Fire System Impairment Program

As with any large-scale fire protection and detection system, temporary shutdowns and impairments of system components are sometimes unavoidable. In accordance with the 2025 Fire Code of New York State, Section 901.7, a formal program must be in place to define the procedures to follow in the event of such impairments.

An impairment is defined as the planned or unplanned condition in which a fire protection or detection system, or any portion of it, is rendered inoperable. This program establishes the processes to be followed immediately after an unplanned (emergency) impairment, as well as the procedures required before authorization is granted for a planned impairment.
Effective coordination is essential and involves multiple stakeholders, including:

• RPI’s designated Impairment Coordinator
• Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
• Campus Planning & Facilities Design (CPFD)
• Physical Plant
• Public Safety
• New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC)
• Troy Fire Department (Troy FD)

Authorization and issuance of permits for planned impairments are managed by the Impairment Coordinator in coordination with the Director of Physical Plant and EHS.

The purpose of this program is to establish clear guidelines and procedures to be followed in the event of a fire protection system impairment.

In accordance with the Fire Code of New York State, Section 901.7:
“Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the Fire Department and the Code Enforcement Official shall be notified immediately, and the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection or detection system has been returned to service.”

This program defines the processes necessary to ensure compliance with the Fire Code. Impairments may involve an entire system or a portion of a system. Any condition where a system or component is inoperative and creates a potential risk to life safety or property due to fire constitutes an impairment, requiring implementation of this program.

This program applies to all RPI-owned, rented, and leased facilities and is intended for use by RPI staff, contractors, and visitors whose work may require fire system impairments.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of applicable codes or standards, or for approving equipment, materials, installations, or procedures.

Fire Protection System

Includes, but is not limited to, fire sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, underground fire service mains, fire pumps, water spray systems, carbon dioxide suppression systems, halogenated suppression systems, wet chemical systems, FM-200 systems, dry chemical systems, special extinguishing systems, and fire alarm systems.

Fire Watch

A temporary measure that provides continuous and systematic monitoring of a building, or a portion of a building, by one or more qualified individuals. The purpose is to identify and control fire hazards, detect early signs of fire, initiate alarms, and notify the fire department. Individuals assigned to a fire watch must not be given any other duties.

Impairment

A condition in which a fire protection system, or any portion thereof, is out of service or not functioning as intended.

Impairment Coordinator (IC)

The individual responsible for managing all aspects of a system impairment, including overseeing work activities and ensuring proper implementation of the fire protection impairment program.

Normal Business Hours

Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal and RPI holidays.

Off Business Hours

All times not defined as Normal Business Hours.

Impairment Coordinator

2025 NYS Fire Code requires the assignment of an impairment coordinator. RPI's impairment coordinator is Chris Mancini, Supervisor, Fire, Safety & Security - mancic2@rpi.edu - 518-276-8384.

The impairment coordinator:

• Authorizes the shut down of the fire protection system
• Ensures that the impairment procedures are being followed and completed
• Verifies that steps to restore system to service have been followed and that the system(s) are restored to service as soon as possible.

RPI Staff

RPI Staff fall within the requirements and need to follow the instructions outlined within this impairment policy. If deviation of this policy is needed, contact the impairment coordinator to discuss alternatives.

Contractors

Contracted work is required follow the instructions outlined within this program. If deviation of this policy is needed, contact the impairment coordinator to discuss alterations.

When a fire protection system is impaired the following must be immediately notified:

• Public Safety
• Impairment Coordinator
• Troy Fire Department
• NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control

Where required, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for remaining occupants unprotected by the impairment until the fire protection system has been returned to normal service.

Hot Work is prohibited during impairments. If Hot Work is essential to complete the work, a procedure must be discussed and agreed upon in advance with EHS. 

• Determine the expected length and duration of the impairment
• Survey and inspect the area of the building that will be affected by the impairment
• Consult with the Building Coordinator about the area in question and potential inconveniences
• Gain approval from the Impairment Coordinator for the planned impairment work.
• Complete and submit a pre-impairment form

• Survey area to ensure work area has not changed
• Notify affected building occupants of the planned impairment
• Confirm a pre-impairment worksheet has been submitted to EHS and Public Safety
  • Impairment Coordinator must communicate impairment details to Troy Fire Department
• Ensure no Hot Work is conducted during a planned fire alarm system impairment
• Ensure hazardous operations (i.e. flammable and combustible liquid use) are not conducted during the
  impairment
• Tag all applicable devices:
  • Fire alarm control panel
     

• Expedite work to ensure the fire alarm system is impaired for the shortest period of time
• Perform a fire watch for the affected area
  • https://ehs.wisc.edu/fire-life-safety/fire-protection-uwimpairment-fire-watch-form/
• Prohibit any Hot Work activities including cutting and welding
  • If Hot Work is needed in order to facilitate work, a Hot Work Permit Schedule Form shall have been completed and submitted to the Impairment Coordinator for approval
  • https://ehs.wisc.edu/hotwork-permit-scheduling-form/ 
• If Hot Work is required to facilitate work, an approved EHS Hot Work permit shall be on-site and posted

• Ensure the Fire alarm panel is normal
• Remove tags from all components
• Complete and submit a post-impairment form
• Impairment Coordinator communicates that the impairment has commenced and the fire protection system has returned online
• Submit a completed impairment fire watch form
  • https://ehs.wisc.edu/fire-life-safety/fire-protection-uwimpairment-fire-watch-form/
• Notify facility manager the impairment and work is complete

As soon as possible, begin following the steps outlined above in:

• Day of Planned Impairment
• During Impairment
• After Impairment