BUILDING INSPECTION SAFETY PROGRAM MANUAL CHAPTER 5, REFERENCE # 1.4 August 1, 2009 OUT OF SERVICE (OOS) SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE SYSTEMS

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1 BUILDING INSPECTION SAFETY PROGRAM MANUAL CHAPTER 5, REFERENCE # 1.4 August 1, 2009 OUT OF SERVICE (OOS) SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE SYSTEMS Note: For information on OOS Fire Alarms please see Inspectional Reference # INTRODUCTION: 1.1 Strict compliance with the procedures of this bulletin is necessary to insure that out of service sprinkler/standpipe systems or sections thereof are repaired and returned to service as soon as possible. The procedures listed below shall apply to required fire protection systems and fire protection systems not required by code as written in the New York City Fire Code sections FC & FC RECORDING INITIAL NOTIFICATION: 2.1 A designated building representative who becomes aware of an out of service sprinkler or standpipe system shall immediately notify the Fire Department Borough Dispatcher. The general information (non-emergency) numbers for the 5 boroughs that should be used for notifications from Fire Safety Directors, alarm companies, building managers, impairment coordinators, etc. regarding sprinkler and standpipes being in or out of service are: Manhattan: (212) Bronx: (718) Brooklyn: (718) Queens: (718) Staten Island: (718) The notification shall include: a brief description and extent of the out of service condition, the area of the building affected, the type of occupancy and the estimated time the system will be out of service. The name and phone number of the person making the notification shall also be included in the notification in the event the administrative company officer requires additional information This notification will be sent via FDT to the administrative Borough Command, Division, Battalion and Company. 2.2 Any member who receives information or discovers an out of service or defective sprinkler or standpipe system shall immediately notify the Officer on duty. 2.3 The Officer on duty shall obtain full particulars and make a company journal entry If the premise is in another company s administrative district, the Officer notified shall make a journal entry and immediately telephone the Officer on duty in that company. 1

2 3. ADMINISTRATIVE COMPANY OFFICER'S DUTIES: 3.1 Upon receiving notification of a serious defect or complete or partial shut down of sprinkler and/or standpipe system, immediately investigate with members and apparatus. Exception: A shut down for scheduled inspection, testing or maintenance, and the system will be placed back in service prior to the end of business day an investigation will not be required, unless the officer feels an inspection is required. 3.2 Immediately request a Battalion Chief to respond, when the Officer feels the Battalion's assistance is necessary. 3.3 Determine the extent the system is unserviceable noting the following: Is the system serviceable with only the water supply shutoff? Can the system be supplied with water via the Siamese connection(s)? Can the defective portion of the system be isolated and the remaining sections of the system be supplied with water? 3.4 Have a white or blue disc placed on the affected Siamese connection(s) White disc - indicates the system is completely out of service and cannot be supplied by the Fire Department Blue disc - indicates the system is not functioning as a fully automatic system and/or a portion of the system is such that it will function effectively when supplied by the Fire Department. 3.5 Violations and Summons: Serve an Immediate Summons ( a & b) for FAILURE TO NOTIFY if a partial or completely O.O.S. system has been discovered as the result of a routine inspection, complaint or Fire Department operation and it has not been previously reported. (FC 901.7) Issue a Forthwith Violation Order (FPS-3) for the restoration of the system. (FC 901.6) Remedy: Restore standpipe/sprinkler system to good working order. All repairs or maintenance performed must be under the supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness. 2

3 3.5.3 If the serviceability of the system is in doubt due to rusted or cracked piping, defective Siamese or defective valves, etc., the officer shall forward an A-8 to Fire Prevention to have a hydrostatic test performed and witnessed by a representative of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Failure to perform such a test will be the subject of a summons issued by the Bureau of Fire Prevention (Fire Suppression Unit). (FC 912.6) In all cases of an out of service sprinkler or standpipe system, forward an A-8 to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Suppression Unit. (FC & FC 901.5) Note: The A-8 is forwarded to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Suppression Unit so a test of the system can be scheduled and witnessed by a FDNY representative upon restoration of the system Issue Forthwith VO(C-19) to provide a fire watch by one or more persons holding a certificate of fitness for fire guard until the system is returned to service, unless a vacate order would be more appropriate. (FC 901.7) The officer on duty may consult with the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Fire Suppression Unit at Brooklyn/Staten Island: (718) , Queens/Bronx: (718) , Manhattan: (718) ) for technical assistance. The officer could also consult with the BISP hotline: (718) Administrative Company Officer's Duties upon Return to Quarters Notify Administrative Battalion by telephone, for a determination of any further actions to be taken. This is only required if the Administrative Battalion was not assigned to respond to the scene. The battalion chief shall inform and consult with the deputy chief, see section All first alarm units are to be notified of particulars by telephone and with written confirmation Forward A-500 report to the Division Commander. This report must have a comprehensive endorsement by the Administrative Battalion and Deputy Chief. (DO 35/96) For commercial occupancies, complete and forward Form# FPCU 1 to the Bureau of Fire Prevention Field/Public Communication Unit (FPCU). This form is required to permit the FPCU to make the necessary notifications to the Board of Fire Underwriters. 3

