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:
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:
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.
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.
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