The Importance Of Maintenance And Repairs Of Fire Hydrants At Regular Intervals

It is true that the fire extinguishing equipment is not used often, but they can be a real lifesaver during the fire accidents. They ensure safety of the people as well as the business at all the times. Therefore, a proper and complete fire hydrant service can make a huge difference in saving property and life.

What are fire hydrants and their functions?

The fire hydrants equipment is basically used to provide the water supply during the fire outbreak. They are even used to refill the tank of the fire fighting appliance. Therefore, their regular service and maintenance is extremely important to ensure that they work smoothly and effectively in case of any emergency and are in their optimum condition.

If the fire hydrant systems are set up on any public property, their maintenance and servicing at regular intervals is normally done by the local governing bodies. They must be well maintained by them.

In case they are established on private property, it becomes the responsibility of land owners or the tenants that resides there to maintain these systems well. There are many reliable and reputable companies out there that specialize in maintaining these systems that you can hire to take good care of this equipment for you.

These fire hydrants should be inspected twice or once in a year. It is normally advisable that the private owners should keep records of every maintenance and inspection. It prevents any kind of hassles with the local provincial inspector, fire commissioner, or with any other local authority.

What does the annual inspection of Fire hydrants include?

It is important that the fire hydrants are able to deliver the water to the fire fighting equipment. Regular inspection also ensures that they can be operated as well as accessed properly.

Apart from the good maintenance, the country fire brigades even encourages many organizations to have their fire hydrants properly plated and signed to allow quick identification, especially at night time. It should be noted that the fire hydrant is located below the ground for connecting it to water mains. Thus, it has above as well as below the ground inspection.

• Above the ground maintenance
  

The fire hydrant frame, surrounding surface, and the cover are checked for any kind of damage. Even the hydrant marker post is properly examined to see whether the information shown is clearly visible and correct.

• Below Ground Inspection
  

This inspection includes the checking of hydrant itself and the hydrant pit. It is checked for any kind of leakage. In case the pit may need clearing of debris or silt that may affect water delivery for the fire fighting needs, then those conditions are also properly addressed.

The fire hydrant is even “wet tested” to make sure that it works, according to expectation. They may even be tested for water flow and water pressure. Fire hydrants are typically made from the iron materials, so they are meant to last over 50 years. However, internal working components like seats and gaskets need routine replacement and maintenance.

A Complete Guide To Dry Riser - Its Importance, Benefits, Requirements, And Much More!

Many studies have shown that limited or poor access to the water mains is one of the main causes of uncontrollable fire that may cause a great damage to both human life as well as property. Mostly every home has a fire prevention system, but very less people are aware about the ways on how the fire fighting crew would get access to the water mains. 

Dry risers are the most efficient and simple way to provide water to multiple floors of a tall building. The time saved can avert a disaster. There are many benefits of installing dry riser. Let us know about them in detail!

Benefits of Dry Risers and requirements that must be met by them

• Their installation doesn’t require any kind of special equipment or any facilities
• They don’t require the design or the structure of any building to be modified or altered.
• Most efficient way than other systems to provide quick access to the water mains.
• Dry risers generally have compressed air that is filled inside the pipes. However, they can be filled with water instantly to fight against fire by pumping from the Fire Service Appliances.
  

The requirements that must be met by the dry risers are as follows.

• The dry risers shouldn’t be more than 60 meters apart in horizontal direction.
• They should have fire appliance within 18 meters of the inlet box of dry riser.
• No portion of floor area should be more than 60 metres from outlet.
  

What benefits do you get from Fire Extinguisher maintenance visits?

Well, many organizations tend to avoid the importance of regular maintenance visits of the portable fire extinguishers including Dry Risers. However, it must be noted that having a professional and trained technician to visit your business premises for dry riser servicing becomes very important as well as necessary these days.

The primary purpose behind their visit is the service of portable fire extinguishers. However, there are a lot more services that they can offer you in terms of your fire extinguisher maintenance.

Even other things are well considered by them. For instance, they will ensure whether the equipment is fit to serve the services it is intended to. A regular visit even assures that the fire equipment is located properly and correctly and is not obstructed. They even check the signs that indicate whether it has been tampered.

The technician would also inform your staff some of the main things about the fire equipment they need to know along with the instructions required to use them and even what to use the equipment on. While the technicians are on their visit, they would also ensure whether all the fire-fighting alarms, doors, extinguisher, and equipment meet the required standard or not.

The means of escape should be clearly signed. The fire extinguisher technician is properly trained and keeps up-to-date with the current codes of practices. It makes them deliver clear, detailed, and in-depth services than just the maintenance of the fire equipment.

