Dry Riser System Testing

Scope of work Test dry riser system in accordance with BS 5306. Definitions For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply:- Rising Mains - A vertical pipe installed in a building for the fire fighting purposes, fitted with inlet connections at Ground Level, and outlet valves at specified points, which is normally dry but capable of being charged with water, usually by pumping from a Fire Service appliance. Landing Valve - An assembly comprising a valve and outlet connection from a wet or dry riser. Inlet Breeching - An assembly comprising inlet connections and a drain valve, normally fitted within an inlet box. Air Release Valve - The valve fitted at the highest point of the dry riser to provide automatic bleeding of air from the system when it is filled with water. Low Level Drain Valve - The valve fitted at the lowest point of the dry riser in cases where parts of the system are installed below the inlet breeching. Competent Person - A competent person is one who has practical and theoretical knowledge, and actual experience of the type of equipment which the person has to examine, as will enable the person to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance to the proper functioning of the equipment. General All tests are carried out using pressurised water. It is considered dangerous to test a dry rising main using compressed air. All personnel involved in testing should maintain effective contact (e.g. by radio) with the pump operator at all times so that the pump can be shut down in the event of a failure. It is important to ensure that all landing valves are closed and secured before commencing work. It is important to ensure the adequate drainage is available when carrying out the flow test and when draining the dry riser. Test Procedure Check the inlet box (if fitted) door and hinges are undamaged and the locking arrangement works satisfactorily. Inlet boxes (if fitted) should be secured by a night latch type lock if the door is glazed or by a light padlock if the door is solid. The position of the inlet (if fitted within a box) should be clearly indicated using the appropriate sign in accordance with BS 5499: Part 1, using lettering height of 50mm. If a system has any components or pipework below the level of the inlet breeching, a sign indicating the location of the low-level drain valve should be displayed in the inlet box (if fitted). In addition, a sign should be displayed by the low-level drain valve indicating its purpose. Check the inlet breeching has a drain valve, which operates, and that water will drain to waste without causing damage. Check the non-return valves in the inlet breeching operate and the seals are present and in good condition. If there are outlet boxes, they should be checked as for the inlet boxes. If the landing valves are not in boxes, check they are secured closed with a strap and padlock. When valves are housed in boxes, the position of the outlet valves should be clearly indicated using the appropriate sign in accordance with BS 5499: Part 1, using a letter height of 50mm. Check all landing valves to ensure there is no obvious damage and the handwheel is securely fixed to the stem. Check the featheredge outlet seal is undamaged, then replace or renew as required. Release any padlocks and check the valves operate freely. Leave them locked in the closed position. Check the outlet twist mechanism operates freely and there is room for a standard dividing breeching to be fitted into the valve. Check that ventilated blank caps are fitted. Pressure Test Before carrying out a wet test, check the outlets on all floors are closed, and the breeching drain cock and any low level drain valves are shut. Connect a single line of hose from the pump to the inlet breeching via a pressure release valve. Open the pump delivery and allow the main to fill at engine ‘tick-over’ pre

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