4 4. BATTALION CHIEF'S DUTIES: 4.1 The Battalion Chief shall consider the following after evaluating the situation: Suitability of the system for firefighting Watchman service. (C-19) (Required to be a Fire Guard with a C of F as per FC 901.7) Full or partial vacate. (See reference # Vacates) Ordering repairs to be made during non-business hours if they are extensive and require the shutting down of large portions of the system Any further precautions to insure the safety of the occupants or Fire Department members in the event of a fire. 4.2 The Battalion Chief shall inform the Deputy Chief of conditions found and actions taken. 5. REINSPECTION: 5.1 Company Commanders shall schedule daily surveillance inspections of systems out of service The officer on duty shall look for the following during daily surveillance inspection: A. Are the specific provisions, for example watchman service, being complied with pending completion of the repairs? If not, request to have the Administrative Battalion Chief respond to evaluate the situation and take appropriate action. B. Have the required repairs been made to the system to satisfy the V.O.? C. Is there evidence that work has been started and is progressing at a reasonable pace? D. Can the owner/occupant produce a signed and dated repair contract specifying the work to be done and the target date for completion? Unreasonably long delays for specified repairs should not be accepted If there is evidence of lack of intent to comply with the V. O. or the job is taking an unreasonably long time to complete, serve a summons for failure to comply with V.O., or if a summons has already been served, serve another summons on the responsible party The procedures outlined in section and shall be repeated on a daily basis until the outstanding V.O. is corrected or until the summons is heard by the Criminal Court and the Administrative Unit receives a copy of the Court Case Record (A-200). Upon receipt of the A-200, the Officer on duty shall comply with section

5 5.2 When notified system is back in service, the officer on duty shall cause a prompt reinspection of the system. If system is found in service, the following actions are to be taken: Remove discs Notify all 1st alarm units by telephone and confirm in writing. Forward A Reserved For commercial occupancies forward a duplicate copy of Form FPCU 1, with "Notification of Completion" box checked, to the Fire Prevention Field/Public Communication Unit. 5.4 On the return of the A-200 Court Case Record, the Administrative Officer on duty shall reinspect the summoned premises. On reinspection, if the system is found to be still out of service, the following actions shall be taken: Serve an additional summons for failure to comply with the original V.O. to restore the system to service, cite charging section on the new summons, (FC 901.6) Request to have the Administrative Battalion and Deputy Chief respond to the scene. The Deputy Chief, after consultation with the City Wide Command Chief, shall initiate, if justified, a Full or Partial Vacate based on imminent peril created by lack of intent to service a vital life safety system. 6. PROCEDURES AT THE SCENE OF A FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATION: When a sprinkler or standpipe is discovered OOS at the scene of an incident and the condition was not previously reported to the Fire Department. 6.1 Notify the Incident Commander. 6.2 The Incident Commander shall designate a unit to: Issue a summons as per section Issue a violation order as per section Place a disk on the unserviceable system. 5

6 6.3 If the unit designated is not the Administrative Unit, the Officer shall telephone the officer on duty of the Administrative Company giving the particulars and forward copies of the A200 and violation orders to the administrative company. An entry shall be made in the company journal recording actions taken and notifications made. 6.4 The officer on duty of the Administrative Company shall comply with the relevant part of section The Incident commander shall forward a report with full particulars to the Administrative Deputy Chief. The Administrative Deputy Chief shall conduct an investigation to determine any neglect of duty. 7. DIVISION, BATTALION AND COMPANY COMMANDERS DUTIES: 7.1 Insure that their Fire Prevention Coordinators establish proper controls for the tracking of OOS standpipe and sprinkler systems. An officer shall be designated as an alternate Fire Prevention Coordinator. Alternate must be prepared to assume the duties of Fire Prevention Coordinator in the eventuality of the coordinator's absence. 7.2 Maintain an Out of Service standpipe/sprinkler folder. Folder is to contain A-500 forms, reinspection copy of the VO and related information. Folder must be prominently posted, and be referred to daily by the officer on duty. 7.3 Insure that all officers take appropriate actions for the restoration of OOS systems. 8. RELATED INFORMATION: 8.1 When a sprinkler control valve is closed at the scene of a fire or emergency, the Incident Commander shall have a responsible person contacted to restore the system If the system is not restored prior to the fire units leaving the scene, the Incident Commander shall have the Administrative Unit contacted for follow-up actions as outlined in section Incident Commander shall note the serviceability of auxiliary fire protection equipment when operations require its use. Reports shall be forwarded recording any violation of law governing such equipment. 6

