Dry Riser Annual Inspection
How often should a dry riser be inspected?
Dry Risers should be inspected annually to ensure they are in full working order, should they be needed in an emergency.
Contact Safeguard Fire Sprinkler Systems to arrange a Dry Riser inspection in London and the surrounding areas at [email protected] or by calling 01625 724128.
What is a dry riser?
A Dry Riser allows firefighters easy access to a steady stream of water in the event of a fire in a residential or domestic property. They are essential in a high-rise building.
Dry risers do not store any water, they work by creating pressure so that when a firefighter attaches their fire hose to the dry riser, water can then be pumped directly from the dry riser to the area where there is a fire.
It is recommended that a Dry Riser outlet is positioned on every floor of a high-rise building or block of apartments.
Dry Risers outlets are usually positioned near the road, so that the fire service can park as close as possible and connect their hose to the inlet at ground level. This will then provide a steady stream of water. Additional outlets are located in a fire escape staircase or a protection location such as a fire-resistant shaft to ensure they remain protected in the event of fire.
What is the difference between a Dry Riser and a Wet Riser?
The difference between a dry riser and wet riser is that a wet riser is constantly full of water and can supply around 1500 litres of water per minute, providing the fire service with unlimited access to water.
In a high-rise building, or block of apartments, a dry riser is more suitable as it will have an inlet at pavement level which can be accessed by the fire service at the roadside, and further inlets on every floor of a high-rise building. This allows the fire rescue team to quickly reach any floor of a block of apartments and then connect their hose to an outlet, without the need to drag a hose full of water with them. They can quickly and efficiently locate the dry riser cabinet and connect their hose in an area closest to the fire itself.
As there is a risk of Dry Riser Inlets being vandalised if left open to the elements, it is recommended that they are contained within a purpose-built cabinet, with a glass window which can be broken by the fire service when needed in an emergency.
Who can install and inspect a dry riser in London?
Safeguard Fire Sprinkler Systems offer an annual inspection of Dry Risers in London and surrounding areas by a competent and fully qualified inspector.
We can carry out a visual inspection every six months to check there is no visible damage. Every twelve months we will carry out a fully service in accordance with BS9990:2015 regulations, the current British Standards that regulate design, installation, testing and maintenance of dry risers.
Safeguard Fire Sprinkler Systems regularly carry out inspections in London and surrounding areas.
