Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association

Inspections

Georgia requirements are for the inspection contractor to notify the building owner and the AHJ whenever impairments or noncompliance items are found. Click here to view or download contact information for local AHJs.

News from the State Fire Marshal's Office:

Section 120-3-19-.07 of the State Rules and Regulations requires an inspector to pass the elements for NICET Level III in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems. In previous years the State has granted exemptions to allow inspectors to complete the certification process. Blanket exemptions will no longer be granted. Individuals who are in the process of NICET testing but haven't received NICET level 3 may request a waiver, and each request will be reviewed by the State on a case by case basis to determine if a temporary license will continued to be granted.

For Property Owners and Managers regarding the Rules and Regulations adopted by the State of Georgia

Aannual, Semi-annual, and / or Quarterly inspections are required by the Rules and Regulations adopted by the State of Georgia. These Regulations have adopted NFPA 25, 2002 requiring additional inspections which are not enforced by the State.

Below is a summary of the few additional code requirements, most of which necessitate a visual inspection weekly, monthly or quarterly. The exception is the daily inspection of heating equipment required during cold weather. The only two which require "hands on" action are the testing of alarms, either quarterly or annually.

In order to comply with the State Regulations and properly maintain your sprinkler system, the GFSA encourages property managers and owners to review this list and set up a schedule for your maintenance personnel. Your inspection contractor may be able to assist you with this at the next scheduled inspection.

Gauges:
5.2.4.1* Gauges on wet pipe sprinkler systems shall be inspected monthly to ensure that they are in good condition and that normal water supply pressure is being maintained.
5.2.4.2 Gauges on dry, preaction, and deluge systems shall be inspected weekly to ensure that normal air and water pressures are being maintained.

Control Valves:
12.3.2.1 All valves shall be inspected weekly.
12.3.2.1.1 Valves secured with locks or supervised in accordance with applicable NFPA standards shall be permitted to be inspected monthly.
(1) In the normal open or closed position
(2)*Properly sealed, locked, or supervised
(3) Accessible
(4) Provided with appropriate wrenches
(5) Free from external leaks
(6) Provided with appropriate identification

Alarm Devices:
5.3.3.1 Water-flow devices including, but not limited to, mechanical water motor gongs and pressure switch type shall be tested quarterly.
5.3.3.2* Vane-type waterflow devices shall be tested semiannually.

5.2.7 Hydraulic Nameplate:
The hydraulic nameplate for hydraulically designed systems shall be inspected quarterly to verify that it is attached securely to the sprinkler riser and is legible.

Fire Department Connections:
12.7.1 Fire department connections shall be inspected quarterly.

The inspection shall verify the following:
(1) The fire department connections are visible and accessible.
(2) Couplings or swivels are not damaged and rotate smoothly.
(3) Plugs or caps are in place and undamaged.
(4) Gaskets are in place and in good condition.
(5) Identification signs are in place.
(6) The check valve is not leaking.
(7) The automatic drain valve is in place and operating properly.
(8) The fire department connection clapper(s) is in place and operating properly.

Hose Valves:
12.5.5.1 Inspection.
12.5.5.1.1 Hose valves shall be inspected quarterly.
12.5.5.1.2 All deficiencies shall be corrected.
12.5.5.1.3 Hose valves shall be inspected to ensure that hose caps are in place and not damaged.
12.5.5.1.4 Hose threads shall be inspected for damage.
12.5.5.1.5 Valve handles shall be present and not damaged.
12.5.5.1.6 Gaskets shall be inspected for damage or deterioration.
12.5.5.1.7 Hose valves shall be inspected for leaks.
12.5.5.1.8 Hose valves shall be inspected to ensure no obstructions are present.
12.5.5.1.9 Hose valves shall be inspected to ensure that restricting devices are present.

Inspection:
12.4.4.1.1 Valve enclosure heating equipment shall be inspected daily during cold weather for its ability to maintain a minimum temperature of at least 40°F.