• Fire Alarm Systems
• Sprinkler Systems
• Standpipe/Fire Pumps
• Emergency & Exit Lighting
• Clean Agent Systems
• CO₂ Systems
• Smoke Alarms

• Portable Fire Extinguishers
• Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
• Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning
• Water Wash Systems
• Industrial Fire Suppression Systems
• Fire Hoses
• Fire Hydrants

Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Alarm Systems are required to be maintained in operable condition at all times. As well, fire alarm systems shall be inspected in conformance with ULC-S536 (per the National Fire Code). This sub-referenced code requires monthly and yearly testing to ensure complete operability and help prevent false activations. Records must be kept by the building owner/manager for examination by the insuring agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction. Only technicians who have completed the Canadian Fire Alarm Association Technician Education Program, or an equivalent course, or who is employed by a ULC listed fire alarm service agency may perform maintenance and inspections. Pyrene is the only ULC listed fire alarm service agency in Manitoba and employs many technicians who have completed the CFAA Education Program.

Sprinkler Systems

Automatic Sprinkler Systems (wet and dry) are required to be maintained in operable condition at all times. Maintenance and inspection is required monthly, quarterly and yearly as mandated by the National Fire Code, section 6.5. These inspections ensure the systems are operable and ready for use should the need arise. Records must be kept by the building owner or manager for examination by the insuring agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction.

Standpipe/Fire Pumps

Standpipe and fire pump systems are required to be maintained and inspected monthly, quarterly and annually in accordance with NFPA 25. Flow tests of wet standpipe systems shall be performed every 5 years. Dry standpipes are required to be hydrostatically tested every 5 years. Records must be kept by the building owner or manager for examination by the insuring agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction.

Fire Hoses

As an extension of a standpipe system, a fire hose can mean the difference between the success and failure of the delivery of water to a fire. Proper maintenance, by the terms of NFPA 1961, requires an unfurling, visual inspection and re-racking annually. Nozzles and all accessories must be inspected every year to ensure there are no visible signs of deterioration in the quality of the water-delivery system. A hydrostatic test must be performed 5 years after the hose's initial date of manufacture, and every 3 years there after.

Emergency & Exit Lighting Systems

Emergency lighting systems require test and inspections to be performed monthly and annually. The National Fire Code mandates systems should be checked to ensure they operate in conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Although reports are not required by code, a record can assist with trouble-shooting and is veritable proof of inspections performed.

Clean Agent Systems

Clean Agent Systems such as Halon, FM-200 and Inergen require inspection semi-annually in accordance with the National Fire Code and various sub-referenced NFPA codes. Enclosure inspections and integrity testing, as warranted, are essential to the continued efficiency of a total-flooding system.

CO₂ Systems

NFPA 12 requires Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems to be inspected semi-annually. Reliable operation is essential for un-interrupted fire protection in industrial facilities protected by systems such as these. Inspection and testing of enclosure integrity is highly recommended to ensure proper operation of any CO₂ system.

Smoke Alarms

As the earliest warning in most fire situations, it is imperative that smoke alarms are continuously operational. Whether operated by 9V battery, 110VAC or a 10-year lithium cell, smoke alarms should be tested yearly. For the safety of residents, and the liability protection of owners/mangers, records should be kept on file as proof of said tests.

Building owners/mangers operating buildings within the City of Winnipeg should be aware of the special requirements of the Winnipeg Fire Prevention By-law 1322/76 pertaining to Smoke Alarms for Residential Rental Units when contracting for installation, repairs and maintenance of smoke alarms.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems

Wet and dry kitchen suppression systems shall be inspected semi-annually by the terms of the National Fire Code and NFPA 17, 17A and 96. Fusible links must be changed annually or more frequently if mandated by the manufacturer. It is imperative to ensure the cooking appliances' fuel sources are properly interrupted upon activation of the fire suppression system. Therefore testing does mean that a shutdown of the cooking equipment is required. Inspection reports must be kept by the owner/manager for examination by the insuring agent and/or the authority having jurisdiction.

Owner/managers should be aware of the ULC Other Recognized Document C-1254.6, which spells out new standards for "Restaurant Cooking Area Fire Extinguishing Systems". Changes to existing hazards (appliances, exhaust ductwork and canopies) can invoke a necessity to upgrade existing fire suppression systems to meet this improved standard.

Water Wash Systems

As Water Wash Systems are often used in conjuction with, or in place of, Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems, they too should be inspected semi-annually to ensure they operate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A malfunctioning pump, or a clogged drain is all too often found too late, resulting in costly repairs or clean ups. Pro-active, reasonably priced, regular maintenance and inspections can keep the automatic systems running smoothly for years to come.

Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning

The fan, exhaust ductwork, canopy and filters in any commercial kitchen regularly gets coated with grease in the course of normal usage. Grease build up of this nature can be a serious fire hazard if it is left unattended. NFPA 96 stipulates that the entire exhaust system should be inspected on a regular basis. Depending on the type of appliance fuel, foods cooked and frequency of usage, this can range from monthly to annually. Should this inspection reveal deposits from grease-laden vapours, cleaning of the entire system down to bare metal is required. Upon completion a label, indicating the date, areas found to be inaccessible, and the name of the contractor, should be applied to the canopy. Pyrene has the ability to perform both the cleaning and the fire suppression system inspection simultaneously. This ensures:

• No accidental discharges of your fire suppression system during cleaning
• The entire hood, including fire suppression system cable activation assembly will be cleaned. All too often the cable/conduit assembly becomes clogged with grease. This buildup could actually prevent the proper operation of the fire suppression system.
• Less hassle for you and your staff. One service call is sufficient, meaning less after-hours appointments for you.

Industrial Fire Suppression Systems

Industrial Fire Suppression Systems, like Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems, require maintenance and inspections semi-annually under NFPA 17. As these systems are not widely applied, our technical staff undergoes stringent training in order to be able to provide these specialized services.

Fire Hydrants

Fire Hydrants are the Fire Department’s main source of extinguishing media. A non-operational hydrant could result in the loss of an entire structure. The National Fire Code requires an inspection be performed semi-annually and after each use. Flushing is required annually. Traditionally, these inspections are performed in spring and in fall, prior to freeze up. This ensures there is no accumulation of water in the barrel, which can result in costly repairs.