1. 1 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre FIXED INSTALLATIONS SPRINKLERS COMPETENCE STATEMENT 376

2. 2 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre AIM To enable a firefighter to make correct use of sprinklers at an incident OBJECTIVES 1)Identify that sprinklers are installed in a building 2)Locate the main control valve 3)Confirm that the main control valve is open 4)Silence a sprinkler alarm gong 5)Interpret sprinkler gauges at the control valve group 6)Drain a sprinkler system 7)Distinguish between wet and dry sprinkler systems

3. 3 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre DOES THE BUILDING HAVE A SPRINKLER? Prior knowledge:- 1)7(2)(d) inspections 2)F 202(a)s and Risk Cards Indications on arrival:- 3)Sound of sprinkler alarm going 4)Large water tanks outside, or on top, of building 5)Exterior signs 6)Interior signs 7)Sprinkler pipework 8)Sprinkler heads in ceilings

4. 4 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre LOCATING THE MAIN CONTROL VALVE 1)Plan should be provided for Fire Service 2)Usually located where the town main or alternative supply enters the building 3)Close to an entry point 4)Largest valve in the group 5)Secured in open position Town main stop valve Alternative supply stop valve Non return valves Alarm

5. 5 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre CONFIRM THE MAIN CONTROL VALVE IS OPEN Alarm bell ringing Valve indicator Leather strap TELL THE INCIDENT COMMANDER

6. 6 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre SILENCING THE SPRINKLER ALARM Alarm stop valve Alarm valve Events causing the alarm bell to ring a)Sprinkler head open b)Drain or test valve open c)Damage to the installation d)A rise in the supply pressure

7. 7 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre INTERPRETING THE GAUGES Installation pressure gauge Supply pressure gauge Town main pressure gauge

8. 8 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre DRAINING A SPRINKLER SYSTEM Test and drain pipe Test and drain valves

9. 9 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre WET AND DRY SYSTEMS How can you tell the difference? 1)Look at the environment in which the system is installed Pendant type Dry upright type Ceiling flush type 2)Look at the type of sprinkler heads 3)Look at the number of sprinkler heads

10. 10 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre FURTHER EXAMPLES OF UPRIGHT AND PENDANT SPRINKLERS Common examples of upright sprinklers Common examples of upright sprinklers Common examples of pendant sprinklers Common examples of pendant sprinklers

11. 11 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training CentreQUESTIONS 1)What are the indications around a building which would tell you that a sprinkler system may be installed? Sound of sprinkler alarm gong; Large water tanks outside, or on top of building; Exterior signs; Interior signs; Sprinkler pipework; Sprinkler heads in ceilings. 2)Having located the main control valve room how can you identify the main control valve itself? It will be the big one between the alarm valve and the stop valves. May be indicated by a sign. Should be locked open by means of a leather strap.

12. 12 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre QUESTIONS contd 3)What signs would indicate that the main control valve is open? Alarm bell ringing – Should indicate that the main control valve is open. Valve indicator – There may be one built onto the valve. Leather strap – (if it is in position) should tell you that the valve is open. If the leather strap has been cut or is missing the valve may be closed. 4)Once you have confirmed that the valve is open or closed what should you do? Inform the incident commander and dont do anything until he/she tells you to.

13. 13 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre 6)Which two events, causing the alarm bell to ring, will be identified by the firefighter in the main control room? The opening of a drain or test valve. A rise in the supply pressure lifting the alarm valve and allowing water to pass. 5)What are the four events which could cause an alarm bell to ring? 1.The opening of a sprinkler head. 2.The opening of a drain or test valve. 3.Damage to any part of the installation which leads to an outflow of water. 4.A rise in the supply pressure lifting the alarm valve and allowing water to pass. QUESTIONS contd

14. 14 Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre 7)Where would you expect to see dry pipe sprinkler systems installed? Dry pipe systems are normally installed in areas where the temperature is close to freezing (e.g. dry stores) or where the temperature is maintained above 70 degrees C. 8)If you can see upright sprinkler heads would the system be wet or dry? If you can see upright sprinkler heads it is a dry system. 9)Once you have located the main control valve and confirmed that it is open or closed what must you not do? It is essential that it is not closed until the incident commander says so. QUESTIONS contd