Consider the user
By Samuel S. Dannaway, PE,
President, S.S. Dannaway Associates, Inc., Honolulu
Who are the users of the fire protection systems we design? The building owner or tenant may come to mind, but in my view, the most important user is the firefighter. They will likely be the first on the scene of a fire incident and are expected to interface with building fire protection systems. As designers of fire protection systems it is important for us to understand the needs of the firefighter and help to make their interaction with these systems as simple and as effective as possible.
Most of these considerations deal with the location of equipment. The key word is “accessible.” The applicable codes and standards require that important system components be accessible and unobstructed but do not clearly define these terms. It is up to the authority having jurisdiction to make that determination. Is a sprinkler control valve located such that a stepladder is required to access it considered accessible? The timely closing of a control valve after a fire may substantially reduce additional damage from water. Sometimes as designers, when faced with architects whittling away at space dedicated to mechanical equipment, the easy choice is to leave the user with a less than ideal situation. Designers should try to consider the firefighter responding to the building at 2:00 a.m. with a job to do under very stressful conditions.
In terms of system control valves, they should be within reach or at least operable by someone standing on the floor. The annex notes in NFPA 13, 2010 edition provide the following guidance:
“A.8.16.1.1.1 A water supply connection should not extend into a building or through a building wall unless such connection is under the control of an outside listed indicating valve or an inside listed indicating valve located near the outside wall of the building. All valves controlling water supplies for sprinkler systems or portions thereof, including floor control valves, should be accessible to authorized persons during emergencies. Permanent ladders, clamped treads on risers, chain-operated hand wheels, or other accepted means should be provided where necessary.
Outside control valves are suggested in the following order of preference:
(1) Listed indicating valves at each connection into the building at least 40 ft (12.2 m) from buildings if space permits.
(2) Control valves installed in a cutoff stair tower or valve room accessible from outside
(3) Valves located in risers with indicating posts arranged for outside operation.
(4) Key-operated valves in each connection into the building.”
Control valves for both sprinkler and standpipe systems must be provided with identification signs. These signs must indicate the function of the valve and what it controls. The “what it controls” should be as descriptive as possible, particularly in the case of sectional or floor control valves, or where a valve room contains several sprinkler valves serving various parts of a building. It would not be adequate to identify such valves simply as “Sprinkler Control Valve”. More specific information is needed such as “9th floor Wet Pipe System” or “Preaction Sprinkler Zone 3.”
It is recommended to provide exterior access for fire protection valve rooms and fire pump rooms. Signage is needed to ensure these locations are readily identifiable to first responders.
Fire department connections for fire sprinkler and standpipe systems should be located in areas that are accessible and convenient. They should be located where they will not be affected by exposure from the building fire, convenient to fire department vehicle access, and convenient to a fire hydrant. The fire department connection must have signage to identify its function, and those connections which serve only a part of the building must be identified as to what is served by the connection. The location of the inlets must be such that firefighters can readily attach hose with clearance for use of tools. NFPA 14, Standard for Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2007 edition contains the following requirements regarding the location of fire department connections for standpipe systems:
“6.4.5.1 Fire department connections shall be visible and recognizable from the street or nearest point of fire department apparatus accessibility or on the street side of buildings.
6.4.5.1.1 Fire department connections shall be located and arranged so that hose lines can be attached to the inlets without interference from nearby objects, including buildings, fences, posts, landscaping, vehicles, or other fire department connections.
6.4.5.2 Each fire department connection shall be designated by a sign having letters, at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) in height, that reads “STANDPIPE.”
6.4.5.2.1 If automatic sprinklers are also supplied by the fire department connection, the sign or combination of signs shall indicate both designated services (e.g., “STANDPIPE AND AUTOSPKR,” or “AUTOSPKR AND STANDPIPE”).
6.4.5.2.2 A sign also shall indicate the pressure required at the inlets to deliver the system demand.
6.4.5.3 Where a fire department connection services multiple buildings, structures, or locations, a sign shall be provided indicating the buildings, structures, or locations served.
6.4.5.4 Fire department connections shall be located not more than 100 ft. (30.5 m) from the nearest fire hydrant connected to an approved water supply.
6.4.5.4.1 The location of the fire department connection shall be permitted to exceed 100 ft. (30.5 m) subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
6.4.6 Fire department connections shall be located not less than 18 in. (457 mm) nor more than 48 in. (1219 mm) above the level of the adjoining ground, sidewalk, or grade surface.”
It is strongly recommended that designers confirm the proper location with the fire department authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) as local codes, standards, or policies may have different requirements. The Honolulu Fire Code requires fire department connections to be located within 20 feet of a fire apparatus access road. Department of Defense fire protection criteria1 requires fire department connections to be located within 150 feet of a fire hydrant.
Fittings for fire department connection inlets and standpipe hose valve outlets must be compatible with hose couplings used by the fire department and located to allow connection of hose and uses of tools. NFPA 14 requires hose valves be located at the intermediate stair landing between floors. However, there may be cases where the fire service prefers they be located on the floor landing, so it is advisable to consult with the fire department plan reviewers on this item.
Regarding the use of pressure reducing or pressure regulating valves on standpipe systems, where possible design to avoid the use of these devices. Where they cannot be avoided, specify valves that easily can be adjusted in the field. Specifications must require installers to provide training to the fire service on their use, and final acceptance testing must be performed to prove these valves are operating properly.
Fire protection during construction is an oft overlooked, but a very important design consideration. Both the IBC and NFPA 14 contain requirements to provide temporary or permanent standpipe systems for certain buildings under construction. NFPA 14 leaves it up to the AHJ as to when an operable standpipe would be required (another reason to talk to the fire department). The IBC requirements are more specific. At least one working standpipe riser shall be provided for buildings four or more stories in height and a working outlet must be available within one floor of the highest point of construction. The IBC similarly requires buildings under demolition that have standpipe systems to maintain the standpipe system operable up to no less than one floor below the top of the building.
There are some excellent resources out there that can help you familiarize yourself with the needs of the fire service in this area. The free publication Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of the Labor, can be downloaded at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/fire_features3256.pdf. This document was written by Mathew Chibbaro, PE, a Fire Protection Engineer with OSHA, who is also an active volunteer firefighter.
Another good resource would be NFPA 13E Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems, 2005 Edition. This document will help you gain some understanding of the fire service perspective when dealing with sprinkler and standpipe systems.
And finally it bears repeating, meet with the fire department AHJ to discuss their requirements and needs and how these can included in the design.
1. UFC 3-600-01 Fire Protection Engineering for Facilities, 26 September 2006 Change 1, 14 July 2009
Samuel S. Dannaway, PE, is a registered fire protection engineer and mechanical engineer and past president and a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. He is president of S. S. Dannaway Associates, Inc.