7 9. FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS: Required Fire protection systems 9.1 Fire protection systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code, and, as applicable, this code and the rules, and the applicable referenced standards listed in this code. Required systems shall be extended or altered as necessary to maintain and continue protection whenever the building or structure is altered. Alterations to fire protection systems shall be performed in compliance with the requirements of this code, the rules, and the construction codes, as applicable. Buildings and structures shall be provided with such fire hose, portable fire extinguishers and other means of preventing and extinguishing fires as the commissioner may direct. (FC ) Fire protection systems not required by code 9.2 Any fire protection system or portion thereof not required by this code, the rules or the construction codes, including the Building Code, may be installed to provide partial or complete protection of a building or structure, provided such system meets the requirements of this code, the rules and the construction codes, including the Building Code, as applicable. Where the design and installation of such fire protection system is governed by this code or the rules, the commissioner may modify such requirements, consistent with the interests of fire safety, upon a determination that such modification will promote public safety by encouraging the installation of such systems. (FC ) Note: Voluntary systems must be maintained as if they were required by the code, once installed. Voluntary systems enable the owner to satisfy underwriting insurance issues. Therefore voluntary systems need to comply with the codes as if they were mandated. If the owner elects to remove a voluntary system the owner needs to request approval through DOB (FC 901.6) see below. DOB will contact Fire Prevention and the suppression unit in Fire Prevention will request a Battalion Chief to conduct an inspection in order to determine if the request to remove does not compromise fire safety requirements. The system does need to be maintained until removal is approved. Maintenance 9.3 Fire protection systems shall be maintained in good working order at all times. Any fire protection system that is not in good working order shall be repaired or replaced as necessary to restore such system to good working order, or, where authorized by the Building Code, removed from the premises (FC ) 7

8 Out of service systems 9.4 Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the department shall be notified immediately and unless otherwise directed by the commissioner, either the building shall be evacuated or a fire watch shall be maintained by one or more persons holding a certificate of fitness for fire guard. Any other actions as the commissioner may direct in addition to or in lieu of such measures shall also be undertaken, until the fire protection system has been returned to service. Where utilized, fire guards shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires. (FC 901.7) Impairment coordinator 9.5 The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this section. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner shall be considered the impairment coordinator. (FC ) 9.6 A tag shall be used to indicate that a system or portion thereof, is out of service. (FC ) 9.7 The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm enunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, is out of service. The commissioner shall specify where the tag is to be placed. (FC ) Planned removal from service 9.8 The certificate of fitness holder and the impairment coordinator shall be made aware of and authorize the placing of systems out of service. Before authorizing such action the impairment coordinator shall: (FC ) Determine the extent and expected duration of the out of service condition. Inspect the areas or buildings involved and assess the increased risks. Make appropriate recommendations to the owner. Notify the department and the responsible person designated by the owner to issue hot work authorizations in accordance with Chapter 26. Notify the central station and insurance carrier. Notify the occupants in the affected areas. Place out of service tags at all required and appropriate locations. Maintain system in service until work is ready to begin. 8

9 Unplanned out of service condition 9.9 The certificate of fitness holder, impairment coordinator, and/or other person responsible for inspecting, maintaining or supervising the operation of a fire protection system who observes a serious defect such as an empty tank, break or major leak in system water piping, inoperative or shut water supply valves, defective Siamese connections, or complete or partial shut down of sprinkler and/or standpipe systems, other than a shutdown for scheduled inspection, testing or maintenance, shall immediately report such condition to the owner of the building, and to the department. (FC ) When a system fails or otherwise goes out of service, the certificate of fitness holder or the impairment coordinator shall take the actions set forth in Section , and such other actions necessary or appropriate to protect the occupants of the building and minimize property damage. When the certificate of fitness holder or other such person observes a minor defect or other condition not presenting a serious safety hazard, he or she shall report the defect or condition to the owner, and if the defect or condition is not corrected within 30 days, shall report it in writing to the department. (FC ) Restoring systems to service 9.10 When an out of service device, equipment or system is restored to normal working order, the impairment coordinator shall: (FC ) Conduct necessary inspections and tests to verify that the affected systems are operational Notify the department Notify the owner, central station, insurance carrier and occupants in the affected areas Remove the out of service tags. Hydrostatic pressure test 9.11 Sprinkler system and standpipe system fire department connections shall be periodically inspected, tested, serviced and otherwise maintained in accordance with Section and NFPA 25. Upon order of the commissioner, but at least once every 5 years, such fire department connections shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test to demonstrate their suitability for department use. The test shall be conducted in accordance with the rules and at the owner's risk, by his or her representative before a representative of the department. (FC 912.6) 9

