link to page 1 link to page 2 link to page 3
F2 Fixed fire protection systems (NCI 25)
F2 Fixed Fire Protection Systems (NCI 25)
Purpose
This document provides for:
safe and effective operations at calls to complexes protected by sprinkler, drencher, or
other fixed fire protection systems.
Contents
Sprinkler Systems ................................................................................................................... 1
Act
Gas Flooding Systems ............................................................................................................ 2
Hazard Identification and Control: Fixed Fire Protection Systems ........................................... 3
Chief Fire Officers’ responsibilities
Chief Fire Officers will issue a local procedure on fixed fire protection systems when a risk
identified during operational planning is significantly different to the general risks covered by this
procedure.
Information
Sprinkler Systems
Where a fire exists, and the sprinkler system allows, an appliance will be tasked to connect in
and boost the sprinkler system.
Official
Systems that comply with NZ Standards will have a fire hydrant inlet located close to the valve
house.
the
System Integrity
On arrival, the OIC Fire will ensure that the integrity of the sprinkler system is in place by
checking that:
under
the main valve is open
floor isolation valves are open
the drain valve is closed
adequate water is flowing into the system (if not, boost pressure as described at the
beginning of this section).
Released
Floor isolation valves
Floor isolation valves are used:
to isolate sections of the sprinkler system
to reduce further damage once the fire has been extinguished
in preference to shutting down a whole system.
NZFS Department of Operations and Training
Page 1 of 3
F2 Fixed fire protection systems December 2008
F2 Fixed fire protection systems (NCI 25)
Building familiarisation will include the identification of floor isolation valves and their location
(they have been mandatory in buildings with 6 or more floors since 1996).
During a fire, where isolation valves are fitted, a firefighter will be stationed at the isolation valve
on the fire floor.
Salvage
Early attention will be given to minimising water damage including early salvage by:
use of a sprinkler stopper tool
Act
use of a floor isolation valve (refer to „Floor isolation valves‟ above).
draining sprinkler heads and diverting water away.
System Shutdown
Sprinkler systems may be shut down at:
the main stop valve
Information
floor isolation valve (preferable where applicable).
The OIC Fire will instruct NZFS personnel to shut down all or part of the sprinkler system(s),
only when:
appropriate extinguishing resources are in place
the fire is under control
Official
more efficient use of the available water can be made where floor isolation valves are
fitted
the
Whenever a sprinkler system is shut down, the owner/occupier of the building or their agent will
be notified.
Gas Flooding Systems
under
Operational planning will identify sites that are fitted with gas flooding systems.
Local procedures will identify:
warning pre-activation
entry procedures
building layout/access
Released
location and types of gas cylinders
the need to wear BA
covering deliveries or extinguishers
CO2 and nitrogen asphyxiates
valuables being protected
system operation and shutdown
NZFS Department of Operations and Training
Page 2 of 3
F2 Fixed fire protection systems December 2008
F2 Fixed fire protection systems (NCI 25)
ventilation
rescues.
Smoke Cloak Security Systems
There is an increasing use of “Smoke Cloak” security systems in some retail stores.
NZFS personnel engaged in operational planning and/or building inspections will identify those
premises that have smoke cloaks or similar security systems, and create local procedures to
provide guidance on how to manage calls to premises with these installations.
Act
This information will be relayed to responding crews.
Hazard Identification and Control: Fixed Fire Protection Systems
Hazard control
All hazards will be controlled by eliminating, isolating where elimination is impracticable, or
minimising, using one or more of the control methods listed in the following table:
Information
Hazards
Control measures
all personnel will be trained in the risks to be
Significant hazards:
encountered and safe practices for working in
environments where fixed fire protection systems
asphyxiation
have operated
Official
reduced visibility
operational planning and risk assessment
noise from fire alarm
briefing crew/s on plan of action and safety
system
measures
the
structural firefighting uniform worn correctly
breathing apparatus & hearing protection
under
Released
NZFS Department of Operations and Training
Page 3 of 3
F2 Fixed fire protection systems December 2008
