Standard Operating Procedures for a Fire Hydrant System

Having effective standard operating procedures for a fire hydrant system is essential to ensuring a rapid and effective response to fire emergencies. These procedures outline detailed standard operating procedures for the operation, testing, and maintenance of the system, providing guidance for fire safety personnel.

Fire Hydrant Systems Overview

A fire hydrant system provides firefighters with quick access to water from a pressurized supply network within a building. These systems consist of a network of pipes, valves, and fire hydrants (also known as hose reels or outlets) connected to a reliable water source. In the event of a fire, firefighters connect hoses to these hydrants to extinguish the flames.

A building’s fire hydrant system works in conjunction with other fire protection systems, such as automatic sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms, to mitigate the risk of fire. Hydrant systems vary in complexity and capacity, depending on the size of the building, its use, and the associated fire risk.

Pre-operational Inspections:

Conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of all components, including fire hydrants, valves, pipes, fittings, and hoses, to identify any signs of damage, corrosion, or obstructions.

Check access to all fire hydrants and ensure they are free of obstructions.

Test pressure gauges and flow meters to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Review emergency contact information and ensure communication systems are operational.

Activation Procedures:

In the event of a fire, immediately notify emergency services and relevant personnel.

Go to the nearest fire hydrant and activate the system by opening the main control valve.

Open the hydrant outlet valve and connect the fire hoses, ensuring the connections are secure and intact.

Coordinate with the incident commander and other emergency response teams to determine water flow requirements and deployment strategies.

Firefighting Operations:

Follow established firefighting protocols and safety procedures, including maintaining safe distances from the fire and wearing appropriate protective equipment.

Direct water flow using selected nozzles, applying water to the base of the fire to effectively extinguish the flames.

Continuously monitor water pressure and flow rates, adjusting them as needed to optimize firefighting efforts.

Communicate effectively with team members and maintain situational awareness throughout the operation.

Post-Operation Procedures:

After the fire is extinguished, close the hydrant outlet valve and close the main control valve to shut down the system.

Conduct a thorough inspection of all equipment and document any damage, wear, or failure for immediate repair or replacement.

Replenish used fire hoses and equipment and return them to their designated storage locations.

Review the progress of the operation with personnel involved in the extinguishing operation and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned for future performance improvement.

Maintenance and Periodic Testing:

Establish a periodic maintenance schedule, including periodic inspections, flow tests, valve lubrication, and pipe cleaning to prevent corrosion and ensure operational readiness.

Conduct annual pressure and flow tests to verify system safety and performance, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

Provide ongoing training for employees on fire hydrant system operation, maintenance procedures, and emergency response protocols.

Keep detailed records of maintenance activities, test results, and equipment inventories for compliance and historical reference purposes.

Read also: Fire Hydrant Maintenance Basics

Main Components of Fire Hydrant Systems in Buildings

A building’s fire hydrant system consists of several key components that enable it to operate efficiently in an emergency:

1. Hydrant Valve/Outlet: This is the point where firefighters connect hoses to access water from the system. Hydrant outlets are typically located throughout a building at strategic points, such as stairwells, hallways, and outdoor areas.
2. Piping Network: Pipes connect a building’s water supply to the hydrant valves. The piping system is often made of durable materials such as galvanized steel, wrought iron, or copper to withstand high water pressure and corrosion.
3. Water Tanks: In cases where local water pressure is insufficient, water tanks (often elevated or rooftop) provide a reliable supply of water to the hydrant system. Tanks can be made of steel, concrete, or fiberglass.
4. Pumps: Pumps are essential for maintaining water pressure, especially in multi-story buildings. Electric or diesel-powered fire pumps ensure water reaches the upper floors at the required pressure.
5. Fire Brigade Entrances (FBIs): These are special entrances that fire trucks can connect to to boost a building’s hydrant system with additional water pressure when needed.
6. Control Valves: These are manual or automatic valves that regulate the flow of water through the system. They include isolation valves, check valves, and pressure-reducing valves to ensure safe and efficient water delivery. Hoses and Nozzles: Fire hydrant systems are equipped with hoses and nozzles that easily attach to hydrant outlets. They are used by firefighters or trained personnel to direct water toward the fire.

Read also: How to Install a Fire Hydrant System

Benefits of Fire Hydrant Systems in Buildings

• Immediate Access to Water: Firefighters can quickly connect hoses to hydrants, reducing response time.
• High Water Pressure: Pumps and tanks ensure water is delivered at the appropriate pressure, even in high-rise buildings.
• Multiple Floor Coverage: Hydrant systems provide coverage. Firefighting supplies water to various points throughout the building, ensuring coverage of all areas.
• Enhances overall fire protection: When combined with sprinklers and other fire safety measures, fire hydrant systems significantly reduce the risk of major fire damage.

Design Considerations and Requirements

When designing a fire hydrant system for any building, several factors must be considered to ensure it meets the specific fire risks associated with it:

• Building Size and Height: The taller or larger the building, the more complex the fire hydrant system will be. High-rise buildings often require wet-lift systems with booster pumps to maintain water pressure.
• Occupancy and Use: Buildings with high occupancy or those used for high-risk activities, such as factories or chemical plants, require more robust fire hydrant systems with higher water flow rates and extended service life.
• Water Supply: The availability and pressure of municipal water supplies influence the need for additional storage tanks or pumps to ensure adequate water pressure.
• Fire Risk Assessments: A comprehensive fire risk assessment will determine the number of fire hydrant outlets required, their location, and the design of the piping network.

An important article to help you choose the right fire valves for your needs.

Conclusion

Having comprehensive standard operating procedures for your fire hydrant system is a vital resource for ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and safety of the system. By adhering to established procedures and performing regular training and maintenance, employees can confidently respond to fire-related emergencies, protecting lives and property from the devastating effects of fire.

At CareWater, we provide all the important information and guidance needed by fire hydrant system administrators in various buildings and applications.