Inspection of Installations at Organizations

A well-functioning sprinkler system is vital for controlling and containing an incipient fire. That’s why Normec FSS inspects these installations at organizations to ensure they work properly when needed. However, during these inspections, obstructions are frequently discovered. René Meijer, Senior Inspector at Normec FSS, shares his practical experiences and the types of obstructions he commonly encounters.

Obstructions Reduce Fire Safety

Normec FSS conducts inspections on both new sprinkler systems (initial inspections), typically installed in new buildings, and existing systems (follow-up inspections).

René explains: “We perform inspections based on the CCV inspection scheme and assess compliance with regulations. One of the key issues we evaluate is potential obstructions to sprinklers. Besides the sprinkler heads, ceilings often contain cable trays, lighting fixtures, ducts, drainage pipes, and much more, often clustered closely together. If these installations are too large or placed too near the sprinklers, they can obstruct the water spray. This may prevent the sprinkler water from covering the entire designated area, increasing the risk that a fire cannot be controlled and spreads further—with serious consequences. We notice that organizations often overlook this, but such obstructions effectively reduce fire safety without them realizing it.”

Communication Can Save a Lot of Money

Even if the sprinkler installer has done a perfect job, obstructions can still be introduced later, often unintentionally, by electricians or other contractors. For example, an electrician might see a convenient spot for a cable tray without considering the impact on fire safety. Lack of communication often leads to such problems.

For this reason, René stresses coordination: “Installations shouldn’t negatively affect each other. Good coordination prevents issues. The FM Global datasheets provide clear instructions on this. By applying these guidelines wisely, significant cost savings can be achieved—sometimes up to €100,000—simply through better communication.”

Common Practical Mistakes

René often encounters sprinklers installed too close to the roof, spraying against steel structures, or ducts and drainage pipes blocking sprinkler coverage. Cable trays and ducts that are installed too wide can also cause obstructions. Sometimes, a fully suspended ceiling is installed below an existing sprinkler system, negating its effectiveness entirely.

Uneven ceilings are also common, René says: “We prefer a smooth, flat ceiling, but uneven ceilings exist in many organizations. In these cases, the sprinkler system must be properly installed to accommodate the ceiling profile.” Preventing obstructions remains crucial even in such situations.

Tips for Organizations with Sprinkler Systems:

• When making changes or modifications to the ceiling, always contact the original sprinkler installer.

• If that is not possible, ask Normec FSS to assess whether the changes negatively impact the sprinkler system’s performance.

• Even seemingly simple adjustments to a sprinkler system can have significant consequences for fire safety.