Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary objective of an active fire protection system in a tall building?
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?
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?
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?
What occurs when a lobby or elevator machine room smoke detector and sprinkler waterflow alarm is activated?
What is the preferred location for the fire command center (FCC) in a high-rise building?
What is the preferred location for the fire command center (FCC) in a high-rise building?
What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel (FACP) voice communication system?
What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel (FACP) voice communication system?
What is activated when a smoke detector and sprinkler waterflow alarm is triggered in a high-rise building?
What is activated when a smoke detector and sprinkler waterflow alarm is triggered in a high-rise building?
Why is it important to clearly identify the location of the FACP in a high-rise building?
Why is it important to clearly identify the location of the FACP in a high-rise building?
What is the primary role of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) in a high-rise building?
What is the primary role of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) in a high-rise building?
What is the benefit of the FACP's data display window in a fire situation?
What is the benefit of the FACP's data display window in a fire situation?
What is a common fear that occupants might experience during a fire alarm activation?
What is a common fear that occupants might experience during a fire alarm activation?
How might fire protection systems be inadvertently hampered?
How might fire protection systems be inadvertently hampered?
What is the main purpose of the Fire Command Center (FCC)?
What is the main purpose of the Fire Command Center (FCC)?
What is a potential problem with the replacement parts installed in fire protection systems?
What is a potential problem with the replacement parts installed in fire protection systems?
What is the role of the incident commander (IC) in a fire situation?
What is the role of the incident commander (IC) in a fire situation?
What is a potential frustration for occupants during a fire alarm activation?
What is a potential frustration for occupants during a fire alarm activation?
What is a way to prevent a recurrence of a fire incident?
What is a way to prevent a recurrence of a fire incident?
What is the purpose of the fire protection systems' automated operations?
What is the purpose of the fire protection systems' automated operations?
What is the recommended location for the secondary FACP?
What is the recommended location for the secondary FACP?
What is the purpose of the two-way voice communication capability at the FCC?
What is the purpose of the two-way voice communication capability at the FCC?
What is the average life cycle of a fire alarm and detection system (FAS)?
What is the average life cycle of a fire alarm and detection system (FAS)?
Where can the fire department/brigade plug-in phone be found?
Where can the fire department/brigade plug-in phone be found?
What is the purpose of the floor red warden phone?
What is the purpose of the floor red warden phone?
Where can the FCC be posted?
Where can the FCC be posted?
What is a challenge firefighters may face in high-rise residential occupancies?
What is a challenge firefighters may face in high-rise residential occupancies?
What is the purpose of the blast-resistant window in the FCC?
What is the purpose of the blast-resistant window in the FCC?
What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
What may compromise a building lobby?
What may compromise a building lobby?
What is the primary purpose of the Fire Alarm Activation System in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary purpose of the Fire Alarm Activation System in high-rise buildings?
Why is it not recommended to take the FACP system offline during normal business hours?
Why is it not recommended to take the FACP system offline during normal business hours?
What is the primary cause of unwarranted fire alarm activations in tall buildings?
What is the primary cause of unwarranted fire alarm activations in tall buildings?
What is the recommended approach to address FACP malfunctions in high-rise buildings?
What is the recommended approach to address FACP malfunctions in high-rise buildings?
What is the benefit of having a preventive maintenance program in place for FACP systems?
What is the benefit of having a preventive maintenance program in place for FACP systems?
What is the consequence of unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?
What is the consequence of unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of a one-way voice communication system in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of a one-way voice communication system in high-rise buildings?
What is the recommended approach to address unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?
What is the recommended approach to address unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?
What is the benefit of having a functional FACP system in high-rise buildings?
What is the benefit of having a functional FACP system in high-rise buildings?
Why do some fire departments/brigades reduce their response to unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?
Why do some fire departments/brigades reduce their response to unwarranted fire alarm activations in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary concern when it comes to fire alarm devices in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary concern when it comes to fire alarm devices in high-rise buildings?
According to NFPA 3, how often should fire alarm devices be cleaned in ambient tall building conditions?
According to NFPA 3, how often should fire alarm devices be cleaned in ambient tall building conditions?
What is the purpose of pre-scripted messages in FACP automatic voice messaging systems?
