Morgan Fire Protection discusses dry risers

Morgan Fire Protection Ltd is a fully approved fire protection company which has been established for 25 years. The company offer their extensive experience to all types of business to ensure that they meet fire regulations whether the companies are national, regional or small to medium sized independent traders. Whatever the circumstances, Morgan Fire Protection is qualified to offer companies maintenance and advice on a full range of fire protection equipment and services. They guarantee to provide companies with a personal and individual assessment which is tailored specifically to each businesses requirements.

One of the areas of fire protection Morgan Fire helps customers look after are Dry Risers. Dry risers allow fire fighters access to the water supply on each floor of a high-rise block. They can then attach their hose to the water supply on the correct floor (wherever the blaze is) to aid them in extinguishing the fire.

Under the fire risk assessment it is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure that all fixed fire capabilities such as dry risers and fire service lifts are fit for purpose and ready for use. The person responsible for a building or site is legally required to maintain all fire fighting equipment, including dry risers. The British Standard Code of Practice BS9990:2006 requires a full annual pressure test and six monthly visual check for dry risers for buildings above 18 metres and below 60 metres (buildings over 60 metres/18 storeys require wet risers).

Clause 7 of the Code states that inlets, landing valves, drain valves and landing valve boxes should be inspected every 6 months and recommends that wet tests be carried out annually when the main can be checked for leaks.

Unfortunately there have been many incidents where dry risers have been rendered useless because of vandalism. Over recent years there have been many instances where thieves have stolen the brass or copper valves used on the pipes. To stop this vandalism from occurring, Morgan Fire Protection have been fitting security bolts to the dry riser inlet boxes.

If the valves are missing then fire fighters are unable to gain access to the water supply. This in turn hinders their ability to put out the fire and in many cases could mean all the difference in a life or death situation.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) are advising members to be particularly vigilant in looking out for persons trying to sell the items and merchants should note the vehicle registration number and description of the prospective sellers and contact their local police force.

BS9990:2006 also states that maintenance and repairs should be carried out by a competent person. With Morgan Fire Protection you can be confident that all work will be carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice. We are registered with BAFE, members of the British Fire Consortium and SAFEcontractor approved.