High-rise Standpipe Systems

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Copyright © 2011 The City of Calgary. All rights reserved. Use subject to license.

Fire CadetTraining Module

Fire Cadet ProgramCalgary Fire Department

Updated: May 2012

High-Rise Fire SuppressionWater Systems


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Calgary Fire Cadets High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

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DOCUMENT REVISION LOG

RevisionNumber Revision Date

Subject Matter Expert,Instructional Designer,and Editor Description

1 May 16 Ashton Sykes First publication


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TABLE OF CONTENTSDOCUMENT REVISION LOG ...............................................................................2

OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................4 EQUIPMENT .........................................................................................................5

High-Rise Bag ................................................................................................5 Hose Bundles .................................................................................................5 Irons ...............................................................................................................7

WATER SUPPLY ..................................................................................................7

Basic Standpipe Systems ..............................................................................7 Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe Connections ..............................................8 Standpipe Connection Classes .................................................................... 11 Water Sources ............................................................................................. 11

FIRE DEPARTMENT CONECTIONS ................................................................. 11 Troubleshooting Connection Problems ........................................................ 11 Low-rise versus High-rise Connections ........................................................ 14

MAINTAINING THE REQUIRED PUMP PRESSURE ........................................ 15

Operating Pressures of Nozzles................................................................... 15 Determining Required Pump Pressure ......................................................... 16 Determining Which Pump is Supplying Water .............................................. 17

Advantages of Relay Pumping ..................................................................... 17

CONNECTING ATTACK LINES TO A STANDPIPE .......................................... 17

Before Connecting Attack Lines ................................................................... 17

Common Standpipe Connections................................................................. 18 Alternative Procedures ................................................................................. 21

EXTRA PRACTICE ............................................................................................. 21

Connecting to a Fire Engine ......................................................................... 21 Laying Hose ................................................................................................. 21


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OBJECTIVES After you have completed this module, you will be able to: Identify and connect to FireDepartment Connections, Connect attack lines to a standpipe in a high-rise building andpump water into an FDC.

INTRODUCTIONFire suppression requires the efficient and reliable application of water. High-rise buildingspresent unique concerns related to identifying and connecting to the water system. It isimportant that you know how to troubleshoot Fire Department Connection (FDC) problems,maintain the required pump pressure, and connect attack lines to a standpipe in a high-risebuilding.


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EQUIPMENTPump crews responding to high-rise incidents must ensure that they have the equipmentrequired to employ the water system.Three groups of equipment are required:

high-rise baghose bundlesirons

High-Rise BagThe high-rise bag contains:

a 65 mm in-line pressure gauge with the pressure displayed in barsa 65-38 mm gated wyetwo 65 mm 60 degree elbowstwo 65 mm spannersan 18 inch aluminum pipe wrenchten door wedgesten doorkeeperstwo sprinkler wedgesa 10 inch crate barside cutterstwo door marker crayons

Hose BundlesTwo types of hose bundles are required:

15 m of 65 mm hose

30 m of 44 mm hoseWith the 44 mm hose, the nozzle is attached to the male coupling, and the female end is leftunattached on the outside. With the 65 mm hose, the female coupling is attached to the malecoupling. For ease of carrying, the hose is folded at approximately 32 inches from the tip of themale coupling.The three straps serve two purposes:

They secure the couplings to the pack.

They provide quick identification of the coupling side.


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Figure 1: Three-Strap Loads© 2009 The City of Calgary


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Comp let ing Three-St rap Loads

1. Mark 32 inches from the tip of the coupling.

2. Connect the nozzle.

3. Make a horseshoe fold until the hose is even with the middle of the nozzle.

4. Double back the hose and continue folding until you reach the end of the hose.

The female coupling should be on the same side as the nozzle. You may have to adjustthe hose to even out the folds or have to tuck extra hose into the pack.

5. Attach the straps.

NOTE: The only difference when loading a 65 mm hose is that you should connectthe male and female couplings to prevent damage to the male threads.

With the three- strap load, it’s easier to access the nozzle and extend the hose. The nozzle iswithin reach of the firefighter’s hand. After connecting the hose, all the firefighter has to do iswalk forward to extend the rest of the line.

