FDNY Study Material for Sprinkler System Certification - PDF
Document Details
Uploaded by Deleted User
null
FDNY
null
Tags
Summary
This document contains study material for the City of New York Fire Department's certification for the supervision of sprinkler systems (Citywide, S-12 and S-15). It includes information about various topics like system types, water supplies, and maintenance.
Full Transcript
Revised on March 2024 (Apply/Pay) FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORK STUDY MATERIAL FOR THE EXAMINATION FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR SUPERVISION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (CITYWIDE) S...
Revised on March 2024 (Apply/Pay) FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORK STUDY MATERIAL FOR THE EXAMINATION FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR SUPERVISION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (CITYWIDE) S-12 SUPERVISION OF FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (CITYWIDE) S-15 This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. NEW APPLICANTS (STARTING 6-6-16): S-12 FOR FACILITY WITHOUT FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS S-15 FOR FACILITY WITH FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS ▼ S-12 SUPERVISION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (CITYWIDE) 75 QUESTION EXAM; CHAPTER 1 TO CHAPTER 16 OF THIS STUDY MATERIAL S-15 SUPERVISION OF FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (CITYWIDE) 100 QUESTION EXAM; CHAPTER 1 TO CHAPTER 19 OF THIS STUDY MATERIAL (WHOLE BOOKLET) CONSISTS OF THE CITYWIDE SPRINKLER SYSTEM QUESTIONS AND FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEM QUESTIONS. T-15 FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS ONLY 25 QUESTION EXAM; CHAPTER 1 TO CHAPTER 19 OF THIS STUDY MATERIAL (MAJORITY OF QUESTIONS ON THIS EXAM ARE COVERED BY CHAPTER 17 TO CHAPTER 19) EXISTING S-12 C of F IS RENEWABLE AND CAN BE UPGRADED TO S-15 BY TAKING T-15 EXAM. Issued 11/29/10 © New York City Fire Department - All rights reserved ® Official use (Cpgs:36-40,102-112,120-129) 2 All applicants are required to apply and pay for an exam online before arriving at the FDNY. It can take about 30 minutes to complete. Simplified instructions for online application and payment can be found here: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/fdny-business-cof- individuals-short.pdf Create an Account and Log in to: http://fires.fdnycloud.org/CitizenAccess This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 2 3 CONTENTS NOTICE OF EXAMINATION........................................................................................................................... 5 1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................... 12 1.1 SPRINKLER AND/OR STANDPIPE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS................................................ 12 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUILDING OWNER.............................................................................. 13 3. OUT OF SERVICE SYSTEMS (OOS).................................................................................................... 13 4. GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR RECORD KEEPING, IMPAIRMENTS AND SAFETY............... 18 5. INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM TASKS AS SPECIFIED IN THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE CODE............................................................................................................................................. 19 6. DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................................................ 20 7. SYSTEM TYPES........................................................................................................................................ 26 7.1 AUTOMATIC WET SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................... 26 7.2 AUTOMATIC DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................... 28 7.3 PREACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS............................................................................................................................... 30 7.4 DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS...................................................................................................................................... 31 7.5 NON-AUTOMATIC DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.......................................................................................................... 31 7.6 GARBAGE COMPACTOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS......................................................................................................... 31 8. WATER SUPPLIES FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS............................................................................. 33 8.1 CONTROL VALVES............................................................................................................................................................ 33 8.2 SPRINKLER SYSTEM CONTROL VALVE SIGNAGE.................................................................................................... 34 8.3 FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS.............................................................................................................................. 34 8.4 Gravity Tanks........................................................................................................................................................................ 35 8.5 Pressure Tanks....................................................................................................................................................................... 36 8.6 Fire Pumps............................................................................................................................................................................. 36 9. WATER-FLOW ALARMS AND SPRINKLER SYSTEM SUPERVISION....................................... 36 9.1 FUNCTIONS OF ALARMS AND SUPERVISORY SIGNALS.......................................................................................... 36 9.2 DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT SUPERVISED.................................................................................................................... 37 10. SYSTEM COMPONENTS..................................................................................................................... 38 10.1 SPRINKLER HEADS........................................................................................................................................................... 38 10.1.1 Four Types of Sprinkler Heads.......................................................................................................................................... 39 10.1.2 Spray Pattern of Sprinkler Heads..................................................................................................................................... 42 10.1.3 Standard Response and Quick Response Heads......................................................................................................... 42 10.1.4 Systems Using Large Drop Sprinkler Heads.................................................................................................................. 43 10.2 TEMPERATURE RATINGS CLASSIFICATIONS AND COLOR CODING.................................................................... 44 10.3 BUILD-UP OF FOREIGN MATERIAL ON SPRINKLERS............................................................................................... 44 10.4 SPARE SPRINKLER HEADS.............................................................................................................................................. 45 10.5 PRESSURE TANKS............................................................................................................................................................. 45 10.6 STANDARD PRESSURE TANK......................................................................................................................................... 46 10.7 GRAVITY TANKS............................................................................................................................................................... 47 10.8 FIRE PUMPS........................................................................................................................................................................ 48 11. HANGING, BRACING AND RESTRAINT OF SPRINKLER SYSTEM PIPING......................... 51 11.1 A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PIPING AND SUPPORT FUNDAMENTALS........................................................................ 56 12. INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE FREQUENCIES............................................... 60 12.1 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PRESSURE TANKS....................................................................................... 60 This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 3 4 12.2 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE GRAVITY TANK.................................................................................. 60 12.3 PUMP INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................... 60 12.4 COMMON DEFICIENCIES................................................................................................................................................. 61 12.5 A COMPLETE SUMMARY OF TASKS OF INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE & TESTING.......................................... 63 12.5.1 INSPECTION............................................................................................................................................................................ 63 A. Sprinkler Systems:.................................................................................................................................................................... 63 B. Fire, Booster and Special Service Pumps:......................................................................................................................... 64 C. Water Storage Tank:................................................................................................................................................................. 65 D. Valve and Valve Component:................................................................................................................................................. 66 12.5.2 TESTING................................................................................................................................................................................... 70 A. SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:............................................................................................................................................................ 70 B. FIRE, BOOSTER AND SPECIAL SERVICE PUMPS:........................................................................................................ 71 C. WATER STORAGE TANKS:..................................................................................................................................................... 