Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings
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Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a standpipe riser in a high-rise building?

  • To supply air or nitrogen under pressure above a clapper valve
  • To monitor the integrity of the pipes during construction
  • To provide water pressure and flow demands throughout the system (correct)
  • To protect the piping from freezing temperatures
  • What is the purpose of an engine company in a manual dry standpipe system?

  • To provide air or nitrogen under pressure above a clapper valve
  • To supply the required water flow and pressure demands through fire department connections (correct)
  • To supply water pressure and flow demands throughout the system
  • To monitor the integrity of the pipes during construction
  • What type of standpipe system is typically found in a non-heated structure, such as a car park or vehicle garage?

  • Manual wet standpipe system
  • Automatic dry standpipe system (correct)
  • Manual dry standpipe system
  • Automatic wet standpipe system
  • What is the purpose of Local Law 64 (2009) in New York City?

    <p>To provide specifications for air pressurized alarm systems in dry standpipe systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between an automatic dry standpipe system and a manual dry standpipe system?

    <p>The presence of air or nitrogen under pressure above a clapper valve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of filling a dry standpipe system with air or nitrogen under pressure during construction or demolition?

    <p>To monitor the integrity of the pipes during construction or demolition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using an automatic wet standpipe system in a high-rise building?

    <p>It contains water at a constant pressure throughout the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a clapper valve in a dry standpipe system?

    <p>To keep the water flow valve closed until a sprinkler head or other device releases the air or gas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended minimum number of spare sprinkler heads that should be kept on hand?

    <p>Six</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of opening the drain valve and/or test connection after shutting down the system or zone?

    <p>To relieve pressure in the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary indication that firefighters can use to locate the activated sprinkler head?

    <p>The water runoff and noise from the discharging head</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it necessary to overhaul the area after replacing the sprinkler head?

    <p>To determine if the fire has burrowed into voids and combustibles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary challenge of firefighting in sprinklered areas?

    <p>The difficulty of accessing the sprinkler head in areas with high stock and shelving</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done before reactivating the zone after replacing the sprinkler head?

    <p>Open the supply control valve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the automatic resetting device in a dry sprinkler system?

    <p>To eliminate the need for manual resetting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should the central monitoring station be notified after replacing the sprinkler head?

    <p>To report the completion of the repair</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to prevent unnecessary alarms after a sprinkler system discharge?

    <p>Place the central monitoring station off-line temporarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of having a fire watch in place during an extended system reset?

    <p>To provide an extra layer of safety during the repair process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a fixed water storage tank in a high-rise building?

    <p>To reserve water supply solely for the standpipe/sprinkler system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of tank is kept at 75% water level, with ¼ pressurized air?

    <p>Pressure water tank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of OS&Y isolation valves in public water supply piping?

    <p>To isolate the underground water lines feeding the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical power source for a stationary fire pump in a high-rise building?

    <p>Electric motor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a clapper flotation device in a gravity tank?

    <p>To maintain a minimum water level for domestic consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of an elevated gravity tank in a high-rise building?

    <p>To utilize the gravity down force to provide pressure to the standpipe/sprinkler system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a fire pump in a high-rise building?

    <p>To pump water from a municipal water supply connection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of high and low pressure alarms in a pressure water tank?

    <p>To alert personnel of changes in tank pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection?

    <p>To explain the fire pump design for high-rise buildings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the advantage of installing multiple pumps at different floor levels in a high-rise building?

    <p>It reduces the risk of cavitation and damage to higher-level pumps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of requiring locking caps on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems?

    <p>To prevent unauthorized access to the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of color coding the FDC swivel caps in NYC codes?

    <p>To indicate the type of fire protection system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of installing multiple Fire Department Connections (FDCs) in a high-rise building?

    <p>To provide a backup in case the primary FDC is damaged</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a five-year flow test for a fire standpipe/sprinkler system?

    <p>To confirm that the system components are in good order and meet fire department requirements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the requirement for fire pumps operating in series in high-rise buildings?

    <p>They must be installed in the same pump room</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a locking cap on an FDC?

    <p>To prevent accidental damage to the connection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of a system failing a flow test?

    <p>The system is unable to withstand the high pressure forces applied to it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a hydrostatic test for a standpipe/sprinkler system?

    <p>To determine if the system pipes and valves can safely withstand pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information should be included on an FDC sign?

    <p>The type of fire suppression system and the floors/zones supplied</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the rule of thumb for calculating the required pressure for an FDC in a high-rise building?

    <p>Add 5 psi per floor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often are periodic system flow tests conducted in a high-rise residential building in New York City?