IronsIn addition to the high-rise bag and hose bundles, pump crews responding to high-rise incidentsmust ensure that they have the Irons Kit, which includes a Halligan and sledge axe.

WATER SUPPLYIn order to respond effectively to a high-rise incident, you need to be able to identify:

basic standpipe systemscombination sprinkler-standpipe systemsclasses of standpipe systems

water sources

Basic Standpipe SystemsStandpipe systems are engineered and installed by several different authorized sprinkler andstandpipe companies. There are many different designs because each system is engineered fora particular building. Standpipe systems can be complicated, especially in high-rises. For thepurpose of this module, we will simplify the explanation.

All Calgary buildings receive their water from the municipal water system. The same water usedto supply fire hydrants also supplies domestic consumption. When a standpipe system isinstalled, it is supplied with municipal water. If the municipal water provides the proper pressureand volume to the top floor, a building fire pump is not required. This is usually the case for

buildings up to three stories. A fire pump is required as the height of the building increases pastthree floors. Floors above the third and up to the thirteenth are zoned separately and have aseparate main riser supplying them. Buildings exceeding thirteen floors will have a third zonewith another riser supplying it. In Calgary, the third zone will supply water to the rest of theupper floors.


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Figure 2: Basic Standpipe System© 2009 The City of Calgary

Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe Connections A combined standpipe and sprinkler system employs a common fire pump and main risers. Asthe main riser goes up the building stairwell, the standpipe valves branch off on each floor at

approximately waist height; while the sprinkler lines connect to the riser at ceiling height. Thesprinkler branch at each floor level uses a pressure reducing device to prevent over-pressurization of the sprinkler system on that floor.


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Figure 3: Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe System© 2009 The City of Calgary

Normal water is supplied to the standpipe system through the municipal water supply. If astandpipe connection is used or a sprinkler head is activated, water is delivered to that pointfrom the municipal water system.

Figure 4: Standpipe Supplied by Municipal Water System© 2009 The City of Calgary

A jockey pump is employed to keep the standpipe system at a constant pressure that is higherthan the domestic pressure. This minimizes false alarms that occur when domestic waterpressure fluctuates.

A check valve stops water from back flowing into the municipal water line. If a sprinkler head orstandpipe valve is opened and the system pressure decreases to a predetermined amount, andthe jockey pump cannot keep up to the pressure loss; then the fire pump engages and booststhe pressure to the pre-set pressure that enables 700 kPa at the top floor.


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Figure 5: Fire Pump Boosting Pressure© 2009 The City of Calgary

Once activated, the fire pump will not automatically shut off. It will need to be manually shut offby a firefighter, a building operator or the standpipe company. If the fire pump is working andsupplying adequate water volume and pressure for suppression activities, let it continue.Connect the fire engine to the FDC line and hydrant, and standby in case the building fire pumpfails. If the fire pump fails due to mechanical or electrical problems, the fire engine and operatorwill need to supply water to the building for suppression activities.

Figure 6: Engine Supplying Water© 2009 The City of Calgary

NOTE: Some buildings may have multiple FDCs. Check valves are installed toprevent backflow.


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Standpipe Connection ClassesThe three classes of standpipe connections are summarized in the following table.

Table 1: Purpose of Connection Classes

Connection Used By Purpose

Class 1 65 mm outlets Fire Department in allstages of response

Supplies 65 mm attack linesor master streams (possibly aBlitzfire®)

Class 2 38 mm outletsMay include a single,cotton-jacketed hose, andsmall volume nozzle

Building occupantsFire Department duringinitial response

Performs a quick knock-down(if possible)

Class 3 38 mm outlets Building occupants Performs a quick knock-down(if possible)

65 mm outlets Fire Department in allstages of response

Supplies 65 mm attack linesor master streams (possibly a

Blitzfire®)

Water SourcesThe Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has access to two sources of municipal water in high-risebuildings:

Standpipe System : The standpipe system consists of a connection from the watermains, a building fire pump, and standpipe connections on every floor.

Hydrant Water : The hydrant is often the preferred source of water because it is themost secure. There are two ways of connecting to the hydrant: a forward lay and areverse lay

FIRE DEPARTMENT CONECTIONSIncident command determines when the crew should connect the hose to the FDC. In order todo this, the crew must be able to identify the type of hose to be used and troubleshoot FDCproblems.The type of hose connected to the FDC varies, depending on what is available. Currently, allCFD engines have a bed of high-pressure 65 mm hose for connection to the standpipe system.

