Fire Protection Impairment Guide
Pyrometrics.io | Holistic Decision-Making Strategies
Why Impairment Management Matters
Fire protection impairments introduce real-time life safety risks that require pragmatic, case-by-case decision making. FPEs must carefully balance construction needs with occupant safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term institutional stewardship.
Key Considerations for Fire Protection Impairments
Evaluate if the building is occupied, partially occupied, or vacant. Assess fire load: high (hazardous materials), moderate (furnished areas), or low (concrete structures). Reference: NFPA 25 - Chapter 15, CBC Chapter 9
Determine if the shutdown affects a partial zone, a full floor, or the entire building and its duration. Reference: NFPA 25 - 15.5.2, CBC Section 901.7
Consider fire watch, temporary detection, additional extinguishers, and ensuring egress paths remain clear. Reference: NFPA 25 - 15.5.2.3, CFC Section 901.7
Utilize zoned valves, looped systems, and isolated circuits to minimize the impact of the shutdown. Reference: NFPA 72 - Chapter 12, CBC Section 907
Ensure qualified contractors and supervisors are present during impairments. Reference: NFPA 25 - Chapter 15
Notify the Fire Marshal’s Office and central monitoring stations as required. Reference: CFC Section 901.7, NFPA 25 - 15.5.2.1
Outline who is responsible for reactivating the system and confirm testing upon restoration. Reference: NFPA 25 - 15.5.2.4
Consider past shutdown decisions and institutional standards for impairment management.
Ensure all affected valves, panels, and suppression systems are locked out and tagged to prevent accidental reactivation. Tags must include the responsible person’s name, contact information, and date. Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, NFPA 25 - 15.5.2.2.3
Design systems with segmented fire alarm circuits, isolated risers, floor control valves, and fault isolation modules. These design strategies limit the impact of a shutdown to the smallest possible area, ensuring other building zones remain protected and operational. Reference: NFPA 72 - Chapter 12, NFPA 13 - Section 8.2.4, CBC Section 907
Risk Assessment Tool
Decision-Making Strategies
- Minimize shutdown zones and durations wherever possible.
- Require fire watch and confirm documentation standards.
- Ensure continuous supervision and qualified personnel on-site.
- Implement proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
- Design systems for segmentation, isolation, and minimal disruption.
- Align all shutdowns with NFPA, CBC, CFC, and OSHA requirements.