The system involves the installation of vertical riser pipe with hose connections at strategic points

throughout the building. The standpipe or riser can be kept filled with water is known as wet riser
system otherwise it is known as dry riser system

The main features of this system includes;

Hose and automatic sprinkler system

The courtyard of the building should have atleast two fire hydrant

The pumps will have a rpm not exceeding 2000

Dry riser system

A system that is made of complete water distribution which sprinkler head and branches with hydrants
throughout the building in which there is no running water

Wet riser system

The wet riser are designed for zonal distribution of water according to height of building

The first riser up to 60m height should be 10cm diameter

The second riser up to 100m height of 15cm diameter

The third riser up to 150m height of 15cm

Fire hose

Standard fire hose is madenof rubber line cotton fiber 65mm in diameter, capable of standing of
14kg/sq.cm. Sometimes unlined or rubber lined or rubber cotton hose maybe used for this purpose

The fire hose is housed in a special made glass cabinet

Automatic sprinkler system

Sprinkler have the advantage of quickly supplying water to fire before it gain dangerous headway and of
preventing the access of air to the fire by smothering it with water

In some cases an open head sprinkler system for the protection of the interior of the building is provided
Sprinkler clasification

An automatic sprinkler head is a fire extinguisher nozzle, closed in a state of readiness by a heat
sensitive release element

The sprinkler maybe classified

Sprinkler based on release

Fusable element sprinkler is open under the influence of heat by the melting of eutectic metal or
chemical

Glass valve sprinklers are opened under the influemce of heat by the destruction of the glass valve
through pressure of the fluid enclosed therein.

Sprinkler based on water distribution

Conventional sprinkler - have aspherical water distribution directed towards the ground and the ceiling
or the definite protection area

Umbrella sprinkler - have a parabolic water distribution directed towards the ground for a definite
protection area with some of water sprays the ceilings

Sidewall sprinklers - has a one sided half parabolic water dostributon directed towards the ground for a
definite protection area

Fire escapes

A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, usually mounted to the outside of the building or
occasionally inside but seperate form the main areas of the building

It provides a method of escape in the event of a fire or other emergency that makes the stairwells inside
the building inaccessible. Fire escapes are often found on multiple-storey reaidential buildings such as
apartment buildings

Escape chute

An escape chute is a special kind of emergency exit, used where conventional fire escape stairways are
impractical. The chute os a fabric tube installed near a special exit on an upper floor or roof of a building,
or a tall structure
Alarm gong

The sounding of alarm should occur shortly after the opening of a sprinkler head. An alarm valve which
is a type of backpressure valve, should be fitted on the main supply pipe immedietly above the main
stop valve

Fire alarm system

It is an integral part of any fire protection system it is said that the first five minutes of fire are most
important than the next five hours.

The fire alarm system are provided in the reaidential buildings with heights above 15m and industrial
and commercial buildings with heights above 24m. If the height of building is above above 35m, it is
neccessary to have provision of heat and smoke detectors.

Training services and maintenances

Training of personnel to handle a fire situation and effectively operate both hand fire appliances and
fixed equipment, installed within the premises, say of a factory or a high rise buildings

In addition to this disaster management plan should be worked out by the owner and made known to all
the persons within the premises

Safety measures

Remember to call police, fire, ambulance and traffic police

Do not allow storage or obstruction in the common corridor and staircases

Do not allow the firedoor of staircases to be kept open

Use staircase not lift, in case of fire as lifts may fail, trapping people inside

Do not re-enter the fire affected building to collect valuables or for other purposes

Do not switch off the fire or smoke detection system

Do not switch off electricity of the entire building in the event of fire. This will also stop the fire
protection and firefighting systems installed within

Acquire yourself with the layout of the escape route, staircases, refuge areas and the location of the fire
alarms
Practice evacuation drills

Irrespective of the magnitude of fire, summon the fire brigade at the earliest.