

(NICET) Level II \1\ or higher /1/ certification in Fire Alarm Systems;

– NICET \1\ Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm

Systems /1/;

– NICET Level II \1\ or higher /1/ certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems; or

– NICET \1\ certification in /1/ Special Hazard Suppression Systems.

NICET Level I personnel must work under the direct supervision of a NICET level \1\ III or IV certified /1/ technician. \1\ Level IV technicians are authorized to supervise personnel across all technical areas covered in this UFC.) /1/

• Other recognized journeyman or craftsman-level qualifications for the specific fire protection feature, formalized labor organization-based journeyman training, or similar programs.

• Technicians completing the Fire Suppression Systems Maintenance course (J3AZR3E451 01FB) at the Technical Training Center, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The 82nd Training Wing, 782nd Training Group, 366th Training Squadron, provides engineer craftsman skills training for all DoD branches. \1\ Air Force personnel have priority for enrollment; a total of 10 percent of annual enrollments will be allocated across all other branches on a first-come, first-serve basis.

(366TRS.WFSM.Supplemental@us.af.mil) /1/

• Individually qualified or endorsed by an equipment manufacturer for the specific equipment item maintained.

• A valid, current qualification or license from any state (or local jurisdiction if delegated authority by the state). Local jurisdictions and other organizations may require varying levels of continuing education to maintain recognized journeyman or technician-level qualifications.

• Military personnel holding specific Service qualifications equivalent to journeyman or craftsman technicians and approved by their unit commander.

In OCONUS locations, local nation technicians must hold either one of the previously listed qualifications or a national/local license issued by the government where the installation is located. Individual Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) will take precedence where technical qualifications are addressed. Overseas locations \1\ will /1/ contact their command Fire Protection Engineering office (or Component office of responsibility) for \1\ additional /1/ guidance on local qualification requirements.

1-10.2.2 BOS Contractors.

Installation or base operating support (BOS) contractors must have at least one qualified \1\ supervisor /1/ technician (1-10.2.1) present on the installation when contractor personnel are executing ITM and repair tasks. All ITM and repair tasks will be accomplished under the supervision of a qualified technician.

Navy BOS contractors must have the specific qualifications identified in Appendix A for Fire Protection ITM technicians.

1-10.2.3 Other Contractors.

Other Service contractors performing ITM and repair tasks must have at least one qualified technician (1-10.2.1) present on the job site when contractor personnel are executing ITM and repair tasks.

Other Navy contractors must have the specific qualifications identified in Appendix A for Fire Protection ITM technicians.

1-10.3 Other Inspections.

This UFC also lists inspection tasks \1\ to /1/ be performed during other regularly scheduled facility inspections or evaluations that are not part of the ITM requirements mailto:366TRS.WFSM.Supplemental@us.af.mil covered herein. Qualified fire prevention personnel, safety personnel, maintenance technicians, or other individuals \1\ are qualified to /1/ perform these inspection tasks.

1-11 RECORDS.

Each installation must maintain a permanent record of completed ITM tasks in accordance with each agency's program for reoccurring facility maintenance record keeping. Records \1\ /1/ \1\ must be readily available to craft persons and supervisors /1/.

Where no agency-wide programs exist, records must be developed locally. Records must be maintained for every facility and include, as a minimum, each ITM task, date scheduled, date completed, and the technician completing the task.

When ITM actions modify or change systems or features from the original as-built configuration, the ITM activity is responsible for identifying the required changes to the maintainer of the as-built records.

1-12 SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT OR OUT-OF-SERVICE TAGGING.

System ITM technicians must physically mark any impaired or out-of-service fire protection feature using a red tag.

Impaired and out-of-service tags must provide the following minimum information:

• identification of the system inspected

• employer of the technician performing the inspection

• name of technician

• licenses or certification information required by the component office of responsibility

• interval of inspection

Inspection tags are to be made of durable, weatherproof, colorfast material and must be securely attached to the system pressure gauge, control panel, or other readily visible part of the system.

1-13 SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT OR OUT-OF-SERVICE NOTIFICATION/

WARNING.

Building managers must notify building occupants, users, and the public whenever any of the systems specified in Chapter 2 are either out of service or impaired \1\ and increasing /1/ risk to any occupants. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] general industry standards are contained in Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], Parts 1910.160(b)(2) Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Fire Protection, Fixed extinguishing systems, general and 1960.26(b)(5) Basic Program Elements For Federal Employees Occupational Safety and Health, Programs and Related Matters, Subpart D – Inspection and abatement, Conduct of inspections).

