UFC 3-600-02
1 January 2001
CHAPTER 2
FACILITY SYSTEMS
2-1
RELIABILITY CENTERED MAINTENANCE (RCM) METHODOLOGY.
The objective of ITM for fixed fire protection systems is to assure that the systems will
function on demand. RCM analysis identifies any defects responsible for system mal-
function and how they can be detected and corrected before a fire. A byproduct of RCM
analysis is a list of ITM tasks and how often they must be accomplished (frequencies) to
achieve a desired reliability (0.99 for this UFC; reference paragraph 1.6). The
methodology used to develop the ITM tasks in this UFC is summarized in AFCESA
Technical Report, "Risk Based Reliability Centered Maintenance of DoD Fire Protection
Systems," January 1999. The model used in the report assumed a system demand of one
event in fifty (1/50) years and a task effectiveness (ITM done right) of 99 percent. This
RCM analysis emphasized task effectiveness (is it the right thing to do and is it done
right?) and timeliness (is it done before a demand?). The resulting list of tasks and
frequencies, therefore, considered frequency and probabilities of demands and failures.
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ITM TASK DESCRIPTIONS AND FREQUENCIES
Note: Military Family Housing Systems are addressed in Chapter 3.
2-2.1
Task Descriptions. The ITM tasks in Tables 2-1 through 2-19 and 3-1 through
3-2 were selected to assure the fire protection would function upon demand.
2-2.1.1. Supervised Components. Supervision of components increases the
likelihood that conditions or faults will be detected without an inspection activity. In these
cases, the ITM task is to respond to the alarm and to test the supervisor device (e.g., valve
tamper switch) periodically. Accordingly, the tables reflect the improved fault or condition
detection by specifying less frequent inspections. Different frequencies are recommended
for monitored and for unmonitored fire alarm control equipment. A monitored system is a
system which transmits trouble alarms to a supervisory station.
2-2.1.2. Event-Driven Tests. Some tests should be event-driven. For example, a main
drain test is intended to verify the open condition of a control valve to a sprinkler or water
spray system, and needs to be done only when the control valve has been operated for
maintenance or testing. The frequency indicated in the tables is after valve operation.
2-2.1.3. Excluded National Fire Code Tasks. Some of the tasks the National Fire
Codes recommend are not included in the tables. These are tasks which do not improve
the operability of the systems because: (1) the faults they detect are not significant; (2) the
faults are detected by other tasks or means; or (3) the faults will be self-evident (fix it when
it breaks) and do no significantly impair the system.
2-2.1.4.
Non-ITM Activities. Inspection activities listed at the end of each ITM table are
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