Located within smoke-stop lobbies, external corridors, outside staircases, common areas and outside the doors of staircases, the Dry Riser System is a common sight in our built environment. But, have you ever wondered what purpose the Dry Riser System serves? As part of the Rising Main System, it is a fixed installation of pipes used by firefighters when charged with water supply from the fire engine to fight fire in the building.
What kind of building requires a Dry Riser System?
This system is required for buildings of more than 10m and less than 60m of habitable heights according to the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Building and the Code of Practice for Fire Hydrant, Rising Main and Hose reel systems (SS 575: 2012).
Who is responsible for the Dry Riser System?
By regulation, the parties responsible for the installation, inspection and maintenance of the Dry Riser System are Building Owners and Council Members. Fire Protection Specialists, like BSE, MCST Managing agencies, and/or technicians are then engaged to assist Building Owners and Council Members with these services.
What kind of maintenance will the Dry Riser System need and how often?
The common frequency of inspection and maintenance of the Dry Riser System in buildings, according to regulations, is Monthly. However, the testing of the Dry Riser System is conducted Annually.
Inspection of Dry Riser System and equipment
Testing of Dry Riser System and equipment under hydrostatic testing up to 200 PSI for a 2-hour period
Identification of defects for recommendation and rectification in a timely manner
Tips on having an optimum Dry Riser System
Ensure that RISER PIPES are properly INDICATED AND NUMBERED with the water flow directional area.
Ensure that all LANDING VALVES are secured—leather-strapped and padlocked—to prevent tampering.
Ensure that the BREECHING INLETS are kept in operational and functional condition for use in the event of an emergency.
Ensure that the pipes PASS THE HYDROSTATIC TESTING.