The sign shown in Figure 1-1 must be posted by the facility manager, custodian, official in charge of the workplace, or a person empowered to act, \1\ /1/ at all principal public and employee entrances to the building. The sign must appear as follows:

• 7 inches high by 10 inches wide in an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535.2-2011-compliant format

• safety orange background color

• black type and graphic

• Arial font (ANSI Z535.1 2017)

\1\ Note: This sign can be downloaded as an editable PDF from https://www.wbdg.org/dod/ufc/ufc-3-601-02 for local printing. /1/ Signs complying with this format \1\ can /1/ be ordered from many commercial safety sign manufacturers on a wide variety of materials. \1\ Commercial /1/ computer software \1\ and hardware /1/ is available to print this and other safety signs on color printers.

Figure 1-1 System Out-of-Service or Impaired Sign https://www.wbdg.org/dod/ufc/ufc-3-601-02

1-14 REPAIR OR CORRECTION OF IMPAIRMENTS TO SYSTEM OR

FEATURE PERFORMANCE.

\1\ 1-14.1 Response to Abnormal Conditions.

NFPA 72 Chapter 26 provides guidance for the response to abnormal conditions received at the proprietary supervising/alarm receiving centers.

• Alarm signals – Notify the appropriate responders for immediate response.

• Supervisory signals – Dispatch personnel to arrive within 2 hours to investigate and correct the abnormal conditions.

• Trouble signals – Dispatch personnel to arrive within 4 hours to initiate maintenance and repair actions as necessary.

/1/

1-14.2 Impairment Correction.

Correct impairments affecting the performance of installed fire protection features immediately when identified using the highest priority in the appropriate work identification and management system. These processes must meet the OSHA general industry standards requirements for repair or correction of impairments (29 CFR Part 1910.160(b)(2) and 160(b)(6)).

1-14.3 Maintenance Activity Notifications.

The maintenance activity must notify the local fire emergency service authority and the facility or area user when impairments cannot be corrected immediately when identified.

The maintenance activity must also advise the facility or area user of the need to post the Warning sign, Figure 1-1, Out-of-Service or Impaired Sign. The fire authority must advise and consult with the facility or area user to determine the immediate measures that must be taken to ensure personnel safety and mission continuity.

1-14.4 Extended Impairment Measures.

When the impairment will exist for more than 72 hours, the local maintenance activity, the local fire authority, the local safety authority, and the facility or area user must jointly develop written compensatory measures to ensure personnel safety and, to the maximum degree possible, mission continuity. \1\ /1/ The facility user is the lead to coordinate the compensatory measures package. The jointly developed package must also identify the remaining mission risk exposure. In the absence of compensatory measures, evacuate the facility or stop operations. Implementation of compensatory measures must not reduce the priority of the correction of the impairment.

1-14.4.1 Mitigating Measures.

The need for mitigating measures is typically determined on a case-by-case basis. This considers the building, occupancy type, nature and duration of impairment, building occupancy level during the impairment period, active work being conducted on the fire protection features during the impairment, condition of other fire protection systems and features (for example, sprinklers, structural compartmentation), and hazards and assets at risk.

Appropriate mitigating measures \1\ /1/ range from simple occupant notification to increased fire safety checks or inspections by user or installation fire and safety personnel to full-time fire watch; for example, measures \1\ /1/ range from minor operational changes to completely ceasing operations. Determining factors vary from testing-related impairments and maintenance activities during \1\ routine /1/ business through extensive impairments to high-value, high-hazard situations.

1-14.4.2 New Extended Impairments.

The maintenance activity must inform installation and operational commanders of new impairments not corrected within 72 hours, of the jointly developed compensatory measures being recommended, and of the remaining mission risk exposure.

1-14.4.3 Commander Actions.

Commanders \1\ can /1/ require evacuation of the workplace until impairments are corrected (OSHA general industry standard: 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart L App A, Fire Protection).

Commanders \1\ can /1/ also limit operations and have an emergency action plan \1\ specifying /1/ evacuation actions (OSHA general industry standard: 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart L App A).

1-14.4.4 Fire Watch.

1-14.4.4.1 Fire Watch Personnel Qualifications.