    <p>Every 30 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of FDC signage in a high-rise building?

    <p>It provides clear and concise building intelligence to the engine/pump operator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a blue or red light installation above an FDC?

    <p>To indicate the location of the FDC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to have multiple FDCs in a high-rise building with multiple street or access accommodations?

    <p>To allow the fire department to access different areas of the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a manifold connection in a standpipe system?

    <p>To indicate the stationary fire pump capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of a fire pump failure at the lowest level in a series of fire pumps?

    <p>The rest of the fire pumps in series will also fail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are periodic system flow tests necessary in a high-rise residential building?

    <p>To prevent debris or trash from accumulating at the FDC outlet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the pressure gauge in a hydrostatic test for a standpipe/sprinkler system?

    <p>It measures the pressure applied to the system during the test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of indicating the specific building intelligence concerning the FPS type on an FDC sign?

    <p>To inform the fire department of the type of system they are dealing with</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the requirement for FDC signage according to the NFPA 20 provisions?

    <p>The sign must have lettering at least 1 inch in size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why fires in ductwork spread rapidly?

    <p>Ample fuel and oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of having access portals at each duct run angle turn?

    <p>To provide for inspection and cleaning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using a preaction sprinkler system in a sensitive area?

    <p>It is less sensitive to accidental water release</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the frequency of conducting a partial flow test for pressure-reducing valves to move the device from its seat?

    <p>Annually</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the use of more environmentally friendly inert gases in fire suppression systems?

    <p>Environmentally design method</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a preaction system isolation valve?

    <p>To exhaust the air or nitrogen in the pipes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the alternative method to conduct a PRV flow test when there is no possible way to conduct it via an express drain or it is impractical to use the other standpipe as the temporary express riser drain?

    <p>Removing the PRVs and conducting a 'bench' test at a certified facility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a preaction sprinkler system and a dry sprinkler system?

    <p>The presence of a fire alarm system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of marking all PRVs indicating the stairwell, floor, and static pressures before removing them for a bench test?

    <p>To reduce the risk of placing the PRV on the wrong floor when reinstalling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of having a copy of the hood system duct run and the terminal end location mounted near the kitchen manual pull station?

    <p>To allow firefighters to familiarize themselves with the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fire extinguishing system for a commercial kitchen designed to protect?

    <p>The cooking appliances and the kitchen hood exhaust system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why firefighters should trace the ductwork to its terminus point during a fire?

    <p>To ensure that the fire is fully extinguished</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the type of fire extinguishing agent best suited for commercial cooking operations?

    <p>Wet chemical</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the buildup of accumulated effluents, including grease, in the ductwork system?

    <p>Ductwork buildup</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the energy supply to the cooking appliances when the fire extinguishing system discharges?

    <p>It is shut down or isolated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of having a pre-fire plan in a high-rise building?

    <p>To ensure that firefighters are familiar with the building's fire protection systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of fire dampers in a commercial kitchen hood system?

    <p>To close automatically when a fire is detected</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required to be reported to the local health department after a fire extinguishing system discharge in a commercial kitchen?

    <p>The incident itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of conducting a standpipe riser hydrotest after reinstalling all the bench-tested PRVs?

    <p>To identify any leaks in the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it challenging to test standpipe PRV devices in many existing tall buildings?

    <p>Because of the lack of express drain risers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the decline in Halon use?

    <p>The Montreal Protocol of 1987</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of fire protection system is suitable for protecting electronic rooms and data centers?

    <p>Clean Agent System</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a local building owner notification system?

    <p>To notify the fire department of a planned FPS impairment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of a required fire protection system being out of service, according to the New Jersey State Fire Code?

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

    What is the purpose of a white disc around the FDC caps in the FDNY?

    <p>To indicate a fully OOS connection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of using Water Mist Systems in fire protection?

    <p>They can provide fire protection without damaging the important contents inside</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of an unplanned FPS impairment?

    <p>The system is rendered inoperable, in whole or part</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems?

    <p>To provide guidelines for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary challenge of firefighting in areas with fire protection systems?

    <p>The complexity of the fire protection system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of advance notification when an FPS is taken out of service on a planned basis?

    <p>To notify the fire department of a planned FPS impairment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of a fire watch?

    <p>To perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What information should be included when reporting an FPS/OOS condition?

    <p>The building address, name of person and contact information, type of FPS OOS, floor(s) affected, and expected time duration of the OOS condition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of posting an OOS (red/orange/yellow) tag at each standpipe and sprinkler system control valve?

    <p>To indicate the impaired or deficient system or component</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of passive fire protection systems?

