Fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe, suppression, and other fire protection systems help protect people and property only when they remain in service and operate as designed. Building owners and responsible parties should know which systems protect their property, arrange the required service, and address problems promptly.
Fire protection systems require routine ITM under the applicable Massachusetts State Building Code and Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The tasks and intervals depend on the system and the standards that apply to it. Arrange service with qualified personnel, keep the reports, and correct documented deficiencies.
Owner and Contractor Responsibilities
- Schedule required ITM: Maintain a service schedule for each system and component. A single annual visit may not satisfy every inspection or test interval.
- Keep systems accessible and operational: Do not block sprinkler heads, control valves, alarm equipment, or other protected equipment. Keep required access and identification in place.
- Review the results: Read ITM reports, track deficiencies through repair and retesting, and keep records available for review. A test report does not itself resolve a failed or impaired condition.
- Respond to signals and trouble: Have qualified service personnel investigate system trouble, supervisory conditions, damage, or unintended activation. Call 911 for a fire or other emergency.
Annual Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Impairment Permit
Avon Fire Department requires a Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Impairment Permit annually for conducting inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire protection systems. Apply through Avon’s PermitEyes system. Coordinate any planned interruption or impairment with Fire Prevention and the affected parties before taking a system out of service. Follow the applicable requirements for notifications, temporary safeguards, and restoration.
Forward all ITM reports to fireprevention@avon-ma.gov. Include the property address, system type, service date, and contact information when sending reports so the department can identify the property and follow up if needed.
Installation, Alteration, and Acceptance
New systems and changes to existing systems may need permits, plans, inspections, and acceptance testing. Submit the applicable Fire Department application through PermitEyes before starting permitted work. Contractors and owners should contact Fire Prevention to coordinate any required witnessed test or inspection. Provide the site address, system type, permit information, scope of work, and proposed test dates.
Fire Protection System Fees
Review the Fire Protection Systems section of the Fire Department Fee Schedule for monitoring, impairment permits, fire watch, acceptance inspections and testing, and third-party review fees.
When a System Is Out of Service
To report a fire protection system out of service, call (508) 563-5361 and select option 5. Report unplanned impairments promptly and coordinate the steps needed to protect occupants while the system is unavailable. Tell the department what is affected, when service is expected to return, and who can be reached at the property. Have qualified personnel restore and verify the system, then document the correction. The appropriate safeguards depend on the system, building, and length of the impairment.
Explore Fire Prevention
- Fire Prevention overview
- Inspections
- Smoke & CO alarm resources
- Fire Department permits
- Public education
- Plan Review
Questions
Avon Fire Department – Fire Prevention
150 Main Street, Avon, MA 02322
Phone: (774) 480-1692
Email and ITM reports: fireprevention@avon-ma.gov
For the statewide code framework, see the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code and the Massachusetts State Building Code. Contact Fire Prevention about requirements for a specific system or project.
For an emergency, call 911.