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Document Number: XXX-XXXXX Revision: X

Document Title: Fire Protection Impairment Policy

1.0 Purpose:
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to define and set protocol for what to do when fire protection
will be out of service.
2.0 Scope:
2.1 This will include all locations included in the property insurance program.

3.0 Definitions:
3.1 Impairment – An impairment of any fire protection system or equipment occurs when
that protection system, alarm or detection device is removed from service either partially
or completely. This includes planned or emergency outages of the system or devices.

3.2 Central Station Service – A vendor that monitors the facility fire alarm system.

3.3 Impairment Coordinator – Location personnel with responsibility for compliance to this
document. This will be XXXXXX.

3.4 Standpipe Systems – Standpipe systems are a series of pipe that connects a water supply
to hose connections that are intended for fire department use. At times, buildings are provided
with only piping for the standpipe system. However, many current designs include a
combination system that supplies the automatic sprinkler system and the standpipe system. A
Fire Department Connection for Standpipe Systems is a connection through which the fire
department can pump water to a standpipe system at the required system demand.
4.0 Program Contents
4.1 All protection and supervisory systems must be maintained in good operating condition
while in service. Precautions must be taken to minimize the duration and extent of the
Impairment.
4.2 Scheduled Impairments should be only one at a time. Keep as much protection available
in service as long as possible.
4.3 An Impairment would be present if involved with the following systems:
4.3.1 Sprinkler Systems
4.3.2 Standpipe Systems
4.3.3 Fire Hose Systems if available
4.3.4 Underground Fire Service Mains
4.3.5 Fire Pumps
4.3.6 Fire Pump Suction Tanks if available
4.3.7 Water Storage Tanks
4.3.8 Fire Service Control Valves
4.3.9 Gravity Tanks
4.3.10 Detection Systems
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Document Number: XXX-XXXXX Revision: X

Document Title: Fire Protection Impairment Policy

4.3.11 Carbon Dioxide and other Gas Extinguishing Systems

4.3.12 Explosion Suppression Systems
5.0 Types of Impairments
5.1 Pre-Planned Impairment
5.1.1 This is when all or part of a protective system must be shut down for
maintenance, renovation or construction.
5.1.2 Call XXXXXX to work out the method of mitigating and expediting the
resolution.
5.2 Emergency Impairment
5.2.1 This occurs when an accident or unforeseen incident limits the effectiveness of
the system and it must be shut down for repair. This can include system
leakage, interruption of water supply, frozen or ruptured piping and equipment
failure.
6.0 Impairment Notification Form and Tag
6.1 The Impairment Notification Form and the Impairment Tag shall be used to notify all
appropriate management personnel of the Impairment, to show proper authorization
for work to be done and for restoration of the affected system.
6.2 The tag is to be issued when part or all of a protection system is out of service:
pre-planned or emergency.
7.0 Procedure
7.1 Notify the local Fire Department
7.2 Complete a Fire Protection Impairment Notification and Impairment Tag for all
impairments to fire protection.
7.3 Place the Impairment Tag on the affected valve or control device.
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Document Number: XXX-XXXXX Revision: X

Document Title: Fire Protection Impairment Policy

7.4 Expedite the work. Have all tools and materials available prior to shutting down the
system (in Pre-Planned Impairment). Return protection to service as soon as possible.
7.5 If possible, schedule the work during idle periods when fewer ignition sources are
present.
7.6 Notify the Fire Department and Central Station Service group that the system is off-line
and provide an estimate for how long if possible.
7.7 Notify all management personnel in affected areas.
8.0 Precautions
8.1 Shutdown any hazardous processes or ignition sources, including welding and cutting.
8.3 Know the location of Fire Extinguishers currently in the affected area. If additional
extinguishers may be needed, contact the Impairment Coordinator.
8.4 As much as possible, partially or fully restore systems to service overnight for work that
continues for several days.
8.5 Prohibit smoking in all Impaired Areas.
8.6 Provide temporary barriers if necessary while areas are being worked on.
9.0 Restoration – The Impairment Coordinator shall verify that:
9.1 Any necessary inspections and tests have been conducted to verify that affected systems
are operational.
9.2 The system has been returned to service properly by restoring the system to full
pressure; verify it is holding pressure and that there are no visible leaks in the system.
9.3 Management has been advised that protection is restored.
9.4 Impairment Tag has been removed and filed with facility Impairment Coordinator
or designee.
9.5 Impairment is resolved with the Fire Department and the Central Station Service or other
alarm-receiving agency.
10.0 Records Retention
10.1 Records shall be made and retained for all inspections, tests and maintenance of the
system and its components. Copies of all Impairment Tags will be maintained by XXXXXX
with the original permit staying in the building where it originated.
10.2 The records shall contain the procedure performed, the organization that performed the
work, the results and the date.
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10.3 Off-site facilities will maintain their own permit system and files.
10.4 Records shall be retained for a minimum of 2 years.
11.0 Training
11.1 This will be provided initially and on an as needed basis.
11.2 This will be provided by XXXXXX.