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CAN/ULC S1001 Testing of Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Where fire protection and life safety systems, and systems with fire protection and life safety functions, are integrated with one another, the systems must be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC- S1001, “Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems”. The primary purpose of CAN/ULC S1001 is to ensure that each of the disparate systems are communicating with one another in an as-designed capacity and in a timely manner. CAN/ULC S1001 has been codified in Ontario Building Code, Section 3.2.10.1 and is a requirement of all new construction where fire protection or life safety systems have been installed. Additionally, all existing buildings require this same integration testing if it has not been completed previously.
Fire protection and life safety systems are of paramount importance for owners, occupants, emergency personnel and the general public. They have been historically overlooked but functioning, integrated systems ensure specific lifesaving actions are taking place immediately upon discovery of potential dangers. Examples of our integration reviews include:
- Detection of smoke on the main level of a structure will result in the elevator recalling to the second (or alternate) level to ensure potential evacuees are not delivered into an active fire.
- Loss of pressure in sprinkler piping will trigger the fire alarm. This pressure loss indicates that either an active fire has started or the integrity of the sprinkler piping has been compromised.
- Confirm and document that the fire alarm monitoring centre is receiving these various alarms in a timely fashion. With legacy buildings, a risk exists that physical lines may have been cut and/or subscriptions have elapsed.
- Confirm and document that manual-pull fire alarm systems are functioning as designed. Quick action from the first person to notice a fire will minimize the impact to people and structures.
- Confirm and document that diesel emergency generators engage and alarm is announced during a fire or low-fuel conditions. It is critical to the functioning of all life safety systems that the backup power generation be capable of indicating when it’s operability has been compromised.
- Confirm and document that when primary power is interrupted the diesel generators engage and powers critical life saving systems such as alarms, sprinkler pumps, elevators, and air handling units. Ensuring backup power generation is timely, of sufficient strength and properly functioning can be the difference between an incident and a disaster
- Confirm and document that the air handling unit disengages when fire or smoke is detected. Preventing the conveyance of smoke, ash, particulates or the fire itself through the air system substantially strengthens a building resilience in an emergency situation and protects personnel. Additionally, we will confirm and document that areas requiring pressurization (such as stairwells and other emergency routes) are functioning as designed during emergency conditions.
Cambium has trained experts and experience with testing and certification of integrated fire protection systems and life safety systems. For more information and/or a quote, please contact: