What defines an out of service fire protection system?

An out of service fire protection system is defined as one that is not fully functional or impaired. This means that it cannot perform its intended fire protection duties, which could involve deficiencies such as damaged components, ongoing maintenance issues, or a complete failure of certain parts of the system. Such a system poses a significant risk in terms of fire safety, as it cannot effectively detect or combat fire when needed.

This definition is crucial for understanding fire safety protocols and ensures that facility managers are aware of the status of their fire protection systems. When a system is identified as out of service, appropriate actions must be taken to repair or replace the system to restore its functionality, thereby maintaining safety standards.