A fire watch is a dedicated function: the individual(s) assigned fire watch responsibilities as mitigating or compensatory measures would not be expected to have other duties beyond fire safety, occupational safety, or security. \1\ /1/ Dedicated fire safety, occupational safety, or security personnel \1\ /1/ can be assigned to conduct mitigating or compensatory fire watch activities as part of their functions.

Fire Watch personnel must also be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers.

1-14.4.4.2 Fire Watch Procedures.

When fire watches are specified as a mitigating or compensatory measure in response to fire protection system impairments, comply with the following requirements:

• Fire watch personnel must make rounds visually observing the area under watch at scheduled times. \1\ /1/ The area under watch is observed at least once an hour; however, more frequent observation may be necessary.

• Fire watch personnel must keep a record of all time periods of duty, including a signed log entry or other auditable reporting method for each time the facility was patrolled.

• Fire watch personnel must use the telephone or radio equipment to summon aid in case of an emergency.

• Fire watch personnel must notify building occupants in case of an emergency and evacuation is necessary.

• Impairment of fire sprinkler or fire alarm systems protecting the entire facility will require the rounds include all spaces throughout all levels, including the inspection of basements, attics, and concealed spaces.

• Impairment of fire sprinkler or fire alarm systems protecting a portion of the building will require the rounds include all spaces impacted by the impairment.

1-15 SYSTEM IMPAIRMENTS AND REPAIRS AND CORRECTIONS

REPORTING.

The maintenance activity must regularly inform installation and operational commanders, not less than twice a year, of the system impairments, compensatory measures in place, projected correction completions, and corrections completed since the last report.

1-16 EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS AND NATURAL DISASTERS.

Extreme weather events, hurricanes, tornados, and severe cold temperature events, as well as other natural disasters \1\ including /1/ earthquakes and wildland fires, can impact the availability and performance of fire protection systems \1\ and life safety features /1/. Fire protection system impacts include broken piping, broken sprinklers, water damage to electrical and electronic system components, and damage to the utility infrastructure serving these systems. These events also increase the risk of accidental fires.

When sufficient warnings are provided, ITM activities and building inspection activities \1\ /1/ reduce the impact of these events on the fire protection systems. Additional ITM activities during and after these events can \1\ /1/ help to reduce property damage and bring the facilities back online sooner.

1-16.1 Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Tropical Storms.

Hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical storms \1\ /1/ cause building damage due to high wind velocities, impacts from wind-borne objects, and water damage due to heavy rains and local flooding. Advance notice of these storm events does allow time to initiate some ITM tasks \1\ /1/ \1\ to /1/ reduce the impact of these events on fire protection systems.

1-16.1.1 Pre-Event Actions.

Pre-event ITM actions include:

• Work with installations facilities maintenance personnel to make sure the building envelope is adequately secured. If doors, windows, skylights, and other building openings are broken or not adequately secured, bring it to the attention of installation facilities maintenance personnel so these conditions can be corrected, or temporary measures can be put in place to secure the buildings.

• Verify electrical and fire alarm junction boxes are closed up, conduit is closed up, and the fire alarm panels are closed up and secured.

• Verify firewater storage tanks are filled.

• Verify sufficient fuel supplies are provided for engine driven fire pumps and emergency generator installations.

• Verify fire pump houses are provided with protection from flooding.

Ensure drains in the pump rooms are flowing adequately and provide sand bags at pump room entrances if necessary, to prevent flooding of the pump room in low lying areas.

1-16.1.2 Actions During the Event.

Safety of all persons sheltering on the installation regardless of affiliation takes priority during these storm events. Inspection, damage control activities, and system repairs will need to wait until hazardous conditions subside and these activities can be undertaken without risk to personnel.

1-16.1.3 Post Event Actions.

Post event ITM actions include:

• Initial ITM tasks \1\ /1/ focus on damage control: shutting down damaged systems to reduce water damage \1\ and control of fire extinguishing agents /1/.

• Perform visual inspections of all systems, including all system piping and equipment, to identify system damage and to prioritize system repairs.

• Verify radio fire alarm reporting antennas are still in place and connected.

• Verify water supply availability to each facility. Work with installation facility and utilities maintenance personnel to identify damage and repair requirements for the installation water supply.

• Verify if fire alarm systems have been subjected to water damage.

Identifying specific alarm system trouble conditions at the fire alarm control panel (FACP) can help to investigate and prioritize system repairs.

