Sprinkler System Violations

Allstate Sprinkler Corporation is recognized as the most reliable, responsive, and respected fire sprinkler contractors in New York City and the metropolitan area. As a full-service organization, we are committed to assist you with all of your commercial and residential fire protection needs. Our services include:

  • complete design-build abilities for the installation
  • alterations and repairs of both fire sprinkler and fire standpipe systems
  • NFPA 25 inspection and testing services
  • Local Law 26 evaluation and compliance
  • prompt correction of all FDNY violations
  • 5- year hydrostatic pressure tests of sprinkler and standpipe connections
  • emergency service and repairs
  • fire pump installations, testing and repairs
  • fire extinguisher sales and recharging

Common FDNY Violations

Allstate Sprinkler can help with all your fire sprinkler testing and inspection needs. Some of the most common violations we see are:

VC1- Fire Extinguishers

VC5- Inspection Record Keeping

VC6- Signs

VC7- Color Coding

VC12- General Maintenance (Spare Heads etc.)

VC17- Certificate of Fitness

VC20- 5-year testing

The United States Congress Office of Compliance states, “Fire sprinkler systems are expected to detect, control and suppress unwanted fires. They do not necessarily have to extinguish fires since the main goal for fire sprinklers is to dramatically reduce heat, flame, smoke, control fire growth, and provide additional time for occupants to exit a building safely. Fire sprinkler systems are required in most public buildings constructed since the 1970s. If they are inspected, maintained, and tested annually, fire sprinkler systems are the most effective way to protect buildings and their occupants from unwanted fires.” With that information, it’s also helpful to know that typical fire suppression system violations include:

Extinguishers

  • Insufficient number of operating fire extinguishers.
  • Lack of service or inspection within the past twelve months.

Hydrants

  • International Fire Code regulations require a clear space of three feet be maintained around every hydrant.
  • Hydrants hidden from plain view of firefighting crews must have clear signage indicating its presence.

Sprinklers

  • Hanging ornaments, signage, or any obstruction from a sprinkler head fixture.
  • Evidence of leakage, corrosion, damage, or in an improper orientation of the system.
  • Spare sprinkler heads must be on hand (at least six) for immediate repair of any damaged sprinkler head.
  • Sprinkler system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hr period; the building must be evacuated or an approved fire watch must be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the sprinkler system has been returned to service.
  • Automatic sprinkler system installations are required to be inspected and tested at least annually.
  • Boxes, shelving, and interior walls blocking the sprinkler heads’ spray radii. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require shelves and stacked materials to not exceed a height of 18 inches below the sprinkler heads, except for those perimeter wall-mounted shelving-stored materials.

FDNY Violations & Testing

Have you been served with a violation from the New York City Fire Department? Allstate Sprinkler can help you with all the necessary paperwork, scheduling, testing and repairs that may be required to satisfy the conditions of a violation(s). Allstate maintains a continuous and close working relationship with the fire suppression unit of the New York City Fire Department and offers an unprecedented level of experience in handling FDNY violations.

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Sprinkler Systems In Brooklyn

A properly installed, maintained, inspected, and functioning sprinkler systems in Brooklyn from Allstate Sprinkler Corp. in a building that is experiencing a fire is the first response to a fire before the fire department ever shows up. Large losses of life and property are practically nonexistent in buildings in Brooklyn equipped with a properly operating sprinkler system.

Fire suppression sprinkler systems: A firefighter’s best friend

Fire Engineering magazine reports that full-scale live fire tests carried out in several countries during the latter half of the 20th century have shown that automatic fire sprinklers can make significant contributions to the improvement of conditions in fire-involved environments in Brooklyn. This is done by lowering temperatures, diluting fire gases, and improving visibility, substantially increasing the time available to occupants of a burning building to successfully evacuate the premises.

Worldwide statistics on fires and losses virtually agree that

  • In approximately 70 percent of fires that occur in sprinkler-protected properties (where the system is properly maintained and functional), three sprinklers were sufficient to contain and control the fires.
  • In 90 percent of fires, 10 sprinklers were able to contain and control the fires, impeding greater property losses and contributing to life safety.

