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.