Fire sprinkler systems play a critical role in protecting lives and property across commercial, residential, and multi-unit buildings. In Surrey, British Columbia, sprinkler inspections are not optional. They are a legal requirement enforced under the BC Fire Code and overseen by the local authority having jurisdiction.
Understanding fire sprinkler inspection requirements in Surrey BC helps property owners, strata councils, and facility managers stay compliant, reduce enforcement risk, and ensure systems perform as intended during an emergency.
This guide explains what fire sprinkler inspections involve, how often they’re required, who is responsible, and what happens when deficiencies are found.
A fire sprinkler inspection is a structured review of a building’s sprinkler system to confirm it is properly installed, well maintained, and ready to operate in the event of a fire.
Inspections focus on several key areas, including:
Overall system condition and accessibility
Operational readiness of components
Compliance with applicable fire code standards
Accuracy and availability of inspection records
It’s important to understand that an inspection is not the same as a repair or system upgrade. Inspections are intended to identify issues. Any corrective work is completed separately if deficiencies are noted.
Fire sprinkler inspections are mandatory under the BC Fire Code and are enforced locally by Surrey fire authorities. These requirements exist to ensure sprinkler systems will function as designed, protecting building occupants, first responders, and property.
Failure to comply may result in:
Orders to correct deficiencies
Mandatory re-inspections
Delays in occupancy approvals
Insurance complications or coverage issues
Increased liability following a fire incident
Regular inspections are one of the most effective ways to demonstrate due diligence and reduce overall risk.
Office buildings
Retail and shopping centres
Warehouses and distribution facilities
Manufacturing and processing plants
Apartment buildings
Condominium complexes
Mixed-use developments
Care facilities and assisted living buildings
Schools and educational institutions
Assembly occupancies
If a building is equipped with a fire sprinkler system, inspections are generally required regardless of occupancy type.
One of the most common compliance questions is: how often should fire sprinkler systems be inspected?
The BC Fire Code outlines inspection and testing intervals based on system components and performance requirements.
Monthly inspections are primarily visual checks and are often completed on-site by building staff or designated personnel.
These inspections typically include:
Confirming control valves are open and accessible
Checking pressure gauges for normal readings
Verifying there is no visible damage or obstruction
Quarterly inspections involve additional system components and supervisory devices.
Common checks include:
Alarm and supervisory signal testing
Valve supervision verification
Review of overall system condition
These inspections help ensure the sprinkler system communicates properly with alarm and monitoring equipment.
Annual fire sprinkler inspections are more comprehensive and represent a key compliance milestone.
They generally involve:
Full operational testing of system components
Inspection of sprinkler heads and coverage areas
Review of inspection records and documentation
Annual inspections are often required to be performed by qualified professionals.
Five-year inspections are more invasive and focus on long-term system integrity.
These inspections may include:
Internal pipe inspections
Obstruction investigations
Verification of water supply performance
Five-year fire sprinkler inspections are critical for identifying internal issues that are not visible during routine checks.
Fire sprinkler system inspections review multiple components to confirm proper operation and compliance.
Valve accessibility and identification
Proper supervision and monitoring
Physical condition of heads
Required clearance from obstructions
Signs of damage, corrosion, or contamination
Adequate water flow
Acceptable pressure readings
Accessibility for emergency use
Condition, signage, and caps
Signal transmission
System integration with monitoring services
Fire sprinkler inspections must be completed by individuals who understand applicable standards, system design, and documentation requirements. Proper certification and training help ensure inspections meet the expectations of authorities having jurisdiction.
For more detail on inspection qualifications and compliance standards, see:
Fire Sprinkler Inspection: Certification and Compliance
Inspection documentation is just as important as the inspection itself.
Inspection dates and intervals
Items inspected and test results
Inspector identification
Identified issues
Required corrective actions
Completion timelines
Records are typically required to be kept on-site
Documentation must be readily available during inspections
Missing or incomplete records are a common reason for compliance issues.
Some of the most frequently identified deficiencies include:
Closed or partially closed control valves
Painted, damaged, or obstructed sprinkler heads
Insufficient clearance below sprinklers
Missing or outdated inspection records
Unresolved deficiencies from previous inspections
Addressing these issues proactively helps reduce enforcement risk.
When deficiencies are identified, property owners are typically given a defined timeframe to correct the issues. Depending on severity, this may involve:
Re-inspection requirements
Written compliance orders
Follow-up enforcement by local authorities
Potential insurance implications
Timely corrective action is essential to remain compliant.
Proper preparation helps inspections proceed smoothly and reduces the likelihood of deficiencies.
Best practices include:
Ensuring valves are accessible and clearly labeled
Keeping inspection records organized and current
Clearing obstructions from sprinkler coverage areas
Addressing known issues before inspection dates
Inspection frequency depends on system components, with monthly, quarterly, annual, and five-year inspections commonly required under the BC Fire Code.
Responsibility typically falls on the building owner, property manager, or strata corporation.
Multi-unit residential buildings must still meet inspection requirements, although system design may affect specific testing procedures.
Yes. Local fire authorities can require inspections, documentation, and corrective action when deficiencies are identified.
Fire sprinkler inspections are a core part of building safety and regulatory compliance in Surrey. Staying informed, maintaining accurate records, and addressing deficiencies promptly helps reduce risk and ensures systems are ready when they’re needed most.
For property owners who need assistance with inspections, documentation, or ongoing compliance planning, professional fire protection services in Surrey can help keep buildings inspection-ready year-round.
Get a Free Quote or Contact Us Today to ensure your fire sprinkler system remains compliant, reliable, and ready year-round.
Copyright © 2025 | Otis Fire All rights reserved
