Method Statement for the Testing & Commissioning of Fire Alarm System with CO Detection
Introduction:
This Method Statement defines the procedures to be followed for the Testing and Commissioning of Fire Detection System with CO Detection System.
SCOPE:
The Purpose of this method statement is to ensure that Installation of Fire Alarm System with CO detection System and related activities are executed safely and in accordance with the contract requirements and that all quality assurance/ control activities required for the same are conducted in a systematic manner, works are inspected and conformance is verified and documented.
REFERENCES:
- Electrical Elv Approved Materials & Equipment (Data sheet/ Submittal)
- Approved Electrical Elv power Project Drawing
- Project Specification, United States Standard, IEEE Standard & Etc. Local Law 21-2011 Waste Management.
- FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE July 2018.
- Federal Law No.8 Regarding the Organization of labour Relations.
- Ministerial Order No.32-The Determination of Retentive method and measures for the protection of workers from the risk of the work (the ministry of labour and social affairs)
- 151 Specifications 15101: Rainwater Pipework/ Gutters
- 151 Specifications 15102 : Foul Drainage above ground
- Div151 Specifications 15103 : Drainage below ground
- Div151 Specifications 15104 : Pipelines Ancillaries

- OSHAD-RF & SF – Specific & Relevant COPs, Elements, and Mechanisms to be listed down based on activities and scope of work which will vary for each risk assessment.
OSHAD SF COP’s Version 3.1 July 2018.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 34 Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories
V 3.0 July 2016.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 14 Manual Handling and Ergonomics V 3.1 June 2017.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 8.0 General Workplace Amenities V 3.1 June 2018.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 2.0 Personal Protective Equipment V 3.1 June 2018.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 15 Electrical Safety V 3.1 June 2017.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 21 Permit to Work Systems V 3.0 July 2016.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 23 Working at Heights V 3.0 July 2016
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 26 Scaffolding V 3.0 July 2016.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 35 Portable Power Tools V 3.0 July 2016.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 37 Ladders V 3.0 July 2016.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 15 Mechanical Safety V 3.1 June 2017.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 11 Safety in the Heat V 3.1 June 2017.
- Ref OSHAD-SF Cop 8 General Workplace Amenities V 3.0 July 2016.
- Occupational safety & health administration.
- Osha ets.
- Occupational health and safety.
- Occupational safety and health administration.
- Osha standard.
- Osha emergency temporary standard.
- Occupational health and safety ac.
- Osha safety
DEFINITION:
NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
FACP – Fire Alarm Control Panel,
MFACP – Main Fire Alarm Control Panel
MCP – Manual Call Point
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Manager:
- Will have the overall responsibility on the Project execution, quality and safety.
- Also he will maintain the planning progress and coordination of works with Main Contractor.
- Overall responsible for implementation of this method statement.
- Responsible for ensuring that the work is performed in accordance with the specification and within the time and constraints.
- Coordinate with MEP coordinator (Contractor) for obtaining the necessary resources for the project and deploys as required.
- Submit progress report as per contractual requirements to Main Contractor.
- Ensure that all required submittal are made in timely manner.
- Coordination with the Contractor, Company, Engineers, Safety Personnel and subcontractor for the safety and quality during the execution of the project.
Site Mechanical Engineer:
- Ensure that the activities are carried out according to the Specification, drawing and approved Method Statement.
- Ensuring Submittals and Company approval on relevant MEP drawing/ Material/ Suppliers/ Subcontractors/ Method Statement and Quality/HSE Documentation.
- Arrange all materials and tools required for installation as per agreed project schedule.
- Coordinate to MEP Coordinator & Construction Manager for obtaining the necessary resources for the project & deploy as required.
- Provide all necessary information and distribute the responsibilities to his construction team.
- Monitor that a;; in process tests are carried out and obtained approval from Client/ Main Contractor/ Consultant.
- Monitoring & ensuring that the works is performed in accordance within the time and cost constraints.
- Coordinate with the Safety Engineer to ensure that the works are carried out in a safe working practice.
