Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a standpipe riser in a high-rise building?
What is the purpose of an engine company in a manual dry standpipe system?
What type of standpipe system is typically found in a non-heated structure, such as a car park or vehicle garage?
What is the purpose of Local Law 64 (2009) in New York City?
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What is the primary difference between an automatic dry standpipe system and a manual dry standpipe system?
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What is the purpose of filling a dry standpipe system with air or nitrogen under pressure during construction or demolition?
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What is the primary advantage of using an automatic wet standpipe system in a high-rise building?
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What is the primary purpose of a clapper valve in a dry standpipe system?
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What is the recommended minimum number of spare sprinkler heads that should be kept on hand?
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What is the primary purpose of opening the drain valve and/or test connection after shutting down the system or zone?
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What is the primary indication that firefighters can use to locate the activated sprinkler head?
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Why is it necessary to overhaul the area after replacing the sprinkler head?
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What is the primary challenge of firefighting in sprinklered areas?
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What should be done before reactivating the zone after replacing the sprinkler head?
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What is the purpose of the automatic resetting device in a dry sprinkler system?
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Why should the central monitoring station be notified after replacing the sprinkler head?
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What should be done to prevent unnecessary alarms after a sprinkler system discharge?
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What is the primary benefit of having a fire watch in place during an extended system reset?
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What is the primary purpose of a fixed water storage tank in a high-rise building?
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What type of tank is kept at 75% water level, with ¼ pressurized air?
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What is the purpose of OS&Y isolation valves in public water supply piping?
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What is the typical power source for a stationary fire pump in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of a clapper flotation device in a gravity tank?
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What is the purpose of an elevated gravity tank in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of a fire pump in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of high and low pressure alarms in a pressure water tank?
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What is the purpose of NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection?
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What is the advantage of installing multiple pumps at different floor levels in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of requiring locking caps on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems?
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What is the significance of color coding the FDC swivel caps in NYC codes?
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What is the primary benefit of installing multiple Fire Department Connections (FDCs) in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of a five-year flow test for a fire standpipe/sprinkler system?
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What is the requirement for fire pumps operating in series in high-rise buildings?
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What is the purpose of a locking cap on an FDC?
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What is the consequence of a system failing a flow test?
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What is the purpose of a hydrostatic test for a standpipe/sprinkler system?
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What information should be included on an FDC sign?
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What is the rule of thumb for calculating the required pressure for an FDC in a high-rise building?
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How often are periodic system flow tests conducted in a high-rise residential building in New York City?
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What is the significance of FDC signage in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of a blue or red light installation above an FDC?
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Why is it important to have multiple FDCs in a high-rise building with multiple street or access accommodations?
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What is the purpose of a manifold connection in a standpipe system?
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What is the consequence of a fire pump failure at the lowest level in a series of fire pumps?
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Why are periodic system flow tests necessary in a high-rise residential building?
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What is the significance of the pressure gauge in a hydrostatic test for a standpipe/sprinkler system?
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What is the purpose of indicating the specific building intelligence concerning the FPS type on an FDC sign?
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What is the requirement for FDC signage according to the NFPA 20 provisions?
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What is the main reason why fires in ductwork spread rapidly?
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What is the purpose of having access portals at each duct run angle turn?
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What is the primary advantage of using a preaction sprinkler system in a sensitive area?
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What is the frequency of conducting a partial flow test for pressure-reducing valves to move the device from its seat?
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What is the term used to describe the use of more environmentally friendly inert gases in fire suppression systems?
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What is the primary purpose of a preaction system isolation valve?
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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?
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What is the primary difference between a preaction sprinkler system and a dry sprinkler system?
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What is the purpose of marking all PRVs indicating the stairwell, floor, and static pressures before removing them for a bench test?
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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?
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What is the fire extinguishing system for a commercial kitchen designed to protect?
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What is the primary reason why firefighters should trace the ductwork to its terminus point during a fire?
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What is the type of fire extinguishing agent best suited for commercial cooking operations?
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What is the term used to describe the buildup of accumulated effluents, including grease, in the ductwork system?
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What happens to the energy supply to the cooking appliances when the fire extinguishing system discharges?
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What is the primary purpose of having a pre-fire plan in a high-rise building?
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What is the purpose of fire dampers in a commercial kitchen hood system?
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What is required to be reported to the local health department after a fire extinguishing system discharge in a commercial kitchen?
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What is the benefit of conducting a standpipe riser hydrotest after reinstalling all the bench-tested PRVs?
