scope:

This document establishes the minimum requirements for the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, including land-based and marine applications.

The scope of NFPA 25 is intended to help users determine if they are using the correct standard. As noted, NFPA 25 contains the minimum requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of a water-based system to ensure the system performs properly. The minimum requirements must be met in order for a system to comply with this standard. Nothing in the standard is intended to prevent more frequent inspection, testing, and maintenance activities if the level of safety or performance of the system is at stake. Also, Section 4.6 permits alternative means of compliance that may result in less frequent inspection, testing, and maintenance activities.

Purpose

The purpose of NFPA 25 is to make certain that the operational status of a system is maintained. This section provides the AHJ with the flexibility to deal with extenuating circumstances such as product recalls or other situations specific to a particular area or project. The AHJ, who is often the fire marshal or building official but can also be an insurance engineer or representative or the property owner, is usually the individual or entity enforcing the standard.

History has shown that the performance reliability of a water-based fire protection system under fire-related c onditions increases where comprehensive inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures are enforced. Diligence during an inspection is important. The inspection, testing, and maintenance of some items in the standard might not be practical or possible, depending on existing conditions. The inspector should use good judgment when making inspections.

The purpose of this document is to provide requireme nts that ensure a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through minimum inspection, testing, and maintenance methods for water-based fire protection systems.

In those cases where it is determined that an existin g situation involves a distinct hazard to life or property, the authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to require inspection, testing, and maintenance methods in excess of those required by the standard.