- Pass all the revised information to the site General foreman and ensure that it’s being carried out properly for entire MEP System.
- Ensure all Mechanical work activities are in conformance with approved shop drawings, contract requirements/ specification, and Method Statement.
- Ensure that relevant and required Materials are requested on time in correct quantities.
- Provide Approved Shop drawings to site Engineer for proper site Installation.
- Advising Site Engineer on all Technical aspects regarding work methods, sequence of installation, testing and commissioning.
- Follow up site activities and ensure all relevant non-conformance issues (if any) are resolved and cleared out. Communication with QA/QC Engineer and HSE Engineer for preventive and corrective actions.
- Coordinate the progress of main contractor works to ensure installations of MEP works are considering preventive and corrective actions.
- Coordination with other Contractors/ Company to provide solutions affecting design development / Coordination matters.
- Responsible for the coordination of all electromechanical activities, coordination with other discipline and between various subcontractors on sits.
- Reviewing of MEP daily, Weekly & Monthly progress reports.
- Ensuring MEP subcontractor Payment Certificates are reviewed and approved for payment.
- Responsible for all related activities prior to completion of the project.
Charge-hand/Foreman:
- Carrying out the works and the proper distribution of all the available resources in coordination with the Site Engineer on a daily basis.
- Continuous coordination and following Site Engineers instruction to meet quality requirements during the job execution.
- Incorporate all the QC & Safety requirements as requested by the company’s representative.
- Report to Site Engineer the accomplishment and problem encountered on daily basis.
QA/QC Department:
- Ensure all Inspections are raised and conducted as per the Contract Specifications, PQP, & ITPs.
- Ensure all Inspections, proper tools & tackles and manpower are used at all stages of work.
- Ensure Call current issues of procedures, approved material and shop drawing and standards are available at the point of use.
- Ensure the works comply with the contract requirements/ approved shop drawings to serve the purpose.
- Ensure the Total quality for Installation work. He shall liaise with Company for Inspection of Installation works.
- Inspect for any damages during handling, & Storage.
- Monitor the quality of work and ensure that fulfillment of specified requirement and that all quality records related to work are completed.
- Ensure the work is completed as per quality requirements. Contractor shall inspect the same work to initiate ITR for company approval.
- Maintain comprehensive inspection and test records for any further references.
Safety Officer/ Engineer:
- Tool Box talk has to be conducted and all the hazards have to be identified before starting the work.
- To make sure that the Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) are used by the Task Force during executions of work at site.
- Risks related to the activity shall be assessed and addressed as required.
- To provide training for the work force in order to execute the activity safely.
- Carry out regular and random inspection on site and record observations.
METHOD OF WORK:
Material:
- None
Equipment/ Tools:
- General toolbox
- Pliers
- Screw Drivers
- Multi-meter
- Solo Testing Aerosol.
- Heat Gun.
- Simplex key (for manual call point).
- CO Test Gas Cylinder
- Personal Protective equipment: All personnel should wear safety shoes, helmet and high Vis vests.
PRE COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE:
Checking system wiring:
- Ensure that no power is applied to the 4100ES fire alarm panel and that all wiring is properly connected.
- Ensure that all cables have been subjected to an insulation resistance test and readings are recorded in approved test.
- Use the green grounding Plug in the control panel for all measurements to ground. Each circuit must test free of all grounds and extraneous voltages.
- Use the volt/ohm meter to check each circuit type.
- At the control panel, locate wires from each initiating device or indicating appliance circuit.
- Check each circuit for extraneous voltage by setting the volt / ohm meter to 300VAC. The meter must read 0 volts.
- Set the volt / Ohm meter to 60 VDC. The measurements must read 0 volts.
- Set the volt / ohm meter to OHMS X 10 and check the circuits using resistance measurements in following table. Locate and correct any abnormal conditions at this time.
