To whom should a Certificate of Fitness holder report major standpipe system defects?

The Certificate of Fitness holder should report major standpipe system defects to the owner or manager of the building. This is crucial because the owner or manager is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the building's safety systems, including standpipes. They need to be informed about any significant issues to ensure that appropriate measures can be taken to repair the defect and maintain safety standards. Effective communication about safety issues prevents potential hazards and non-compliance with fire safety regulations, and it allows the owner or manager to take the necessary actions to remedy the situation promptly.

Involving tenants directly about technical deficiencies in fire protection systems like standpipes may not be the proper procedure, as it could lead to unnecessary concern and potential misinformation regarding the safety of the building. Similarly, the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the local Fire Company play significant roles in fire safety and inspections, but they are not typically the first point of contact for reporting operational defects by the Certificate of Fitness holder. Their involvement usually comes after a notification has been made to the building's responsible parties.