British Fire Consortium Raising Awareness About Dry Riser Maintenance
The British Fire Consortium (BFC) is about to introduce a new ‘Dry Riser Maintenance' training course for fire industry professionals, following the publication of a new BS Code of Practice. The course will cover all the maintenance requirements recommended within the new Code which covers the detailed maintenance of non-automatic fire-fighting systems in buildings.
The BFC is the largest trade association of fire related companies within the UK and one of its members, Wiltshire based Southern Fire Security, is one of several members which specialises in dry riser maintenance. Director, Dean Price, said, “Dry risers perform in anger rarely but, because of the critical role they play when fire does break out in a high rise building, regular and correct maintenance is essential. We have heard of several instances where the fire services have attended a fire in a high rise building only to find the riser is inoperable due to vandalism or poor maintenance. This can obviously have devastating effects.”
The new document, 'BS 9990', brings up to date the guidance on dry and wet fire mains, or risers, which was previously covered by BS 5306 Part 1. The principal changes from BS 5306 are that the new standard no longer gives guidance on when and where such systems are needed, as this is now given in guidance supporting the building regulations. The new Code deals solely with design, provision, siting, installation and maintenance. (Guidance on hose reels and foam inlets remains in the revised BS 5306 pt 1.)
Dry Riser systems comprise vertical mains normally fitted into staircase enclosures with outlet valves on each floor ready to deliver a supply of water to fire fighting hoses. An external inlet valve at ground level enables connection with a water supply, normally from a fire appliance. Dry risers are normally installed in buildings which are more than 18m high, although if a building has more than 18 storeys then a wet riser (which is permanently charged with water) will be installed.
The new Code of Practice recommends that a full visual check is made every six months with a full test at pressure every 12 months. In a fire situation, the riser will be pressurised to 10 bar immediately so it is crucial that all inlet and landing valves and associated washers are sound and the riser itself is clear of debris.
During the 12 month test, the Code recommends that initially the top valve of the system should be opened and the system flushed out to remove any debris (in public car parks the debris is often discarded syringes). The system should then be charged and held at its design operating pressure (normally 10 bar) for 15 minutes whilst the pressure and all valves are monitored. The Code also states that this maintenance procedure should only be carried out by a competent person – several BFC members specialise in this type of work and are equipped with fire appliances to enable them to carry it out effectively.
Leigh-Anderson Associates are retained by the British Fire Consortium to provide PR (Press Relations) services and marketing support on request. If you have an industry comment, potential case study or other news worthy event e.g. 10 year anniversary, local award etc please call David or Alison at LAA on 01579 321750 or email BFC@leighandersonassociates.com
The BFC is the largest trade association of fire related companies within the UK and one of its members, Wiltshire based Southern Fire Security, is one of several members which specialises in dry riser maintenance. Director, Dean Price, said, “Dry risers perform in anger rarely but, because of the critical role they play when fire does break out in a high rise building, regular and correct maintenance is essential. We have heard of several instances where the fire services have attended a fire in a high rise building only to find the riser is inoperable due to vandalism or poor maintenance. This can obviously have devastating effects.”
The new document, 'BS 9990', brings up to date the guidance on dry and wet fire mains, or risers, which was previously covered by BS 5306 Part 1. The principal changes from BS 5306 are that the new standard no longer gives guidance on when and where such systems are needed, as this is now given in guidance supporting the building regulations. The new Code deals solely with design, provision, siting, installation and maintenance. (Guidance on hose reels and foam inlets remains in the revised BS 5306 pt 1.)
Dry Riser systems comprise vertical mains normally fitted into staircase enclosures with outlet valves on each floor ready to deliver a supply of water to fire fighting hoses. An external inlet valve at ground level enables connection with a water supply, normally from a fire appliance. Dry risers are normally installed in buildings which are more than 18m high, although if a building has more than 18 storeys then a wet riser (which is permanently charged with water) will be installed.
The new Code of Practice recommends that a full visual check is made every six months with a full test at pressure every 12 months. In a fire situation, the riser will be pressurised to 10 bar immediately so it is crucial that all inlet and landing valves and associated washers are sound and the riser itself is clear of debris.
During the 12 month test, the Code recommends that initially the top valve of the system should be opened and the system flushed out to remove any debris (in public car parks the debris is often discarded syringes). The system should then be charged and held at its design operating pressure (normally 10 bar) for 15 minutes whilst the pressure and all valves are monitored. The Code also states that this maintenance procedure should only be carried out by a competent person – several BFC members specialise in this type of work and are equipped with fire appliances to enable them to carry it out effectively.
Leigh-Anderson Associates are retained by the British Fire Consortium to provide PR (Press Relations) services and marketing support on request. If you have an industry comment, potential case study or other news worthy event e.g. 10 year anniversary, local award etc please call David or Alison at LAA on 01579 321750 or email BFC@leighandersonassociates.com