ISA prepares a project management and procedure plan tailored to each contract. We model all plans after those followed in facilities such as Vanderbilt University and the United States Naval Academy. Each plan is built on these tenets:
• ISA assigns a primary technician to perform duties described in a statement of work.
• We provide a self-sufficient maintenance and repair team led by a Site Supervisor who schedules – and may assist in – service of fire alarm systems.
• ISA adheres to the industry recognized standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 72 establishes minimum requirements for inspection, maintenance, and testing of fire alarm systems, including required qualifications for technicians and proper test methods and frequency of testing for system components.
Technician Qualifications
All senior technicians must have extensive fire alarm training and at least five years of experience. Supervisors are certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) at a minimum of NICET Level II. A NICET Level II is an independent, journeyman-level engineering technician.
Contract Inception - Standard processes for inception of a new ISA contract are:
1. Map the Site – ISA gathers all site and system information including floor plans and wiring diagrams. We also request copies of inspections and service tickets.
2. Locate Devices – We document the location of systems and equipment within each building. Every device is assigned an identification reference number.
3. Develop a Preventive Maintenance Plan – This site-specific plan is based on system components and manufacturers’ required frequency for tests, inspections, and maintenance. Plans include space for technicians’ device condition notes and initials indicating completion of each task. Adherence to NFPA standards is mandatory.
Heading Contract Implementation
Each Site Supervisor is responsible for the following tasks:
1. Schedule technicians to inspect, test, and maintain systems at the correct frequency.
2. Notify affected personnel before any service or test begins – and after the procedure is complete – to avoid undue confusion or concern.
3. Keep a permanent record of all maintenance, inspections and testing, including the information listed in NFPA 72.
4. Monitor spare parts inventories to maintain adequate stocks.
5. Monitor contract performance and provide feedback to the Contract Manager.
6. Make schedule changes when necessary to accommodate facility requirements.
7. Communicate effectively to appropriate officials any problems or concerns, and develop corrective actions.
Through the use of these simple yet effective methods, a maintenance contract with ISA will ensure the proper operation of any facility’s Fire Protection Systems.
ISA has a General Services Administration approved schedule for fire alarm maintenance (GS-06F-0085R).