Circuit Type | Meter Reading (recommended values in brackets) |
Class A / style D initiating Device circuit |
|
From IDNet + to IDNet – | (Infinity) |
From IDNet + to Ground | (Infinity) |
From IDNet – to Ground | (Infinity) |
From IDNet + to IDNet + | (Less than 25 Ohm) |
From IDNet – to IDNet – | (Less than 25 Ohm) |
|
|
Class B / style Y, NAC circuit |
|
From + to Ground | Infinity |
From – to Ground | Infinity |
End of line monitoring Resistance | 10 K Ohm
|
Check all other system wiring to verify that each circuit is free of grounds and extraneous voltages
Commissioning Procedure:
Pre-Requisites for Commissioning:
- Approved Fire Alarm as-built layout drawings
- Approved pre-commissioning check lists
- Approved Cause & Effect matrix
- Sequence of operation as per approved cause & effect must be programmed into FACP.
- Approved installation inspection reports
- Approved installation inspection reports for interface equipment’s & systems
- Approved testing & commissioning reports for interface equipment’s & systems
- 240V AC supply from UPS should be provided for FACP.
- Printer must be available during commissioning to create the test record.
- Smoke detector- Apply SOLO Aerosol in the smoke detector chamber until red LED glows steady
- Heat detector – Switch on and place the heat generator covering the detector until the red LED glows steady.
- Manual Call Point – Open the MCP using Simplex key.
- Sprinkler Flow switch – Open the Test drain valve until FACP receives FIRE signal. (Sprinkler Supplier coordination required).
Occupant Notification:
Verify that all personnel in the building have been notified that the fire alarm system is going to be tested. An inspection sign shall be placed at the main entrance so that any personnel entering the building will be aware that testing is in progress.
Power up:
- Check power cables.
- Check data cable polarity.
- Check Mains Voltage.
- Energise the incoming Mains Supply to Control Panels.
- After connecting AC power, connect battery power to FACP.
System Power Supply Testing:
- Check the fixing bolts in the pump concrete base for tightness and check the level.
- Check the mechanical seal for leaks when water has been supplied to the Electric Pumps.
- Check the electrical motor wiring between control panels and motor that the correct connections have been made.
- Check all motor wires and control panel wires are tight.
- Check control fuses in control panel are in working Condition
- Check pressure switch is wired to control panel.
- Turn on isolator and check the incoming power supply voltage matching the controller specification; check the control circuit is energized.
- Check panel lights in working condition.
- Turn the controller in HAND mode, check the motor rotation, and change the connection if it is opposite.
- Turn the selector switch to OFF, motor will stop.
- Set the cut-in, cut-out pressure
- Change the controllers in AUTO mode, release water through test valve, motor will start when the pressure drops below cut-in pressure and stop when pressure reach above cut• out pressure.
AC Power Fail Verification:
- With batteries connected, disconnect the main power supply to the FACP and verify:
- FACP trouble tone sounds
- FACP system trouble indicator illuminates.
- The FACP alphanumeric display indicates the type of trouble.
- FACP power-on indicator is off.
- Acknowledge the system trouble to silence the audible trouble signal. Verify the visible system trouble indicator is illuminated.
- Restore the main power supply to the FACP and verify:
- System trouble indicator is off.
- power-on indicator illuminates.
- The alphanumeric display indicates SYSTEM NORMAL.
Testing that circuits are properly monitored for integrity:
- Jumper each side of initiating-device circuit, to ground individually. Confirm that a trouble condition is reported to the FACP each time a circuit is connected to ground.
- Remove a few smoke detectors from their bases on every initiating-device circuit, one at a time. Confirm that a trouble condition is reported to the FACP with each device removed. Re-install a device before removing the next one. Document which detectors have been removed from their base.
- Break one connection on some of the initiating devices (manual pull boxes, heat detectors, sprinkler flow switches, valve supervisory switches,). (It should be noted that spot smoke detectors can be removed from their base for trouble testing.) Confirm that a trouble condition is reported to the FACP each time. Remake each connection before opening the next connection.
- Remove one connection on some of the appliances on each notification-appliance circuit. Confirm that a trouble condition is reported to the FACP each time. Remake each connection before opening the next connection.
