What responsibility does the facility have for annual testing of fire protection systems?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of documentation and maintaining testing records for fire protection systems. Facilities are required to keep thorough records of all inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) activities to demonstrate compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations. This documentation serves several critical purposes: it provides proof of testing activities, helps identify trends over time in the performance of the system, allows for a review of maintenance history, and ensures that timely actions can be taken if deficiencies are found.

Proper records also facilitate communication with insurance providers, local fire authorities, and safety inspectors. They can be invaluable during audits and can help in the event of an incident where the effectiveness of the fire protection system is called into question.

While scheduling tests with local authorities, adhering to national safety guidelines, and hiring third-party inspectors are all important aspects of ensuring fire protection systems are properly managed, the facility's core responsibility lies in maintaining accurate records of the testing processes and results to support compliance and safety.