10 10. DEFINITIONS 10.1 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Approved devices, equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire, control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof, including fire extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR. The person responsible for ensuring that proper safety precautions are taken when a fire protection system is out of service OUT OF SERVICE SYSTEM. A fire protection system that is not fully functional; or whose operation is impaired or is otherwise not in good working order. 11. REMOVAL OF DAMAGED SPRINKLER SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS UNDERGOING DEMOLITION OR GUT REHABS: 11.1 The Department of Buildings and FDNY have established a uniform procedure, known as a Technical Policy and Procedure Notice (TPPN 3/07), to process variance requests for the removal of damaged existing sprinkler systems in buildings undergoing demolition or gut rehab 11.2 TPPN 3/07 stipulates a variance to remove a damaged or inoperable sprinkler system, which had a Siamese, in connection with demolition or gut rehabs, shall be filed with the Department of Buildings as an Alteration Type II in accordance with the following procedure: The filed application shall include a complete report prepared by a professional engineer or architect, describing the extent of the damage and attesting why the system cannot be restored. Upon review of such report, the DOB examiner shall issue an objection stating Removal of the existing sprinkler system requires review and concurrence by the Fire Department. The examiner shall enter, FDNY concurrence is required prior to removal of sprinkler system, as a required item to be satisfied prior to plan approval. The applicant shall proceed to file the variance with the FDNY, Bureau of Fire Prevention. The FDNY reviews the variance request, orders a site inspection and recommends any necessary safety measures as a condition to granting the variance. FDNY safety measures will include maintenance of the existing standpipe system if one is present. Additional maintenance includes 24-hour fire guard and watch person provisions, strict compliance with all FDNY rules concerning portable firefighting appliances, removal of flammable rubbish and debris, as well as prohibitions against smoking and open fires at the site. Failure to comply will result in a Forthwith Violation Order. 10

11 The applicant must submit FDNY s recommendations to the DOB plan examiner, along with proof of satisfactorily meeting all safety measures imposed by the FDNY. Upon satisfactory review of the submission, the plan examiner may approve the application, at which time the applicant can proceed with the DOB permit. Action: If a system is found removed without the proper variance, request Battalion Response and request DOB Response for possible stop work order BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER AND CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT 11

12 Unit Date To: Chief in Charge Bureau of Fire Prevention From: Name Rank Subject: Sprinkler and Standpipe System Out of Service Attention: Field/Public Communications Unit, Bureau of Fire Prevention This report is to be forwarded in duplicate to the Field/Public Communications Unit with regard to commercial occupancies. Premises: Description of Violation: EXPEDITE FOR NECESSARY ACTION NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION Respectfully Submitted, Name Group Date Examined & Approved Battalion Chief Name Unit Group. Date Examined & Approved Deputy Chief Name Unit Group. Date For Bureau of Fire Prevention Only: Report No. Received Forwarded to Bureau of Fire Underwriters Closed Out: Date 12 FORM-FPCU 1

13 FIRE DEPARTMENT 9 METROTECH CENTER BROOKLYN, N.Y BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION Date Mr. Alexander Pirnie President New York Board of Underwriters 85 John Street New York, New York NOTIFICATION OF SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE SYSTEM OUT OF SERVICE Re: Dear Mr. Pirnie: Attached please find a photo-copy of FPCU 1 referral report regarding the above premises. Very truly yours, Chief of Fire Prevention 13 FPCU 2

14 A-500 Unit Batt. Div. Boro Index Number Standpipe Out of Service Sprinkler Out of Service Standpipe in Service Sprinkler in Service Date Time Address Height Area Construction Name of Occupancy Type Occupancy Effected Part of Building: Floors(s) Risers Area SQUARE FEET OR NO. OF HEADS Received From NAME TITLE Received By NAME TITLE Notified NAME TITLE Actions Taken Was Disc Placed? Yes Color of Disc Placed: White No Remarks: Submitted by NAME UNIT GR. DATE Blue Approved Disapproved Batt. Chief Batt. Gr. Date Approved Disapproved Batt. Chief Batt. Gr. Date 14