Fire sprinkler inspection checklist
Version 1 · https://conformata.io/checklists/facilities/fire-sprinkler-inspection · Made with Conformata. Guidance, not legal advice; sources at https://conformata.io/checklists/facilities/fire-sprinkler-inspection/sources
Fire sprinkler inspection checklist
Free fire sprinkler inspection checklist based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.159: control valves, 18-inch clearance, piping, waterflow alarm and test records.
How often: A main drain flow test every year and the inspector's test valve opened at least every two years. How often to walk the system with this checklist is set by your organization, together with your contractor, insurer and local fire code.
- Sections
- 6
- Checks
- 33
- Critical
- 2
- Sources
- 32
0/31 answered
0%
Answers, comments and photos stay on this device. Nothing is sent to Conformata.
Building or site *
System, riser or zone inspected *
Date of this inspection *
Name of the person inspecting *
Type of system *
Wet pipeDry pipePreaction or delugeAntifreezeOther or not known
Was this system installed to meet an OSHA standard? *
YesNo (installed for building code, insurer or property protection)Not known
Number of sprinklers on this system
Every control valve that feeds this system is fully open *
YesNo
Each control valve is held open by a lock, a seal or an electrical tamper switch *
YesNo
Each control valve has a sign or tag naming the area it controls *
YesNo
Control valves, the riser and the fire department connection can be reached without moving storage or equipment *
YesNo
Water pressure gauges on the riser, and the air gauge on a dry pipe system, are readable and within the normal range recorded for this system *
YesNo
If the automatic water supply is out of service, an auxiliary water supply or equivalent protection is in place *
YesNoN/A
Stored material is at least 18 in (45.7 cm) below the sprinklers everywhere on this system *
YesNo
No new partitions, ducts, lights, racks or stored goods block the spray pattern of any sprinkler *
YesNo
Sprinklers that could be struck, such as those at low ceilings, on racks or over forklift routes, are protected from mechanical damage *
YesNo
Sprinklers are free of paint, corrosion, heavy dust or grease buildup, leaks and broken or missing parts *
YesNo
Any sprinkler replaced since the last inspection is an approved type, and no older-style sprinkler has replaced a standard sprinkler without an engineering review
YesNoN/A
Piping in unheated areas is protected against freezing *
YesNo
Exposed piping and fittings show no outside corrosion, leaks or physical damage *
YesNo
Nothing is hung from, tied to or supported by sprinkler piping or sprinklers *
YesNo
On a dry pipe system, the low-point drains are in place and reachable so the system can be fully drained
YesNoN/A
A local waterflow alarm is fitted on the premises and is not damaged, covered or disconnected *
YesNoN/A
For a hydraulically designed system, a sign at the valves or the central records show its location, number of sprinklers and design basis
YesNoN/A
Records show a main drain flow test on this system within the last year *
YesNo
Records show the inspector's test valve was opened within the last two years and the system operated properly *
YesNo
For a system installed after January 1, 1981, the dates of its acceptance tests are recorded
YesNoN/A
System records show at least one automatic water supply able to deliver the design flow for at least 30 minutes *
YesNo
Records show the fire protection contractor's latest inspection, test and maintenance visit, and every deficiency they reported is closed or has a repair date *
YesNo
Deficiencies found, who will fix each one and by when
Every deficiency has been reported to the person responsible for the sprinkler system *
YesNoN/A
Photos of deficiencies
Use “Photo” below to add photos from this device.
Inspector's signature
Sign the printed copy, or sign electronically in Conformata.
I inspected this sprinkler system and its records as recorded above.
Signature
Name and date
Run it with your team in Conformata
- Schedule it per site and assign it to the right people.
- Turn every failed check into a corrective action that someone else verifies.
- Keep signatures, photos and the full audit history across sites.
Answers on this page stay on this device; they are not transferred.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a fire sprinkler system need to be inspected?
For a system installed to meet an OSHA standard, the federal rule sets two intervals: a main drain flow test every year [13] and opening the inspector's test valve at least every two years [14]. Inspection intervals beyond that come from your contractor's program, your insurer and your local fire code.
Does OSHA 1910.159 apply to every sprinkler system?
No. It applies to systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard [6]; systems installed in workplaces but not required by OSHA are exempt from that section [8]. Older systems installed to the NFPA or NBFU standard in effect at the time are accepted [7]. Whatever the reason a system was installed, the exit route rule still expects safeguards such as sprinkler systems to be in proper working order [32].
How much clearance is needed below sprinkler heads?
At least 18 inches (45.7 cm) of vertical clearance between the sprinklers and material below [9]. Building members and contents should also cause a minimum of interference to the discharge pattern [10], so check new racks, partitions and ducts as well as stack height. Your local fire code may set a larger clearance for some storage.
What do we do when the sprinkler system is shut off?
Provide an auxiliary water supply or equivalent protection while the automatic water supply is out of service [22]; systems of 20 or fewer sprinklers are excepted [23]. OSHA's guidance says equivalent protection may include a staffed fire watch with extinguishers or hose lines, or a secondary water supply [1]. Tell your fire alarm company, insurer and local fire department as your procedures and local code direct.
Built from 32 official sources
Every check traces to the text it is based on. Read the purpose, how to use it, the rules behind it, what it does not cover and every source.
Related checklists
- Fire prevention plan checklist28 checks · high-risk task
- Emergency action plan checklist36 checks · high-risk task
- Workplace safety audit checklist, including offices46 checks · high-risk task
- Construction safety drill checklist for site emergency plans38 checks · high-risk task
- Air conditioner maintenance checklist47 checks · high-risk task
- Chiller maintenance checklist67 checks · high-risk task
Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people, and completing it does not certify that work is safe.