    <p>To enhance fire safety in conjunction with active fire protection systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a red tag in an OOS/FPS impairment tag system?

    <p>To indicate a full or partial impairment that must be repaired immediately</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a component of a fire door assembly?

    <p>The fire door, framework, hardware, and other accessories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are manual self-closing fire doors typically located?

    <p>At segmenting a corridor at a fire partition or smoke barrier walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done after replacing the sprinkler head?

    <p>Reactivate the zone and notify the central monitoring station</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a fire watch in place during an extended system reset?

    <p>To perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a yellow tag in an OOS/FPS impairment tag system?

    <p>To indicate a non-critical deficiency that needs to be corrected within 30 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of installing an astragal on a pair of doors?

    <p>To restrict smoke migration into an unaffected area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between a fire partition and a fire wall?

    <p>A fire partition does not meet the code criteria, while a fire wall does</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a smoke barrier?

    <p>To restrict smoke movement in both vertical and horizontal directions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a fire-resistant joint system (FRJS)?

    <p>To resist the passage of fire through joints for a prescribed period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a smoke barrier and a smoke partition?

    <p>A smoke barrier is a continuous one-hour fire-rated membrane, while a smoke partition is a vertical assembly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a hold-open magnet device on an automated door?

    <p>To hold the door open until a smoke detector is activated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for a partition wall?

    <p>One hour</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a fire barrier?

    <p>To restrict the spread of fire in areas where openings need to be protected</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a delay closing device on the astragal side of a pair of doors?

    <p>To ensure that the astragal door closes last and covers the gap space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of fire blocking or draft stopping at the partition line?

    <p>To prevent the spread of fire through the space between the ceiling and the floor deck above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason for the declining installation of Class II and Class III standpipe hose systems?

    <p>Safety concerns if untrained occupants attempt to use the equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to NFPA 14, where should standpipe hose connection outlets be located?

    <p>On each floor level within stair enclosures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a Class I standpipe hose system?

    <p>Not mentioned in the content</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When can auxiliary hose outlets be located elsewhere within the occupancy or in an open public space?

    <p>When the stairwell standpipe hose connection is more than 150 ft from a hose connection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it not recommended to use the same floor hose outlet for the initial fire attack?

    <p>It may not meet the code distance requirement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When can a sprinkler system be shut down after it has been activated?

    <p>Once the fire is extinguished or under control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of inserting a chock or other device in the discharge orifice of the sprinkler head?

    <p>To limit the water flow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors affect the length of time to restore a sprinkler system that has been activated and shut down?

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

    What is the primary concern when deciding to shut down an activated sprinkler head?

    <p>Is the fire in the immediate area of the activated sprinkler head under control?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it generally good practice to limit the water flow in a sprinkler system?

    <p>To assist with overhaul operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum pressure allowed in the standpipe and cross connections?

    <p>25 psig (172 kPag)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is the alarm automatically activated?

    <p>When the pressure drops below the supervisory pressure or rises above the maximum pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a deluge manual pull station?

    <p>To supply water to a dry standpipe riser system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a combination standpipe/sprinkler system, what does multiple risers supplying the sprinkler branch line indicate?

    <p>Multiple sprinkler zones covering a large floor layout</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a Class I standpipe system?

    <p>To provide a connection for a 1½&quot; (44 mm) hoseline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is the notification to the Fire Department required?

    <p>When the alarm is activated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a semiautomatic dry system?

    <p>To protect areas exposed to outside weather conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a Class II standpipe system?

    <p>To provide a connection for a 2½&quot; (64 mm) and 1¾&quot; (44 mm) hoseline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done when the alarm is activated?

    <p>All work at the site ceases, and an investigation is performed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a sign posted at the hose outlet, 'Deluge System Hose Rack/Activate Deluge Pull Station'?

    <p>To serve as a reminder to firefighters to activate the deluge pull station</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common failure of the FDC test?

    <p>Ball drip valve stuck in the open drain position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often should the standpipe system be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test and a flow test?

    <p>Every 5 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a pressure-regulating device (PRD) in a standpipe system?

    <p>To reduce excessive water pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the alternative method for conducting a PRV flow test in a building without a parallel express drain riser?

    <p>Temporarily replacing the alternative drain riser PRVs with conventional hose outlets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the frequency of full flow tests for hose connection pressure-regulating devices?

    <p>Every 5 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a dedicated 3" express drain riser with a hose outlet connection every other floor?

    <p>To allow for a flow test within a stairwell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of not visually checking the FDC for debris or obstructions?

