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:

  1. Conduct inspection and testing in conformance with applicable codes.
  2. Conduct Inspections of the Standpipe System components.
  3. Conduct tests of alarm devices.
  4. Conduct a test of the hose.
  5. Conduct test of all control valves.
  6. Conduct main drain tests.
  7. Conduct inspection of all valves.
  8. Conduct alarm tests where an electrical supervisory signal service is provided.
  9. Conduct test on valve supervisory devices.
  10. Conduct flow tests.
  11. Conduct tests on pressure control valve and pressure reducing valves.
  12. Conduct a hydrostatic test.
  13. Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports.
  14. Communicate clearly with the owner or authorized agent.
  15. Communicate clearly with the authority having jurisdiction

Performance factors – The technician is able to:

  1. Understand and conduct all inspection and testing in conformance with the applicable code requirements.
  2. Conduct inspections on item such as but not limited to, Control valves, pressure regulating devices, piping, hose connections, cabinets, hose, and hose storage device.
  3. 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.
  4. Conduct a test of the hose in conformance with NFPA 1962.
  5. Conduct a test of the control valves by operating through its full range and returned to its normal position.
  6. Conduct a main drain test by opening the main drain valve fully and record the difference between the static and flow pressure.
  7. 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.
  8. Conduct tests on all initiating and transmitting devices to ensure proper operation.
  9. Conduct test of supervisor device to ensure proper operation and annunciation.
  10. 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.
  11. Flow test, pressure reducing and control valves, at 5 year intervals, hose rack assembly pressure regulating valves and compared to previous results.
  12. Conduct a hydrostatic test where the maximum pressure is in excess of 150psi(10.3bars).
  13. Prepare clear and accurate inspection and test reports and maintain records for the authority having jurisdiction.
  14. Communicate with the owner or authorized agent and make recommendations for deficiencies that need to be rectified.
  15. 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.

ASTTBC © 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.