Fire Protection Systems in High-Rise Buildings
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of an active fire protection system in a tall building?

  • To provide increased life safety measures for occupants and first responders (correct)
  • To minimize property damage
  • To decrease the response time of the fire department
  • To reduce the frequency of false alarms

    • What is the functionality of the fire alarm control panel (FACP) in an active fire protection system?

  • To recall all elevator bank cars in a Phase II mode
  • To activate the fire pump and sprinkler system only
  • To identify the location of the device that has activated and make an appropriate announcement (correct)
  • To automatically shut down the entire HVAC system

    • What is one of the benefits of an active fire protection system in a high-rise building?

  • Eliminating the need for stairwell pressurization
  • Increased water pressure in the sprinkler system
  • Reduced installation costs
  • Providing information to firefighters about device activations and system status (correct)

    • What occurs when a lobby or elevator machine room smoke detector and sprinkler waterflow alarm is activated?

    <p>The stairwell pressurization system is activated, and the affected floor fire doors are closed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the preferred location for the fire command center (FCC) in a high-rise building?

    <p>In the main lobby entrance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel (FACP) voice communication system?

    <p>To make an appropriate announcement when a device has activated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is activated when a smoke detector and sprinkler waterflow alarm is triggered in a high-rise building?

    <p>The stairwell pressurization system, floor fire doors, and elevators in Phase I mode</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to clearly identify the location of the FACP in a high-rise building?

    <p>So that the location is included in the preincident fire and battle plans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) in a high-rise building?

    <p>To notify the fire and emergency services of a potential problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of the FACP's data display window in a fire situation?

    <p>It identifies the type of initiating device, floor number, and room location</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common fear that occupants might experience during a fire alarm activation?

    <p>Fear of the unknown and uncertainty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might fire protection systems be inadvertently hampered?

    <p>By taking the FAS offline without justification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the Fire Command Center (FCC)?

    <p>To display a fire alarm activation on the alarm panel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential problem with the replacement parts installed in fire protection systems?

    <p>They are not the right size or functioning differently than original parts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the incident commander (IC) in a fire situation?

    <p>To verify the situation and announce an all-clear signal if necessary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential frustration for occupants during a fire alarm activation?

    <p>Being unable to rapidly get where they need to go</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a way to prevent a recurrence of a fire incident?

    <p>By determining what went wrong and what needs to be done to prevent a recurrence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the fire protection systems' automated operations?

    <p>To lessen the initial fire and smoke movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended location for the secondary FACP?

    <p>On a floor other than the lobby floor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the two-way voice communication capability at the FCC?

    <p>To notify occupants and support fire department/brigade operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average life cycle of a fire alarm and detection system (FAS)?

    <p>15 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where can the fire department/brigade plug-in phone be found?

    <p>In the stairwell by the standpipe riser or elevator lobby</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the floor red warden phone?

    <p>To support fire department/brigade operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where can the FCC be posted?

    <p>In a room off the lobby or below grade in a separate room</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a challenge firefighters may face in high-rise residential occupancies?

    <p>Having to interact with occupants coming down the stairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the blast-resistant window in the FCC?

    <p>To provide a clear view of the lobby area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel (FACP)?

    <p>To receive and identify an initiating alarm device activation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may compromise a building lobby?

    <p>All-hazard threats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Fire Alarm Activation System in high-rise buildings?

    <p>To notify the occupants of a potential fire hazard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it not recommended to take the FACP system offline during normal business hours?

    <p>Because it may interfere with normal business operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of unwarranted fire alarm activations in tall buildings?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended approach to address FACP malfunctions in high-rise buildings?

    <p>Increase the frequency of routine fire alarm inspections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of having a preventive maintenance program in place for FACP systems?

    <p>It reduces the risk of FACP malfunctions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?

    <p>It may cause disruption to business operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a one-way voice communication system in high-rise buildings?

    <p>To inform occupants of a potential fire hazard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended approach to address unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?

    <p>Identify and address the root cause of the activation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of having a functional FACP system in high-rise buildings?

    <p>It provides an early warning system for occupants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do some fire departments/brigades reduce their response to unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?

