What type of fire protection system should be regularly inspected to prevent it from being out of service?

The correct choice is the manual standpipe system, which requires regular inspection to ensure it remains functional and ready for immediate use in the event of a fire emergency. Manual standpipe systems are designed to provide firefighters with direct access to water using hoses and nozzles, allowing them to combat fires effectively. Regular inspections help to identify any issues such as leaks, obstructions, or equipment failures that could render the system inoperable at critical moments.

Maintaining the operational readiness of a manual standpipe system is essential, as it relies on the training and readiness of both firefighters and facility personnel to deploy effectively. Regular checks can also ensure that hoses are not damaged and that connections are functional, which helps preserve the safety of life and property in a building.

While other systems, such as sprinkler systems and emergency water supply systems, also require inspections, the emphasis on regular checks is particularly vital for manual standpipe systems due to their critical role in first response fire operations and their dependency on direct human interaction to function effectively.