• Initiate system impairment procedures for any buildings re-occupied prior to system repairs being completed.

• When the water supply feeding the facility has been damaged, the underground piping needs to be adequately flushed.

• Any water-based fire suppression systems damaged, or are located in buildings structurally damaged, \1\ must /1/ be subjected to hydrostatic testing prior to putting the systems back in service.

1-16.2 Tornados.

Tornados \1\ /1/ cause damage to buildings and building systems due to high wind velocities, impacts from wind-borne objects, and water damage.

1-16.2.1 Pre-Event Actions.

Tornado warnings can provide some advanced warning to seek shelter, but there is not usually sufficient time to initiate any pre-event ITM tasks after these warnings. Prior to tornado season, however, ITM actions include:

• Work with installation facilities personnel to \1\ ensure /1/ the building envelope is adequately secured. If doors, windows, skylights, and other building openings are broken or not adequately secured, bring it to the attention of installation facilities personnel so these conditions can be corrected, or temporary measures can be put in place to secure the buildings.

• Verify electrical and fire alarm junction boxes are closed up, conduit is closed up, and the fire alarm panels are closed up and secured.

• Verify firewater storage tanks are filled.

• Verify sufficient fuel supplies are provided for engine driven fire pumps and emergency generator installations.

1-16.2.2 Actions During the Event.

Safety of all persons sheltering on the installation regardless of affiliation takes priority during these tornado events. Inspection, damage control activities, and system repairs will need to wait until hazardous conditions subside and these activities can be undertaken without risk to personnel.

1-16.2.3 Post Event Actions.

Post event ITM actions include:

• Initial ITM tasks \1\ /1/ focus on damage control, shutting down damaged systems to reduce water damage \1\ and control of fire extinguishing agents /1/.

• Perform visual inspections of all systems, including all system piping and equipment, to identify system damage and to prioritize system repairs.

• Verify water supply availability to each facility. Work with installation facility and utilities maintenance personnel to identify damage and repair requirements for the installation water supply system.

• Initiate system impairment procedures for any buildings re-occupied prior to system repairs being completed.

• When the water supply feeding the facility has been damaged, the underground piping needs to be adequately flushed.

• Any water-based fire suppression systems damaged or located in buildings structurally damaged \1\ must /1/ be subjected to hydrostatic testing prior to putting the systems back in service.

1-16.3 Flooding and Extreme Rain Events.

Flooding and extreme rain events cause damage to buildings and building systems due to water infiltration and water immersion.

1-16.3.1 Pre-Event Actions.

Pre-event ITM actions include:

• Work with installation facilities personnel to make sure the building envelope is adequately secured. If doors, windows, skylights, and other building openings are broken or not adequately secured, bring it to the attention of base facilities personnel so these conditions can be corrected, or temporary measures can be put in place to secure the buildings.

• Verify electrical and fire alarm junction boxes are closed up, conduit is closed up, and the fire alarm panels are closed up and secured.

• Verify fire water storage tanks are filled.

• Verify sufficient fuel supplies are provided for engine driven fire pumps and emergency generator installations.

• Verify fire pump houses are provided with protection from flooding.

Ensure drains in the pump rooms are flowing adequately and provide sand bags at pump room entrances if necessary to prevent flooding of the pump room in low lying areas.

1-16.3.2 Actions During the Event.

Safety of base personnel and contractor personnel takes priority during these heavy rain and flood events. Inspection, damage control activities, and system repairs will need to wait until hazardous conditions subside and these activities can be undertaken without risk to personnel.

ITM actions during the event include:

• Periodic inspection of accessible fire pump installations to ensure pump facilities remain protected from flooding.

• Periodic inspection of fire water storage tanks to identify tank damage and required repairs.

• Respond to system activations or trouble conditions to provide damage control during the event, when safe to do so.

1-16.3.3 Post Event Actions.

Post event ITM actions include:

• Initial damage control: shutting down damaged systems to reduce water damage \1\ and controlling fire extinguishing agents /1/.

• Perform visual inspections of all systems, including all system piping and equipment, to identify system damage and to prioritize system repairs.

• Verify water supply availability to each facility. Work with installation facility and utilities maintenance personnel to identify damage and repair requirements for the Installation water supply system.

• Initiate system impairment procedures for any buildings re-occupied prior to system repairs being completed.

• When the water supply feeding the facility has been damaged, the underground piping needs to be adequately flushed.