Functional Testing of Initiating Devices:
The following tests require the use of building floor plans/layouts showing all initiating devices & notification appliances. Proper tagging/labeling must be verified for every initiating device. Using the cause & effect matrix, confirm that each activated initiating device operates the correct notification appliances and any other controlled equipment.
- Type of initiating devices used in this project and their test methods are as follows:
- Smoke detector- Apply SOLO Aerosol in the smoke detector chamber until red LED glows steady
- Heat detector – Switch on and place the heat generator covering the detector until the red LED glows steady.
- Manual Call Point – Open the MCP using Simplex key.
- Sprinkler Flow switch – Open the Test drain valve until FACP receives FIRE signal. (Sprinkler Supplier coordination required).
Smoke Detector Test:
- Generate Smoke using the smoke Generator and hold the generator to the smoke chamber of the smoke sensor.
- Wait for the Red LED on the base to lit steady.
- Verify the programmed sequence of the Initiating, notification and control devices.
- Check whether the address of the activated device is displayed in the Fire Alarm Control Panel.
- Verify the panel sounder and the audible and visual devices are functioning as per approved cause and effect
Heat Detector Test:
1.1.1
- Generate Heat using the Heat Generator and hold the generator just below the Heat sensor head.
- Wait for the Red LED on the base to be lit.
- Verify the programmed sequence of the Initiating, notification and control devices.
- Check whether the address of the activated device is displayed in the Fire Alarm Control Panel.
- Verify the panel sounder and the audible and visual devices are functioning as per approved cause and effect.
Flow Switch Test:
- Activate the Flow Switch
- Verify the programmed sequence of the initiating, notification and control devices.
- Check whether the address of the activated device is displayed in the Fire Alarm Control Panel.
- Verify the panel sounder and the audible and visual devices are functioning as per approved cause and effect
Audible/ Visual Devices:
- Verify the FACP LED’s Working in correct sequence.
- Verify appropriate device number and description appears on the LCD display in case of activation of initiating devices.
Graphics work Station:
Programming Method
- Insert Autocad Graphic pages in the system.
- Place the device icon in each page.
- Map the icon with the particular device address
- Save the page
Testing method
- Simulate any device in the field.
- Ensure the graphic screen pop-up with the simulated device.
- Click on the flashing device to acknowledge.
Telephone jacks shall be tested as follows:
- Insert the portable handset into the Telephone Jack.
- Panel buzzer will activate with flashing LED of the corresponding staircase.
- The person near the panel shall pull out the phone from its cradle and receive the call by pressing the switch next to the flashing LED.
- Check for the voice audibility & clarity.
- When the conversation ends remove the portable phone from the jack and put the phone back into the cradle. Press the switch again to cancel the call.
Voice evacuation shall be tested by the following method:
- Create any fire alarm in the area.
- Check all speakers in the corridor and staircase Voice Evacuation Zone are functioning.
- Check the audibility and voice clarity.
- All the speakers for each zone will be tested at least once during detectors test for each voice evacuation zone.
CO Test using CO Test Gas:
- Apply a UL approved CO agent into the detector’s gas entry ports.
- Ensure that the detector will go into alarm as soon as the gas reaches the programmed threshold levels (35ppm, 50ppm, 75ppm).
- Ensure that the ppm levels are displayed in the panel.
Fire Alarm Control Panel:
- Verify the FACP LED’s Working in correct sequence.
- Verify appropriate device number and description appears on the LCD display in case of activation of initiating devices.
Function Test of Control Panel:
- The system is programmed as per the approved drawings and level PPM ranges.
- Press the Alarm Acknowledge button to review the location of the CO detection alarm.
- Ensure that all devices are functioning as per approved cause and effect.
Function test of devices shall be carried out loop by loop (randomly) as follows:
- Activate the devices as described in the above Procedures.
- Function test will annunciate to the following panels: 1. Main FACP, Repeater panel, Graphic PC .The annunciation includes panel buzzer, LCD display of location and graphic pop-up in the PC.
- Check whether the speakers are working in case of fire condition.
- Check whether the sounders and flashers are functioning.