What is the purpose of pre-scripted messages in FACP automatic voice messaging systems?
What type of FACP voice communication system is used in some high-rise buildings?
What type of FACP voice communication system is used in some high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of the on-duty fire and life safety director's manual announcement before the fire department's arrival?
What is the purpose of the on-duty fire and life safety director's manual announcement before the fire department's arrival?
What is the primary goal of scripted building announcements during a fire emergency?
What is the primary goal of scripted building announcements during a fire emergency?
What is the recommended interval for cleaning fire alarm devices in high-rise buildings?
What is the recommended interval for cleaning fire alarm devices in high-rise buildings?
What type of system adjusts according to the pressure differential within the stairwell to maintain an acceptable pressure?
What type of system adjusts according to the pressure differential within the stairwell to maintain an acceptable pressure?
What is the purpose of a fixed system in a fire alarm and signaling code?
What is the purpose of a fixed system in a fire alarm and signaling code?
What is included in the pre-incident fire plan for staged evacuations?
What is included in the pre-incident fire plan for staged evacuations?
What is the primary purpose of a fixed stairwell pressurization system in a tall building?
What is the primary purpose of a fixed stairwell pressurization system in a tall building?
What is a potential limitation of a single injection system in a tall building?
What is a potential limitation of a single injection system in a tall building?
Why is it important to calibrate a stair pressurization system accurately?
Why is it important to calibrate a stair pressurization system accurately?
What is the maximum airflow allowed into the stairwell, according to NFPA 14?
What is the maximum airflow allowed into the stairwell, according to NFPA 14?
What was the goal of the research conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)?
What was the goal of the research conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)?
Why are multiple injection systems considered a better design for tall buildings?
Why are multiple injection systems considered a better design for tall buildings?
What is the typical location for the supply inlets in a stairwell pressurization system?
What is the typical location for the supply inlets in a stairwell pressurization system?
What is the purpose of notifying tenants of a fire alarm in a tall building?
What is the purpose of notifying tenants of a fire alarm in a tall building?
What is a key benefit of stairwell pressurization systems in tall buildings?
What is a key benefit of stairwell pressurization systems in tall buildings?
Why were fixed stairwell pressurization systems not commonly installed in buildings constructed before the early 1970s?
Why were fixed stairwell pressurization systems not commonly installed in buildings constructed before the early 1970s?
What is the primary purpose of locating standpipe outlet connections in occupancy or public corridors in high-rise buildings in Canada?
What is the primary purpose of locating standpipe outlet connections in occupancy or public corridors in high-rise buildings in Canada?
According to NFPA 14, what is the primary standard for installing standpipe and hose systems?
According to NFPA 14, what is the primary standard for installing standpipe and hose systems?
Why might a local AHJ require a person to be licensed by the fire department/brigade?
Why might a local AHJ require a person to be licensed by the fire department/brigade?
What is a common nickname for standpipe systems?
What is a common nickname for standpipe systems?
Where are standpipe hose connection vertical riser systems typically located in high-rise buildings in the United States?
Where are standpipe hose connection vertical riser systems typically located in high-rise buildings in the United States?
What happens when a door locked from the stair side is activated by an automatic fire detection system?
What happens when a door locked from the stair side is activated by an automatic fire detection system?
What is the purpose of the stair re-entry signs in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of the stair re-entry signs in high-rise buildings?
What is the requirement for a central monitoring station in some large metropolitan areas?
What is the requirement for a central monitoring station in some large metropolitan areas?
What is the purpose of arranging telephone communication lines in separate paths in a central monitoring station?
What is the purpose of arranging telephone communication lines in separate paths in a central monitoring station?
What is the benefit of having standardization of high-rise building fire alarm control panels?
What is the benefit of having standardization of high-rise building fire alarm control panels?
What is the purpose of the manual FACP operation for the firefighters' smoke control system?
What is the purpose of the manual FACP operation for the firefighters' smoke control system?
What is the function of the fire alarm control panel in a high-rise building?
What is the function of the fire alarm control panel in a high-rise building?
What is the requirement for stairway doors in high-rise buildings according to the New York City Building Code 2008?
What is the requirement for stairway doors in high-rise buildings according to the New York City Building Code 2008?
