Your establishment is protected by a fire prevention system. But do you know your legal obligations regarding the inspection of the fire protection system?
The Inspection Standards for Fire Protection Systems in Quebec
As a property manager, you want to protect your material and real estate assets. Most importantly, you have the obligation to protect the lives of individuals moving within the building. That is why it is important to regularly validate the proper functioning of the fire protection system. Indeed, for it to be functional and effective, it must at all times meet national standards.
Therefore, for automatic sprinklers and fire protection equipment to function effectively, they must be inspected regularly. The type of verification and the frequency of inspections are detailed in the chapter Bâtiment of the Code de sécurité (CBCS) de la Régie du bâtiment du Québec. Additionally, Quebec requirements strictly adhere to the norm CAN/ULC-S536, Inspection et mise à l’essai des réseaux avertisseurs d’incendie.
Who to Contact for Fire Protection System Inspection?
For an inspection carried out in accordance with best practices, you should contact a specialized contractor. To find a qualified contractor for this purpose, we invite you to consult the Registre des détenteurs de licences RBQ.
During the inspection, the fire protection technician performs the verification tests required by municipal regulations. Thus, they meticulously inspect and test each component of the fire protection system. Therefore, he ensures that they are not damaged, defective, or obstructed.
At the end of the inspection, he provides you with an inspection report. This includes, in particular, a list of observations of defects and non-compliance. Additionally, it indicates the maintenance work required to make the fire protection system functional and effective.
What Are the Inspection Standards for Fire Protection Systems?
Every day, the building manager or the person responsible for building maintenance must check the fire alarm panel. This ensures that the alarm system is functional.
The Code national de prévention des incendies (CNPI) and the Code national du bâtiment determine the frequency of inspections and tests to be carried out. In addition, insurers require compliance with an inspection and maintenance program that adheres to NFPA standards.
As an indication, here is a schedule indicating the frequency and nature of the checks recommended by NFPA standards.
Weekly/Monthly Inspection and Maintenance
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Pressure gauges (air systems, pre-action, deluge) | Inspection | 5.2.4.2, 5.2.4.3, 5.2.4.4 |
| Faucets-valves | Inspection | Table 13.1 |
Monthly Inspection and Maintenance
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Pressure gauges (underwater installation) | Inspection | 5.2.4.1 |
Quarterly Inspection and Maintenance
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Alarm devices | Inspection | 5.2.5 |
| Nameplates | Inspection | 5.2.6 |
| Firefighter fittings and valves | Inspection | Table 13.1 |
| Alarm devices | Testing | 5.3.3.1 |
Semi-Annual Inspection and Maintenance
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Draining taps | Testing | Table 13.1 |
Annual Inspection and Maintenance
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Buildings (an inspection in the fall is recommended) | Inspection | 4.1.1.1 |
| Supports | Inspection | 5.2.3 |
| Piping | Inspection | 5.2.2 |
| Sprinklers | Inspection | 5.2.1 |
| Replacement sprinklers | Inspection | 5.2.1.4 |
| Antifreeze solution | Testing | 5.3.4 |
| Valves | Maintenance | Table 13.1 |
Backflow prevention devices must be inspected annually so that your fire protection system does not contaminate the municipal drinking water system. The inspector must be accredited for this purpose.
Five-Year Inspection and Maintenance
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Pressure gauges | Testing | 5.3.2 |
| High temperature sprinklers | Testing | 5.3.1.1.1.4 |
| Obstructions | Maintenance | 13.4.2.1, 14.1 |
Inspection and Maintenance After 20 Years and Every 10 Years Thereafter
| Fire Protection Equipment | Legal Obligations | Reference Norms |
| Quick release sprinklers | Testing | 5.3.1.1.1.3 |
| Air sprinklers | Testing | 5.3.1.1.1.6 |
| Other sprinklers | Testing | 5.3.1.1.1. |
Compliance with NFPA standards for inspection and maintenance of protective systems is essential. This ensures the safety of property and individuals who work and frequent your establishment.
This responsibility that falls on you can save lives. Protection Incendie GLB experts can inform you about your legal obligations in terms of fire protection. Don't play with fire. Contact us to make an appointment for the inspection and maintenance of your fire extinguishing and alarm equipment.
By complying with your legal obligations, you benefit from the peace of mind that comes from a safe environment that meets national fire protection requirements.
