What must be ensured through a visual inspection of fire main cutout valves?

The requirement for a visual inspection of fire main cutout valves is primarily to ensure that they are locked with a locking pin in the OPEN position. Fire main cutout valves are critical in fire suppression systems, allowing or restricting the flow of water from the fire main to various sections of the system. If these valves are closed when there is a fire emergency, or if they can inadvertently be closed, it may prevent water from reaching necessary firefighting equipment, putting lives and property at risk.

By ensuring that the valves are locked in the OPEN position, it provides a guarantee that these valves cannot be inadvertently turned off. This is an important safety measure to maintain proper operation during an emergency situation, and it helps to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding about their status in a crisis.

While operational checks and maintenance are important aspects of fire safety, the immediate focus of a visual inspection in this context is to assure that the valves are set correctly to ensure functionality when needed.