What is the purpose of the 'Acknowledgement' button on a fire alarm control panel?
What is the purpose of the 'Acknowledgement' button on a fire alarm control panel?
What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel in a high-rise building during a fire situation?
What is the purpose of the fire alarm control panel in a high-rise building during a fire situation?
What is the primary purpose of the research findings in fire and emergency services?
What is the primary purpose of the research findings in fire and emergency services?
What is the function of the ventilation support group in the FDNY?
What is the function of the ventilation support group in the FDNY?
What is the purpose of the firefighters' smoke control system (FSCS) panels in a lobby fire control center?
What is the purpose of the firefighters' smoke control system (FSCS) panels in a lobby fire control center?
What is the main concern for building owners and managing agents in tall buildings?
What is the main concern for building owners and managing agents in tall buildings?
What is the purpose of the operational guide posted near the FCC?
What is the purpose of the operational guide posted near the FCC?
What is the typical location of stairwell reentry doors?
What is the typical location of stairwell reentry doors?
What is the purpose of pressurizing stairwells in a fire emergency?
What is the purpose of pressurizing stairwells in a fire emergency?
What is the main concern for the Incident Commander (IC) in a tall building fire emergency?
What is the main concern for the Incident Commander (IC) in a tall building fire emergency?
What is the purpose of NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code?
What is the purpose of NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code?
What is the benefit of having an operational guide for the FSCS near the FCC?
What is the benefit of having an operational guide for the FSCS near the FCC?
On which floor levels must a reentry floor with an automatic fail-safe door lock be provided?
On which floor levels must a reentry floor with an automatic fail-safe door lock be provided?
What is the purpose of the signage on the stair side of the door in a stairwell reentry system?
What is the purpose of the signage on the stair side of the door in a stairwell reentry system?
In a stairway reentry system, what happens when the locks on the secured doors are released?
In a stairway reentry system, what happens when the locks on the secured doors are released?
What is the primary concern addressed by the code changes following the MGM fire?
What is the primary concern addressed by the code changes following the MGM fire?
In an automatic elevator bank recall Phase 1 system, what happens when specific detection devices activate?
In an automatic elevator bank recall Phase 1 system, what happens when specific detection devices activate?
Why is it important to clearly identify the location of the reentry floors in a building?
Why is it important to clearly identify the location of the reentry floors in a building?
What is the purpose of the firefighter's service key in an automatic elevator bank recall Phase 1 system?
What is the purpose of the firefighter's service key in an automatic elevator bank recall Phase 1 system?
What is a common challenge faced by the fire service during a fire emergency?
What is a common challenge faced by the fire service during a fire emergency?
What is the purpose of the stairway reentry system in a building?
What is the purpose of the stairway reentry system in a building?
What is the result of the Phase 1 automatic elevator recall system during a fire emergency?
What is the result of the Phase 1 automatic elevator recall system during a fire emergency?
What action should the central station take upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged?
What action should the central station take upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged?
What type of signal is transmitted to the central station when a valve supervisory signal is received and the protected premises are not occupied?
What type of signal is transmitted to the central station when a valve supervisory signal is received and the protected premises are not occupied?
What is the purpose of the standard emergency service interface in NFPA 72?
What is the purpose of the standard emergency service interface in NFPA 72?
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?
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?
What is the primary action taken by the central station upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged?
What is the primary action taken by the central station upon receipt of a supervisory signal that is not prearranged?
What is the purpose of the remote station fire alarm system?
What is the purpose of the remote station fire alarm system?
What is the primary responsibility of the central station upon receipt of a supervisory signal?
What is the primary responsibility of the central station upon receipt of a supervisory signal?
What is the purpose of the standard emergency service interface in NFPA 72?
What is the purpose of the standard emergency service interface in NFPA 72?
What action should the central station take upon receipt of a trouble signal?
What action should the central station take upon receipt of a trouble signal?
What is the primary purpose of the remote supervision location in a remote station fire alarm system?
What is the primary purpose of the remote supervision location in a remote station fire alarm system?
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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Test your knowledge of active fire protection systems in tall buildings, including fire alarm control panels, benefits, and evacuation procedures.
