Dry risers serve as a vital part of fire safety infrastructure, especially in high-rise buildings. Understanding dry risers and how they work is crucial to understanding how large businesses are protected and aided in the event of an emergency. These systems allow firefighters to quickly and efficiently access water to combat fires, particularly in structures where water pressure may not suffice at higher levels. Building owners, managers, and fire protection professionals must understand how dry risers work and why they matter.

What Are Dry Risers?

A dry riser consists of vertical pipes installed in a building to distribute water across multiple floors for firefighting. Unlike wet risers, which remain filled with water, dry risers stay empty until an emergency arises. When a fire breaks out, firefighters connect hoses to an external inlet valve, sending water through the pipes to designated outlet points on each floor.

Buildings taller than 18 meters (around six floors) but under 60 meters (about 18 floors) typically require dry risers. Firefighters rely on them in commercial buildings, high-rise residential properties, and multi-storey car parks, where fire suppression would otherwise prove challenging.

How Do They Work?

During a fire, firefighters activate the dry riser system through a simple but effective process:

• External Water Connection: Firefighters attach their water supply—usually from a fire engine—to the inlet valve outside the building. A secure, clearly marked box houses this valve.
• Water Distribution: Once connected, firefighters pump water through the dry riser pipework. The system withstands the high pressures needed to push water upward across multiple floors.
• Internal Outlets: Each floor contains outlet valves linked to the dry riser pipe. Firefighters can quickly attach their hoses to these conveniently located outlets, often near stairwells, and start extinguishing the fire.

Dry risers offer a distinct advantage due to their simplicity. Because the pipes remain empty and sealed when not in use, they avoid issues like freezing, corrosion, or leaks that wet systems might experience. This reliability makes them a critical component of any fire safety strategy.

Regulations and Standards

The UK enforces strict regulations to ensure dry risers function properly in emergencies. Several key standards govern their installation, maintenance, and testing:

• British Standard BS 9990: This primary standard for non-automatic fire-fighting systems details requirements for designing, installing, and maintaining dry risers.
• Building Regulations Part B: This section of the building regulations mandates fire safety measures for different types of buildings, including the use of dry risers in taller structures.

Maintenance and Testing

Routine maintenance and testing ensure dry risers work when firefighters need them. BS 9990 outlines specific inspection and testing requirements:

• Biannual Visual Inspection: Every six months, inspectors check for visible damage, vandalism, or wear and tear. They examine the external inlet, internal outlets, pipework, and seals to confirm they remain in good condition.
• Annual Pressure Test: Inspectors fill the system with water and pressurize it to ensure no leaks exist and that it can handle the necessary water pressure during an emergency.

Building managers must address any faults immediately. Failing to comply with maintenance standards can result in severe penalties and, more critically, system failure during a fire, endangering lives and property.

The Importance of Dry Risers in Fire Safety

Dry risers play an essential role in a building’s fire safety strategy, particularly in high-rise structures where quick water access can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. By providing a dedicated, reliable water source, dry risers help firefighters control and extinguish fires more effectively, ultimately saving lives and reducing property damage.

Building owners and managers must take responsibility for installing, inspecting, and maintaining dry risers. Compliance with fire safety regulations isn’t just a legal duty—it’s a fundamental part of responsible property management. Neglecting these systems can lead to devastating consequences.

Anyone managing or constructing multi-story buildings must understand dry risers and their significance in fire safety. These systems serve as a crucial link in fire protection, ensuring firefighters can access the water they need to combat fires in tall buildings. By following regulations and maintaining dry risers to the highest standards, building owners and managers can protect lives and property, reinforcing the vital role of fire safety in our built environment.