Most insurers these days require this type of management program, although they may be called something else. The idea is that BEFORE a fixed system is removed from service, someone will notify the insurer about the removal from service. The insurer will then require a host of actions to be taken during the time the system is out of service, most notably- NO HOT WORK is permitted in the area, as well as rovers go through the area every _____ hour(s). We also will hang a huge red tag (or whatever color your insurer uses) on the riser valves to indicate the system is out of service. DO NOT confuse this with your LOTO program – totally different! Then the insurer will ask how long the system will be out of service and you can bet they will be calling the contact on the minute to ensure the system has been returned to service. It is a very FORMAL program with specific procedures in place to ensure the system is out of service for the prescribed time period AND that it is returned to service.
Here is a case that was very costly for a fire sprinkler contractor who has been accused of removing a sprinkler system from service on Christmas Eve and went on vacation for the holidays and a fire started, destroying the building and its contents. $8,000,000 in damages and lawsuit is pending.