Every day, more properties are being protected by these “mechanical firefighters”.  Properties include commercial shopping complexes, warehouses, factories, hotels, office buildings, and residencies. In many cases, the activated sprinkler systems in Brooklyn will control the fire. Yet, without direct water contact, sprinklers may not completely extinguish a fire. For example, in a warehouse, inventory may be stored on shelves that block water from the sprinklers reaching the burning material. Firefighters need to be ready with hand lines to extinguish any remaining fires. If a sprinkler system is having difficulty controlling the fire, hose lines working at strategic locations can supplement the sprinkler system to extinguish any remaining fires.

With an operating fire sprinkler system in Brooklyn, firefighting efforts are facilitated and the risk to firefighters is significantly reduced. The primary tactic in a sprinkler-protected building is to let the system do its job while supporting the system. Firefighting efforts can then be directed toward maintaining the system in a full- operational status, while laying backup lines for additional approaches to the fire.

 

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Fire Sprinkler Installation Faq In NYC

Are you a resident, or do you own a commercial business in the New York City area?

If so you may want to consider fire sprinkler installation for your space.

Did you know? Automatic fire sprinkler systems:

  • Reduce the risk of death/injury
  • Reduce property damage
  • Are relatively inexpensive

Although there are a number of benefits to getting a fire sprinkler system installed, many people are still unsure about it. To help you get informed, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions.

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Fire Pump And Insurance Testing In NYC And What You Need To Know

Allstate Sprinkler Corporation performs field acceptance testing of newly installed as well as existing sprinkler systems and fire pumps. These tests demonstrate that your sprinkler system and fire pumps are performing according to the manufacturers’ specifications. The fire pump and insurance testing works to ensure that you’re receiving the correct amount of water necessary for the correct functioning of your sprinkler system.

Insurance tests and fire pump performance tests can deteriorate over time or be affected by impairments to water supplies. It’s important for you to have a regular insurance testing in order to identify any problems with your system, ensuring that the sprinkler system and fire pump are able to operate when you need it.

Your Fire Pump is the Heart of Your Fire Protection System

Why is it essential to test and maintain a fire pump regularly?
The importance of your fire pump works to reinforce the public water supply when a public water main is unable to provide the necessary volume or pressure your automatic sprinkler system needs to work. If the water demand surpasses the capability of the water supply, or if no water is available, your fire pump will need to be able to start promptly during any emergency.

Your Fire Pump Needs Constant Care
It is critical for you to establish a regular fire pump inspection, testing, and maintenance check to ensure the proper function of your fire pump.

Check Up Weekly:

  • Valves + Piping: Check your fire pump’ suction, discharge and bypass valves to ensure that they’re open and piping is free of leaks. (in most cases, the fire pump valves should be locked)
  • Pump Control: Check your system’s fire alarm conditions; that the controller is in automatic start mode.
  • Pressure Relief: Verify that your relief valves are operating properly. This means that water should not be flowing through them; relief valves are designed to keep water pressure from exceeding the system’s design pressure in the event a pump driver experiences an over-speed condition, or if the public water supply pressure increases.
  • Pump Cooling: Check the water flow. Slight leakage is normal and indicates water lubrication and cooling is adequate. Also check the pump casing and bearing for overheating or any signs of excess vibration.
  • Water Supply: During colder weather, make sure heat is provided to the supply lines and the suction source. For open bodies of water, check the suction intake for any possible obstructions. Verify during any drought or dry conditions have no significantly reduced the water supply. For public supply booster pumps, check of valves on the suction line.
  • Pump Room Temperatures: Check your pump room temperatures, making sure they are at the correct temperature appropriate for your fire pump system.
  • Diesel Engines: Make sure your engine is clean, dry and running smoothly

Check up Monthly:

  • Check level and specific gravity of the diesel engine battery electrolytes
  • Check for corrosion of diesel engine batter terminals and condition of cable lines and connections

Many building projects throughout New York City must comply with a standpipe Hydrostatic pressure testing, and Allstate Sprinklers can help! If you have any questions or concerns about the Fire Pump testing in your building, or the Insurance Testing in NYC call us at 718-597-4060.

 

1.    “Fire Pump Inspection Checklist”. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2016.