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Why is it challenging to test standpipe PRV devices in many existing tall buildings?
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What is the primary reason for the decline in Halon use?
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What type of fire protection system is suitable for protecting electronic rooms and data centers?
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What is the primary purpose of a local building owner notification system?
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What is the consequence of a required fire protection system being out of service, according to the New Jersey State Fire Code?
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What is the purpose of a white disc around the FDC caps in the FDNY?
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What is the primary benefit of using Water Mist Systems in fire protection?
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What is the primary consequence of an unplanned FPS impairment?
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What is the primary purpose of NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems?
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What is the primary challenge of firefighting in areas with fire protection systems?
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What is the primary purpose of advance notification when an FPS is taken out of service on a planned basis?
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What is the primary responsibility of a fire watch?
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What information should be included when reporting an FPS/OOS condition?
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What is the purpose of posting an OOS (red/orange/yellow) tag at each standpipe and sprinkler system control valve?
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What is the primary purpose of passive fire protection systems?
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What is the primary function of a red tag in an OOS/FPS impairment tag system?
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What is a component of a fire door assembly?
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Where are manual self-closing fire doors typically located?
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What should be done after replacing the sprinkler head?
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What is the primary purpose of a fire watch in place during an extended system reset?
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What is the primary purpose of a yellow tag in an OOS/FPS impairment tag system?
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What is the primary purpose of installing an astragal on a pair of doors?
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What is the difference between a fire partition and a fire wall?
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What is the primary purpose of a smoke barrier?
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What is the primary purpose of a fire-resistant joint system (FRJS)?
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What is the primary difference between a smoke barrier and a smoke partition?
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What is the purpose of a hold-open magnet device on an automated door?
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What is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for a partition wall?
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What is the primary purpose of a fire barrier?
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What is the primary purpose of a delay closing device on the astragal side of a pair of doors?
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What is the primary purpose of fire blocking or draft stopping at the partition line?
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What is the main reason for the declining installation of Class II and Class III standpipe hose systems?
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According to NFPA 14, where should standpipe hose connection outlets be located?
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What is the primary purpose of a Class I standpipe hose system?
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When can auxiliary hose outlets be located elsewhere within the occupancy or in an open public space?
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Why is it not recommended to use the same floor hose outlet for the initial fire attack?
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When can a sprinkler system be shut down after it has been activated?
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What is the purpose of inserting a chock or other device in the discharge orifice of the sprinkler head?
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What factors affect the length of time to restore a sprinkler system that has been activated and shut down?
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What is the primary concern when deciding to shut down an activated sprinkler head?
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Why is it generally good practice to limit the water flow in a sprinkler system?
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What is the maximum pressure allowed in the standpipe and cross connections?
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When is the alarm automatically activated?
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What is the primary purpose of a deluge manual pull station?
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In a combination standpipe/sprinkler system, what does multiple risers supplying the sprinkler branch line indicate?
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What is the primary purpose of a Class I standpipe system?
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When is the notification to the Fire Department required?
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What is the purpose of a semiautomatic dry system?
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What is the primary purpose of a Class II standpipe system?
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What must be done when the alarm is activated?
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What is the primary purpose of a sign posted at the hose outlet, 'Deluge System Hose Rack/Activate Deluge Pull Station'?
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What is a common failure of the FDC test?
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How often should the standpipe system be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test and a flow test?
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What is the primary purpose of a pressure-regulating device (PRD) in a standpipe system?
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What is the alternative method for conducting a PRV flow test in a building without a parallel express drain riser?
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What is the frequency of full flow tests for hose connection pressure-regulating devices?
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What is the purpose of a dedicated 3" express drain riser with a hose outlet connection every other floor?
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What is the consequence of not visually checking the FDC for debris or obstructions?
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What is the definition of a pressure-regulating device (PRD) according to NFPA 14?
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What is the purpose of conducting a hydrostatic pressure test and a flow test on a standpipe system?
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What is the consequence of rust or sediment buildup on the clapper of a back flow check valve?
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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
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A tall building fire protection system (FPS) that is out-of-service (OOS) drastically impacts a fire department/brigade response
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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
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Advance notification is necessary when a Fire Protection System (FPS) is taken out of service for planned repairs, services, testing, or maintenance.
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A building alteration project may also result in a planned FPS outage.
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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.
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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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Description
Understanding the challenges of fire safety in high-rise buildings, including standpipe systems and fire pumps.