• Any water-based fire suppression systems damaged or located in buildings structurally damaged \1\ must /1/ be subjected to hydrostatic testing prior to putting the systems back in service.

1-16.4 Arctic Vortices and Other Low Temperature Extremes.

Sustained freezing temperatures can lead to frozen fire protection piping, resulting in pipe failures, water leakage, and property damage, in addition to rendering the fire protection systems out of service. System design and installation takes this freezing potential into account; therefore, ITM activities associated with systems in areas subject to severe cold temperatures must focus on the equipment provided to protect these systems from freezing.

Low temperature events can occur via two different modalities; the first is a known weather event where the installation weather office can issue advance weather warning allowing for pre-event actions to prevent damage; the second is an unplanned/ unanticipated utility system failure requiring emergency response action in a compressed time frame to prevent adverse facility/mission impacts.

1-16.4.1 Pre-Event Actions.

Several ITM tasks identified in the ITM tables in Chapter 2 for water-based fire protection systems involve equipment provided to prevent these systems from freezing.

These tasks need to be scheduled prior to the onset of cold weather so the equipment functions as required.

Pre-event actions include:

• Work with Installation facilities personnel to make sure the building heating systems are operating properly. If building heating systems do not appear to be operating properly, bring it to the attention of Installation facilities personnel so these conditions can be corrected.

• Verify dry-pipe sprinkler systems are in good operating condition.

• Verify drum drips are in good condition and are drained.

• Verify ball drips are in operating condition.

• Where low temperature alarms are provided, these sensors and their alarm outputs \1\ must /1/ be checked for proper operation and alarm notification.

• Verify eaters provided in non-occupied fire pump rooms, fire riser rooms, and other similar locations are working properly, and thermostats are set appropriately.

• Verify proper operation of firewater storage tank heaters where provided.

1-16.4.2 Actions During the Event.

Action plans addressing utility system failures are based on the anticipated duration of the utility outage. The most critical utilities are electrical, steam, hot water and/or an area wide facility control system maintaining the facility environmental systems.

ITM actions during the event include:

• Monitor building temperatures and low temperature alarms, particularly in unoccupied or low-occupancy buildings. This includes fire riser rooms, fire pump installations, and firewater storage tank installations.

• If sprinkler systems need to be shut down due to low temperature conditions, implement system impairment procedures.

1-16.5 Earthquakes.

Severe earthquakes can result in building structural damage or failure, failure of sprinkler system piping, and sprinkler system piping damage from impacting building walls and ceilings, or other structural members or equipment. The local utility infrastructure supporting the fire protection systems \1\ can /1/ be damaged in the earthquake.

Post-earthquake building fires are a significant risk due to structural damage and damage to building utilities resulting from an earthquake.

1-16.5.1 Pre-Event Actions.

Although there is typically no warning of a strong earthquake event, ITM tasks identified in the ITM Tables in Chapter 2 are important to ensuring the survivability of these fire protection systems during an earthquake. Performing the required visual inspections of piping, hangars, and bracing improves the robustness and survivability of these systems.

Also, keep firewater storage tanks filled, and ensure adequate fuel supplies for engine driven fire pumps and generators are maintained at all times.

1-16.5.2 Post-Earthquake Actions.

• Initially, ITM tasks focus on damage control: shutting down damaged systems to reduce water damage \1\ and controlling fire extinguishing agents /1/.

• Perform visual inspections of all systems, including all system piping and equipment, to identify system damage and to prioritize system repairs.

• Verify water supply availability to each facility. Work with installation facility and utilities maintenance personnel to identify damage and repair requirements for the installation water supply system.

• Initiate system impairment procedures for any buildings re-occupied prior to system repairs being completed.

• When the water supply feeding the facility has been damaged, the underground piping needs to be adequately flushed.

• Any water-based fire suppression systems damaged or located in buildings structurally damaged \1\ must /1/ be subjected to hydrostatic testing prior to putting the systems back in service.

• Fire alarm systems \1\ will /1/ have been subjected to mechanical damage as well. Identifying specific alarm system trouble conditions at the FACP can help to investigate and prioritize system repairs.

• After initial fire sprinkler system visual inspections have been completed, conduct an investigation of the underground fire protection supply piping.

This \1\ includes /1/ hydrant flow testing and fire sprinkler system main drain testing. Results of the post event tests \1\ must /1/ be compared to previous test results to identify any compromised underground piping.

