Private fire hydrants can often be found in business parks, apartment complexes, condominiums, and other areas. It can be confusing to know the regulations for these hydrants, but finding a fire protection provider you can trust will eliminate any of your concerns regarding these issues. Maintaining your private fire hydrants through regular inspections is crucial for the safety and well-being of your employees, tenants, or anyone else spending time on the premises.
If you have private fire hydrants on your property, it’s important to consider that regular maintenance of your hydrants is just as important as your fire sprinkler system, or any other fire safety measures you take to protect your business and stay in compliance with your local codes and regulations.
Regular inspections of your private fire hydrants also ensure fire code compliance and overall safety for your business should a fire emergency occur.
Inspection, testing, and maintenance
According to NFPA 25, a fire hydrant must be inspected annually and after each operation. The flow must be tested each year and maintenance must be performed annually as well.
Not only is it critical to regularly schedule private fire hydrant service to ensure the hydrant is working correctly and effectively, but it’s also a necessity to remain compliant within the parameters of the NFPA 25 fire code.
Neglecting to schedule regular inspections on a private fire hydrant can leave a business at risk. If the hydrant isn’t properly maintained, the full functionality of its use is questionable and possibly a liability.
Location and regulation
Different locations can also determine regulations for private fire hydrants on your property. For example, in the the city of Sandy Springs, private hydrants are both silver and red, while the Fire Marshal’s Office is gradually phasing out red hydrants. This change is intended to standardize these hydrants, yet still differentiating them from public hydrants with a reflective orange band.
The Fire Marshal of the City of Sandy Springs also reports that apartment complexes are required to use an approved private fire hydrant contractor, but this requirement does not apply to some other areas that may have a private fire hydrant on the premises. Understanding these nuances from city to city can be challenging for the average business owner, and determining the regulations and practices of your location can be difficult to manage. Work with a licensed, well-established fire protection company local to your area. Fire Systems, Inc. can assist your business in understanding the regulation required based on your location to ensure your property is up to code. In addition to regular visits to have your private fire hydrants serviced, your fire protection company should also inspect and monitor the rest of your fire protection system.
Compliance
In order to be fully compliant with your private fire hydrant and other components of your fire sprinkler system, it’s essential to have your hydrant(s) and sprinkler system inspected and serviced by a trained professional. Fire Systems’ technicians are certified and trained to service these components of your fire sprinkler system. They can also keep track of when your next inspections are due, schedule timely repairs, and make suggestions for all aspects of your fire protection plan as a business.
In order to ensure your fire sprinkler system meets required standards and stays fully functional, call Fire Systems at 770-333-7979 or visit our website for more information.