72 D. VALVE AND VALVE COMPONENT:..................................................................................................................................... 72 12.5.3 MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................................................................... 76 A. SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:............................................................................................................................................................ 76 B. FIRE BOOSTER AND SPECIAL SERVICE PUMPS:......................................................................................................... 76 C. WATER STORAGE TANK:....................................................................................................................................................... 76 D. VALVE AND VALVE COMPONENT:..................................................................................................................................... 77 12.6 REFERENCE GUIDES DEFINING INDIVIDUALS QUALIFIED AS TO WHOM CAN PERFORM INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE FOR WATER BASED FIRE SUPPRESSION PIPING SYSTEM.......................................... 79 13. INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE OF WATER BASED SYSTEMS INSPECTIONS ACTIVITIES AND RECORDS............................................................................................ 89 14. LOCAL LAW 58 of 2009...................................................................................................................... 103 15. OBSTRUCTION INVESTIGATION.................................................................................................. 105 16. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPRINKLER HEADS & COMPONENTS............................................ 106 17. FOAM-WATER FIRE SUPPRESSION PIPING SYSTEM............................................................. 115 17.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................... 115 17.2 FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS.............................................................................................................................. 115 17.3 FOAM TYPES ARE SUBDIVIDED INTO THREE RANGES......................................................................................... 116 17.4 INITIAL INSTALLATION AND PERIODIC PERFORMANCE TESTING.................................................................... 117 17.5 MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................................................................ 117 17.6 FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEM TYPES.............................................................................................................. 117 17.7 FOAM CONCENTRATE SOLUTIONS ARE SPECIFICALLY MANUFACTURED TO SUPPRESS DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRES AND ARE GROUPED AS FOLLOWS:.......................................................................................................... 118 17.8 FOAM ROOM..................................................................................................................................................................... 118 17.9 FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER AND SPRAY SYSTEM COMPONENTS....................................................................... 119 17.10 FOAM DELIVERY SYSTEM TYPES.......................................................................................................................... 120 17.11 FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS SHALL BE COLOR-CODED AS FOLLOWS............................................... 120 18. FORMER S-12 and NEW S-12: LIST OF MAJOR CHANGES...................................................... 121 19. LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY................................................................................................. 123 20. REFERENCE MATERIAL................................................................................................................. 126 This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 4 5 NOTICE OF EXAMINATION Title: Examination for the Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Sprinkler System (Citywide) (S-12) / Supervision of Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems (Citywide) (S-15) All applicants are required to apply and pay for an exam online before arriving at the FDNY. It can take about 30 minutes to complete. Simplified instructions for online application and payment can be found here: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/fdny-business-cof- individuals-short.pdf Create an Account and Log in to: http://fires.fdnycloud.org/CitizenAccess REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITTEN EXAM Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must have a reasonable understanding of the English language. Applicants must apply the exam in person and bring the following materials and required fee: 1. Identification. Applicant must provide two forms of identifications; at least one form of identification must be government issued photo identification, such as a State-issued Drivers’ License or Non Driver’s License or a passport. 2. Letter of Recommendation. Applicants must present a letter of recommendation from his/her employer. The letter must be on official letterhead, and must state the applicant’s full name, experience and the address where the applicant will work. If the applicants are self-employed or the principal of the company, they must submit a notarized letter attesting to their qualifications. For more info: Sample of recommendation letter: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/cof-samplerec-letter.pdf Sample of self-employed letter: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/cof-sample-selfrec-letter.pdf 3. A-20. Applicants must present a completed application for certificate of fitness (A- 20 Form). http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/cof-application-form.pdf 4. Without Required Documentation. Applicants not currently employed may take the exam without the required documentation. If the applicants pass the exam, FDNY will issue a temporary letter with picture for the job seeking purpose. The C of F card will not be issued unless the applicants are employed and provide all of the required documentation. (Exception: If COF has a school requirement, applicant will not be allowed to take COF exam until school is completed.) 5. Special requirements for the: T-15: This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 5 6 All T-15 applicants must hold a valid S-12 Certificate of Fitness. Applicants who do not have a valid S-12 Certificate of Fitness must apply for the S-12/S-15 Certificate of Fitness for supervising sprinkler systems. 6. Application Fees: Pay the $25 application fee in person by one of the following methods: Cash Credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa) Debit card (MasterCard or Visa) Personal or company check or money order (made payable to the New York City Fire Department) A convenience fee of 2 % will be applied to all credit card payments. For fee waivers submit: (Only government employees who will use their C of F for their work- related responsibilities are eligible for fee waivers.) A letter requesting fee waiver on the Agency’s official letterhead stating applicant full name, exam type and address of premises; AND Copy of identification card issued by the agency EXAM INFORMATION The S-12 test will consist of 75 multiple-choice questions, S-15 will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, and the T-15 will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions administered on a “touch screen” computer monitor. The tests are time-limit tests (approximately S-12: 135 minutes; S-15: 175 minutes; T-15: 38 minutes). A passing score of at least 70% is required in order to secure a Certificate of Fitness. Call (718) 999-1988 for additional information and forms. Please always check for the latest revised booklet at FDNY website before you take the exam. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/cof-s12-s15-noe-study-materials.pdf Special material provided during the test: The following 3 materials will be provided to you as a reference material when you take the test at Metro Tech, however, the booklet will not be provided to you during the test. 1. Temperature Ratings Classifications and Color Coding Table 2. Reference Guide for inspection, testing and maintenance 3. Inspection Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems Activities & Records 4. Reference guide for inspection, testing and maintenance S-95 Supervision for Fire alarm Systems & other related system If all the requirements are met and the applicant passes the exam, a certificate will be issued on the same day. Applicant who fails the exam will receive a failure report. To retake the exam applicants will need to submit a new application and payment. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 6 7 OTHER RELATED FEES To change a mailing address: Submit a letter requesting the change of mailing address and a copy of your C of F with $5.00 fee. To change a work location, Submit a letter from your current employer (on company letterhead) confirming that you are an employee and stating your new work location with a copy of your C of F and a $5.00 fee To request a replacement certificate: Submit a driver’s license or passport, social security number, mailing address and a $5.00 fee. RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS This Certificate of Fitness must be renewed every THREE YEARS. The renewal fee is $15. FDNY also reserves the right to require the applicants to take a re-examination upon submission of renewal applications. You will receive a courtesy notice of renewal 90 days before the expiration date. However, it is your responsibility to renew your Certificate. It is very important to renew your C of F before it expires. Renewals submitted 90 days (up to one year) after the expiration date will incur a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. Certificates expired over one year past expiration date will not be renewed. New exams will be required. The certificate can be renewed On-line, by Mail or in Person. Renewal online If you are an individual, make sure you have your 12 digit Certificate of Fitness Access ID. This can be found on your Renewal Notice. If you do not have your Renewal Notice, your Access ID is your 8 digit Certificate of Fitness number and the last four digits of your social security number. If you are submitting renewals on behalf of a company's employees, the company must be approved by FDNY and have an 8 digit Company Code. To request approval, email [email protected]. Renewal fee can be paid by one of the following methods: Credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa) Debit card (MasterCard or Visa) E-check Fee exempted applicants cannot renew online only by mail or in person. If all the requirements are met, the certificate of fitness will be mailed out within 10 days. For online renewal go to: https://a836-citypay.nyc.gov/citypay/FDNYCOF This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 7 8 Renewal by mail Mail your Renewal Notice (or if you did not receive a