Dry Riser Servicing And Maintenance - All That You May Need To Know

Dry risers consist of a system of pipes that are used to deliver water at the optimum to the different floors of the building in case of a fire. Since dry risers play a major role in a fire emergency, it is important that they are regularly serviced.

Dry riser service

Risers are primarily of two kinds. A wet riser remains water charged whereas a dry riser is kept empty of water. Wet risers are installed in buildings which are 60 metres in height, whereas dry risers are installed in buildings, which are above 18m metres in height.

Risers are essential equipment and ensure safety in case of a fire. It is important to service them at regular intervals due to the following reasons:

• Risers may be subject to vandalism and neglect.
• Penalties may be imposed in case inappropriate functioning of the risers is detected.
• Riser leaks can damage property.
  

It is also important to ensure that the dry risers are inspected and maintained for age related failures caused by general wear and tear and vandalism.

Hence it is essential that the risers are serviced regularly. According to British Standard Codes BS 9990:2006, it is mandatory to undertake two half yearly visual inspections and one annual pressure test of a dry riser. It is the responsibility of the person entrusted with the responsibility of the building to ensure that the half yearly inspections and annual dry riser service is carried out. Few other factors regarding dry riser service which may be considered include:

• The law mandates proper maintenance and inspection of a dry riser system.
• Since dry risers are an essential part of fire fighting, it is important to ensure that they are maintained and serviced according to the set standards.

The cost of servicing a dry riser can vary according to the nature and complexity of the system. Most dry riser service providers do an inspection of the system before quoting the price for the service.

Yearly Pressure Test Of Dry Risers

The annual pressure test is mandatory for dry risers. They are pressure tested for a minimum time of 15 minutes with a minimum pressure of 10 bar. This is the accepted and the lone way of effectively testing the system of the dry risers. The breeching connector which may be located at the level of fire service access or on the ground floor is checked for faults and leaks.

During the check, the other outlets and landing valves are also inspected. In case any faulty parts are detected, they may be replaced. Post the replacement, a retest is conducted. The certification is given only when the expert gets full satisfaction regarding the working of the system.

Half yearly visual inspection

The visual inspection undertaken by an expert involves faults, missing parts and damages in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dry risers.

Ensuring that the dry risers remain functional and effective is an important step towards ensuring safety in case of a fire.

A Complete Guide for Dry Riser Installation, Servicing and Testing

While installing fire safety equipment, it is important to ensure that it has adequate supply of water in the absence of which it may not prove to be effective in case of a fire emergency. A dry riser can ensure optimum water supply to the entire building where it is installed.

Dry riser installation

A dry riser consists of a vertical pipe, which may branch into a system of pipes. These pipes ensure water distribution to various building levels. A dry riser helps in fire suppression and is generally fitted in an accessible area of the building like the staircase. Dry risers are installed in enclosures which are fire proof and at a maximum of 18m distance between the fire engine and inlet box.

Dry risers are installed according to the building regulations which mandate their installation with buildings above 18m in height. Opting for a dry riser installer servicing ensures adequate water supply to all levels of the building in case of a fire. In order to ensure this, it is important that the external inlet parts of a dry riser remain accessible during a fire emergency. The pipes in the dry riser consist of compressed air that is released to allow water flow in the situation of a fire emergency.

Dry riser testing

The safety standards for dry risers include the following aspects:

• Dry risers are serviced at six monthly intervals.
• An annual hydraulic pressure testing is done for a minimum time of 15 minutes.
• The building’s managing agent, landlord or owner is responsible for ensuring dry riser testing.
• Failure to inspect and test dry risers can invalidate the building insurance.

Dry riser testing is of the following main types:

Annual wet testing

The wet testing undertaken annually involves the following steps:

• The system is pressurized with water up to 10 bar for a minimum period of 15 minutes, with the help of a special test rig.
• If the riser is unable to hold the pressure, the joints, outlets and inlets are inspected for leaks and faults.
• Faulty items are replaced and another pressure test is undertaken.
• On completion of the testing procedure, the dry riser is drained.
• After being satisfied with the test results, a certification is issued.
  

Visual inspection

Visual inspections of the dry risers are undertaken every six months. Any visible damaged or missing items are noted and replaced. This type of inspection covers the aspects like signage, inlet valve rubbers and springs, glass and doors, inlet cabinets, landing outlets, nuts and wheels, chains and blank caps, outlet washers, locks and straps and valves. This type of comprehensive inspection ensures early detection of faults. In case the pipe work in the dry riser requires alterations, it is advisable to do a complete flow test.
It is important to ensure that inspection and testing is carried out by an expert. This can help to ensure safety in case of a fire emergency and lower the risk of damage to property and loss of life.

