July 8, 2014
On a recent appointment with a prospective client located in Charleston, S.C., a FLSA representative noticed during the survey of the facility a significant item missing from the fire pump.
In this case, the only thing supporting the fire pump was a ¾” threaded rod.
What the fire pump should have been supported by was a solid base foundation so as to support the weight of the pump and keep the shaft aligned. The question on whether or not to perform the annual fire pump test and weekly test would not have been recommended due to safety. If the system had been tested it could have resulted in a cytostatic failure and subsequent water damage to the inside of the building.
The FLSA representative took the time to explain to the customer the importance of having this situation corrected and also referenced the appropriate NFPA codes listed below.