DRY RISERS

Photograph of a dry riser inlet inserted into a wall

The responsible person for a building or site is legally required to maintain all firefighting equipment, including dry risers. The British Standard Code of Practice BS9990:2006 requires a full annual pressure test and six monthly visual check for dry risers for buildings above 18 metres and below 60 metres. (Buildings over 60 metres/18 storeys require wet risers).

Clause 7 of the Code states that inlets, landing valves, drain valves and landing valve boxes should be inspected every 6 months and recommends that wet tests be carried out annually when the main can be checked for leaks.

BS9990:2006 also states that maintenance and repairs should be carried out by a competent person. With Fireline you can be confident that all work will be carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice. We are BAFE and CHAS accredited, members of the British Fire Consortium, the UK Fire Association and Constructionline, and SAFEcontractor approved.

Installation

Fireline engineers will fabricate on site and make sure installation is done to design drawings. Any alterations will be dealt with as soon as they arise. Wet risers are vertical mains kept permanently charged with water, either from a storage tank (via a booster pump) or direct from the town’s main water supply. Before installing dry or wet rising mains the exact requirements of the local fire brigade will be ascertained. Our engineers are fully trained in the latest British Standard BS9990/2006. All our engineers carry CSCS cards and full PPE

6 Month Visual Test

Dry and wet risers are checked and pressure tested to 150 PSL or 10 bar for a minimum of 15 minutes. All insets and outlets are checked for leaks and any missing or faulty items replaced. Flow testing is also carried out. If any valves have to be replaced a further pressure test will be carried out before certification is issued.

Private Hydrant Test

For large premises with hydrants on sites, Fireline will test flow meter rates and carry out a visual inspection of the location, H- plate, cover and frost valve. BS9990:2006 clause 7 requires the checking of pits, frames, covers and surface paving round the edges of the frames.