- Check whether the signal is going to the public address system in case of fire condition.
- Check whether the sounders and flashers are functioning.
- If the test result is successful, move to the next device and continue the test up to the consultant’s or CM’s acceptance.
- If the “Alarm Silence” button is pressed, it will stop all audible & visual notifications and an “ALARM SILENCE IN PROGRESS” message will show in the FACP prior to stop the appliances.
- If the “SYSTEM RESET” button is pressed, “SYSTEM RESET IN PROGRESS” message will display and reset will take place. Alarm will be cleared after a successful reset or the panel will show a message that “ALARM PRESENT, SYSTEM RESET ABORTED”.
- An “All speaker evac” toggle button is assigned in the FACP to play the evacuation message in the building without disturbing the control modules of other interfaces.
Function test of the Interfaces:
- Verify all interfaces are functioning in case of activation of corresponding initiating devices.
- Test shall be carried out in the sequence of loop by loop. It will be tested by activating any detector or break glass in the loop and verify the following effects are taken place.
- It will be tested by activating one device in the building Also, one Manual Call Point will be operated in each floor.
Elevator:
Simulate fire condition in any other floor other than ground floor and ensure that the elevator lands to ground floor. Simulate fire condition in ground floor and ensure that the elevator lands to any other floor other than ground floor. Once the system is reset and the fire condition is cleared, the elevator relay will reset and will start functioning as normal.
Staircase Pressurisation Fan, Lift well Pressurization Fan:
Simulate fire condition and ensure that all the fans turn ON and once reset it should turn OFF.
Motorised Fire Dampers:
- Simulate fire condition in any floor and make sure that the dampers are opened in the incident floor and while the others are remain closed.
FAHU:
- Simulate fire condition and ensure that the FAHU’s shut down.
Clean Agent Release System:
- Simulate fire condition at the Clean Agent Release System and ensure that an alarm is activated on the FACP Panel.
Smoke Extract Fan:
- Simulate fire condition in any floor and ensure that the fan is running. (SEF Pressure could not be able to maintain, running at constant pressure).
Access Control System
- Simulate fire condition and ensure that all the Access Control doors are opened.
Gate Barrier System:
- Simulate fire condition and ensure that entry barrier is closed and exit barrier is opened.
Central Battery System:
- Simulate fire condition and ensure that all the Emergency Lights are switched ON.
History Log:
- After successful testing of entire system a historical log shall be generated and printed for review and comments for inspectors.
WALK TEST:
- If the system has a Walk test feature which allows a single person to test the devices. Walk test enable will show as a trouble warning in the system and will be cleared after successful exit of walk test. Walk test events also will be recorded in Main FACP. System will reset itself after every device test.
Witness Demonstrations / Completion:
- After the successful commissioning the results will be recorded on the testing and commissioning sheets attached with the document.
Osha ets. Occupational health and safety.
Health Risk Assessment:
- All the above operations shall be executed strictly in accordance with Project Occupational Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Plan.
- Prior to the commencement of any activities, the workforce will receive a safety induction on the project site safety requirements; this safety induction will include Project HSE Policy, Project details and layout, Site management team, general site HSE requirements, emergency procedure including Emergency contact numbers, Roles and responsibilities of the workers, Site discipline, general environmental awareness, PPE requirements.
- The HSE roles and responsibilities shall be delivered to all staff (construction manager, engineer, supervisor, foremen, and charge hand).
- Work will commence as per safety regulations laid in the contract specifications and project safety plan.
- Housekeeping shall be of good standard and debris shall be removed.
- All activities will be performed according to the control measures and instructions prescribed in the attached Risk Assessment Sheets.
- Daily JSA will be done before the commencement of each shift and each new task.
- All Vehicles will have valid licenses and passes before entering the site.
- PPE shall be issued to all personnel (Mandatory PPE’s: Hard hat, Safety glass, high visibility vest, Safety shoes and cover all. Task specific PPE; Dust mask, goggles, hand gloves).
- Specific training shall be given for task specific tools and equipment’s; records shall be kept in HSE department.