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How To Prepare For A Fire Sprinkler Inspection

Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is proud to say that they’re able to provide service to thousands of buildings throughout the entire tri-state area. Their sprinkler inspections and tests are able to provide you with a comfort in knowing that your sprinkler system has not been subject to any vandalism, deterioration or in-house maintenance problems.

A few steps to help you prepare for your fire sprinkler inspection

Preparation is Important to Passing Your Fire Sprinkler Inspection:
•    Meeting with the inspector before your fire inspection may be in your best interest in order to ask what items the inspector will be looking for.
•    Give the fire inspector copies of your fire system or equipment inspection, testing, and maintenance reports. Reviewing these reports with the inspector before the actual inspection is important to provide any issues noted previously had been corrected.
•    Make sure to have a responsible person available to accompany the fire inspector with keys to all areas, and take notes. These notes will help give you additional insight toward the inspector’ thought process, and may be able to provide you with valuable information for your future fire sprinkler inspections.

Preparing for an annual inspection is important toward developing a good working relationship with the fire inspector and gaining positive results. Using a general checklist can help you prepare for the inspection.

Inspection contracts are designed to review a multi-point checklist during each of your sprinkler inspections. This method of inspection permits to provide a thorough and well-documented account of the status of your sprinkler system(s).

Keep your fire sprinkler system well maintained for the safety of your building

It’s very important for your staff to realize and recognize that your building is protected by a sprinkler system, as well as how it works if necessary. Allstate Sprinkler Corporation is able to demonstrate to both you and your staff the working components of your fire sprinkler system during your sprinkler inspection, while also providing you with any information that may clarify any questions or concerns you may have.

The Allstate fire sprinkler systems do not “just go off”. Most of the sprinkler accidents take place from:
•    Extreme cold weather conditions
•    Lack of heat
•    Vandalism
•    Other unfortunate accidents

Allstate Sprinkler Corp. performs all preventative measures during their fire sprinkler inspection in order to avoid any problems that could exist within your system(s).

Why do you need to have a routine fire sprinkler inspection?
At Allstate Sprinkler Corp., you can rest assured that your sprinkler system will have the right working capacity and always be fire ready when you need it. Our routine inspections are able to evaluate and test your sprinkler system in order to assure you and our team at Allstate that your facility is being maintained properly, and that your fire sprinkler will function as it is designed.

Schedule your next fire sprinkler inspection with Allstate Sprinkler Corp. so you can be prepared for with any questions or concerns toward your sprinkler system.

The Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is extremely concerned with knowing that your sprinkler system is fire ready and prepared to function as designed. You’ll be provided the service and respect that our customers have depended on for many years.

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Is Your Real Estate Management Firm Fireproof?

By definition, it is impossible to make any building completely fireproof. But, let’s give this a little bit of thought; because we all need to be sure we are taking the proper steps in order to prevent fire hazards within our home and workplace.

Whether you’re working at a hospital, real estate management firm, or a school, there is always a risk of fire. It’s important to take the right precautions in order to prevent a fire.

Fire prevention in your workplace consists of 4 steps:

  1. Implement a program that includes proportion, prevention, and recognition of fire hazards.
  2. Make sure you practice proper handling of combustible and flammable material.
  3. Maintain safe housekeeping practices that reduce the risk of fire danger.
  4. Always keep adequate fire suppression in your work area to extinguish fire before it goes out of control

 

General Safety Measures

  • Don’t pile or lay any material in a way that covers or blocks access to firefighting equipment
  • Make sure to use only approved containers for the separation and disposal of combustible refuse. Remember to always replace the lid.
  • Never store flammable materials within 10ft. of a building or other structure.
  • Stack and pile all materials in orderly and stable piles
  • Never let unnecessary combustible materials get accumulated in any part of your work area.
  • More periodic clean-up of entire work site and keep grass and weeds under control
  • Regularly dispose of combustible debris and scrap from your work area
  • Use only approved containers and tanks for storage, handling, and transport of combustible and flammable liquid
  • Always perform evaluation procedures before performing operations that present fire hazards like wielding

Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is an emergency based fire suppression contractor in New York City that knows how to handle any and all emergency situations. With Allstate, we recommend that you always stay aware of your fire safety systems; they’ll work for you to help prevent any serious fire emergencies and the damage it can leave behind for your Real Estate Management Firm.