    <p>The system will not function properly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a pressure-regulating device (PRD) according to NFPA 14?

    <p>A device designed to reduce, regulate, control, or restrict water pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of conducting a hydrostatic pressure test and a flow test on a standpipe system?

    <p>To demonstrate the system's suitability for department use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of rust or sediment buildup on the clapper of a back flow check valve?

    <p>The valve will remain seated or closed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    High-Rise Buildings: Fire Protection Systems

    Standpipe Systems

    • Standpipe systems can be automatic or manual (dry)
    • Automatic wet standpipe systems contain water at a constant pressure throughout the system
    • Standpipe risers are usually found in heated stairwells to protect them from freezing temperatures
    • Tall building standpipe risers are connected to the fire pump to increase water pressure and provide required flows
    • Dry standpipe systems may be automatic or manual, and do not contain water stored in the piping
    • Automatic dry standpipe systems are usually found in non-heated structures (e.g. car parks, vehicle garages, or loading docks)
    • Dry standpipe systems are filled with air or nitrogen under pressure to monitor the integrity of the pipes during construction or demolition

    Code Segment: Dry Standpipe Systems during Construction or Demolition

    • Local Law 64 (2009), New York City, Section 3303.8.1: Air pressurized alarm system for dry standpipe systems during construction or demolition operations
    • Pressure must be maintained in the standpipe and cross connections at all times, not exceeding 25 psig (172 kPag)
    • Supervisory pressure is determined by a registered design professional
    • Alarm is automatically activated when pressure drops below supervisory pressure or rises above maximum pressure

    Standpipe Hose Systems

    • Classified into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III
    • Class I provides a connection for a 1½" (44 mm) hoseline, primarily used when trained fire brigades are in place and before the arrival of the fire department/brigade
    • Class II provides a hose connection for both 2½" (64 mm) and 1¾" (44 mm) hoselines
    • Class III provides a connection for a 2½" (64 mm) hoseline in buildings that are three or more stories above or below street level

    Sprinkler Systems

    • Should not be deactivated until the incident commander determines the fire is extinguished or under control
    • Should not be deactivated if it is the result of an action other than a fire incident (e.g. accident, broken sprinkler heads, pipes, or valves)
    • Two considerations when deciding to shut down an activated sprinkler head:
      • Is the fire in the immediate area of the activated sprinkler head under control?
      • Is there any possibility of fire extension to areas above and/or around the activated sprinkler head area that may be smoldering and are ready to reignite?

    Fixed Water Storage Supplies for Fire Protection

    • Rooftop fixed water storage tanks provide a reserve water supply solely for the standpipe/sprinkler system
    • Pressure tanks contain water pressurized by air and provide more flexibility in the design of a system
    • Public water supply piping isolation valves are used to isolate the water supply to the building

    Stationary Fire Pumps

    • The most common stationary fire pump in tall buildings is a centrifugal type
    • The pump's power may be a diesel engine or electric motor
    • The pump is connected to a public utility water company and has an augmented water supply from either the FD Cs and/or the gravity/pressure tank
    • The pump is an automatic type, activated when the water pressure drops or an FPS waterflow device activates

    Fire Department Connections (FDCs)

    • FDCs are part of a building's fire suppression system
    • A tall building should have a minimum of one FDC to allow the fire department/brigade to augment the system with the pressures and volume of water required
    • Additional FDCs may be required for a building served by more than one street or access accommodation
    • FDC signs should be clear and concise, with the specifics of the system type, floors/zones supplied, and at what pressure### Fire Department Connection (FDC) Caps
    • FDCs with locking caps are required to prevent vandalism and accidental damage
    • Some departments require a 5" Storz FDC for a large hose line to feed the system
    • NFPA 14 provisions require fire pumps in series to be installed in the same pump room
    • FDC signage indicates the zone and floor coverage, and the department/brigade access key

    Fire Protection System Testing

    • Five-year acceptance flow test is conducted to confirm system components are in good order
    • Test is performed annually on sprinkler branch lines and every five years for each standpipe system
    • Hydrostatic test is another method to determine if the system can withstand pressure
    • Pressure-regulating device (PRD) testing is part of the five-year acceptance test

    Pressure-Regulating Devices (PRDs)

    • PRDs are designed to reduce, regulate, control, or restrict water pressure
    • Other terms for PRDs include pressure-reducing valve (PRV), pressure-restricting valve, or pressure control valve
    • PRDs are tested every five years, and a partial flow test is conducted annually

    Fire Extinguishing Systems (FES)