1-16.6 Wildland Fires.

Wildland fires can result in large-scale destruction to installation facilities and utilities.

Although building fire protection systems \1\ can /1/ be overwhelmed by the severe fire exposure from wildland fires, operational sprinkler systems within exposed buildings reduce building damage and reduce the fire exposure to adjacent buildings.

1-16.6.1 Pre-Event Actions.

Pre-event ITM actions include:

• Verify firewater storage tanks are filled.

• Verify sufficient fuel supplies are provided for engine driven fire pumps and emergency generator installations.

• Verify fire hydrants are accessible and vegetation is not blocking or hindering access to hydrants.

• Work with installation facilities personnel to make sure buildings are adequately secured. If doors, windows, skylights, and other building openings are broken or not adequately secured, bring it to the attention of installation facilities personnel so these conditions can be corrected, or temporary measures can be put in place to secure the buildings.

1-16.6.2 Actions During Wildfire Events.

Safety of base personnel and contractor personnel takes priority during wildland fire events. Inspection, damage control activities, and system repairs will need to wait until hazardous conditions subside and these activities can be undertaken without risk to personnel.

ITM actions during the event include:

• Periodic inspection of accessible fire pump installations to ensure pump facilities remain operational and adequate fuel supplies are being maintained for fire pumps and emergency generators.

• Periodic inspection of firewater storage tanks to identify any tank damage, and to verify water supplies remain available for firefighting use.

• Respond to system activations or trouble conditions to provide damage control during the event, if safe to do so.

1-16.6.3 Post Wildland Fire Actions.

• Initially ITM tasks focus on damage control: shutting down damaged systems to reduce water damage \1\ and controlling fire extinguishing agents /1/.

• Perform visual inspections of all systems, including all system piping and equipment, to identify system damage and to prioritize system repairs.

• Verify water supply availability to each facility. Work with installation facility and utilities maintenance personnel to identify damage and repair requirements for the installation water supply system.

• Initiate system impairment procedures for any buildings re-occupied prior to system repairs being completed.

• When the water supply feeding the facility has been damaged, the underground piping needs to be adequately flushed.

• Any water-based fire suppression systems damaged or located in buildings structurally damaged, must be subjected to hydrostatic testing prior to putting the systems back in service.

1-17 LIFE CYCLE/OBSOLESCENCE.

Fire protection features have widely-varying operational life cycles and degrees of obsolescence. Some of these are code- or standard-driven and are addressed in the Chapter 2 text and tables requiring specific replacement schedules. Other fire protection feature life cycles are driven by more esoteric requirements \1\ determining /1/ when components and systems must be replaced. Simply being old does not make features obsolesce.

• Manufacturers’ expiration dates: Manufacturer establishes a specific expiration date based on manufacture date or installation date; target plan and program for replacement within one year of the date.

• Manufacturer’s modification or updates: Failure to install manufacturer recommended modifications or updates within one year of recommended installation date. Target plan and program installation with the manufacturer’s recommended time frame.

• Manufacturer’s obsolescence: Manufacturer announces phase-out or ceases to support a product line or model. Target plan and program replacement for not later than one year after manufacturer’s end of support.

• Software upgrades or updates: Failure to install vendor required or recommended upgrades or updates within 30 days of vendor recommended installation date.

• Software obsolescence: Vendor announces they will cease to provide maintenance and update support for software. Target plan and program replacement for not later than one year after manufacturers’ end of support.

1-18 EXCESS FEATURES \1\ (AIR FORCE ONLY) /1/.

For Air Force, removal of existing installed fire protection features in excess of the minimum requirements for new construction established in UFC 3-600-01 is authorized in accordance with Air Force policy established by HQ USAF/A7C Memorandum, “Excess Fire Protection Features,” 17 June 2008, and codified in this UFC. Removal of \1\ unrequired /1/ features reduces unnecessary ITM requirements and unnecessary sustainment, repair, and maintenance costs. Features will not be removed reducing fire protection below the new construction level mandated in UFC 3-600-01. Consult with AFCEC/COS (afcec.rbc@us.af.mil) for additional information and guidance.

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1-19 REPLACEMENT PARTS.

Replacement parts must conform to the original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. When required parts are not available, see paragraph 1-16.

Replace listed parts with listed parts conforming to the original listing standard or current edition of the standard when indicated by the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Listing by the original…