Stairwell Pressurization Annual Test Checklist
Stairwell Pressurization Annual Test Checklist
Field checklist for the annual test required by NFPA 92 §8.6 + IBC §909.20.6. Covers every requirement from the deep-dive article + the IBC §1010.1.3 force triplet (15 lb latch / 30 lb set-in-motion / 15 lb full-swing) + the three test scenarios. Toggle Healthcare mode to surface CMS LSC + TJC PE + NFPA 99 additions.
Per-floor measurement table
Record EVERY floor of the stair, not a sample (NFPA 92 §8.6 + IBC §909.20.6). Cells auto-flag out-of-spec values: ΔP < 0.05 in WC = amber (under-pressurized), ΔP > 0.30 = red (over-pressurized). Force values > threshold = red (force out of spec per IBC §1010.1.3). Use the Test 2 "open door" field below to record which floor was opened during Test 2.
| TEST 1 — System ON, all closed | TEST 2 — One open | TEST 3 — System OFF | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | ΔP ≥0.05 in WC | Set-motion ≤30 lb | Latch ≤15 lb | Full-swing ≤15 lb | Self-close P / F | ΔP ≥0.05 in WC | Full-swing ≤15 lb | Self-close P / F | |
Pre-test setup
0/5Done before the system is activated.
- NFPA 72 §10.18.6.1Building on test mode with central monitoring station
- NFPA 92 §8.6All exterior + interior stair doors closed (baseline state)
- NFPA 92 §4.4.4 + UUKL listingHVAC interlocks staged in fire-alarm-active configuration
- AABC standard practiceCalibrated digital manometer + door-force gauge on hand
- NFPA 92 §8.7.2 + IBC §909.18.8Inspector qualified per NFPA 92 §8.7.2 (AABC / NEBB / TABB or smoke-control-experienced FPE)
Test execution confirmation
0/6Per-floor measurements live in the table above. These items confirm the test ITSELF was run correctly.
- NFPA 92 §8.6 + IBC §1010.1.3TEST 1 run — system ON, all doors closed; every floor measured (ΔP + 3-force triplet + self-close)
- NFPA 92 §4.4.4TEST 2 run — system ON, one door open at recorded floor; ΔP + full-swing measured at every other closed door
- NFPA 80 §6.4 + NFPA 92 §8.5TEST 3 run — system OFF, every door self-closes + latches under door-closer alone
- NFPA 92 §8.6 acceptance criterionStairwell pressurization fan(s) started within manufacturer-spec time (< 60 sec typical)
- AABC standard practiceSystem reached steady state (2-5 min) before measurements began
- NFPA 80 §6.4Outward-swinging doors specifically verified to close + latch in Tests 1 and 3
System integration verification
0/6The smoke-control system is integrated correctly with the rest of the building’s life-safety infrastructure.
- UL 864 UUKLUUKL-listed smoke-control panel correctly identifies active stair zone + status display matches actual condition
- IBC §909.16 + NFPA 92 §6.4Manual override at smoke-control panel functions per Sequence of Operations matrix
- NFPA 92 §4.5Pressure-relief mechanism operates correctly when all doors closed
- UL 555 / 555S + NFPA 80 / 90AFire + smoke dampers in HVAC penetrations confirmed in fire-mode position
- NFPA 92 §8.5 + AABC practiceFan motor amperage measured under load — within spec
- NFPA 92 §4.4.4Return-air system not pulling stair air during fire-alarm-active state
Restoration + documentation
0/4After the test sequence, restore building operation and document everything the AHJ will ask for.
- NFPA 72 §10.18.6.1FACP + smoke-control panel reset; HVAC restored; building taken off test mode with central monitoring station
- NFPA 92 §8.6.4All deficiencies documented with floor number + measurement + photo where applicable
- NFPA 92 §8.7.2Test report signed + sealed by qualified inspector with credentials documented
- IBC §909.18.8Report retained on file for AHJ review
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