Renewal Notice, a copy of your certificate), along with your fee payment, Personal or company check or money order (made payable to the New York City Fire Department) For fee waivers submit: (Only government employees who will use their C of F for their work- related responsibilities are eligible for fee waivers.) A letter requesting fee waiver on the Agency’s official letterhead stating applicant full name, exam type and address of premises; AND Copy of identification card issued by the agency and if applicable, supporting documents to: NYC Fire Department (FDNY) Cashier's Unit 9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 If all the requirements are met, the certificate of fitness will be mailed out within four to six weeks. Renewal in person Submit your Renewal Notice (or if you did not receive a Renewal Notice, a copy of your certificate), along with your fee payment by one of the following methods: Cash Credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa) Debit card (MasterCard or Visa) Personal or company check or money order (made payable to the New York City Fire Department) A convenience fee of 2 % will be applied to all credit card payments for original or renewal certificates. For fee waivers submit: (Only government employees who will use their C of F for his or her work-related responsibilities are eligible for fee waivers.) A letter requesting fee waiver on the Agency’s official letterhead stating applicant full name, exam type and address of premises; AND Copy of identification card issued by the agency and if applicable, your supporting documents to: NYC Fire Department (FDNY) Cashier's Unit 9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 If all the requirements are met, the certificate of fitness will be issued the same day. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 8 9 Test Site: FDNY Headquarters, 9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY. Enter through the Flatbush Avenue entrance (between Myrtle Avenue and Tech Place). This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 9 10 STUDY MATERIAL AND TEST DESCRIPTON ABOUT THE BOOKLET This study material will help you prepare for the written examination for the Certificate of Fitness for Sprinkler Systems. The study materials include information taken from the 2014 New York City Fire Code (FC) Chapter 9, Fire Department Rules Chapter 9 and NFPA Standard 25, (2011 Edition) Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems. It is critical that you read and understand this booklet to help increase you chances of passing this exam. ABOUT THE TEST All questions on the Certificate of Fitness examination are multiple choice, with four alternative answers to each question. Each question has only one correct answer. If you do not answer a question or if you mark more than one answer you will be scored as incorrect. A score of not less than 70% correct is required on the examination in order to qualify for the Certificate of Fitness. Read each question carefully before marking your answer. There is no penalty for guessing. SAMPLE QUESTIONS The following questions represent the “format” of the exam questions, not the content of the real exam. 1. Which of the following are allowed to be used while taking a Certificate of Fitness examination at 9 Metro Tech Center? I. cellular phone II. study material booklet III. reference material provided by the FDNY IV. mp3 player A. III only B. I, II, and III C. II and IV D. I only Only reference material provided by the FDNY is allowed to be used during Certificate of Fitness examinations. Therefore, the correct answer would be A. You would touch “A” on the computer terminal screen. 2. If the screen on your computer terminal freezes during your examination, who should you ask for help? A. the person next to you B. the firefighters in the testing room C. the examiner in the testing room D. the computer help desk This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 10 11 If you have a computer related question, you should ask the examiner in the testing room. Therefore, the correct answer would be C. You would touch “C” on the computer terminal screen. 3. If you do not know the answer to a question while taking an examination, who should you ask for help? A. the person next to you B. the firefighters in the testing room C. the examiner in the testing room D. you should not ask about test questions since FDNY staff cannot assist applicants You should not ask about examination questions or answers since FDNY staff cannot assist applicants with their tests. Therefore, the correct answer would be D. You would touch "D" on the computer terminal screen. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 11 12 1. INTRODUCTION A sprinkler system is a fire extinguishing system, other than a water mist system, that utilizes water as the extinguishing agent. Whether a building shall be provided with sprinkler protection or not is generally set forth in the NYC Building Code. Inspection, testing, servicing and other maintenance of sprinkler systems must be personally supervised and be performed in accordance with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) #25 2011 edition. All multiple dwellings, factories, office buildings, warehouses, stores and offices, theaters and music halls, hospitals and asylums, and all public schools and other public buildings, churches and other places where large numbers of persons are congregated for purposes of worship, instruction, amusement, and all piers, bulkheads, wharves, pier sheds, bulkhead sheds or other waterfront structures shall provide such fire hose, fire extinguishers, buckets, axes, fire hooks, fire doors and other means of preventing and extinguishing fires as the commissioner may direct. Required fire protection systems shall be extended or altered as necessary to maintain and continued protection whenever the building or structure is altered. Systems not complying with this section shall be considered to be impaired. It shall be unlawful to install or maintain any fire protection system or device that has the physical appearance of fire protection equipment but that does not perform a fire protection function where it may be confused with actual fire protection equipment. An example would be a CCTV camera that is installed inside a shell that resembles a sprinkler head (as seen in the image on the right). 1.1 SPRINKLER AND/OR STANDPIPE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS 1. Automatic and non-automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained as required by NFPA #25 2011 edition by a competent person holding a S-12 Certificate of Fitness and employed or contracted by the owner, to see that all parts of the system are in good working order, and that the Fire Department connection(s), if any, are ready for immediate use by the Fire Department. A detailed record shall be kept on the premises or other approved location, for a minimum of 3 years for examination by any representative of the Fire Department. 2. A supply of at least six extra sprinkler heads shall be kept available on the premises, to replace promptly any fused or damaged sprinklers. Any head which has opened or has been damaged shall be replaced immediately with sprinkler This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 12 13 head of similar characteristics such as operating temperature, orifice size, deflector orientation and thermal sensitivity. 3. At least once every five years, the Fire Department connection or connections for a sprinkler system shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test to demonstrate its suitability for Fire Department use. The test shall be arranged to be conducted by a Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor in the presence of a Fire Department representative. The contractor shall be hired by the owner or the owner's representative. 4. There shall be one or more employees or individuals contracted by the owner with a Certificate of Fitness to inspect the sprinkler system following the standard of the NFPA 25 of 2011. 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUILDING OWNER It shall be the owner’s responsibility to maintain the sprinkler system and to determine the individual qualifications and competencies of the COF holder that performs the functions related to inspection, testing and maintenance of such system. Impairment Coordinator: The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of study material. The impairment coordinator shall take the action(s) when a standpipe system, sprinkler system or fire alarm system is out of service. The impairment coordinator shall maintain records of all system inspections, tests, servicing and other items of maintenance shall be kept on the premises or other approved location for a minimum of 3 years and made available for inspection by any member of the FDNY. In absence of a specific designee, the building owner shall be considered the impairment coordinator. 3. OUT OF SERVICE SYSTEMS (OOS) Planned removal from service: When the system, or a portion of the sprinkler system, is placed out of service for a scheduled inspection, testing, regular maintenance, minor repairs or for construction affecting not more than 1 floor, the Certificate of Fitness holder and the impairment coordinator shall be made aware of and authorize the placing of the system out of service. Unplanned out of service condition: A serious defect in the sprinkler system including, but not limited to: an empty tank, a break or major leak in the system’s water piping, inoperative or shut water supply valves, defective fire department connections, construction related shut downs affecting more than one floor, or complete or partial shut downs of the sprinkler system, other than a shut down for a planned removal from service. When a Fire Protection system is out of service fire watch personnel must: Continuously patrol the area affected by the out-of-service fire protection system to which such person has been assigned, keeping constant watch for fires. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 13 14 Be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the Fire Department and emergency preparedness staff. Immediately report any fire to the Fire Department and notify emergency preparedness staff on premises. Be trained in the used of portable fire extinguisher. Be responsible for extinguishing fires limited in size and spread that can be readily extinguished. Maintain a record of such fire watch on the premises during the fire watch and for a minimum of 48 hours after the fire watch has concluded. Have no other duties. FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATIONS FOR OUT OF SERVICE CONDITIONS: NOTIFICATION THAT A SPRINKLER SYSTEM OR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM, OR ANY PART THEREOF, IS OR WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE SHALL BE MADE TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES: 1. The sprinkler system or fire alarm system is or will be out of service on more than one floor of a building; or 2. The work or repairs cannot be completed, and the system restored to service, within 8 hours of the time the system was placed or went out of service; or 3. With respect to a fire alarm system, the work or repairs will require the fire alarm system to be out of service for more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period; or 4. One or more other fire protection systems in the area in which a fire protection system is out of service are or will also be out of service at the same time. The telephone numbers are as follows: Manhattan 212-570-4300 Bronx 718-430-0200 Brooklyn 718-965-8300 Queens 718-476-6200 Staten Island 718-494-4296 a) The initial Fire Department notification shall include the following: 1. A brief description and extent of the out-of-service condition and system it affects. 