What should be done to sprinklers located in inaccessible areas during each scheduled shutdown for safety considerations?

During each scheduled shutdown, sprinklers located in inaccessible areas should be inspected to ensure their proper functioning and compliance with safety regulations. Inspection is essential because it allows for the identification of any potential issues, such as corrosion, obstructions, or mechanical malfunctions that could impede the sprinklers' ability to operate effectively in the event of a fire.

Regular inspections during shutdowns help verify that all components, including those in hard-to-reach locations, meet the required standards for reliability and performance. This practice aligns with the guidelines set forth in NFPA 25, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of water-based fire protection systems.

While replacement, testing, or leaving them untouched might seem valid actions, they do not align with the proactive maintenance approach advocated by NFPA 25. Replacing sprinklers could be unnecessary if they are still functional, and while testing might be crucial in some situations, it is not always practical in inaccessible areas without adequate access. Leaving them untouched could lead to undetected issues that could jeopardize safety.