TTI’s Inspection Division offers comprehensive fire water storage tank inspection services and can assist fire departments in meeting these important requirements to enhance their preparedness and protect their communities.
As you know, many warehouses and businesses that are not connected to a public water supply are required to have fire water tanks in place. These tanks play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the premises and complying with insurance regulations, particularly for structures with significant square footage. By working together, we can proactively alert businesses about the importance of regular inspections for their fire water tanks, helping them maintain compliance and enhance their overall fire safety measures. Specific water tank inspections that fire departments should conduct annually to ensure the functionality and safety of their water storage systems. These inspections help maintain the readiness of fire suppression systems and ensure an adequate water supply in case of emergencies.
Frequency Guideline for Tank Evaluations
- Fire Water Tank Interior – Every 5 Years – Per 9.2.6.1.2
- Fire Water Tank Interior without Corrosion Protection – Every 3 Years – Per 9.2.6.1.1
- Exterior of Fire Water Tank – Quarterly – Per 9.2.5.1
Compliance with Regulations
Regulations for water tanks used by fire departments can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific requirements set by local, state, or national authorities. These regulations may outline specific inspection intervals, requirements, and reporting procedures that need to be followed Here are some common regulations and guidelines that fire departments may need to adhere to:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards: New Jersey often adopts NFPA standards as part of its regulatory framework.
- NFPA 22: Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection provides guidelines for water tank design, construction, installation, and maintenance, including inspection requirements. For more info on NFPA visit https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards
- TTI offers NFPA 25 Fire Water Storage Tank inspection services. To keep resources and personnel safe from fire and the extensive damage it may cause, industries are required to adhere to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Regulations. In the 2017 edition, the regulation outlines the minimal guidelines for fire water tank inspections, testing and maintenance.
- New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (NJUFC): The NJUFC provides regulations and standards for fire safety in New Jersey, including provisions for water supply systems used by fire departments. It may include requirements for the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of water tanks and their associated components.
- Reporting and Record-Keeping: Fire departments also have an obligation to keep records of water tank inspections, maintenance activities, and water quality test outcomes. These records should be easily accessible for regulatory authorities to review. TTI is well-equipped to help your facility establish a compliance program that aligns with NFPA 25 Standards. This program delineates the chronological and regular inspections mandated by NFPA, ensuring your facility maintains the necessary records. Such an approach is vital and customary for businesses seeking successful safety and quality assurance audits.
Key Inspections
- External Inspections: Visual external inspections involve evaluating the exterior components of the water tank, including support structures, access hatches, vents, and overflow systems. This inspection helps identify any visible damage, deterioration, or potential hazards that could affect the tank’s performance or pose safety risks. Per 9.2.5.4 – Required Tests for Interior Pitting, Corrosion, or Coating Failures. If pitting, corrosion, and coating failures are discovered during the visual inspection process then NFPA 25 requires additional testing on a drained tank.
- Valve and Pump Inspections: Fire departments should inspect valves, pumps, and other mechanical components associated with the water tank system. This includes checking for proper functioning, adequate pressure, and any signs of wear or damage that could hinder the delivery of water during firefighting operations.
- Internal Inspections: Fire departments should perform internal inspections of water tanks to assess the condition of the tank’s interior surfaces. This involves examining the walls, roof, and floor for signs of corrosion, leaks, sediment buildup, or any other issues that could impact water quality or Our experienced personnel have the expertise to perform these additional tests if necessary.
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- Adhesion Testing — Cross Hatch Test
- Dry Film Thickness Measurements
- Vacuum-Box Testing
- Ultrasonic Thickness Testing on Tank Walls and Tank Bottom
- Spark Testing / Wet Sponge Testing
- Water Quality Testing: Regular water quality testing is crucial to ensure that the water stored in the tank meets the necessary standards for firefighting purposes. Fire departments should conduct tests to check for contaminants, bacteria, or other impurities that could compromise the effectiveness of the water supply.
In conclusion, fire departments play a critical role in safeguarding their communities, and ensuring the functionality and safety of water storage systems is paramount to their effectiveness in emergency response. By conducting specific annual inspections in accordance with guidelines and regulations, fire departments can proactively identify any issues or deficiencies in their fire water tanks.
For more information or to request proposal, please contact:
Patricia Stock, Director of Inspections at patricias@ttienv.com or Karen Buniak, VP Business Development at karenb@ttienv.com