RED TAG PERMIT PROCEDURE - Texas A&M Health Science Center

RED TAG PERMIT PROCEDURE

FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT

1.0 Introduction:
A Red Tag Permit is required whenever fire protection equipment must be taken out of service for
any length of time. The responsible person representing the Health Science Center shall complete,
sign and issue a permit describing the location of the facility and reason for impairment.
This person shall also notify the HSC Fire Marshal of any impairment at 979-436-0547; email:
[email protected]

2.0 Before Impairment:
 If possible, plan to do the work when the facility or area affected is not occupied.
 Shut down any hazardous processes in the area affected by the impairment.
 Make sure those working on the system have everything ready (i.e. equipment, parts and
personnel) before impairing fire protection equipment to reduce the duration of the impairment
as much as possible.
 Plan for temporary protection as necessary. This may include extra extinguishers, charged hose
lines, temporary sprinkler protection, personnel for fire watch, etc.
 Notify Environmental Health & Safety and the local fire department of the planned impairment
so that they can be prepared to handle any potential emergency.
 Ensure those working on the system have a plan for restoring the system as quickly as possible
in the event of a fire emergency.
 Notify FM Global of the planned impairment:
o Phone: (888)-216-9322
o Fax: (888)-216-9326
o Include FM Index:

3.0 Emergency Impairment:
 If an emergency impairment occurs, stabilize the situation and initiate above precautions.

4.0 During Impairment:
 Ensure that “Out of Service” tag is displayed at the work location to remind personnel of the
impairment.
 Shut down hazardous processes.
 Prohibit smoking.
 Prohibit all hot work including cutting and welding. If hot work is essential to complete the work,
discuss in advance with FM Global.
 Institute a fire watch in the area where fire protection is out of service.
 Continue the work until protection is restored.

5.0 After Impairment:
 Make certain the fire protection equipment is placed back in automatic service.
 If sprinkler protection was impaired, those who have completed work on the system shall
conduct a 2-inch drain test at the sprinkler riser to obtain clear unobstructed water flow. This
should be witnessed by the HSC representative.
 Sprinkler control valve shall be locked in the wide open position.
 Alarm system shall be reset.
 Red Tag Permit shall be completed and returned to HSC representative.
 Reusable Impairment Tag, if used, shall be returned to wall kit.

TAMHSC Red Tag Permit Procedure 1|Page

RED TAG PERMIT PROCEDURE

FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT

 Notify Environmental Health & Safety and the local fire department that work is complete.
 Notify the HSC Fire Marshal that work is complete and the system has been returned to normal

operation.
 Notify FM Global work is complete.

6.0 Red Tag Process:
 HSC representative fills in the information on the first page (Part 1) and notified FM Global. (This
part is kept for our records as a reminder that a permit has been issued).
 Place the second page (Part 2) in the center pocket of the wall kit. This is to serve as reminder
that the system is currently impaired.
 Issue the third page (Part 3) to the person in charge of the work being performed. This or the
Reusable Impairment Tag supplied in the wall kit must be attached to the valve(s) that will be
shut during the impairment.
 Once the system has been returned to normal you should receive Part 3 back from the person in
charge of the work being performed with all remaining information completely fill out by them.
 Place completed Part 3 in the pocket on the wall kit labeled After Impairment

TAMHSC Red Tag Permit Procedure 2|Page

RED TAG PERMIT PROCEDURE

FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT

Part 1 – Red Tag Permit Part 2 – Out of Service Part 3 – Fire Protection Out of
This section becomes a record of Place Part 2 in the center Service
the impairment. The HSC pocket of the wall hanger as a
representative completes, signs reminder of the impairment. Issue Part 3 to the fire
and issues the permit, then: protection equipment operator,
who then documents each step
1. Notifies FM Global, local in the impairment and return-
FD, HSC Fire Marshal. to-full-operation processes, and
attaches Part 3 to the shut
2. Signs the permit to valve. This page shall be
document that the returned completed to the HSC
impairment has been representative after the system
planned or is underway. has been returned to normal
operation.

TAMHSC Red Tag Permit Procedure 3|Page