Dry Riser Servicing and Maintenance - All That You May Need To Know

Dry risers consist of a system of pipes that are used to deliver water at the optimum to the different floors of the building in case of a fire. Since dry risers play a major role in a fire emergency, it is important that they are regularly serviced.

Dry riser service

Risers are primarily of two kinds. A wet riser remains water charged whereas a dry riser is kept empty of water. Wet risers are installed in buildings which are 60 meters in height, whereas dry risers are installed in buildings, which are above 18m meters in height.

Risers are essential equipment and ensure safety in case of a fire. It is important to service them at regular intervals due to the following reasons:

• Risers may be subject to vandalism and neglect.
• Penalties may be imposed in case inappropriate functioning of the risers is detected.
• Riser leaks can damage property.

It is also important to ensure that the dry risers are inspected and maintained for age related failures caused by general wear and tear and vandalism.
Hence it is essential that the risers are serviced regularly. According to British Standard Codes BS 9990:2006, it is mandatory to undertake two half yearly visual inspections and one annual pressure test of a dry riser. It is the responsibility of the person entrusted with the responsibility of the building to ensure that the half yearly inspections and annual dry riser service is carried out. Few other factors regarding dry riser service which may be considered include:

• The law mandates proper maintenance and inspection of a dry riser system.
• Since dry risers are an essential part of fire fighting, it is important to ensure that they are maintained and serviced according to the set standards.

The cost of servicing a dry riser can vary according to the nature and complexity of the system. Most dry riser service providers do an inspection of the system before quoting the price for the service.

Yearly Pressure Test of Dry Risers

The annual pressure test is mandatory for dry risers. They are pressure tested for a minimum time of 15 minutes with a minimum pressure of 10 bar. This is the accepted and the lone way of effectively testing the system of the dry risers. The breeching connector which may be located at the level of fire service access or on the ground floor is checked for faults and leaks.

During the check, the other outlets and landing valves are also inspected. In case any faulty parts are detected, they may be replaced. Post the replacement, a retest is conducted. The certification is given only when the expert gets full satisfaction regarding the working of the system.

Half yearly visual inspection

The visual inspection undertaken by an expert involves faults, missing parts and damages in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dry risers.
Ensuring that the dry risers remain functional and effective is an important step towards ensuring safety in case of a fire.

A Complete Guide for Dry Riser Installation, Servicing and Testing

While installing fire safety equipment, it is important to ensure that it has adequate supply of water in the absence of which it may not prove to be effective in case of a fire emergency. A dry riser can ensure optimum water supply to the entire building where it is installed.

Dry riser installation

A dry riser consists of a vertical pipe, which may branch into a system of pipes. These pipes ensure water distribution to various building levels. A dry riser helps in fire suppression and is generally fitted in an accessible area of the building like the staircase. Dry risers are installed in enclosures which are fire proof and at a maximum of 18m distance between the fire engine and inlet box.

Dry risers are installed according to the building regulations which mandate their installation with buildings above 18m in height. Opting for a dry riser installer ensures adequate water supply to all levels of the building in case of a fire. In order to ensure this, it is important that the external inlet parts of a dry riser remain accessible during a fire emergency. The pipes in the dry riser consist of compressed air that is released to allow water flow in the situation of a fire emergency.

Dry riser testing

The safety standards for dry risers include the following aspects:

• Dry risers are serviced at six monthly intervals.
• An annual hydraulic pressure testing is done for a minimum time of 15 minutes.
• The building’s managing agent, landlord or owner is responsible for ensuring dry riser testing.
• Failure to inspect and test dry risers can invalidate the building insurance.

Dry riser testing is of the following main types:

Annual wet testing

The wet testing undertaken annually involves the following steps:

• The system is pressurized with water up to 10 bar for a minimum period of 15 minutes, with the help of a special test rig.
• If the riser is unable to hold the pressure, the joints, outlets and inlets are inspected for leaks and faults.
• Faulty items are replaced and another pressure test is undertaken.
• On completion of the testing procedure, the dry riser is drained.
• After being satisfied with the test results, a certification is issued.

Visual inspection

Visual inspections of the dry risers are undertaken every six months. Any visible damaged or missing items are noted and replaced. This type of inspection covers the aspects like signage, inlet valve rubbers and springs, glass and doors, inlet cabinets, landing outlets, nuts and wheels, chains and blank caps, outlet washers, locks and straps and valves. This type of comprehensive inspection ensures early detection of faults. In case the pipe work in the dry riser requires alterations, it is advisable to do a complete flow test.

