Our sprinkler servicing contractor has advised that an annual inspection of 100% of sprinkler heads is not necessary. The contractor is a well-known installer and servicing provider however their advice appears to conflict with the British Standard guidance BS9251, 7.1, e. which states: “The sprinklers and cover plates should be inspected to determine whether they have been tampered with or whether their spray pattern has been impeded” as part of the annual service.
Have other members implemented 100% checks of all sprinkler heads or are members accepting certificates that don’t detail 100% sprinkler head inspection?
Author: Richard Cowing
Good morning Richard and thanks for your question. We have received our first response from Barnet Homes as below:
They should do a visual inspection of all sprinkler heads , take a pressure reading and test the pumps and fire alarm signal on an annual inspection. As stated you can only reasonably check all heads in dwellings but would require three letter process.
I hope that helps!
Thanks Suzy and Barnet Homes, does your sprinkler servicing contractor utalise an access / pass-back process, where they do the first two access attempts (letter / missed appointment cards) and then pass back to yourselves to arrange the 3rd attempt? If 3rd attempt fails would your organisation instigate court proceedings for an access injunction?
Hi Richard, they advised:
The contractor does a three letter process , then passes back to us. We then send another three letters before instructing a solicitor to send a court /injunction letter . We also door knock and evidence it by photograph.
The contractor now sends the 3 letters 21 days 14 days and 7. Its tending to send one letter giving them 7 days and remind them of there tenancy agreement and threaten court action. We then attend the property and door knock. To get evidence in case it goes to court.