    <p>Because they want to prioritize responses to actual emergencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when it comes to fire alarm devices in high-rise buildings?

    <p>The devices may trigger false alarms, leading to business interruptions and losses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to NFPA 3, how often should fire alarm devices be cleaned in ambient tall building conditions?

    <p>Every six months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of pre-scripted messages in FACP automatic voice messaging systems?

    <p>To provide clear instructions to building occupants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of FACP voice communication system is used in some high-rise buildings?

    <p>Two-way</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the on-duty fire and life safety director's manual announcement before the fire department's arrival?

    <p>To provide clear instructions to building occupants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of scripted building announcements during a fire emergency?

    <p>To deter independent actions that would place occupants in harm's way</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended interval for cleaning fire alarm devices in high-rise buildings?

    <p>Every six months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of system adjusts according to the pressure differential within the stairwell to maintain an acceptable pressure?

    <p>Pressurization system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a fixed system in a fire alarm and signaling code?

    <p>To detect fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is included in the pre-incident fire plan for staged evacuations?

    <p>Several floors that would be identified</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a fixed stairwell pressurization system in a tall building?

    <p>To maintain a smoke-free environment in the stairwell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential limitation of a single injection system in a tall building?

    <p>It may be affected by numerous open stairwell doors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to calibrate a stair pressurization system accurately?

    <p>To prevent excessive door-opening force</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum airflow allowed into the stairwell, according to NFPA 14?

    <p>30 pounds of force</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the goal of the research conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)?

    <p>To establish the optimal fan size, design performance, and fan positions for portable equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are multiple injection systems considered a better design for tall buildings?

    <p>They can supply air from numerous locations throughout the stairwell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical location for the supply inlets in a stairwell pressurization system?

    <p>Every three to five floors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of notifying tenants of a fire alarm in a tall building?

    <p>To allow tenants to prepare for the arrival of the fire department</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key benefit of stairwell pressurization systems in tall buildings?

    <p>They provide a smoke-free environment for occupants to evacuate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were fixed stairwell pressurization systems not commonly installed in buildings constructed before the early 1970s?

    <p>They were not yet developed as a technology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of locating standpipe outlet connections in occupancy or public corridors in high-rise buildings in Canada?

    <p>To prevent smoke from migrating into the stairwells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to NFPA 14, what is the primary standard for installing standpipe and hose systems?

    <p>Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a local AHJ require a person to be licensed by the fire department/brigade?

    <p>To perform testing and inspection of standpipe systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common nickname for standpipe systems?

    <p>Fire hydrants in the sky</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are standpipe hose connection vertical riser systems typically located in high-rise buildings in the United States?

    <p>In one or more enclosed stairwells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when a door locked from the stair side is activated by an automatic fire detection system?

    <p>It is deemed as openable from the stair side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the stair re-entry signs in high-rise buildings?

    <p>To indicate that re-entry is provided only during fire emergencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the requirement for a central monitoring station in some large metropolitan areas?

    <p>It must obtain a license from the fire department with periodic renewal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of arranging telephone communication lines in separate paths in a central monitoring station?

    <p>To ensure a single point of failure does not cause the second communication path to fail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of having standardization of high-rise building fire alarm control panels?

    <p>It provides a consistent layout for firefighters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the manual FACP operation for the firefighters' smoke control system?

    <p>To enable firefighters to control the smoke control system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the fire alarm control panel in a high-rise building?

    <p>To transmit a fire alarm signal to a remote off-site monitoring central station.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the requirement for stairway doors in high-rise buildings according to the New York City Building Code 2008?

    <p>They must be openable from the stair side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the 'Acknowledgement' button on a fire alarm control panel?

    <p>To acknowledge a fire alarm signal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel in a high-rise building during a fire situation?

    <p>To transmit a fire alarm signal to a remote off-site monitoring central station.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the research findings in fire and emergency services?

    <p>To enhance the effectiveness of fire operations and provide increased life safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the ventilation support group in the FDNY?

    <p>To set up portable equipment to pressurize stairwells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the firefighters' smoke control system (FSCS) panels in a lobby fire control center?

    <p>To manually control the HVAC system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main concern for building owners and managing agents in tall buildings?

