Before authorizing a fire alarm system to go out of service, what must the impairment coordinator do?

The impairment coordinator plays a critical role in maintaining fire safety during any instance where a fire alarm system is taken out of service. Placing out of service tags and notifying the Fire Department are essential actions to ensure that all relevant parties are informed about the status of the fire alarm system.

By placing out of service tags, the coordinator provides clear communication to staff, first responders, and any maintenance personnel that the system is currently not operational. This action helps prevent confusion and ensures that people do not rely on a faulty system in case of an emergency. Additionally, notifying the Fire Department is crucial because it allows emergency responders to be aware of the situation and take appropriate actions according to their protocols.

While testing the alarm system, inspecting fire extinguishers, and notifying building occupants are important safety measures in their own right, they do not address the critical need for clear communication and record-keeping regarding the system’s operational status. Therefore, placing out of service tags and informing the Fire Department are the primary responsibilities of the impairment coordinator before taking a fire alarm system out of service.