Who Provides ITM on Deflagration Vents?

2/19/2021

Does anyone have recommendations for who would perform inspection, testing & maintenance (ITM) on deflagration vents under NFPA 68?

My company is having trouble finding a reputable organization that will take it on. The supplier of the chemical explosion prevention system with has turned down the work. There is a push from some to let our own maintenance handle it, per the checklist in the annex, but I feel that a group with this expertise would be a better fit. Thanks in advance.

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5 Comments

Michael Hard

2/19/2021 09:23:16 am

I have heard manufactures are currently way behind due to COVID rescheduling and kicking the can down the road. Service is backed up, this maybe why you were turned down.
IEPT and Fike are the only service companies I know that offer this service.

as you stated, NFPA 68 provides requirements for inspecting these vents. The 4 page form in the annex should be used to guide and record the inspection.
Most owners use this form to self conduct and record the required annual inspection.
May also be the reason your explosion protection supplier turned the work down, not enough interest to pursue?

That Guy

2/19/2021 09:23:21 am

Try Atexus.com

Dan Wilder

2/19/2021 10:05:37 am

When we have run into these types of situations (various older fire door/shutters come to mind) we have asked the MFG for their literature for O&M along with any tech worksheets/bulletins. Even if the MFG company won't perform the work directly, we have at least had the documentation to perform it per the OEM paperwork in addition to any guidance provided by NFPA.

Brian Spurrell

2/19/2021 01:47:18 pm

In Canada the the inspections are performed by Certified Fire Sprinkler / Protection Contractors licensed in their respective provinces. Most contractors bid on and are awarded yearly inspection contracts by owners or property managers to include but not limited to suppression systems wet, dry and specialty gas, back flow preventers and alarm systems. all reports are completed and submitted to the Owners / Property Managers, Insurance Underwriters and the office of the Provincial Fire Marshal or Dominion Fire Marshal as required. Most MFG's do not want to take on the liability.

Chris Logan link

2/22/2021 01:32:38 pm

Typically sprinkler contractors will perform the sprinkler and fire protection inspections, but not the deflagration vent inspections.
In Ontario, this is not part of the Ontario College of Trades Scope of work, nor is it included in any training from the training centre.

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