Upon completion of any new Gaseous / Clean Agent System installation or modifications to an existing system, there will be a requirement to complete a full functional test to ensure the system operates in line with the requirements before being put into permanent operation.
Below we will run through the following items using NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems as a reference to ensure that the functional testing is conducted correctly:
- Who will complete and validate the testing
- Health and safety
- Permit to work systems
- Documentation that is required
- Acceptance criteria and tolerances
- System Integrations
- Testing equipment and tools to be used
- Inspections, sign off and defect management
- System functional testing
We also have written an article on pipework pressure & puff testing, 'FM200 SYSTEM | Pipework Pressure & Puff Test Template'
Who will complete and validate the system testing?
Due to the criticality of the system and method of test, only engineers who are qualified and experienced in the works should conduct the testing.
Witnessing, where required, would be the responsibility of the client’s representative, usually the Commissioning Provider or Facility Management Department, who should make themselves available when needed.
Health & safety
Health and safety should be managed during these works due to the conducted tasks.
Areas to consider would be:
- Qualifications of operative
- Removal and reconnection of solinoid valves on the cylinders
- Potential working at height
- Working on live systems
- Working with moving parts [fans, dampers etc]
- Electrical works
Permit to work
Permit to work documents should be detailed and included to ensure that the relevant requirements to allow testing the equipment are met; items to include would be:
- General access to site
- Access to specific space equipment and pipework is located and,
- Life safety system isolations
- System integrations
[see testing procedure at the end of this article for example]
Documentation required
Before any testing starts, there will be a need for specific documentation to be available such as:
- Completed and approved checklists
- Approved material submission
- Approved construction drawings showing installation
- Completed and approved pre-functional testing checklist
- Approved method statement or functional testing procedure
- Approved installation drawings and logics
- Self testing records [if system being witnessed by a third party]
Delivery inspection checks
Evidence should be obtained that before the equipment and ancillaries are accepted from the delivery company/supplier, a full check has been completed to ensure that the delivery meets the order and that the equipment is not damaged or missing.
With photographic evidence, any damage or missing items should be notified to the supplier and delivery company immediately.
[see testing procedure at the end of this article for example]
Storage inspection checks
If the equipment or ancillaries are to be placed into storage after delivery, there will usually be a project requirement to complete a storage inspection checklist.
This will evaluate the space/area where the pipework will be kept and how stacked and stored to ensure it is clean, safe, and protected from damage before installation.
[see testing procedure at the end of this article for example]
Installation and pre-commissioning inspection checks
Through the construction process and before any testing, there is usually a requirement to conduct various installation and pre-commissioning checks covering:
- Pre-Installation
- Maintenance and access
- Pre-commissioning
These can be pretty detailed, especially for this type of work and the criticality of the clean agent system.
[see testing procedure at the end of this article for example]
Approved material submission
Although it seems a bit excessive, the approved material submission is valuable. It should be provided at the test to verify that the materials and equipment used in the installation match the design / approved construction requirements and the client is getting what is paying for.
Approved construction drawings
Approved construction drawings should be provided and marked up with the testing area.
The markups are used for a couple of things:
- to show where the testing will take place and,
- to document the overall system testing for tracking purposes.
Self test records
If the system testing is witnessed by a third party [commissioning provider, designer, facilities engineer], it should be fully self-tested before the witnessing.
This ensures that there are no issues and will reduce problems and return visits that could be claimed for.
Use the approved documentation for reference.
Acceptance criteria & tolerances
A section in the testing documentation should explain and describe any specific testing information such as system pressures, testing pressures, tolerances and testing times, etc.
For the gaseous system testing, we would include the following:
- Standby power requirements
- Sounder decibel level requirement
[see testing procedure at the end of this article for example]
System integrations
A gas suppression system will generally integrate with other methods, and these should be listed with a high-level expectation to allow the testing to commence and be completed.