All low-pressure 65 mm hoses are being phased out and replaced with high-pressure hose.However, there may still be some low-pressure hose on CFD engines. Before connecting to astandpipe, make sure that you are using high-pressure hose.

Troubleshooting Connection ProblemsIt may be necessary for the crew to troubleshoot when connecting to the FDC. There areseveral ways in which an FDC can fail:

clogged connectionseized capseized female swivelmissing clapper


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inoperable connection

Clogged Conn ect ion

If the FDC is clogged, clear it with needlenose pliers or a similar tool to avoid sharps and/orbiohazardous materials.

Figure 7: Clogged Connection© 2009 The City of Calgary

Seized Cap

If one cap is seized, use a wye with double male and double female adapters. If both caps areseized, take the hose inside to a standpipe valve on the main floor.

NOTE: In buildings that include both high-rise and low-rise sections, you may needto go to the first floor above the low-rise to access a standpipe valve that cansupply water to floors above the top floor of the low-rise. For moreinformation, refer to the Low-Rise Versus High-Rise Connections sectionlater in this manual.


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Figure 8: Seized Cap© 2009 The City of Calgary

Seized Female Swivel

If one female swivel is seized, twist the hose counter-clockwise and turn the hose to make theconnection. If both female swivels are seized, you may consider taking the hose to thestandpipe.

Figure 9: Seized Female Swivel© 2009 The City of Calgary

Missing Clapper


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If the clapper is missing, use a hydrant gate. This allows you to connect one line and pressurizethe system, while still having the ability to connect a second line later.

Figure 10: Missing Clapper© 2009 The City of Calgary

Inoperable Conn ect ion

If the FDC is inoperable, hook up to the inside of the building. Use twin 65 mm hoses to connectto the standpipe system on the first floor, or use a 125 mm hose connected to a 65 to 125adapter.

Figure 11: Inoperable Connection© 2009 The City of Calgary

Low-rise versus High-rise ConnectionsMost buildings that include both high-rise and low-rise sections have two standpipe systems andtwo FDCs. The standpipe system for the low-rise is used for the lower floors in the high-rise.However, the other standpipe system must be used on floors above the top floor of the low-rise.One FDC is for the low-rise and equivalent floors in the high-rise section. The other FDC is for


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high-rise floors above the top floor of the low-rise section.

Figure 12: Typical Low-Rise/High-Rise FDC Labelling© 2009 The City of Calgary

It’s important that you know which standpipe connection should be used to bring water to aspecific floor. For example:The standpipe for the first floor in the low-rise also supplies the first floor in the high-rise.However, if the low-rise is three stories and there is a problem with the FDC for the high-riseand you need to make a direct connection to a standpipe, the standpipe on the fourth floor mustbe used. Do not connect to the main floor standpipe if the floor that requires water is above thetop floor of the low-rise section.

High-Rise Section

Figure 13: Low-Rise Versus High-Rise Connections© 2009 The City of Calgary

MAINTAINING THE REQUIRED PUMP PRESSURE

Operating Pressures of NozzlesTwo types of nozzles are used at high-rise incidents:

44 mm smooth bore with 24 mm tipBlitzfire® nozzle with stackable smooth bore tips

The operating pressure of a 44 mm smooth bore nozzle, which is used at all high-rise incidents,is 350 kPa. This pressure results in a minimum flow of500 lpm. The operating pressure of a Blitzfire® nozzle with smooth bore tips is 550 kPa.


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Figure 14: 44 mm Smooth Bore with 24 mm Tip© 2009 The City of Calgary

Figure 15: Blitzfire® Nozzle with Stackable Smooth Bore Tips© 2009 The City of Calgary

Determining Required Pump PressureThe formula for calculating the pump pressure of a combined system is:

PP = 800 +BP= 800 + (Number of Floors x 30 kPa)

where PP is pump pressure and BP is back pressureFor example, if a crew uses 30 m 44 mm hose with a 24 mm smooth bore nozzle and pumps tothe 32 floor:

PP = 800 + (81 floors x 30 kPa)