It is important to ensure that inspection and testing is carried out by an expert. This can help to ensure safety in case of a fire emergency and lower the risk of damage to property and loss of life.

Dry Risers - Everything You May Need To Know About Their Installation and Maintenance

Installation of dry risers is important to ensure safety of people in high rise buildings. It is a fire fighting system that can distribute water to all floors of a high rise building in case of fire emergencies.

Dry riser

All buildings above 18m in height, but less than a height of 60m are required to have dry risers installed. A dry riser is kept empty of water, but in times of fire emergencies, it can distribute water to various levels of the building through the outlet pipes. This helps fire fighters in effectively dousing the fire without the need to drag the hose to different levels of the building.

Dry riser installation requirements

A dry riser consists of the three main components. They are:

• External inlet

The external inlet is located in an enclosure on the building exterior wall. It is located on the ground level and consists of hose connection and a water collecting head along with a drain valve. The location of the inlet allows easy access to fire service providers in case of an emergency. The drain down valve allows drainage after use.

• The piping

Ideally, the pipes of diameter 100 mm should have an outlet for each floor. However, for taller buildings which require more outlets for every floor, the suggested diameter of the pipe should be 150 mm. The pipes should consist of air valves situated on the top. These can be used to evacuate air to allow the flow of water through them in case of fire emergencies. The pipes should also have shafts which are fire resistant placed around them.

• Outlets

The outlets can be located on each floor to distribute water in case of fire emergencies. The outlets should contain hose connections and gate valves. It is important to locate the outlets in a protected location so that they can effectively be used in case of fire emergencies. Placing one outlet on the top floor of the building facilitates easy testing and maintenance.

It is recommended to know about all factors that a dry riser installer takes into account certain specifications. These specifications relate to using wrought galvanised steel pipes, following building regulations during the installation process, consultation with the local fire station to ensure proper placement of the components and ensuring proper water supply.

Dry riser testing and maintenance

It is important to ensure that dry risers are regularly tested and maintained. This can help ensure their proper functioning in emergency situations. It is essential to ensure an annual testing of the system by a competent professional so that repairs for any damages or leaks can be done. The maintenance process involves the following steps:

• Conducting a visual inspection from the ground floor to the roof, covering the entire system.
• Testing the dry riser system with water for minimum 15 minutes and with a pressure of 10 bars.
• Checking the entire system for leakages during testing.
• Ensuring that there is no loss in water pressure during the testing process.
• Draining the dry risers completely after testing.

Only proper maintenance can increase the life of such dry risers installed in your building.

Dry Risers - Essential Things You Must Know About Their Purpose and Maintenance

Dry riser is basically a part of fire suppression system and consists of a vertical pipe, which can distribute water to different levels or storeys in a building. The dry riser differs from a ‘wet standpipe’ or ‘wet riser’ in terms of maintaining water in the pipe to be used in fire fighting operations. A dry riser in contrast is kept empty of water.

Dry riser usage

The risers are used in a number of structures that have limited fire service access. In such structures, the fire safety system can be utilized to distribute water in case of a fire emergency. Few structures where dry risers may be effectively used are:

• Buildings of height 18 M or above.
• Car parking lots
• Multilevel basements
• Hospital corridors

Dry riser system

Dry risers consist of a system of vertical pipes or a single pipe, which can distribute water to the top most level of the building. A typical riser system installation consists of three components. These components are the inlet and outlet points and the main network of pipes. 

In case of a fire emergency, the inlet points are used to fill the pipes with compressed air. This helps in releasing water from the outlet point. For providing easy access in case of an emergency, the outlet points are situated on the higher levels of the building for easy access.

For efficient functioning, it is essential that the inlet point of the system has access to fire engines within a range of 18m.

The installation consists of a number of interrelated systems. The ground level has the Inlet breeching system located within the inlet breeching cabinet. In an emergency situation, the water travels to the different levels of the building through the external walls, which has the riser pipe. At each level of the building, the installation of water pipes provides an internal connection. The air release valves are fitted at the top of the pipe. This allows the air compressed in the pipe to escape when water is introduced from the inlet breeching point.

Why do you need a dry riser?

There are a lot of regulations stating the requirement for these systems to be installed and maintained in a building. Few reasons why their installation and regular maintenance is advisable are:

• They are important from the perspective of ensuring the safety of people within the premises.
• The people, who provide the premise for the pipe installation, bear the responsibility to ensure that the proper installation and maintenance is done.
• After a fire emergency or accident, the fire investigators may seek information and certificates regarding the installation and maintenance of the systems.
• In case the property owners and managers fail to comply with the installation and maintenance requirements, penalties may be imposed on them.
• Failure to comply with the installation and maintenance regulations regarding the systems could invalidate the fire insurance.