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You’re Building Is Not Fireproof, But Our Allstate Sprinklers Work To Make It So!

You can be assured that Allstate Sprinkler Corp. will make every attempt in order to answer your emergency call as quickly as possible. We will also make every attempt in order to calm you on the telephone during any emergency situation. Allstate Sprinkler Corp. will help you — every day at any time!!

Our hands-on experience will guide you through the necessary steps in order to alleviate an emergency situation.

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Is Your Building In Violation? Important Tips About Fire Safety

If you suspect for any reason that the building you’re working in is in risk of violating the FDNY fire code, it’s important not to wait for a resolution! We always say that it’s better to be safe-than-sorry, and in this case, fire safety is one of our number one priorities.

Common FDNY Violations

In order to avoid receiving a violation, it’s very important that you continue to make sure you schedule regular inspections for your fire sprinkler system. Allstate Sprinkler Corp. helps with all fire sprinkler testing and inspection needs. Some of the most common violations you should be aware of are:

  • VC1- Fire Extinguishers
  • VC5- Inspection Record Keeping
  • VC6- Signs
  • VC7- Color Coding
  • VC12- General Maintenance (Spare Heads etc.)
  • VC17- Certificate of Fitness
  • VC20- 5-year testing

What can Allstate do to help you resolve your FDNY building violation?

  • All of the necessary paperwork
  • Any scheduling issues
  • Your fire sprinkler testing
  • Any and all of your fire sprinkler repairs

Allstate Sprinkler Corp. can and will with you in order to assist you with all of the above in order to satisfy the conditions of your building violations.

Fire safety is an important building topic throughout the year. While death and injury are the greatest risks by fire, a building fire also destroys jobs. In fact, many of the buildings that are destroyed by a fire are never rebuilt.

Here are just a few important tips about fire safety in order to create a safer working environment with your employees:

  1. Keep your building clean and organized: Make sure to keep the workplace nice and organized. Clutter can contribute to a fire by providing fuel, preventing access to any exits and emergency equipment.
  2. Dispose of all trash properly: Make sure to place any oiled rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be disposed on a regular basis.
  3. Make sure to handle any and all machinery properly: Maintain machinery in order to prevent any overheating and friction sparks.
  4. Report any and all of your buildings electrical hazards: Many fires start with faulty wiring and the malfunctioning of electrical equipment. NEVER attempt any electrical repairs unless you’re required to do so.
  5. Maintain free access to all electrical control panels: Any material or equipment stored in front of the building control panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.
  6. Use and store chemicals safely: Carefully read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
  7. Take the proper precautions while handling the use of chemicals: Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.
  8. Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires: Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set afire outside the building.
  9. Do not smoke in “No Smoking” areas: Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.
  10. Be aware of your surroundings: Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.
  11. Make sure you know all of your emergency contacts: Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone in your station for quick access if a fire were to start in your work area.
  12. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

 

In case of an emergency, remember to follow your building Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and call for help immediately.

Don’t let a fire threaten you, your co-workers and your job. Work safely to prevent fires, and know what to do if one occurs.

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What Allstate Can Do For A Fire Sprinkler Violation

Has your fire suppression system (sprinklers) been inspected, or have you been cited by the New York City Fire Department with a violation? Allstate Sprinkler Corp. will assist you with all the necessary paperwork, scheduling, testing, and repairs necessary to correct the situation and dismiss the violations. Allstate Sprinklers offer an unprecedented level of experience handling these violations.

Regularly scheduled fire sprinkler inspections by Allstate Sprinklers Corp. are imperative to avoid being cited for violations by the fire department. Allstate Sprinkler Corp. can help with all your fire sprinkler testing and inspection needs. Allstate are experts in:

•    Fire Sprinkler Installation & Repair
•   Fire Sprinkler Inspection & Testing
•   FDNY Violations
•   Emergency Fire Sprinkler Services

Fire Sprinkler Testing
Allstate Sprinkler Corp. performs five-year hydrostatic pressure tests on a daily basis with NYC Fire Department personnel. Five-year hydrostatic pressure tests are life-saving procedures. These tests simulate actual fire department events that take place during a fire. Allstate performs these tests accurately and diligently to assure you that your sprinkler system will always be fire-ready. Allstate testing crews work on sprinkler and standpipe systems supplied by gravity tanks, pressure tanks or street level city water supplies. The Allstate Sprinkler Corp. office support staff answers NYFD violations in a timely and effective manner.