= 800 + 930 kPa= 1730 kPa

Modifying the Form ula ( If Required)

The formula is based on a rule of thumb that assumes each story is 3 m (10 ft) high. Whendetermining the required pump pressure in a building that has higher stories, the rule of thumbvalue for the number of floors will have to be modified.For example, The Bow building in Calgary will be 58 stories and approximately 247 m (810 ft)


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high. Therefore, the formula for calculating the pump pressure should be modified as follows:PP = 800 + BP

= 800 + (Total Height/10 x 30 kPa)= 800 + (810 ft/10 x 30 kPa)= 800 + (81 x 30 kPa)= 3230 kPa

Determining Which Pump is Supplying WaterOnce the fire engine is connected to a building, you need to determine whether water is beingsupplied by the fire engine or the building’s fire pump. Open both discharges to the FDC andincrease the pump pressure to 1,000 kPa.Gate back one of the discharges connected to the FDC. If the corresponding gauge does NOTshow a drop in pressure, you can reasonably assume that the fire engine is not flowingwater to the standpipe system. Continue pumping at 1,000 kPa in standby mode with onedischarge gated back halfway. Calculate the required pressure just in case the building pumpfails or water flow demand exceeds the capacity of the building fire pump.When in standby mode, a sudde n increase in the fire engine’s RPMs or a decrease in the gateddischarge pressure indicates that the fire engine is now supplying water.If when one of the discharges is gated back, the corresponding pressure gauge decreases; youcan assume that the fire engine is supplying water to the building’s standpipe system. Calculatethe required pump pressure to support suppression activities to the fire floor and adjust thepump pressure accordingly.

Advantages of Relay PumpingRelay pumping may be employed when subsequent rigs arrive. Do not relay into the attackpump at pressures exceeding 800 – 1000 kPa, depending on the current setting of the inletrelief valve. One advantage of relay pumping is that it spreads the workload. Just compare thedischarge pressure and RPM with one pump to that with two pumps. Another advantage of relaypumping is that it provides a redundancy system.

CONNECTING ATTACK LINES TO A STANDPIPE

Before Connecting Attack Lines

Below the Fi re Floor

1. Arrive two floors below the suspected fire.2. Walk up one flight of stairs. Open the stairwell door to check the layout and see whether

there is any visible smoke.

3. If there is visible smoke, investigate before proceeding.

ORIf there is no smoke or other signs of fire, one firefighter remains at the floor below thefire to prepare the standpipe, while the other crew members leave their hose packs and


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high-rise bag, and go to the fire floor.4. Remove the cap on the standpipe and ensure that the standpipe can be tied into if

needed. You may need to look inside the connection to ensure nothing has been stuffedinside and is creating a blockage.

5. Open the standpipe valve and flow to clear the discharge.

6. Engage the fire pump.

At th e Fire Floor

1. Look for signs of heat and smoke by feeling the door and scanning it with a thermalimaging camera (TIC) if available. Determine the swing of the door and get into aprotected position behind the door.

2. If the door swings away, take steps to control the door. Open the door slightly andobserve the smoke conditions. While opening the suspected fire floor door, rememberthat you do not have a charged hose line.

3. If the fire is on that floor, close the door. If possible, a member of the crew remains at thefire floor to monitor the door while the others return to the floor below the fire where theymake the standpipe connection.

NOTE: The Nozzleman does not bring a charged hose to the suspected fire floor. Ifthe Nozzleman were to hook into the standpipe and bring up the chargedhose line, and then later discover that t he fire isn’t on that floor, therewouldn’t be enough hose to mount an effective fire attack from even one floorhigher.

Common Standpipe ConnectionsThe following evolutions are commonly used in a high-rise:

Connecting a 44 mm hose from a standpipe connection in a stairwellConnecting a 44 mm hose from a standpipe connection in a hallwayExtending a 44 mm handlineConnecting a 65 mm attack line with a Blitzfire® nozzle

Connect ing a 44 mm Hose f rom a Stai rwel l Standpipe

1. Clear any obstructions at the standpipe and test the water flow.

2. Advance the 44 mm hose to the fire floor:

a. Keep the primary attack line on the inside of the stairwell and the backup line onthe outside of the stairwell.


