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Fire system baseline data is central to efficient asset management and fire compliance. At DEM Fire, we’ve found not every customer holds that data or is aware of its importance, however.
Our team relies on baseline data – drawn from approved design and commissioning – to monitor and compare fire protection systems with original performance.
Whilst we can still maintain a system under AS1851 without baseline data, it’s often vital to compare test results for fire safety maintenance and Annual Fire Safety Statements.
There is no mandatory requirement to keep baseline data – but that doesn’t mean it’s not a key part of expert fire prevention solutions, as Chris Simich, DEM Fire’s Inspection and Testing Supervisor, explains:
“Baseline data is very important to properly assess fire safety, but it’s not always available. Our team can help obtain that data, but it can be a very time consuming and costly process – and it is a company’s responsibility to then keep that data in good order moving forward.”
Here’s what business owners need to know about baseline data for fire prevention.
What exactly is baseline data?
Fire system baseline data includes design and commissioning documentation, reports, certificates, drawings and data sheets related to fire prevention systems. This data sets the performance benchmark for a system.
Benchmark data can be extensive and will vary per customer, but in general, it’s likely to include:
- installation and approved design documentation
- alternative solutions
- supply details
- hazard classes
- fire engineered reports
- completion certificates
- certification documents
- commissioning documents
- cause and effect charts
- system specifications
- data sheets on all installed equipment
- all drawings
- system interface diagrams
- wet system drawings
- dry system drawings
- building layout drawings
- block plans
- valve schedules.
Re-establishing your fire system baseline data
Not everything in the above list is crucial. Where you do not have baseline data or have only partial data that is relevant to your system, DEM Fire can help you re-establish it, but it can be a big process.
“In order to re-establish baseline data, we would first need to do a site assessment to determine what particular data is necessary to confirm the ongoing performance of the system,” Chris explains. “If clients don’t have that design and installation documentation, we may then need to reverse engineer to determine the baseline data. It’s a process that can involve multiple engineers and fire equipment testers.
For a large industrial estate, the project could take quite a bit of effort,” adds Chris. “Generally we do find our biggest clients have fire system baseline data. It’s more likely an issue for medium-sized businesses that have had staff turnovers since the fire system installation and haven’t got that documentation on file.”
And why it matters
There are additional benefits to maintaining baseline data. As well as avoiding reverse engineering, it helps us streamline fire safety maintenance and fire compliance, and it gives you certainty around your property’s fire protection.
Our expert team can help you re-establish your fire system data. Once in place, we recommend that you maintain that data so that it is in order and accessible for future fire protection projects.
At DEM Fire, our holistic fire prevention includes solution design, system installation, asset management and fire compliance.
To discuss baseline data or our full fire prevention services, please contact us.