    <p>Security and safety in and on their property</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the operational guide posted near the FCC?

    <p>To assist firefighters with manual operation of the smoke control system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical location of stairwell reentry doors?

    <p>In tall buildings within a multitenant occupancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of pressurizing stairwells in a fire emergency?

    <p>To make the protected premises safer for building occupants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main concern for the Incident Commander (IC) in a tall building fire emergency?

    <p>Evacuation and the effective use of stairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code?

    <p>To establish standards for fire safety and emergency response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of having an operational guide for the FSCS near the FCC?

    <p>It ensures the proper operation of the smoke control system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    On which floor levels must a reentry floor with an automatic fail-safe door lock be provided?

    <p>Every fourth floor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the signage on the stair side of the door in a stairwell reentry system?

    <p>To indicate the location of the nearest door that permits reentry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a stairway reentry system, what happens when the locks on the secured doors are released?

    <p>The doors are openable from the occupancy side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern addressed by the code changes following the MGM fire?

    <p>The need for reentry capability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an automatic elevator bank recall Phase 1 system, what happens when specific detection devices activate?

    <p>The elevators return to the terminal floor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to clearly identify the location of the reentry floors in a building?

    <p>To ensure that occupants can find the reentry floors during a fire emergency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the firefighter's service key in an automatic elevator bank recall Phase 1 system?

    <p>To release the elevators for firefighter use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common challenge faced by the fire service during a fire emergency?

    <p>Difficulty in accessing the means of egress due to security measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the stairway reentry system in a building?

    <p>To allow stairwell doors to be openable from the occupancy side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the Phase 1 automatic elevator recall system during a fire emergency?

    <p>The elevators return to the terminal floor and are available for firefighter use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should the central station take upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged?

    <p>Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber and notify the fire department, law enforcement agency, or both when required by the authority having jurisdiction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of signal is transmitted to the central station when a valve supervisory signal is received and the protected premises are not occupied?

    <p>Supervisory signal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the standard emergency service interface in NFPA 72?

    <p>To provide a common design and operation for annunciators, information display systems, and controls for emergency service personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the central station do upon receipt of a trouble signal or other signals pertaining solely to the matters of equipment maintenance of the alarm systems?

    <p>Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action taken by the central station upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged?

    <p>Communicate with the persons designated by the subscriber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the remote station fire alarm system?

    <p>To transmit alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals from one or more protected premises to a remote supervision location</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the central station upon receipt of a supervisory signal?

    <p>To communicate with the persons designated by the subscriber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the standard emergency service interface in NFPA 72?

    <p>To provide a common design and operation for annunciators, information display systems, and controls for emergency service personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should the central station take upon receipt of a trouble signal?

    <p>Communicate immediately with the persons designated by the subscriber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the remote supervision location in a remote station fire alarm system?

    <p>To take appropriate action upon receipt of alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Active Fire Protection Systems

    • In tall buildings, active fire protection systems (AFPS) play a crucial role in ensuring occupant safety by providing increased life safety measures for owners, occupants, visitors, contractors, and firefighters.
    • AFPS accomplish the following:
      • Automatically trigger the fire alarm system (FAS) before the arrival of the fire department or emergency services.
      • Activate the FAS and annunciate the detection of a fire condition at the fire alarm control panel (FACP) when it has the capability.
      • Identify the location of the device that has activated and make an appropriate announcement over the FACP voice communication system.

    Functions of Active Fire Protection Systems

    • AFPS will activate the following:
      • Fire pump and sprinkler system waterflow alarm.
      • FAS smoke control system connected to the HVAC system, shutting down the affected area and closing the smoke dampers.
      • Stairwell pressurization; release stairwell reentry doors, and when connected to the FAS, the floor fire doors; recall the affected elevator bank cars in a Phase I mode when a lobby or elevator machine room smoke detector and sprinkler waterflow alarm is activated.
      • The building's fire extinguishing system when present.

    Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)

    • The FACP provides information on device activations and the status of different building systems, allowing firefighters to assess the situation and respond accordingly.
    • The FACP area is the preferred location for the fire command center (FCC) when it is located in or near the main lobby entrance.
    • The FACP notifies the fire and emergency services that a potential problem has developed at the building location and notifies occupants of the need to take action.