Common FDNY Violations
The most common violations cited by the New York City Fire Department are:

•    VC1- Fire Extinguishers
•    VC5- Inspection Record Keeping
•    VC6- Signs
•    VC7- Color Coding
•    VC12- General Maintenance (Spare Heads etc.)
•    VC17- Certificate of Fitness
•    VC20- 5-year testing

Emergency Service
Allstate Sprinkler Corp. is an emergency based fire suppression contractor in New York City with an answering service to field any after-hour emergency and dispatch our on-call technicians accordingly. We’re here to service our customers with any problem that may occur.
Has your forklift operator accidentally hit a sprinkler head? Did your furnace fail during the coldest night of winter. Have your sprinkler lines froze and begun to leak? Has a contractor damaged an existing sprinkler head? Allstate Sprinkler Corporation has faced every emergency scenario. Our vehicles are stocked with as many different sprinkler components that may assist in making a permanent or at least a temporary repair if material needs to be ordered.

If you experience a sprinkler system emergency, do not panic. Your first phone call should be to Allstate Sprinkler Corp. at 718-597-4060. Help will be on the way immediately.  You can be assured that Allstate Sprinkler Corp. will answer your emergency call as quickly as possible. Allstate Sprinkler Corp. are your partners in protecting your business in New York City with fire sprinkler systems. We will help you — every day at any time!!

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What You Need To Know About Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

New Yorkers are used to seeing fire suppression systems—sprinklers—throughout the commercial buildings we work and shop in. But we don’t often consider a sprinkler system for our homes. All State Sprinkler Corp. knows that more and more new-home builders on Long Island are planning homes with residential sprinkler systems installed as part of the construction process. Residential sprinkler systems save lives in the event of a house fire.

Nationwide, more than 4,000 people die in fires each year and 8-out-of-10 fire deaths occur in the home. They usually happen at night when you and your family are asleep. Fires are also fast; they can go from a tiny flame to total destruction in as little as three minutes. A residential fire sprinkler system can suppress and often extinguish a fire before the fire department arrives, giving your family time to escape.

Facts

Home fire sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene. Fire sprinklers save lives, reduce property loss and can even help cut homeowner insurance premiums. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition(HFSC) cites statistics that show installing both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system reduces the risk of death in a home fire by 82 percent (as compared to having neither). In a residential sprinkler system, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire. Ninety percent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler.

•    Home fire sprinklers use only a fraction of the water used by fire department hoses.
•    Home fire sprinkler systems are at least as reliable as home plumbing systems.
•    Modern residential sprinklers are inconspicuous and can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings.

Green Awareness

The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has partnered with FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers, on an unprecedented research project to identify, analyze and evaluate the environmental impact caused by home fires—a topic of increasing international importance.

FM Global conducted full-scale fire tests in 2009 to compare the environmental impact of sprinkler and non-sprinkler home fires. The tests showed that in the event of a home fire:

•    Greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 97.8%
•    Water usage was reduced between 50% and 91%
•    Fewer persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, were found in sprinkler wastewater versus fire hose water
•    The high pH level and pollutant load of non-sprinkler wastewater are an environmental concern

Built for the Future

Including a residential fire sprinkler system in your new home on Long Island is a great idea that can save your family members’ lives. When sprinklers are installed during construction the national average cost is only $1.35 per fire sprinkler square foot. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition is helping build support for residential fire sprinklers among builders through our BUILT FOR LIFE® materials. The BUILT FOR LIFE materials educates builders about fire sprinklers and teams them with fire service experts. You can watch the BUILT FOR LIFE videothat details the entire building with sprinklers process. The BUILT FOR LIFE education kit includes brochures, a CD and DVD with everything you and your builder need to know about building with sprinklers. Best of all, you can order it for free. The BUILT FOR LIFE brochure can be downloaded so you can read it immediately.

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