The next service we want to talk about is the Fire Hydrant and Dry Riser Testing and Dry Riser Maintenance.
Dry Riser Testing and Dry Riser Maintenance often get overlooked but are super important! From talking to our clients, a lot of us are unsure who the responsibility of fire hydrant and dry riser maintenance falls too.
Fire Hydrant Testing and Maintenance
A Fire Hydrant is a connection point by which firefighters can tap into the local mains water supply.
To comply with UK regulations, all hydrants should be checked and maintained by professionals. Regular inspection and maintenance ensure that firefighters have access to the tools they need to essential save lives. Where there is a hydrant located on private property, its maintenance is the responsibly of the land/business owner.
What areas do we cover for testing and maintenance?
Total Safe offers Fire Hydrant testing and maintenance locally throughout Essex but also branches out to cover London and the South-East.
What is involved in testing?
Firstly, your engineer will perform a visual inspection of the hydrant ‘above ground’; this includes the hydrant frame, cover and surrounding surface. The cover should be free from vegetation and/or debris and the pit itself should be clean and dry. Any obstructions to the unit are removed. This is because it is essential that the fire brigade have easy, unobstructed access to it in the event of an emergency.
What happens next?
Continuing, the next step of the inspection involves the unit itself being checked. The valves, outlet cap, water pressure and flow rate are all inspected. The pressure and flow rate testing is done so using specialist equipment to ensure it is adequate for fighting fires because if it isn’t, the results can be disasterous.
Any required repairs/maintenance will be carried out thoroughly by your Total Safe engineer with the highest level of precision and care.
Dry Riser Maintenance and Maintenance
A Dry Riser is a main vertical pipe intended to distribute water to multiple levels of a building as a component of the in-house fire suppression systems. Having a built-in distribution system means that the fire service can fast access water within the building and do their job quicker and more efficiently. The system saves valuable time because it saves the firefighters from having to create their own distribution system; a delay that could mean the difference between life and death as every second counts.
What areas do we cover?
Total Safe provide comprehensive dry riser maintenance and testing throughout Essex, London and the South East, preventing any failures to the system, and aiding local businesses to be compliant, but most importantly, safe. Failure of the system could be catastrophic and could mean your business is liable for prosecution.
What happens during testing?
Your fully qualified Total Safe engineer will perform an initial visual inspection of the Dry Riser itself. The system is then charged with water. The pressure is monitored to ensure it is maintained over both distance and time. Upon completion, all pipework is drained, the cabinets are closed and safely locked, and the surrounding area is left as it was found.
Total Safe make sure the whole process is easy and economical. We will keep you updated with what is going on, every step of the way. We are always on hand to help because we want our clients to feel like we can answer any unanswered questions they may have.
For more information on dry riser testing and dry riser maintenance contact Total Safe UK.