    • FES for commercial kitchens include a wet chemical extinguishing agent that offers a rapid surface knockdown of the flame and fire spread
    • Commercial kitchen hood systems have an installed automatic fire extinguishing system and fire dampers that close automatically when a detecting device activates
    • Fires in ductwork can spread rapidly, and overhaul operations require firefighters to open the ceiling or wall to check for fire extension

    Preaction Systems

    • Preaction systems are a combination fire alarm device and dry sprinkler system that is pressurized to provide fire protection to sensitive areas
    • The system is interconnected with fire alarm detectors and manual release devices
    • Preaction sprinkler systems are often used in spaces that would be sensitive to an accidental water release

    Other FES Systems

    • Clean agents, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, halon, and water mist systems are used to protect areas other than the kitchen
    • Each system has its own application and uses

    Fire Protection System Impairment

    • A tall building fire protection system (FPS) that is out-of-service (OOS) drastically impacts a fire department/brigade response

    • A local building owner notification system should be in place for the fire department/brigade to receive up-to-date information about any FPS impairment### FPS Out of Service

    • Advance notification is necessary when a Fire Protection System (FPS) is taken out of service for planned repairs, services, testing, or maintenance.

    • A building alteration project may also result in a planned FPS outage.

    • The FDNY requires a white disc around the FDC caps to indicate a fully out-of-service connection, while a blue disc indicates a partial system outage.

    • Unplanned FPS impairments can occur due to unexpected events such as broken pipes, leaking valves, or pipes freezing in cold weather.

    Reporting FPS Out of Service

    • Criteria for reporting an FPS out-of-service condition:
      • Building address
      • Name of person and contact information
      • Type of FPS out of service
      • Floor(s) affected by the outage
      • Extent and expected time duration of the outage
      • Increased risks and assessment of the affected area
    • Notify the fire department, central monitoring station, and insurance carrier
    • Post a fire watch in the affected area with at least two means to notify the fire department
    • Notify affected area occupants if the FPS will be out of service for more than 30 minutes
    • Place an OOS (red/orange/yellow) tag at each affected standpipe and sprinkler system control valve, fire alarm panel, and fire command center

    Passive Fire Protection Systems

    • Passive fire protection systems enhance fire safety in conjunction with active fire protection systems
    • Firefighters should have a comprehensive understanding of the fire protection value of:
      • Concealed spaces
      • Fire-resistant joint systems
      • Structural members
      • Penetrations (firestopping/duct and air transfer opening protectives)
      • Shaft enclosures
      • Fire barriers and partitions
      • Smoke barriers and partitions
    • These systems play a key role in controlling fire and smoke spread in high-rise buildings

    Fire Doors

    • Fire doors are a component of a fire door assembly, which includes the framework, hardware, and other accessories
    • Fire doors are required to have an affixed label indicating the name of the manufacturer, third-party inspection agency, and fire protection rating
    • Stairwell and residential fire-rated doors are required to have a self-closing device at the top of the door to automatically close and secure it
    • Firefighters should test stairwell door operations as they descend the stairs
    • Other locations where fire-rated doors are required may have manual self-closing or automatic closing fire doors

    Fire Partitions and Fire Barriers

    • Fire partitions are constructed from the floor level to the underside of the floor deck above to form a compartmentation area
    • Fire partitions are not continuous to the floor deck above, and the space between the ceiling and the deck above must be fire blocked or draft stopped at the partition line
    • Fire walls run from slab to slab with structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of the construction on either side without collapse of the fire wall
    • Fire barriers are vertical or horizontal assemblies designed to restrict fire spread in areas where openings need to be protected

    Smoke Barriers and Smoke Partitions

    • Smoke barriers are continuous one-hour fire-rated membranes, either vertical or horizontal, designed to restrict smoke movement
    • Smoke barriers are effective in fire-rated materials from the outside wall to the floor slab, floors, and roof decks, through concealed spaces, interstitial spaces, and mechanical spaces
    • Smoke partitions are vertical assemblies constructed of noncombustible materials, but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating
    • Smoke partition doors are required to be self-closing or automatic-closing type, and door louvers are not allowed

    Fire-Resistant Joint Systems

    • Fire-resistant joint systems (FRJS) are assemblies of specific materials or products designed to resist fire passage through joints made in or between fire-rated assemblies
    • FRJS materials meet the fire test criteria in accordance with ASTM E1966-07 or UL 2079
    • FRJS assemblies must be sealed with an approved material to prevent interior fire spread when exterior curtain walls intersect with floor/ceiling assemblies and void spaces are created.

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    Understanding the challenges of fire safety in high-rise buildings, including standpipe systems and fire pumps.

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