It is essential that the repairs and maintenance of the system are undertaken on a regular basis by a competent and certified professional, so as to increase the working of such pipes.

Dry Riser Installation – What you Need to Know

Almost everyone installs a fire safety prevention system in their house but very few pay attention to how will any fire fighting crew get access to water mains. Studies have shown that poor and limited access to water mains is the main cause of fire not getting controlled in time and causing great destruction both of property and life. This becomes specifically critical in case of high rise buildings, apartment blocks or office buildings. Another issue plaguing the control is the low pressure of water from the point of connection. All these issues can be fixed with a dry riser installation which not only provides easy access to water on each and every floor of the building but also maintains adequate pressure of the water supply in each floor for a highly effective and efficient fire-control.

What are dry risers?

A dry riser is a water supply system consisting of a vertical pipe and supported by a system of pipes to evenly and quickly distribute water to multiple floors of a building simultaneously. A critical part of fire suppression systems, these are normally fitted in a staircase or any other suitable position close to water mains. They must be installed in a fire proof enclosure, within 18 m of fire engine access to the inlet box. Their outlets are mostly fitted at ground levels so that the fire control experts can easily and quickly connect to the water supply.

Few facts about dry risers

• These systems are installed by trained personnel. Dry risers normally have compressed air filled inside their pipes but can be immediately filled with water to fight fire by pumping from Fire Service Appliances.
• These are installed as a complete system having an inlet breeching connector at the base floor or at fire service access level. It has landing valves installed at specific points on each floor.
• These systems can be installed at a maximum height of 50m above the fire service access level.
  
  

Laws regarding its installation

The British standard code of practice has laid down certain rules regarding its installation which are:-

• They must be mandatorily installed in buildings with floors 18 metres to 60 metres above ground level.
• These systems should be made of galvanized wrought steel.
• Their installation must conform to the building regulations and requisite permission sought if necessary.
• The local fire service or experts must be consulted for suitable position of installation so that it can meet the standards.
• The system must be visually inspected and serviced every six months and a full test including a pressure test conducted annually by a professional company so that the system does not fail in time of crisis.

If the rules and regulations are not adhered to, the non-compliance can attract penalty with prosecution as well.

Top Tips on Maintenance of Fire Hydrants

Fire fighting equipments are not something that we use on a regular basis but they come in as quite a lifesaver during fire accidents. They play a major role in protecting people and business safe at all times wherever they work or live. A fire hydrant is one such important system which can make a major difference in saving life and property damage.

Fire hydrants are equipments used to supplement the water supply during any fire outbreak or for refilling tank of any fire fighting appliance. Their regular maintenance is extremely important to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently in case any emergency falls and these systems need to be used.

If these systems are installed on a public land, their maintenance responsibility lies with the local governing body. They must regularly inspect and maintain them to keep them in optimum condition. However, in case they are on private property, it is the responsibility of the land owner or the tenant residing there to keep these systems in perfect working condition. Most fire safety companies specialize in maintaining them and are available for hiring to take care of the equipment for you.

These hydrants should be ideally inspected every six months or twice a year. It is recommended that private owners keep records of each inspection and maintenance so that they face no hassle with any fire commissioner, any local provincial inspector or with any other local personnel of authority.
During an inspection, a critical check-up is done for any potential problems some of which may be:-

• Checking for any obstructions in utility poles, walls, or even fences which are too near the hydrants.
• Checking for the proper direction of the outlets for pumper to hydrant connections.
• The gap between the ground and the hydrant outlets should have sufficient clearance.
• There should be no damage caused to a public unit or even private because of any traffic accident.
• The operating stem should easily turn.
• There should be no obstruction or blockage like bottles, rocks etc. inside the hydrant restricting flow of water.
• The drains should function properly when the unit is closed.

It is important to note that a hydrant is located below the ground for connecting to the water mains and thus it has both, below ground and above ground inspection. The above ground inspection includes checking the hydrant frame, cover and surrounding surface. Any information and marker post on it should be correct and clearly visible. If faded, they should be repainted.
The below ground inspection implies checking of hydrant pit along with whole of the hydrant for any leakage or cleaning. The flow test and the pressure test should also be done periodically with requisite permissions. Sometimes flushing of hydrants is also done to ensure it is opened and closed with great ease at times of need.