Who is responsible for physically performing acceptable tests of fire protection systems?

• A. The owner of the system/property
• B. The local fire marshal
• C. A fire protection contractor
• D. The insurance provider

Answer: (A)

The owner of the system or property is responsible for making sure acceptable tests are actually performed. Fire protection tests are part of ongoing maintenance and code compliance, and it’s the owner’s duty to arrange for qualified personnel to conduct the tests and to review and retain the results. The person or company that physically carries out the testing may be a fire protection contractor hired by the owner, but the accountability for ensuring the tests happen and are documented rests with the owner. The local fire marshal may require tests and sometimes witness them, but does not take on the ongoing duty to perform routine tests. An insurance provider does not perform these tests; their role is related to coverage and risk, not execution of testing.