Interactive Suppression System Self-Audit

All sprinkler control valves are fully open and not wedged, hidden, or partially closed.

A closed valve can leave the building effectively unprotected even if the rest of the system looks fine.

Valve signage is legible and water pressure gauges are readable, intact, and in the expected range.

Broken or fogged gauges and missing signs are easy visual citations.

The fire department connection is visible, unobstructed, capped, and clearly marked.

Landscaping, fencing, or storage around the FDC commonly gets overlooked.

Sprinkler heads are not painted, corroded, damaged, or blocked by storage, signage, or shelving.

Painted heads and blocked deflectors are some of the most common sprinkler citations.

The spare sprinkler head cabinet is stocked appropriately and contains the proper wrench.

Inspectors often ask about spare heads once they see the riser room.

Visible sprinkler piping shows no leaks, missing hangers, unsupported sections, or suspicious field modifications.

Slow leaks and improvised pipe changes are major red flags during a walkthrough.

Water-flow alarm devices are present and the monitoring account or fire alarm interface shows normal status.

Open trouble conditions create doubt about whether the system will report when needed.

Current sprinkler inspection tags and reports are present and within the required service cycle.

Even a well-maintained system can fail an inspection if the paperwork is missing or expired.

Any current or recent suppression system impairments are documented with a clear restoration plan.

An undocumented impairment can become a much bigger issue than the original repair itself.

The hood suppression agent container is secure and its pressure gauge is in the green zone.

A red gauge on a hood system is an immediate service item, not a wait-until-later item.

All hood nozzles are present, pointed correctly, and free of grease buildup, and nozzle caps are intact where required.

Grease buildup at nozzles is both a suppression issue and a housekeeping issue.

Fusible links are intact and cooking equipment layout has not changed since the last service.

Moved fryers, ranges, or grills can leave parts of the hazard outside the protected pattern.

The manual pull station is visible, unobstructed, and accessible without moving toward the cooking hazard.

In many kitchens, the pull station gets blocked by carts, boxes, or small equipment over time.

Fuel shutoff interlocks are accessible and the hood system service tag is current within the required interval.

A current tag is one of the first things kitchen inspectors look for.

Agent cylinders are secure, pressures are within range, and the control panel shows normal status.

Even a single low cylinder can compromise the design concentration for the protected room.

Abort stations, manual discharge stations, and pre-discharge warning devices are clearly labeled and accessible.

If staff cannot identify these controls, the system is harder to operate safely during a real event.

Protected room penetrations are sealed, doors self-close properly, and HVAC dampers are set to close on activation.

A clean-agent system depends on room integrity; even small gaps can undermine performance.

The clean-agent system inspection tag or certificate is current and supporting reports are on file.

Inspectors may ask for the paperwork as soon as they see agent cylinders or releasing panels.