OG 4057 Standpipe Operations

Issued By: OPERATIONS (B. Clarke)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher   
Date of Issue: 2011/06/21


BACKGROUND:

Firefighting from a stand piped building is challenging and success depends upon both the condition of the standpipe system and our skill and efficiency in using it. Tall buildings, however, are not the only structures equipped with standpipes. The primary factors are the height and area of the structure. Standpipe systems are often installed in locations with no access for fire department vehicles (such as elevated floors, parking garages or wharfs/docks) or buildings where excessive area precludes the stretching of lines directly from the engine.

PRE- INCIDENT PLANNING:

Engine companies should preplan the standpipe systems found in their response areas and note any special characteristics or problems. All standpipe operations should include two hose packs joined together for a total of 200 feet.

PURPOSE: 

The purpose is to set the parameters on how firefighters will connect to a standpipe system with the kits used within HRFE.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the safety of HRFE members engaged in firefighting operations supported by a standpipe water supply. 

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of HRFE.

PROCEDURE:

During high rise operations the first hose line should be attached to an outlet on the floor immediately below the fire. In buildings of fireproof construction with properly functioning fire doors an outlet on the unaffected side may be used.

Whenever advancing lines through doors ensure they are wedged in the open position.
Start operation by removing the cap from the stand pipe connection and checking the orifice for any substance that may be lodged inside. Flushing the standpipe is recommended before attaching the hose and fittings. 

The first due engine crew is responsible to ensure a proper hookup to the hose outlet, including connection of any necessary fittings.

Expanded Standpipe Kits are placed on apparatus in high hazard areas.

•    1 ¾ inch smooth bore nozzle (may be attached to hose bundle)
•    1 ¾ inch
•    Multipurpose (Saber Jet)
•    Two Inch hose
•    Inline pressure gauge
•    Elbow
•    Spanner wrenches
•    Door chocks
•    Surveyor’s tape.

OPERATION – Expanded Kit Two inch hose and Inline gauge

The inline pressure gauge, if available should always be used to ensure correct nozzle pressure and a good fire stream. Prior to attaching the inline pressure gauge, flush the standpipe system. Attach gauge, elbow and 200 feet of 2” hose with nozzle. When the line is called to be charged the control fire fighter opens the gate and then shall check the inline gauge for pressure. Nozzle pressure is to be adjusted down to required pressure by use of the hand wheel at the stand pipe outlet. This can only be done when water is flowing.

Always open the valve fully then adjust pressure down when water is flowing. It should be noted here that the inline gauge reading is only accurate when the nozzle is open fully and water is flowing. If the gauge is read after opening the hose outlet valve, but before the nozzle is opened, the reading will not be accurate and when the nozzle is finally opened, there will be a dramatic drop in pressure possibly creating a dangerously ineffective fire stream. 

Standard Standpipe Kit

•    1 ¾ inch fog nozzle
•    1 ¾ hose
•    Short Piece of 2 ½ hose
•    2 ½ to 1 ¾ Gated Wye
•    Spanner wrenches
•    Door chocks
•    Surveyor’s tape

OPERATION – Inch and Three quarter Hose and Fog Nozzles

Flush the system, connect the short length of 2 ½ hose with gated wye on the end, and attach 200 feet of inch and three quarter hose to gate. Open the valve fully charging water to gate, open gate to charge hose. If a second line is required, it may be stretched from the second outlet on the gate.

Always charge and bleed your hose line before entering the fire area. Firefighters shall utilize only Department issued hose for standpipe firefighting and shall not attempt to use the “occupant use” hose, sometimes provided with these systems.

Connecting to the Fire Department Connection (FDC)

When responding to buildings with a known FDC the following unit assignments shall be:

The first arriving unit will drop off the crew (officer and firefighters with tools) at the main entrance, side Alpha, then the Engine shall proceed to the FDC and make a
single connection.

The second Engine will proceed to side Alpha or where directed by Command.

The third Engine will be responsible to supply water to the first engine if required. Once the need for water is determined, the first connection will be charged; a second connection to the FDC will then be established. Lines to FDC will be pumped at 200 PSI.

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure followed for standpipe operations.