Is your fire sprinkler system ready to respond?

Help ensure your automatic fire sprinkler system is prepared to respond when fire occurs.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are often the first line of defense against a fire, helping control flames, limit property damage and protect occupants. However, they can only provide effective protection when they are properly maintained and designed to match current operations.

Too often, sprinkler systems fail to control fires because of inadequate maintenance, changes in occupancy, or increased fire loads that were not considered in the original system design or are resulting from operational changes. 

An automatic fire sprinkler review service helps identify system deficiencies, verify protection remains appropriate for your operation and provide recommendations to strengthen fire protection.

What is an automatic fire sprinkler review service?

An automatic fire sprinkler review service is a consultation conducted by a fire protection professional that can benefit both existing systems and new installations. During the review, the specialist evaluates your sprinkler system's maintenance practices, design, building occupancy and water supply against applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, including NFPA 13, NFPA 20, NFPA 22 and NFPA 25.

When to request a review

Information needed for the review

• A description of operations conducted in each area of the facility
• Building drawings showing ceiling heights, truss dimensions and spacing, mezzanines, HVAC equipment, plenums and other relevant building features
• Drawings or specifications for planned storage, racking or conveyor systems, including:
  • Commodity types
  • Storage methods and heights
  • Rack configurations
  • Shelf types (solid or open)
  • Aisle widths and rack spacing
• Sprinkler system design drawings, including fire pumps and water supply components, as applicable

Most reviews focus on evaluating ceiling-level sprinkler protection. Facilities requiring in-rack sprinklers or other specialized protection systems may need to provide additional drawings and supporting documentation.

• Hydraulic calculations demonstrating:
  • Available water supply
  • System performance at the most remote sprinklers
  • Available safety margins, particularly where water supplies may fluctuate
• The most recent annual fire pump test report for upgrades or additions to existing systems served by a private water tank, fire pump or domestic supply booster pump
• Additional information regarding water storage tanks, if applicable
• Product data sheets (cut sheets) for sprinkler heads, pumps, valves and other system components

These documents are typically included in the review package prepared by your sprinkler contractor and submitted to local authorities for approval.

In some cases, an on-site visit may be necessary to gain a clear understanding of facility operations or to address gaps in the submitted documentation.

A sprinkler review does not replace code approval

Nationwide’s automatic fire sprinkler review service is a courtesy available to policyholders*. It does not replace the review, approval or permitting requirements of state and local authorities having jurisdiction.

The sprinkler contractor and design professional remain responsible for the system's design, installation and compliance with all applicable codes and standards.

If your facility has undergone operational changes, expanded storage or relies on private fire protection water supplies, an Automatic Fire Sprinkler Review Service can help identify potential gaps before a fire occurs.

To learn more, contact Nationwide Risk Management at 1-800-260-1356 or RMSolutions@nationwide.com.

*Automatic fire sprinkler review service provided by Nationwide Risk Management is available to current customers subject to availability of resources.  Any findings and/or recommendations are solely for insurance purposes only and based upon the information, conditions, and/or documents made available at the time of the review. The findings do not necessarily recognize all hazards present in your premises or operations, and are not intended to assure compliance with any local, state, or federal regulations. Evaluation for any hazard or condition does not mean that it is covered under any policy. The maintenance of safe premises, operations and equipment are the legal responsibility of the insured. Nationwide assumes no responsibility for the management or control of the insured’s safety activities nor for the correction of the conditions pointed out herein. Neither Nationwide, its agents, nor employees shall be liable for any loss other than as covered by insurance issued by the company. All findings and recommendations from Nationwide are to be considered confidential and may not be shared with other parties without the written permission of Nationwide.