fp ch5 safety updates fire protection jd

Question 1

COLOR CODING:KNOW COLD
1.1 Local Law 58/09, effective 3/2/2010 / existing buildings must comply by 6/2/2010. Local Law 58 of 2009 requires the uniform color-coding of standpipe and sprinkler systems and professional certification that these systems have been properly color-coded. Specifically, the law requires:
• All exposed STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLER piping must be painted red. The law outlines specific EXCEPTIONS, such as branch piping.
• DEDICATED STANDPIPE VALVE HANDLES must be painted red.
• COMBINATION STANDPIPE VALVE HANDLES MUST be painted yellow.
• DEDICATED SPRINKLER VALVE HANDLES must be painted green.
• ALL BUILDINGS – no matter the size or occupancy must comply with these new requirements.

Answer 1

3. PRESSURE TESTING:
4. 1 Local Law 63/09, effective 2/4/2010 strengthens the requirements for hydrostatic pressure testing of standpipes and sprinkler systems. Testing of standpipe systems is currently required at the end of construction of a new building prior to occupancy, but not while the building is being erected. Local Law 63 requires hydrostatic pressure testing for 1) new buildings above 75 feet, with regular tests thereafter; 2) enlargements or additions to an existing standpipe system; and 3) building demolitions and removal of stories, before the commencement of work. When the standpipe system is exposed to freezing conditions, the law allows postponing the required hydrostatic pressure, provided that the system undergoes an interim test with dry nitrogen or air test.

Question 2

NEW LAWS KNOW
-• Removing Stories: A licensed master plumber or licensed fire suppression piping contractor must conduct hydrostatic pressure testing of fire protection systems before work begins.
• New Buildings under Construction: An initial standpipe hydrostatic pressure test must be performed when the building reaches 75 feet high; additional tests are required when the building reaches 175 feet high and every 100 feet thereafter.
• Enlargement Triggering a New Standpipe System or Addition to an Existing Standpipe System: A hydrostatic pressure test is required at every 75 feet in height added to the system.
Action: A - 8 to the Bureau of Fire Prevention Fire suppression Unit..

Answer 2

STANDPIPE PRESSURIZED ALARM SYSTEMS:
4.1 Local Law 64/09, effective 2/4/2010. These alarm systems detect breaches in a standpipe system and sound an alarm to notify firefighters or designated safety personnel that the standpipe’s integrity has been compromised. Under the new law, a registered design professional must apply to install the alarm system, and the law sets-out detailed specifications for the system.
Action: Request DOB rep and Battalion Chief if alarm is activating
• Vacant Buildings Being Demolished: Existing standpipes must be dry standpipes and have an air-pressurized alarm.
• New Buildings Higher than 75 Feet: Temporary and permanent dry standpipes must have an air-pressurized alarm.
Action: Request DOB rep and Battalion Chief if alarm is not installed

-• Out of Service Standpipes: Contractors must notify the Fire Department. Action: Follow the procedures in reference 1.4, chapter 5..

Question 3

LOCAL LAW 59 REQUIRES SITE SAFETY MANAGERS TO CONDUCT DAILY CHECKS OF STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS AND A WEEKLY TRACING OF STANDPIPES AT CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION SITES:..

Answer 3

5.1 Local Law 59 of 2009 codifies in the administrative code a DOB rule that requires site safety managers to conduct a weekly “tracing” examination of a standpipe on every floor to verify that no breach exists throughout the building. The law also requires daily, multi- faceted checks to ensure that a standpipe system is available and in readiness at all times for use by the Fire Department…