The Red Tag Permit System developed by FM Global provides a clear understanding of the process to manage sprinkler system impairments and fire alarms in the event that the sprinkler system or fire alarm system must be taken out of service. This process is used as a method to monitor and retain records of impairments and inform the appropriate stakeholders when impairments occur. 

NFPA 25 Chapter 15 identifies instructions for building owners to follow in the event of a fire protection impairment.  These instructions include:

1. ​Designating an Impairment Coordinator 2. Notifying the authorities having jurisdiction 3. Implementing an approved fire watch 4. Implementing a Tag Impairment System 5. Arranging for repairs and restoring the system to service

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At UWSP we have instances where the planned temporary impairment may be desired.  When this type of situation presents itself, it is crucial that the proper process is in place to minimize the risk to the people and property that will be impacted.  Some examples of past requests at UWSP are:

• Theatre Performances

• Maintenance Repair/Testing
  

• Graduation Ceremony / Other Events
  

Communication is the first step in ensuring the safety of all stakeholders.  The Fire Protection Impairment form is a tool to utilize to ensure the proper notices and steps are completed prior to impairment.

The form communicates who is responsible for the request, what the request is intending to impair, and when the impairment will take place.  Once this information is entered into the form, the form will follow a workflow for the approval process.  

Upon completion of approvals, the form can be printed and posted at the location of the impairment.

 FIRE PROTECTION IMPAIRMENT REQUEST FORM 

The tutorial below will walk through the steps to completing the form.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to EHS at x2320 or Risk Management at x2053.