How Often Should Sprinkler Water Storage Tanks Be Checked? Key Guidelines

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Water storage tanks for fire sprinkler systems need to be checked on a regular basis in order to ensure that the system is still working as it should. Neglecting your inspection routine could mean you fail to spot leaks, and even a small leak could have huge consequences in the event of a fire.

In this article, we’ll be examining what the UK legislation says about fire protection as well as the best practices for you to follow with your sprinkler water storage tank.

UK Fire Safety Legislation

When discussing UK fire safety regulations, there are two very important facts we should always start by considering. The first is that regulations can vary significantly depending on the specific site/business in question. The second is that they rely heavily on the concept of a ‘responsible person’.

A responsible person is generally the owner/landlord of a premise who has the legal duty to maintain good fire safety. It’s their job to make decisions that will ensure all fire prevention systems are up-to-date and functioning as they should be. So long as those systems are being maintained that individual is allowed some discretion in their decision-making.

So, to put it simply, if you’re legally responsible for a property, then you have the right to choose when/how often systems such as alarms and sprinklers are checked. However, it’s always important to remember that with that right comes a lot of responsibility.

Responsible Practice

So, with that out of the way, let’s get back to the central question – how often should sprinkler water storage tanks be checked?

The consensus is that monthly visual checks are highly advisable. By checking your water storage tank once a month, you’ll be demonstrably taking your responsibilities seriously in order to ensure that your system works as intended in the event of a fire.

In terms of legal guidance, according to the LPC Sprinkler Rules’ newly updated Technical Bulletin 203 care and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems (2022), a full inspection/condition report is now required once every two years. This is the TB203 2-year inspection.

How Franklin Hodge Can Help

Of course, the above advice is all relatively general and could apply to a wide array of systems for various types of buildings. If you’re looking for specific guidance about maintaining and managing your fire sprinkler water storage tanks, then feel free to contact us.

At Franklin Hodge, we take our responsibilities to our customers very seriously and we’re always happy to help if it means spreading awareness of the best fire safety practices. If you have any concerns about the state of your water storage tank, get in touch to speak to one of our contractors.

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