2. The area of the building affected, including the floors where fire protection system is out of service. 3. The type of occupancy. 4. The estimated time the system will be out of service. 5. The name and phone number of the person making the notification or the owner of the premises. 6. The building address. 7. Whether the fire protection system is out of service by reason of a planned removal from service (and if so, the reason for placing it out of service) or an unplanned out-of-service condition. 8. Whether or not the other fire protection systems are in good working order. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 14 15 b) When the Certificate of Fitness holder observes a minor defect or other condition not presenting a serious safety hazard, he or she shall report the defect or condition to the owner, and if the defect or condition is not corrected within 30 days it shall be deemed to be an impairment and reported in writing to the Fire Department (FC 901.7.5). Correspondence should be sent via email [email protected] or by certified documents to: New York City Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention Fire Suppression Unit, 3rd Floor 9 Metro Tech Center Brooklyn, New York 11201 Identifying OOS Systems Using Discs/Tags: Systems that are out of service, both planned and unplanned, shall be immediately identified by placing a tag at each of the following locations: Fire Department connections, system control valves, fire command center or other clearly visible location in the lobby of the building, indicating which system or part thereof is out of service. Impairment coordinators/building owners shall ensure the placement of these tags by MFSPC’s or MP (as restricted). In addition, for an unplanned out of service condition, a disc (white or blue) shall be placed at all affected fire department connections to inform responding Fire Department units of the out of service condition. The impairment coordinator/building owner shall ensure placement of these discs by MFSPC’s, MP’s (as restricted) or FDNY units. When the condition has been corrected, the disc(s) shall be removed immediately. Tag Requirement: A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or portion, is out of service. A Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor, Class A or B, or a master plumber (as restricted), shall be required to post tags at the main control valve and at any closed sectional valves serving areas affected. The tag shall indicate the area affected, a brief description of the condition, the occupancy classification, C of F number and the estimated time until the system becomes operational. Drain test results shall be posted on the tag indicating both the static and flow pressures before and after the system was placed in an out of service condition. If no impairment is found in the entire system green tags will be placed on the main control valve. Example of FDNY White and Blue Discs SYSTEMS PARTIALLY OR FULLY OUT OF SERVICE: Systems Fully Out of Service: The impairment coordinator/building owner shall ensure that the local administrative fire company, Master Fire Suppression Contractor (Class A or B) or MP’s (as restricted) has placed one White disc 8 to 9 inches in diameter on all affected fire department connections. A RED tag shall be placed at the main control valve indicating the sprinkler company name, date of removal from service and anticipated return to service date. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 15 16 Systems Partially Out of Service: The impairment coordinator/building owner shall ensure that the local administrative fire company, FSPC’s or FDNY units Master Fire Suppression Contractor Class A or B has placed one Blue Disc 8 to 9 inches in diameter on all affected fire department connections. An Red tag shall be placed at the main control valve and any closed sectional valve indicating the company name, date of removal from service and anticipated return to service date. The impairment coordinator shall authorize the placement of system(s) out of service that are planned to be shut down. The impairment coordinator shall notify the Certificate of Fitness holder about the system(s) that is/are out of service. Planned removal from service. The impairment coordinator shall be made aware in advance of any planned removal from service of a standpipe system, sprinkler system or fire alarm system, or system component, for repair, servicing, alteration, testing and other maintenance of the system or component, or to allow construction to be performed in the area protected by the system without unnecessarily activating it. The impairment coordinator shall authorize and personally supervise the placing of the fire protection system out of service. Before authorizing the placing of the fire protection out of service the impairment coordinator shall: Notify the Certificate of Fitness holder responsible for supervising the maintenance of the standpipe system, sprinkler system or fire alarm system. Determine the extent and expected duration of the out-of-service condition. Inspect the areas or buildings involved and assess the increased risks. Make appropriate recommendations to the owner. Notify the Fire Department in accordance with FC 901.7.5, if required. Notify the responsible person designated by the owner to issue hot work authorizations in accordance with FC Chapter 26. Notify the central station and insurance carrier. Notify the occupants in the affected areas if the duration of time the sprinkler system or fire alarm system will be out of service is estimated to be more than 30 minutes. Place a tag at each fire department connection, standpipe and sprinkler system control valve and fire command center, indicating which fire protection system, or part thereof, is out of service. Maintain the fire protection system in service until work is ready to begin. Fire Guard The impairment coordinator or other building staff trained and knowledgeable in conducting a fire watch may conduct a fire watch in lieu of a fire guard during the initial 4 hours of a planned removal from service, or after discovery of an unplanned out-of- service condition, provided that the floor or area in which the fire protection system is out of service does not exceed 50,000 square feet. A sufficient number of fire guards shall be provided such that each floor or area in which the fire protection system is out of service is patrolled at least once an hour. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 16 17 Impaired Equipment: Underground service mains, water storage tanks, Fire Department connections, control valves, fire and or booster pumps, that are out of service and are considered vital to part of the system that are required to be tagged following procedures outlined in Chapter 15 of NFPA #25 2011 Ed. Tags placed at control valves shall indicate the level of impairment or defect as follows: Tag Disc System fully out of service Red White System partially out of service Red Blue System appears free of defects or deficiencies Green N/A Only FDNY, Owner, MFSPC or MP (as restricted) may place a tag on a system. For systems that are fully or partially out of service that are not equipped with Fire Department connections, the appropriate tags shall be placed at the main control valve. FDNY is to be notified immediately. In a building required by the NYC Fire Code to have a Fire Safety Director with (F-58 or F-25), an Engineer (Q-01 or Q-99) with the S-12 C of F, is authorized to take the system out of the service for less than 8 hrs and place an appropriate colored tag on that system. The FSD and the Engineer must be on the premises at the all times. Prior to returning a system to service, the impairment coordinator shall ensure that the necessary tests and inspections are conducted to verify that the system is operating normally, notify FDNY borough dispatcher, the building owner’s tenants in the affected area, the insurance carrier, emergency preparedness staff, central station operator (if so equipped) and remove out of service tags and discs. Protection of Sprinkler Systems All parts of an automatic system exposed to freezing temperatures shall be protected from freezing or in lieu thereof, an automatic dry pipe system or a system filled with a nonfreezing, noncombustible solution shall be used. When a system filled with a nonfreezing solution is used and the system is connected to a potable (drinking) water supply, it shall be subject to the requirements of the Health Department and the Bureau of water supply of the Department of Environmental Protection and may require that a backflow preventer be installed. Approved nonfreezing solutions include glycerin not greater than 48%, and propylene glycol not greater than 38% non-freezing solution. Sprinkler heads subject to damage shall be protected. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 17 18 4. GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR RECORD KEEPING, IMPAIRMENTS AND SAFETY It shall be the responsibility of the Certificate of Fitness holder to perform the following: Record keeping. The Certificate of Fitness holder shall maintain a detailed record of all inspections. Records. Records of all system inspections, tests, servicing and other maintenance required by this NYC Fire Code, the NYC Fire Rules or the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises or other approved location for a minimum of 3 years and made available for inspection by any Fire Department representative. (FC 901.6.2) Detailed Records. A detailed inspection report shall include information relative to conditions of water supply, gravity and pressure tanks and levels therein, valves, risers, piping, sprinkler heads and Fire Department connections, alarms, fire , booster and special service pumps, obstructions, and conditions of all other system equipment and appurtenances. All defects and/or impairments shall be noted on the report. Records shall be readily available to any representative of the Fire Department. Riser Card. In addition to those records required by NFPA 25 as mentioned above, an approved card bearing the dates of each inspection, certificate of fitness number and signature of the certificate of fitness holder shall be posted on the premises near the main water supply control valve. (FC 901.6.2.1) (This approved card shall not replace or supersede the detailed record of inspection). Notification of all defects shall be reported to the owner or their representative by the Certificate of Fitness holder. After 30 days, any of the defects that have not been corrected shall be immediately reported to the Fire Department Borough Communication Office. Failure to make inspections, maintain records, and report defects or violations may be cause for revocation of the Certificate of Fitness and court enforcement proceedings. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 18 19 5. INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM TASKS AS SPECIFIED IN THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE CODE 1. S-12/S-15 COF holder - visual inspections only, proper notification and record inspection results for examination by FDNY. S-12: Water-based fire protection systems. S-15: Foam-water suppression systems and water-based fire protection systems. 2. S-12/S-15* COF holder employed by a site-specific building owner with the following certifications: Refrigeration Operating Engineer (Refrigeration Q-99 or Q-01), High Pressure Operating Engineer and NYS High Pressure Operating Engineer are permitted to perform visual inspections, test notification appliances, perform daily and weekly routine maintenance and record all inspection, testing and maintenance results for examination by FDNY. *(For employees of a single or multiple properties under common ownership employed by the same building owner/management company). 3. Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor (A or B) (MFSPC) with S-12/S-15 C of F - can inspect, test, maintain and repair/replace sprinkler systems components, record maintenance, inspection and test results for examination and evaluation by FDNY. 4. Master Plumber (MP) with S-12/S-15 - is limited to residential (R) occupancies 30 sprinkler heads or less without a booster pump. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 19 20 6. DEFINITIONS ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE - A fire alarm system component, such as a bell, horn, speaker, light, text display or vibration device that issues an audible, tactile, and/or visual alert. ALARM SIGNAL - A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of fire. ANTIFREEZE SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A wet pipe sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that contains an antifreeze solution and is connected to a water supply. The antifreeze solution is discharged, followed by water, immediately upon operation of sprinklers opened by heat from a fire. AUTOMATIC BALL DRIP - An automatic drain valve horizontally installed at the low point in the piping between the lower check valve and the Fire Department connection of automatic sprinkler systems. Water pressure from a Fire Department pumper automatically closes this valve. It automatically re–opens when pressure ceases, permitting this piping to drain and thereby preventing freezing. CENTRAL STATION - A facility that receives alarm signals from a protected premises and retransmits or otherwise reports such alarm signals to the department. COMBINATION STANDPIPE AND SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A system where the water piping services both 2½ in. (65 mm) outlets for fire department use and outlets for automatic sprinklers. CONCEALED SPRINKLER - A recessed sprinkler with a cover plate. CONTROL MODE SPECIFIC APPLICATION SPRINKLERS (CMSA) – Control mode sprinkler systems are designed to control a fire until its original fuel source is depleted or until fire-fighting activities can commence. A fire is controlled by cooling the ceiling-level air temperatures, reducing the fire’s rate of heat release and pre-wetting Curb Valve adjacent combustibles. CONTROL VALVE - A valve controlling flow to water-based fire protection systems. Control valves do not include hose valves, inspector's test valves, drain valves, trim valves for dry pipe, preaction and deluge valves, check valves, or relief valves. OS & Y valve (Outside Stem and Yoke valve) is an indicating type of control valve used for fire sprinkler system. Curb Valve is a non-indicating gate valve equipped with a cast iron extension box flushed with a sidewalk with an operating nut of 1 ¼ inch, this valve is operated using a special curb key wrench. This valve controls the municipal water supply serving the fire sprinkler system. CORROSION-RESISTANT SPRINKLER - A sprinkler fabricated with corrosion resistant materials, or special coatings to be used in an atmosphere that would corrode standard sprinklers. DEFICIENCY: A condition in which the application of the component is not within its designed limits or specifications. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 20 21 CRITICAL DEFICIENCY – A deficiency that, if not corrected, can have an effect on the performance of the fire protection system. NON CRITICAL DEFICIENCY – A deficiency that does not have an effect on the performance of the fire protection system, but correction is needed for the proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system(s). DELUGE VALVE - A water supply control valve intended to be operated by actuation of an automatic detection system that is installed in the same area as the discharge devices. Each deluge valve is intended to be capable of automatic and manual operation. DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A sprinkler system employing open sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached. DRY PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system containing air or nitrogen under pressure. The release of the air or nitrogen,(as from the opening of a sprinkler) results in the water pressure opening a valve known as a dry pipe valve, resulting in the flow of water into the piping system and out of the fused sprinklers heads. DRY SPRINKLER - A sprinkler secured in an extension nipple that has a seal at the inlet to prevent water from entering the nipple until the sprinkler operates. May be configured with an upright pendent or sidewall sprinkler. DISCHARGE DEVICE - A device designed to discharge water or foam-water solution in a predetermined, fixed, or adjustable pattern. Examples include, but are not limited to, sprinklers, spray nozzles, and hose nozzles. EARLY SUPPRESSION FAST RESPONSE SPRINKLER (ESFR) - A type of fast response sprinkler that is listed for its capability to provide fire suppression of specific high challenge fire hazards. EXTRA LARGE ORIFICE SPRINKLERS (ELO) - A sprinkler head with and orifice size equal to or greater than 1”. This sprinkler is used for protection of high piled storage in warehouses and less pressure is required to achieve a given discharge density. 1. Frame 2. Button 3. Gasket spring plate 4. Bulb 5. Compression Screw 6. Deflector 7. Pintle This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 21 EL0 STANDARD COVERAGE UPRIGHT SPRINKLER 22 EXTENDED COVERAGE SPRINKLERS - A type of spray sprinkler with a maximum area of coverage of 400 square feet (20 foot by 20 foot spacing between sprinklers) for light hazard occupancies to a maximum of 144 square feet (12 foot by 12 foot spacing between sprinklers) for extra hazard occupancies. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM - Any system, including any interconnected fire alarm sub- system, of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices. FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION - A connection, normally on the exterior of the building, through which the fire department can pump supplemental water into the sprinkler system, standpipe, or other system furnishing water for fire extinguishment to supplement existing water supplies. (Formerly known as Siamese connection.) FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM - An approved system of devices and equipment which detects a fire and discharges an approved fire extinguishing agent onto or in the area of a fire. Such term includes automatic systems and, where such systems are authorized by this code or the Building Code, manually activated systems. FIRE HYDRANT - A valve connection on a water supply system having one or more outlets and that is used to supply hose and fire department connections with water. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM - Approved devices, equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire, control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof, including fire extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems. FIRE PUMP - A pump that is a provider of liquid flow and pressure dedicated to fire protection. A fire pump is a part of a fire sprinkler system’s water supply and can be powered by electric, diesel or steam. The pump intake is either connected to the public underground water supply piping or a static water source (e.g., tank, reservoir, lake). The pump provides water flow at higher pressure to the sprinkler system risers and hose standpipes. A pump used only to fill a tank is not a fire pump. The following fire pumps are required to be maintained in accordance with the NYC Fire Code: FIRE PUMP, AUTOMATIC STANDPIPE: A fire pump located at or below street level that supplies the lower 300 feet of a standpipe system or a combined standpipe and sprinkler system. FIRE PUMP, FOAM: A fire pump used to boost water supply pressures in a fire protection system where such system uses firefighting foam as an additive. FIRE PUMP, LIMITED SERVICE: A fire pump with a motor rating not exceeding 30 hp and utilizing a limited service fire pump controller. FIRE PUMP, SPECIAL SERVICE: A fire pump that is located above street level and that receives its water supply from a gravity tank or suction tank supplying water to fire sprinkler system and/or Fire Department hose outlets. FIRE PUMP, SPRINKLER BOOSTER PUMP: A fire pump that supplies sprinkler systems only. FIRE PUMP, WATER MIST SYSTEM: A fire pump used to boost water supply pressures in a fire protection system where such system utilizes water misting technology. GLASS BULB SPRINKLER - A sprinkler operated by heat breaking a glass bulb filled with a non freezing liquid with diameters that vary from 3mm for quick response sprinklers to 5mm for standard response sprinklers. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 22 23 HOSE VALVE - The valve to an individual hose connection. HYDRAULIC PLACARD - A sign attached to a hydraulically calculated sprinkler system indicating the design density, required gallons per minute and pressure for the system to operate properly. HYDRAULICALLY CALCULATED SYSTEMS - A method of sizing automatic sprinkler piping using a prescribed amount of water to be distributed over a specific area. IMPAIRMENT – A condition where a fire protection system or unit or portion thereof is out of order, and the condition can result in the fire protection system or unit not functioning in a fire event. IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR - The person responsible for ensuring that proper safety precautions are taken when a fire protection system is placed out of service. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL SPRINKLER/RACK STORAGE SPRINKLER - A sprinkler equipped with integral shields to protect the operating element from discharge from sprinklers installed at higher elevations. LARGE ORIFICE SPRINKLER - A sprinkler head with and orifice size equal to or greater than ¾” and less than 1”. LISTED DEVICE - A fire protection component that has been tested to perform under parameters specified for its use by a nationally recognized testing agency. Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) are the two most common. MASTER PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE - A pressure reducing valve installed to regulate pressures in an entire fire protection system and/or standpipe system zone. MAIN DRAIN - The primary drain connection located on the system riser and also utilized as a flow test connection. These valves are typically globe pattern valves. MICROBIOLOGICALLY INDUCED CORROSION (MIC) - Corrosion caused by the presence of microbes in the water supply that over time attack the interior of metallic piping and cause leaks, pitting, and blockages. OUT OF SERVICE SYSTEM - A fire protection system that is not fully functional; or whose operation is impaired or is otherwise not in good working order. OLD-STYLE/CONVENTIONAL SPRINKLER - A sprinkler that directs 40% to 60% of the water initially in a downward direction and is designed to be installed with the deflector in either the upright or pendent position. PENDENT SPRINKLER - A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream is directed downward against the deflector. PINTLE SCREWS - A visual indicating device required for sprinklers manufactured prior to 1999 identifying small orifice sprinklers and large orifice sprinklers where orifice size is different than the nominal thread size of the sprinkler head. PIPE SCHEDULE SYSTEMS – A method of sizing piping based upon the number of sprinkler heads and the occupancy of the protected area. PREACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that contains air that may or may not be under pressure, with a supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. PERSONAL SUPERVISION – Supervision by the holder of a FDNY Certificate of Fitness who is required to personally present on the premises, or other proximate location acceptable to the department, while performing the duties for which the certificate is required. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 23 24 PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE - A pilot operated pressure reducing valve that may be used with a fire or booster pump designed for the purpose of preventing the incoming water supply pressure from dropping below a set pressure. PRESSURE-REDUCING VALVE - A valve designed for the purpose of reducing the downstream water pressure under both flowing (residual) and nonflowing (static) conditions. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - A valve designed for the purpose of releasing excess air or water pressure from the Fire Protection Piping System. PRESSURE TANK - A tank using air pressure to supplying water for water-based fire protection systems. Tank contents to be maintained at one third air to two thirds water. QUICK RESPONSE SPRINKLER HEAD - A sprinkler having a fusible link with a response time index (RTI) of 50 or less. RECESSED SPRINKLER - A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, other than the shank thread, is mounted above the ceiling. RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER - A type of fast response sprinkler that has been specifically tested to enhance survivability in the room of fire origin and listed for use in dwelling units. RESPONSE TIME INDEX (RTI) – A measurement of the thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler head expressed in (meters-seconds) 1/2. SPRINKLER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (SIN) - Sprinklers manufactured after Jan. 1, 2000 are required to be marked to identify performance characteristics. SUPERVISORY SIGNAL – A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, fire extinguishing systems or equipment, fire alarm systems or the maintenance features of related systems. SIDEWALL SPRINKLER - A sprinkler having special deflectors that are designed to discharge most of the water away from the nearby wall. SMALL ORIFICE SPRINKLERS - A sprinkler head with and orifice size smaller than ½”. SOLDER LINK SPRINKLER - A sprinkler operated by the melting of a metal link, they vary in size and configuration for quick response and standard response sprinklers. The smaller the size of the link, the faster the sprinkler operates. SPRAY SPRINKLER - A type of sprinkler listed for its capability to provide fire control for a wide range of fire hazards. The most commonly used sprinkler since 1953. SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A fire extinguishing system, other than a mist fire extinguishing system that utilizes water as the extinguishing agent. STANDARD RESPONSE SPRINKLER HEAD - A sprinkler having a fusible link with a response time index (RTI) of 80 or more. SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE - An initiating device, such as a valve supervisory switch, water level indicator, or low-air pressure switch on a dry-pipe or pre- action sprinkler system, that triggers a supervisory signal. AUTOMATIC PRESSURE MAINTENANCE DEVICE - Maintains pneumatic pressure on the piping system set to specific limits by controlling a plant air system, a single air compressor, or a nitrogen supply. TESTING - A procedure used to determine the status of a system as intended by conducting periodic physical checks on water based fire protection systems such as waterflow tests, fire pump tests, alarm tests, and trip tests of dry pipe, deluge, or preaction valves. These tests follow up on the original acceptance test at intervals specified in the appropriate chapter of NFPA #25, 2011 edition. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 24 25 UPRIGHT SPRINKLER - A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water spray is directed upwards against the deflector. WATER SPRAY - Water in a form having a predetermined pattern, particle size, velocity, and density discharge from specially designed nozzles or devices. WATER SUPPLY - A source of water that provides the flows [gal/min (L/min)] and pressures [psi (bar)] required by the water-based fire protection system. WET PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEM - A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system containing water and connected to a water supply so that water discharges immediately from sprinklers opened by heat from a fire. WATER SPRAY FIXED SYSTEM - A special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable fire protection water supply and equipped with water spray nozzles for specific water discharge and distribution over the surface or area to be protected. The piping system is connected to the water supply through an automatically or manually actuated valve that initiates the flow of water. An automatic valve is actuated by operation of automatic detection or manual release equipment installed in the same areas as the water spray nozzles. (In special cases, the automatic detection system may also be located in another area.) WATER TANK - A tank supplying water for water-based fire protection systems. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 25 26 7. SYSTEM TYPES 7.1 AUTOMATIC WET SPRINKLER SYSTEMS An automatic wet sprinkler system is an effective fire suppression system. This system discharges water to a localized area that is subject to fire. The sprinkler system is designed to extinguish the fire entirely, or to prevent the spread of the fire. An automatic sprinkler system consists of a series of pipes at or near the ceiling in a building. The sprinkler system is fitted with automatic devices designed to release water on a fire. These devices are called sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads are normally closed by a disc or cap. This cap is held in place by a heat sensitive releasing element. A rise in temperature to a predetermined level causes the sprinkler head to open. Water is then discharged in the form of spray. When the sprinkler heads open they are said to have fused. The sprinkler heads are fitted at standard intervals on the piping. If more than one head opens, the area sprayed by each overlaps that of the sprinkler head next to it. Sprinkler systems are required by law in various occupancies. They also may be installed voluntarily by the owner of the building. The sprinklers are installed to protect the building and its residents. The installation of sprinklers has a major effect in reducing fire losses. About 96% of the fires are extinguished or controlled when sprinklers are installed. The 4% failure was due to a variety of causes including defective piping, closed supply valves, frozen water lines, improper maintenance, and blocked water supply piping. Automatic sprinklers are very effective for preservation of life and property by discharging water to the burning area. Automatic sprinklers also reduce interference with visibility for fire fighting due to smoke. The downward force of the water sprayed from sprinklers lowers the smoke level in the room. The sprinklers also serve to cool the smoke. This makes it possible for persons to remain in the area much longer than they could if the room were without sprinklers. Most standard sprinkler systems have devices that automatically sound an alarm when a sprinkler head discharges water. This alarm is an audible signal at the premise. In many cases they transmit an alarm to a remote location, such as an approved central station company. The central station company monitors the entire fire protection system for water discharge and problems with the equipment. When water discharge is identified, in addition to other actions, the central station company is required to notify the FDNY dispatch. This notification allows the Fire Department to gain control of a fire as quickly as possible. Water is rarely discharged accidentally from a properly maintained sprinkler system. The most common installation is a wet pipe system. This system has water in the piping at all times. The owner is to ensure that all areas of buildings with water-filled piping are maintained at a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and are protected from freezing. A example of a typical wet pipe system is shown in the picture on the next page: This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 26 27 A TYPICAL WET PIPE SYSTEM Where temperatures drop below freezing, the ordinary wet pipe system cannot be used. Antifreeze Sprinkler System - A wet pipe sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that contains an antifreeze solution and that are connected to a water supply. The antifreeze solution is discharged, followed by water, immediately upon operation of sprinklers opened by heat from a fire. Antifreeze sprinkler systems are costly and are difficult to maintain. Antifreeze is usually used for small unheated areas. Antifreeze sprinkler systems may be used only in accordance with applicable local health regulations. The freezing point of solutions in antifreeze shall be tested annually by measuring the specific gravity with a hydrometer or refractometer and adjusting the solutions if necessary. Annual testing must be performed in accordance with NFPA 25 2011. Existing Cold Weather Valves - An automatic sprinkler system should not be shut off and drained to avoid freezing during cold weather. However, parts of the sprinkler system may be shut down. Permission must be obtained from the local fire house. Permission may be given to shut off a maximum of 10 sprinkler heads on a wet pipe system. These shutoff valves are commonly referred to as cold weather valves. These valves are no longer permitted to be installed. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 27 28 7.2 AUTOMATIC DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Dry Pipe Sprinkler System. A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system containing air or nitrogen under pressure, the release of which (as from the opening of a sprinkler) permits the water pressure to open a valve known as a dry pipe valve, and the water then flows into the piping system and out the opened sprinklers. Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems are installed where it is impractical to install a wet pipe system since the protected area cannot be heated to prevent freezing conditions. In most cases the air pressure in the piping is controlled automatically by an air maintenance device. When a sprinkler head is opened by the heat from a fire, the air pressure is reduced in the piping. The drop in air pressure causes a special dry pipe valve to open. When the clapper has opened the valve is said to have tripped. A supervisory device signals when the valve has opened that will automatically sound an alarm. This alarm is an audible signal at the premise and in many cases it will transmit an alarm to a remote location, such as an approved central station company. The central station company monitors the entire fire protection system for water discharge and problems with the equipment. When water discharge is identified, the central station company is required to notify the FDNY dispatch. This notification allows the Fire Department to gain control of a fire as quickly as possible. Water is rarely discharged accidentally from a properly maintained sprinkler system. Sometimes a combination of a wet pipe and a dry pipe system may be used when a part of the building cannot be heated. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 28 29 A TYPICAL DRY PIPE SYSTEM A Typical Clapper Type Dry Valve Higher than normal water pressure and/or water hammer, may cause the dry valve to trip accidentally. Water hammer is a condition where a sudden increase in pressure may cause the valve to trip. To reduce this danger air pressure is usually kept well above the normal trip point. The air pressure is usually set at 15 to 20 psi (pounds per square inch) above the normal trip level. Some valves are specially designed for low pressures. In all cases the manufacturer's instructions regarding pressures to be maintained shall be followed. Quick Opening Devices - In a dry pipe system there is a delay between the opening of a sprinkler and the discharge of water. This delay may allow the fire to spread and more sprinkler heads to open. The delay is due to the time required for the air leave the sprinkler piping. This difficulty may be partly overcome by the installation of quick opening devices. Quick opening devices when employed must be in operation at all times. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 29 30 Two devices are used to reduce the time needed to open the clapper and allow water into the system. These devices are an accelerator and an exhauster. They are both automatically activated when a drop of 2 psi in air pressure is detected in the system. They quickly change the water and air pressure balance in the system. This change trips the dry pipe valve allowing the water to force its way through the sprinkler piping in less time. The failure of an accelerator or exhauster to operate will increase the normal tripping of a dry pipe valve. 7.3 PREACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Preaction systems are designed for situations where there is danger of serious water damage. Water damage is usually caused by damaged sprinklers or broken piping. Under normal conditions there is no water in the piping. The air in the piping may or may not be under pressure. A preaction valve prevents the water from entering the system. The valve is automatically opened when a fire detection system discovers that there is a fire or smoke condition. The preaction valve is tripped by the fire detection system before any of the sprinkler heads open. A supervisory device signals when the valve is opened. The pre-action valve can also be operated manually. The preaction system has several advantages over a dry pipe system. The preaction valve opens sooner because the fire detectors react to heat changes faster than sprinkler heads. Fire and water damage may be decreased because water is sprayed on the fire more quickly the alarm signal is given as soon as the preaction valve is opened. Heat responsive devices are commonly used to trip pre-action valves. These devices are also used to activate alarm and supervisory systems. There are three main devices used to trip pre-action valves: 1) devices designed to operate at a fixed temperature; 2) devices designed to operate when the temperature in the room increases a set amount in a given time period (rate-of-rise), and 3) devices combining fixed temperature and rate of rise devices. Other ways to activate a preaction valve are smoke detectors, gas detecting systems, hydraulic, electric, manual release, and automatic signals from other safety systems. A supervisory device signals when the valve has opened that will automatically sound an alarm. This alarm is an audible signal at the premise and in many cases it will transmit an alarm to a remote location, such as an approved central station company. The central station company monitors the entire fire protection system for water discharge and problems with the equipment. When water discharge is identified, the central station company is required to notify the FDNY dispatch. Preaction System with a Recycling Feature - A special kind of preaction system is a recycling system for controlling sprinklers. This system shuts off the water when the fire has been put out or the heat drops. If the fire rekindles or the heat rises sharply, water is discharged again. The system continues cycling on and off as long as the fire persists. Combined Dry Pipe and Preaction Systems - These systems have the basic features of both types of systems. The piping system contains air under pressure. A heat detecting device opens the water control valve and a quick opening device. The system then fills This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 30 31 with water and operates as a wet pipe system. If the heat detecting system fails, the system will operate as a standard dry pipe system. 7.4 DELUGE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS A deluge sprinkler system is equipped with open sprinkler heads designed to wet down an entire area involved in a fire. This system is needed when there is danger of a fire rapidly spreading throughout the building. The deluge system will slow down the spread of the fire. Deluge systems are suitable for hazardous occupancies. This includes buildings in which flammable liquids or other hazardous materials are handled or stored. The sprinkler heads in the deluge system are open at all times. Under normal conditions there is no water in the piping. The air in the piping is not under pressure. A closed control valve prevents water from flowing into the system. A fire detection device automatically opens the control valve when a fire is identified. A supervisory device signals when the valve is opened. When the valve is opened water flows into the system. The water is then discharged out all of the sprinkler heads. The water control valve may also be opened manually. A supervisory device signals when the valve has opened that will automatically sound an alarm. This alarm is an audible signal at the premise and in many cases it will transmit an alarm to a remote location, such as an approved central station company. The central station company monitors the entire fire protection system for water discharge and problems with the equipment. When water discharge is identified, the central station company is required to notify the FDNY dispatch. 7.5 NON-AUTOMATIC DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS In this type of system all pipes are normally dry. Water is supplied when needed by pumping water into the system through the Fire Department connection. Some of these systems are supplied by manual operation of a water control valve and may be equipped with sprinklers with or without fusible links. There are several non-automatic systems: 1) Perforated pipe systems - a single line of piping drilled at intervals for water discharge. These systems are usually found in basements or other areas difficult to reach in fire fighting operations. 2) Open fixed spray nozzles for transformer vaults or other hazardous areas; 3) exterior exposure sprinklers (or window sprinklers) use open sprinkler heads to form an external water curtain on the walls of a building, and 4) Foam supply systems are used for the protection of special hazardous occupancies. 7.6 GARBAGE COMPACTOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Waste compactors are usually found in tall multiple dwelling complexes such as apartment buildings. They are used to reduce the trash buildup in a building. They consist of a tall chute with an opening at each floor. These opening are used for trash disposal. Occupants of the buildings take their trash and throw it through the opening and down the chute. The trash piles up at the bottom of the chute where a device This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 31 32 regularly crushes the trash into smaller blocks of trash. The blocks of trash are then removed and taken to a garbage dump. The compactor may be located indoors or outdoors. The build-up of trash in the compactor chute is a fire hazard. Fires may be started in several ways, for example, by a smoldering cigarette thrown into the compactor chute. Sprinkler systems must be installed to put out fires that start in the compactor chute. Any of the standard water supply sources may be used to supply the compactor sprinkler system. For example, gravity tanks, fire pumps and pressure tanks are all used as water supply sources. Fire doors shall be installed in the chute to allow firefighter access to burning trash. The Certificate of Fitness holder shall know the location of all sprinkler heads, control valves, supply lines and compactor rooms. A sketch of the entire compactor sprinkler system shall be drawn by the Certificate of Fitness holder. This sketch shall be posted in the compactor room in a frame under glass. The sketch shall be made available to any representatives from the Fire Department. The Certificate of Fitness holder may be questioned about this sketch by inspectors from the Fire Department inspectors during routine inspections. A sign indicating the location of all control valves shall be kept in the compactor room. This sign is shall be displayed with the sketch in the compactor room. All control valves in the sprinkler system shall be labeled. The label is to show the purpose of the valve. Additionally, the labels shall be attached to the yoke of the valves. All indicating valves in the compactor sprinkler system shall be sealed open. A minimum of 6 extra sprinkler heads with the appropriate wrenches shall be available to replace any opened or damaged sprinkler heads. Opened or damaged sprinkler heads shall be replaced immediately. A garden hose connected to a water supply shall be kept in the compactor room. This hose may be used to put out small fires or smoldering material in the compactor room. The Certificate of Fitness holder shall conduct an inspection of the entire sprinkler system at least once a month. Special attention should be given to the condition of the sprinkler heads in the compactor chute and the compactor room. Any defects or violations shall be recorded in a detailed inspection report. All inspections are recorded on a card that shall be kept near the main control valve. The Certificate of Fitness holder shall sign and date the card each time an inspection is made. If any minor defects in the system are discovered they shall be reported to the owner of the building. If repairs are not made within 30 days the Certificate of Fitness Holder must notify the Bureau of Fire Prevention. If any major defects are discovered they shall be reported to the FDNY Dispatcher, the owner of the building, and the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Major defects shall be repaired immediately. When a fire is discovered in the compactor the Certificate of Fitness holder should notify the local fire house immediately. He/she should not attempt to enter the compactor chute to put out the fire. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 32 33 8. WATER SUPPLIES FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Sprinklers may be supplied from one or a combination of sources. For example, they may be supplied by public mains, gravity tanks, pressure tanks, fire pumps, reservoirs, rivers, or lakes. A single water supply would appear to be all that is needed to supply a sprinkler fire protection system. This assumes that there is enough water at an acceptable pressure. However, a single supply may be out of service (for maintenance or repair) during a fire emergency or it may be disabled during fire or before the fire is fully extinguished. Additionally, the water supply may fall below normal pressure or volume during an emergency. These are just a few reasons why it is good to have a secondary water supply. In some cases it is required by law to have a secondary water supply source. Whether a second source is needed depends on several factors. These factors include the strength and reliability of the primary supply, the value of the property, the height, area, occupancy classification and design of the building. When a sprinkler system is supplied from a public water main, the entire system shall be shut down by closing a non-indicating type control valve. This valve is located between the building and the water main in a box that is recessed into the sidewalk. The location of the box is found by reading a sign on the building or on a post nearby. The sign might read “Shutoff for Sprinkler System Located 6 Feet from This Sign’’, or it may have similar instructions. A special key will be required to operate this valve. 8.1 CONTROL VALVES Gate valves of the non-indicating type are provided in water distribution systems, this type of valve is commonly known as curb valve. Gate valves allow the sprinkler system to be shut off for repairs or maintenance. Such valves are normally a non-rising stem type. They are operated using a special key wrench. A valve box is located over the valve to keep dirt from the valve. The valve box also provides a convenient access point for the valve wrench to the valve nut. A complete record should be made for each valve in the system. This record should include the exact location, the date it was installed, the make, the direction of opening, number of turns to open, and any maintenance that was performed. The control valve for the building may also be on the outside wall or attached to an upright post, known as a post indicator valve (PIV), see image on right. The building or section of the building controlled by the valve is usually marked on the post. The position of this valve (open or closed) is shown through a telltale opening in the post. On some posts, a padlock must first be opened to release the operating wrench or wheel handle. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 33 34 Open position Unidentifiable The main water supply for sprinklers may also be controlled by an OS&Y valve (Outside Stem and Yolk valve). The valves are found just inside the building wall on the main riser, or outside in protected pits. It is easy to tell at a glance if the valve is open or shut. When the stem is all the way out the valve is open. When the stem is all the way in the valve is closed. Approved Indicator Valves use a flag that shows the valve position and the valves commonly are used to control the water supply for individual floors in a building. Indication Control valves are also installed to shut off certain sections of an individual floor. Being able to shutoff parts of a building allows the Fire Department to have greater control over the sprinkler system. When a fire is under control in an area the OS&Y valve can be closed to prevent any further water damage. Sometimes repairs must be made to the sprinkler system. When this occurs the indicating control valves are used to close the water supply to only those sections being repaired. This is good safeguard since the rest of the sprinkler system does not have to be shut down. 8.2 SPRINKLER SYSTEM CONTROL VALVE SIGNAGE A sign identifying the location of the sidewalk box housing the sprinkler system control valve shall be conspicuously posted on the exterior wall of the building directly opposite the sidewalk box. Such sign shall have red letters 1 inch in height on a white background and read: “Sprinkler System Shutoff Valve (indicate distance) feet opposite this sign” or other approved design. 8.3 FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS Normally a sprinkler system is connected to an automatic water supply source. Auxiliary sources of water are supplied through Fire Department connections at the building. Fire Department connections are a standard part of most sprinkler systems. When responding to an alarm most Fire Departments supply water to the standpipe system first. The standpipe system supplies water to the fire hoses to be used within the This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 34 35 building. Water is then supplied to the sprinkler system through its own Fire Department connection. Care should be taken that standpipe and the sprinkler connections are properly marked because the connections look the same. The exact purpose of each Fire Department connection should be shown nearby or on the Fire Department connection itself. The New York City Building Code requires Fire Department Connection to be color coded. The Fire Department connection caps on an automatic sprinkler system shall be painted green. The Fire Department connection caps on a standpipe system shall be painted red. The Fire Department connection caps on a combined standpipe/sprinkler system shall be painted yellow. The ENTIRE Fire Department connection to non-automatic sprinkler system shall be painted silver. Local Law 58/2009 requires color coding of fire standpipe and fire sprinkler systems to have the risers, cross connections to the water supply piping painted red (for sprinklers BC 903.6 and for standpipe BC 905.11). Fire Department connections must always be accessible. A working space of not less than 36 inches in width, 36 inches in depth and 78 inches in height shall be provided and maintained in front of and around wall-mounted and free-standing fire department connections, except as otherwise required or approved. (FC 912.3) Each connection shall be fitted with a lower check valve. The lower check valve prevents the backflow of the private water supply into the Fire Department connection. The figure below shows the main features of a Fire Department connection. FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION The automatic ball drip device between the lower check valve and the outside Fire Department connection shall be installed in the horizontal position. This ball drip device makes sure that the Fire Department connection is not blocked by water which has frozen within the piping. If water freezes in the Fire Department connection the system will be considered impaired. 8.4 Gravity Tanks Gravity tanks of adequate capacity and elevation make a good primary supply and may be acceptable as a single supply. A gravity tank may be located on the top of a building or on a tall tower. The water in the tank is distributed throughout the sprinkler system because of the pull of gravity. This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 35 36 8.5 Pressure Tanks Pressure tanks have several possible uses in automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems. The tank is normally kept at two-thirds full of water and one third full of air. The air pressure in the tank shall be maintained at or above 75 psi. Air for pressure tanks is supplied by air compressors. Because the water is always under pressure it can be forcefully distributed throughout the sprinkler and/or standpipe system. An important limitation is the small amount of water that can be stored in such tanks. Where a small pressure tank is accepted as the water supply, the system is called a Limited Supply System. Pressure tanks are often used in situations where an adequate amount of water can be supplied by a public or private source but the water pressure is not adequate. The pressure tank gives a strong starting pressure for the first sprinklers or hose valves that open. The flow from the tank may be used while the automatic fire pumps begin to increase the water supply pressure. Pressure tanks are often used in tall buildings that need extra water pressure to supply the highest line of sprinkler heads or hose valves. The pressure tank supplies these devices until the Fire Department begins pumping water into the system. Pressure tanks are equipped with settling basin at the bottom of the tank to prevent sediment and other foreign materials from entering the sprinkler system. 8.6 Fire Pumps Fire pumps can be used to boost water pressure and volume for water based fire protection systems. They may be used in combination with municipal water supply, suction tanks and gravity tanks to supply sprinkler system. Fire pumps are designed to take the water from a supply source and then discharge the water into the fire protection system under pressure. The amount of pressure with which the water is discharged from the pump is called the total head. The total head is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The higher the psi rating of the pump the greater the pressure with which the water can be discharged. Fire Pumps shall be sized to satisfy the hydraulic requirements of the water based fire protection system. Automatic fire pumps must have their suction “under a positive head” to draw water from a supply source. Under positive head simply means that the water supplying the pump must be fed into the fire pump under pressure. This can be achieved by connecting the fire pump to a suction tank. Water is forced into the pump because of gravity. 9. WATER-FLOW ALARMS AND SPRINKLER SYSTEM SUPERVISION Sprinkler systems should have devices and equipment for signaling when water flows through risers or mains supplying the systems. The flow may be due to fire, leakage, or accidental rupture of the piping. It is important that prompt action is taken when waterflow is signaled by these devices. 9.1 FUNCTIONS OF ALARMS AND SUPERVISORY SIGNALS A sprinkler system with a water flow alarm serves two functions: 1) It is an effective fire extinguishing system, and 2) It is an automatic fire alarm. An alarm is signaled soon This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. 36
