Standpipe systems, fire protection

Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems Explains how fire service operations can be influenced by different building features and offers considerations for design professionals that can help facilitate these operations. The manual includes chapters and narratives on building and site design, sprinkler systans, standpipe systems, fire department connections, fire alarm and conununications systans, as weU as various firefighting systems (OSHA 3256— 2006). 

Carbon steel heat exchangers, cast iron water boxes, screens, pump components, service water system piping, standpipes, fire protection systems, galvanized steel, engine components, and virtually all non-stainless ferrous components are subject to significant corrosion in oxygenated water. 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 14. Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems. NFPA, Quincy, MA, 1993. 

Measures to reduce the impact of fire include active and passive systems. Active systems include automatic sprinkler, water deluge, water mist, gaseous agent, dry chemical, foam, and standpipe handle systems. Passive protection is provided by fire resistive construction, including spray-applied or cementitious fireproofing of steel, concrete/masonry construction, and water-filled steel columns. Chapter 7 provides details on the design of fire protection systems. 

The project plan should encompass all aspects of a fire protection system, such as the underground fire water distribution system, fire pumps, aboveground water header, valving and standpipes, structural support, and detection and alarm systems. All work on the fire protection system must be coordinated with other work activities at the site or in the operating unit. The recommended installation practices for the different types of fire protection systems are covered in consensus standards, such as NFPA. The installation process is illustrated in Figure 9-1. 

NFPA 1 3—Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems NFPA 14—Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems NFPA25—Standard for the Inspection, Testingand Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems... 

NFPA 45, 4.1-4.6 4.3.3 All laboratory units shall be provided with fire protection appropriate to the fire hazard, including automatic fire extinguishing systems, standpipe and hose systems, portable fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire prevention programs, and emergency plans. 

References for this study included in Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook (3d edition), edited by John K. Bunchard and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (1987) and Automatic Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems, by John C. Bryan, also published by NFPA (1976). Probability data was interpolated from NFPA and other studies as reported in these publications. (Note As previously noted, probability/relia-bility data in this example are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate.)... 

Bryan, John L., Automatic Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems, 4th ed.. National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA, 2006. 

Protective Signaling Systems WATER-BASED FIRE-PROTECTION SYSTEMS Water Supply Sprinkler Systems Sprinklers Standpipes... 

NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems, provides requirements and procedures for ensuring that the systems discussed in the section will perform as intended. The standard provides requirements for proper inspection, test, and maintenance procedures for sprinkler, standpipe, and underground supply systems, as well as fire pumps, water storage tanks, spray systems, and foam-water sprinkler systems. Other chapters address record retention provisions, valve inspection procedures, and system impairment procedures. 

The employer may use uniformly spaced standpipe systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system installed for emergency use by employees instead of Class A portable fire extinguishers, provided that such systems meet the respective requirements of 1910.158 or 1910.159, that they provide total coverage of the area to be protected, and that employees are trained at least annually in their use. 

Additionally, a passive containment cooling ancillary water storage tank and two recirculation pumps are provided for onsite storage of additional passive containment cooling system cooling water, to transfer the inventory to the passive containment cooling water storage tank, and to provide a back-up supply to the fire protection system seismic standpipe system. 

NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe, Private Hydrant, and Hose Systems 2007 Edition, National Fire Protection Association... 

Other types of fire protection equipment or systems can be broken into four categories (1) portable fire suppression equipment including standpipe and hose systems (2) fixed fire suppression equipment including automatic sprinkler systems and fixed extinguishing systems (3) fire detection systems and (4) employee alarm systems. In addition, certain equipment is often installed in workplaces to control heat sources or to detect fuel leaks. An example is a temperature limit switch. Alarm systems may include, but are not limited to, manual pull box alarms, public address systems, radio, or telephone.)... 

The local fire department must be well acquainted with your facility, its location, and specific hazards. The fire alarm system mnst be certified, as required, and tested at least annually. Interior standpipes must be inspected regularly. Outside private fire hydrants must be flushed at least once a year and on a routine preventive maintenance schedule. All fire doors and shutters must be in good operating condition, unobstructed, and protected against obstructions, including their counterweights. 

In the U.S. fire hose standpipes are located in such a manner that all portions of each floor of a structure are within 30 feet of a hose nozzle attached to 100 feet of hose. Standpipes are also located on each floor within stairway enclosures. Fire hose must be protected from mechanical damage and moisture, which can cause the hose to rot. Remember that standpipe water firefighting systems are for building protection, and are not to be used to attempt to fight an initial Type B and C fire. These hose systems are only for the use of trained personnel. 

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