What can happen if required inspections and tests are overlooked?

When required inspections and tests are overlooked, the most significant consequence is the increased risk of failure during a fire. A fire protection system, such as a sprinkler system, relies on regular maintenance and testing to ensure all components are functioning properly. Without these inspections, issues such as leaks, blockages, or equipment malfunction may remain undetected.

Overlooking these critical inspections compromises the system's reliability. If a fire occurs and the system has not been adequately tested, it may not activate or perform as expected, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences, including property damage and endangerment of lives. Regular testing and maintenance help to identify and rectify problems, ensuring that the system will respond as designed in an emergency. Thus, neglecting these responsibilities directly impacts the effectiveness of fire prevention and suppression measures.