    Challenges and Frustrations

    • Occupants may experience fear, uncertainty, and frustration when the fire alarm system is activated, including:
      • Fear of the unknown and uncertainty concerning what they are experiencing.
      • Trepidation at having to leave their belongings.
      • Aggravation with other occupants leaving too slowly and impeding the escape efforts.
      • Confusion from directions to do something that is counterintuitive to them.
    • Firefighters may experience challenges and frustrations, including:
      • Delay as they go up the stairs due to overcrowding.
      • Interacting with occupants coming down the stairs as firefighters try to get up the stairs while carrying heavy equipment.

    Fire Command Center (FCC)

    • The FCC displays a fire alarm activation on the alarm panel, provides emergency voice communications to the occupants, and serves as an interior command post when circumstances allow.
    • The FCC may be posted by a competent fire and life safety director or be unattended until the fire department/brigade arrives.
    • The location of the FCC must be clearly indicated on the preincident fire plan.

    Fire Alarm Activation System

    • A functional FACP that is online is the first line of defense as an early warning system, especially in a tall building environment.
    • Taking the building FACP system off-line for any period during normal business occupancy hours is not a viable solution for addressing problems with the system.
    • Unwarranted/unnecessary fire alarms may occur due to defects in the alarm or control panel, improper maintenance, or ordinary occurrences such as burnt microwave food or cigarette smoke.

    Maintenance and Cleaning

    • The maintenance and cleaning frequency of the FACP system depends on the type of equipment and the ambient conditions.
    • An ambient tall building condition may dictate a six-month interval to clean the fire alarm devices (smoke, HVAC duct detector) rather than an annual cleaning.### High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges

    Fire Alarm and Control Systems

    • Fire alarm systems in high-rise buildings are crucial for protecting life and property.
    • NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code, 2003, Section 55.2.5, requires a fire alarm and control system to actuate automatically and control functions to make the protected premises safer.
    • Stairwell or elevator shaft pressurization is one of the functions that can be actuated by the fire alarm panel.

    Stairwell Pressurization

    • Stairwell pressurization is essential to ensure that stairwells are safe for occupants to evacuate during a fire.
    • NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, limits the maximum airflow allowed into the stairwell to 30 pounds of force, to allow children and elderly occupants to exit.
    • Portable equipment can be used to achieve stairwell pressurization, and the FDNY has a unit dedicated to ventilation support.

    Firefighters' Smoke Control System (FSCS)

    • FSCS is a system that allows firefighters to manually control the HVAC system to pressurize or exhaust the stairwell.
    • The system is typically located in the fire command center and may have different operational guides for different buildings.

    Reentry Doors

    • Reentry doors in tall buildings are usually locked on the stairwell side to prevent unauthorized access.
    • However, these doors must be openable from the occupancy side to allow occupants to exit during a fire.
    • The stairway reentry system allows stairwell doors to be openable from the occupancy side but locked from the stairwell side.

    Code Segments

    • NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code, 2003, Section 55.2.5, requires stairwell or elevator shaft pressurization to be actuated by the fire alarm panel.
    • NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke-Control Systems, 2021, provides guidelines for smoke control systems in buildings.
    • New York City Building Code 2008, Section 403.12, requires stairway doors to be openable from the stair side during a fire emergency.

    Central Monitoring Station

    • A central monitoring station is a system that transmits fire alarm signals to a remote off-site monitoring center.
    • The alarm signal may be an alarm device activation, a supervisory signal, or a trouble signal.
    • The central monitoring station will notify the premises and the fire department if a signal is received.

    Standardization of High-Rise Building Fire Alarm Control Panels

    • Each fire alarm manufacturer has its own system, which can be challenging for firefighters to operate.
    • Standardization of fire alarm control panels is necessary to ensure that firefighters can understand and operate the systems efficiently.

    Standpipe/Sprinkler Systems

    • Standpipe systems are used to deliver a water supply for manual firefighting operations in tall buildings.
    • NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, provides guidelines for the installation of standpipe systems.

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