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Figure 16: Attack Line on Inside and Backup Line on Outside of Stairwell© 2009 The City of Calgary

b. Flake the remaining uncharged hose on the landing above the fire floor.

Figure 17: Uncharged Hose on Landing above Fire Floor© 2009 The City of Calgary

3. Attach the in-line pressure gauge and gated wye to the standpipe.

4. Connect the 44 mm hose to the gated wye. Rotate the gauge and gated wye so that thepressure gauge is visible and the gate is at the 10 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions. Thisallows for easier hose connections and line identification.

5. Call for water.

6. Open the standpipe valve and gated wye. Then adjust the pressure.


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7. Straighten any kinks in the hose.

Figure 18: Straightening Kinks© 2009 The City of Calgary

Connect ing a 44 mm Hose f rom a Hal lway Standpipe


2. Attach the in-line gauge to the hallway standpipe.

3. Attach the 65 mm hose to the in-line gauge.

4. Advance the 65 mm hose to the stairwell leading to the fire floor.

5. Attach the gated wye to the 65 mm hose.6. Advance the 44 mm hose to the fire floor.

7. Attach the 44 mm hose to the gated wye.

8. Call for water.

9. Open the standpipe valve and adjust the pressure

Extending a 44 mm Handl ine

1. Shut off the nozzle.

2. Remove the tip.

3. Connect the female coupling of the additional hose bundle to the ball valve.4. Extend the line.

5. Call for water.

6. Open the ball valve.

7. Secure the ball valve using a hose strap.

Connect ing a 65 mm Attack L ine wi th a Bl i tz fi re® Nozzle


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2. Connect the in- line pressure gauge to the standpipe’s 65 mm port.

3. Connect the 65 mm hose to the in-line gauge.

4. Attach the Blitzfire® nozzle and advance the 65 mm hose with a nozzle into position.

5. Call for water.6. Open the standpipe valve and maintain the correct pressure.

Alternative ProceduresSometimes there is not enough room at the standpipe connections or hose cabinets to connectthe in-line pressure gauge and gated wye. When there is not enough room, firefighters may berequired to use a 65 mm 60 degree elbow to make the inline pressure gauge and gated wyeaccessible.Firefighters may even encounter problems attaching the in-line pressure gauge and may only beable to attach the 65 to 38 mm reducer. If this happens, the firefighters will not be able to gaugethe outlet pressure and will not be able to determine the water flow. Therefore, if the in-linepressure gauge cannot be attached, it is very important that the firefighters fully open the nozzleand standpipe connections and then shut down the standpipe valve to a pressure that can besafely handled. Firefighters will be relying on the building water pressure, building fire pumppressure, or the water discharge pressure supplied by an engine through the FDC.

EXTRA PRACTICECrews who want to gain extra practice hooking into a standpipe and reducing the outletpressure can connect to a fire engine. They can also practice laying hose by getting permissionto use a suitable building in their area.

Connecting to a Fire Engine1. To simulate a standpipe valve, connect a closed hydrant gate to a 65 mm dischargeand increase the pump pressure to 1,000 kPa while in pressure mode.

2. Connect the 65 mm in-line pressure gauge and the closed 65-38 mm gated wye to thehydrant gate.

3. Open the hydrant gate as you would the standpipe valve to clear debris and engage thefire pump.

4. Follow up by connecting two attack lines:

one 30 m length of 44 mm hose and a nozzle

two 15-m lengths of 44 mm hose and a nozzle5. Charge the lines.

6. With the smooth bore nozzles fully open, practice reducing the pressure to 600 kPa or 6bars by closing the hydrant gate as you would the standpipe valve.

Laying HoseHose lays may be a bit more difficult to practice, but the consequences for doing them wrong


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are dire. Lacying two 30 m attack lines can make a huge mess at the fire floor door if doneincorrectly. Contact a business in your area that has six or more floors, and ask if they will allowyour crew to come in and practice laying dry lines. ( Most building owners won’t mind . If you dofind resistance with a particular building owner, contact another.) Practice tying into thestandpipe and laying hose to the fire floor. Remember to go past the fire floor door to the nextlanding and back down.

NOTE: Whenever you plan to practice laying hose, get your probationary firefighterto help. Fire recruits are trained in this manoeuvre as part of their hoseevolutions.

Documents

High-rise Standpipe Systems