Some examples are below:
| Ref | Integrated with | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fire alarm system | There will usually be a requirement for the gas suppression system, once activated at stage 1, to trip and switch off all ventilation systems [supply, extract] dependant upon the air flow rate of the particular system. |
| 2 | BMS System | As the BMS will be integral to reporting the status of the system, it should be fully commissioned and operating prior to testing. Able to monitor the required points and alarms etc |
| 3 | Supply/extract air system | As the protected space will usually rely on fresh air from a central system, it should be integrated wit hthe fire systems and able to operate under 'automatic' setting. |
| 4 | Purge ventilation system | As the protected space will usually rely on a purge system to be activated after the suppression system has discharged, to remove any gas and bring in fresh air, it should be fully integrated with the suppression system and tested prior to the works. |
| 5 | Access/security system | The access and security system will need to be fully operational and integrated with the fire system to allow releasing of doors and locks etc. |
Testing equipment
We should detail any equipment and instruments to be used during the testing, especially if they are to be calibrated.
For calibration, all equipment and instruments used will need a certificate that is in date matching the serial number.
| Equipment Type | Certificate expiry date | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi Meter | |||
| Magnet |
Inspections, sign off and defect management
Before testing and commissioning on the equipment and associated systems, the equipment and installation should be thoroughly inspected and signed off, in line with the project process and requirements.
The below steps can be used, with responsibilities, as guidance to monitor the actions taken within your project.
All documents should be provided for inspection at the testing time, with a copy to be included in the final testing documentation.
| Document/Reference | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Material Submission to be approved and comments addressed. [Minimum Status B] | Main/General Contractor Designer Commissioning Consultant |
| Drawings to be approved and comments addressed. [Minimum Status B] | Main/General Contractor Designer Commissioning Consultant |
| Factory Testing Functional Testing Method Statement to be approved and comments addressed. [Minimum Status B] | Main/General Contractor Commissioning Consultant Designer |
| Factory Testing to be completed and comments addressed. | Main/General Contractor Commissioning Consultant Designer |
| Factory Testing Functional Testing Report to be approved and comments addressed. [Minimum Status B] | Main/General Contractor Commissioning Consultant Designer |
| Proceed To Deliver Certificate provided approved by Commissioning Consultant and Designer | Main/General Contractor Commissioning Consultant Designer |
| Delivery / Storage Inspection Check List provided, and all comments addressed that are critical to the testing activities As per Delivery Storage Section Checklist | Main/General Contractor Resident Engineer |
| Installation Inspection Check List provided, and all comments addressed that are critical to the testing activities As per the Installation Section Checklist | Main/General Contractor Resident Engineer |
| Future Maintenance Inspection Check List provided, and all comments addressed that are critical to the testing activities As per the Installation Section Checklist | Main/General Contractor Resident Engineer |
| Pre-Functional Check List provided, and all comments addressed that are critical to the testing activities As per Pre-Functional Section Checklist | Main/General Contractor Commissioning Consultant |
| Functional Testing Method Statement to be approved and comments addressed. [Minimum Status B] | Main/General Contractor Commissioning Consultant Designer |
| Self-Testing Records provided, and all comments addressed that are critical to the testing activities | Main/General Contractor |
Gaseous / FM200 System testing method template [Open]
Note: the below is provided as an example, its a very common method of testing but be aware that projects can be different
Below details, our [PDF] template of a typical method statement referred to.
To help us expand the site and create more resources, we have also made the below documentation in [Microsoft Word] for download.
Click the ‘Buy Here‘ button to purchase the fully editable copy [with instructions] of the document below, which can be used straight away; you will direct to our shop page.
⬛ Related Articles
FM200™ SYSTEM | What is it?
FM200™ PIPEWORK | Pre-Commissioning Check List
CLEAN AGENTS | What are they, Types & Benefits
FM200™ SYSTEM | Pipework Pressure & Puff Test Template
GAS SUPPRESSION / FM 200 SYSTEM | Pre-Functional Checklist
CLEAN AGENT | Room Integrity Testing Requirements