- Heat stress training will be provided during summer time, records shall be kept in HSE department.
- Adequate cool drinking water, shade and hydrolyte shall be placed.
- Plant and equipment shall have back up alarms, lights and all other applicable safety devices.
- Provide Banks man when operating equipment reverse and moving the equipment where pedestrian movement is exist.
- Work on site will be supervised by a competent person (Qualified SE)
- Safety Lighting
Emergency Procedures:
- Contact numbers of personnel concerned to be displayed.
- Emergency response team to be designated and on standby:
- All emergency contact people are posted around the project and are being discussed during site safety meeting.
- Emergency routes and exists to be clearly marked.
- 1 vehicle with one driver will be available for any emergency.
- Requirement of the Project Emergency Preparedness and Response plan shall be strictly followed.
- In the event of an accident, contact the area HSE Supervisor.
- In case of Diesel Spillage contact the Environmental department.
- Easy means of access will be available at all time.
- Contact numbers of all emergency supervisors will be distributed to site personnel (Site engineer, Safety officer, male nurse and concerned authorities and emergency services).
- Injuries will have the highest priority to be directly dealt with at once.
- There are different types of situations that we need to consider under this section. These are:
- Basic first aid
- Medical
- Property damage
- Environmental releases
- Fatality
- Fire
- The nominated response team will consist of:
- Site nurse
- Safety Engineer/Officer
- Site Superintendent/Foreman
- 4no of operatives
- Basic first aids
- The injured person, if mobile, can make his way to the site clinic for treatment by a qualified site nurse that is available and logged in the first aid register.
Medical:
Under this section, there are two categories that we need to consider. They are as follows:
(1)- Conscious
If the patient is feeling un-well, he will immediately inform his supervisor and go to the site clinic to be assessed by the site nurse. The site nurse will then advise, or the patient will require further examination and he will be taken to the hospital.
(2)- Unconscious
If the patient had collapsed during his work, alarm must be raised to inform the response team. The team will then respond accordingly by the quickest possible way arriving at the location of the incident. Along with them, they will bring a first aid kit, an emergency stretcher and an emergency vehicle. Once they are on the scene, the site nurse will assess the patient and the team will then take the patient on the stretcher either to the site clinic or to the local hospital.
- Electrocution:
- If you see someone lying unconscious or “froze on the circuit,” the very first thing to do is shut off the power by opening the appropriate disconnect switch or circuit breaker. Don’t touch another person being shocked, If the power disconnect switch cannot be located quickly enough, it may be possible to dislodge the victim from the circuit they’re frozen on to by prying them or hitting them away with a dry wooden board or piece of nonmetallic conduit.
- Once the victim has been safely disconnected from the source of electric power, the immediate medical concerns for the victim should be respiration and circulation (breathing and pulse). Call nearest First aider to apply first aid to the electrocuted person. If a victim is still conscious after having been shocked, they need to be closely monitored and cared for until male nurse arrives.
- Rescue from Height:
- There will be rescue team with emergency rescue kit readily available at site in case of “Rescue from Height” is needed. The rescue team members are chosen from scaffolding team that has no acrophobia and has enough experience on working at height.
- Emergency response drill should be conducted as per Project Emergency Drill Schedule.
- Only the competent personnel will be allowed to install the system who has experience and trained by the supplier.
- Environmental:
- Working areas will be kept free as practicable from construction debris and equipment’s which are not actually in use.
- Proper access to the work areas should be maintained all the time. Particular attention to be paid to environmental hazards such as excessive dust emission, excessive noise from equipment, unpleasant odor of material or chemical to be used, etc. Hence a corresponding control measure will be performed as below mentioned but not limited on it:
- Water spraying for dust control
- Noise level monitoring
Complied with the materials safety data sheet recommendation regarding environmental aspect/impact of the material to be used.
ATTACHMENT:
- Inspection & Test Plan
- Inspection Checklist for the testing and commissioning of Fire Alarm System
- Inspection Test Report for the testing & commissioning of Fire Alarm System
- Risk Assessment
- Quality Control Procedures1