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Navigating NFPA 25 – Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
This presentation will explore the requirements outlined in NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. A review of each chapter in NFPA 25 provides a comprehensive guide for individuals involved in the performance and enforcement of the ITM requirements in the standard. The topics covered include the owner’s responsibilities, identification of noncritical and critical deficiencies, and differentiating emergency and preplanned impairments. Additionally, this presentation will delve into ITM of sprinkler systems, common components, valves, private fire service mains, standpipe, hose systems, and fire pumps. Obstruction investigation, internal inspection, and impairment requirements will also be identified.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this presentation, you should be able to:
- Understand the general requirements and responsibilities of the owner for water-based fire protection systems
- Identify the ITM activities and frequencies required for sprinkler systems
- Identify the ITM activities and frequencies required for standpipe and hose systems
- Identify the ITM activities and frequencies required for private fire service mains
- Identify the ITM activities and frequencies required for fire pumps
- Identify the ITM activities and frequencies required for water storage tanks
- Identify the ITM activities and frequencies required for common components and valves
- Determine the appropriate locations and frequencies to perform internal pipe inspections
- Understand and apply the appropriate procedures for impairments”

John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE, is the vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is responsible for strengthening AFSA’s engineering and technical approaches to meeting member, industry, and operational priorities, with an emphasis on service, quality, and integrity. Denhardt is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is NICET Level III certified in water-based systems layout, NICET Level III certified in inspection and testing of water-based systems, and a certified water-based system professional through NFPA. Denhardt is a member of the NFPA 13 technical committee on sprinkler system discharge criteria, a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a member of the SFPE Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation and sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s Board of Visitors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. Prior to this role, Denhardt was employed by Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland, since 1994, overseeing large-scale projects and assisting with design and installation technical issues.”