Standpipe Systems
Standpipe Systems Testing Competency Guide
General Knowledge:
- Fire alarm systems
- Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- Installation of Standpipe Systems
- Equipment to conduct the testing.
Applicable Codes:
- Vancouver Fire By-law
- B.C. Fire Code
- NFPA 14 Installation of Standpipe Systems
- NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
- NFPA 1962
- NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps.
Competencies – Technician is able to:
- Conduct inspection and testing in conformance with applicable codes.
- Conduct Inspections of the Standpipe System components.
- Conduct tests of alarm devices.
- Conduct a test of the hose.
- Conduct test of all control valves.
- Conduct main drain tests.
- Conduct inspection of all valves.
- Conduct alarm tests where an electrical supervisory signal service is provided.
- Conduct test on valve supervisory devices.
- Conduct flow tests.
- Conduct tests on pressure control valve and pressure reducing valves.
- Conduct a hydrostatic test.
- Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports.
- Communicate clearly with the owner or authorized agent.
- Communicate clearly with the authority having jurisdiction
Performance factors – The technician is able to:
- Understand and conduct all inspection and testing in conformance with the applicable code requirements.
- Conduct inspections on item such as but not limited to, Control valves, pressure regulating devices, piping, hose connections, cabinets, hose, and hose storage device.
- Conduct tests on alarm devices including, but not limited to, mechanical water motor gongs, vane-type waterflow devices, and pressure switches that provide audible or visual signals.
- Conduct a test of the hose in conformance with NFPA 1962.
- Conduct a test of the control valves by operating through its full range and returned to its normal position.
- Conduct a main drain test by opening the main drain valve fully and record the difference between the static and flow pressure.
- Conduct inspection of valves to ensure they are in the normal open or closed position, properly sealed, locked, supervised, accessible, provided with appropriate wrenches, free from leaks and appropriate identification.
- Conduct tests on all initiating and transmitting devices to ensure proper operation.
- Conduct test of supervisor device to ensure proper operation and annunciation.
- Conduct flow test by flowing the required volume of water at the design pressure to the hydraulically most remote, highest, or dead-end hose connection. Flow tests shall be conducted every 5 years.
- Flow test, pressure reducing and control valves, at 5 year intervals, hose rack assembly pressure regulating valves and compared to previous results.
- Conduct a hydrostatic test where the maximum pressure is in excess of 150psi(10.3bars).
- Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports and maintain records for the authority having jurisdiction.
- Communicate with the owner or authorized agent and make recommendations for deficiencies that need to be rectified.
- Communicate clearly with the authority having jurisdiction and advise him of any problems or unsafe conditions in the building.
Note: The above mentioned competencies are to be used as a guideline for the type of work the technician is required to do. For accurate testing references the appropriate code shall be consulted.