ITM Programs

Having a suitable program of inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) is one of the more important steps to be taken to assure the success of the fire protection system. The truth is, when an appropriate level of inspection, testing, and maintenance is taking place, this activity will directly contribute to the high level of reliability expected and could extend the lifespan of your fire protection system. The purpose of the ITM program is to discover failures of components that would prevent the fire system from operating as necessary during a fire or emergency event. And of course, the goal is to discover and repair these failures prior to such an event.

The primary standard in use in most companies is NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. NFPA 25 establishes the minimum requirements for the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. As for the fire alarm systems, NFPA72 is the standard utilized to establish ITM compliance for fire alarm systems.