Maintenance of fire safety systems (S.S.I.)
Preventive maintenance of fire safety systems (SSI) is crucial for buildings open to the public (ERP), buildings for workers and high-rise buildings (IGH). This maintenance involves a complete check of all system components: central equipment as well as peripherals such as automatic smoke detectors, manual triggers (DM), evacuation diffusers, actuated safety devices (DAS)...
Why maintain your ISS?
A Fire Safety System (SSI) is a device for protecting people and property, which can comprise a Fire Detection System (SDI) and a Fire Safety System (SMSI) for the most demanding sites.
It is the responsibility of the plant manager to ensure the safety of his staff, the
sustainability of his operation and to limit the impact on the environment.
The SSI is a system waiting to be called upon, and must be operational even several years after it has been installed.
Regular maintenance visits are not only compulsory, they are also essential to confirm the plant's level of performance by carrying out periodic functional tests.
Preventive maintenance of an SSI allows :
- reduce the probability of plant failure,
- minimize corrective maintenance operations,
- make any necessary repairs and/or improvements,
- to ensure long-term operation and guarantee your initial investment.
- to guarantee optimum safety.
What maintenance operations need to be carried out on your SSI?
Two maintenance visits per year are recommended (or even mandatory in some cases), and include various operations:
- Examination of operating documents (operating and maintenance manual, safety register, APSAD declaration or installation technical file).
- Visual inspection of installation (SSI control lights, equipment integrity, suitability of system for building operation, etc.).
- Functional testing of scenarios and system components (DAS, AES, automatic detectors, manual releases, etc.)
Why choose Eurofeu?
Our teams are trained and qualified to carry out the necessary checks and maintenance, and to bring your fire safety systems up to standard, on all types of fire safety systems (fire safety systems categories A to E) and on all types of alarm equipment (EA types 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4). Our multi-brand, multi-trade expertise means we can advise you effectively on optimizing your fire safety.
FAQ
What is the pressure of a dry column?
Pressure during an intervention
- When in service: Firefighters connect an external water source (such as a fire engine) to the dry stack and pump water through it.
- Typical pressure: The pressure of the water injected by firefighters generally varies between 16 bar (16,000 kPa) to ensure that the water reaches the upper floors of the building with sufficient pressure to be effective in fighting the fire.
Technical considerations
- Building height: The taller the building, the greater the pressure required to overcome gravity and provide adequate water pressure to each floor.
How to control a dry column
Visual Inspection
- Checking hydrants: We make sure that hydrants on ground and upper floors are not blocked or damaged.
- Check visible components: Inspect valves, plugs, seals and brackets for signs of deterioration, corrosion or leakage.
Pressure Test
- Connection to an external water source: Use a pump to inject water into the dry column.
- Column pressurization: Pressure rises to an operational level, usually around 16 bar.
- Leak monitoring: Check for leaks along the column and connections.
Flow Test
- Water flow on each floor: Open fire hydrants on each floor to check that water is flowing correctly and at sufficient pressure.
- Evaluate performance: We then ensure that the water flow is constant and adequate for firefighting.
Component maintenance
- Cleaning and lubricating components: Plugs, seals and valves must be clean and well lubricated for optimum performance.
- Replacing worn parts: Change damaged or worn seals, plugs or valves.
When should a dry stack be installed? Is it mandatory?
High-rise buildings (IGH)
- Residential buildings: If the height of the building exceeds 28 meters.
- Other building types: For non-residential buildings, this obligation generally applies to heights of 50 metres and over.
Underground parking lots
- Multi-storey parking lots: Dry columns are mandatory in multi-storey underground parking lots to enable rapid intervention on each floor.
Shopping centers and complexes
- Large retail outlets: Shopping centers and superstores with several levels or basements must be equipped with dry columns to facilitate firefighter access.
Public-access buildings (ERP)
- Establishments with basements: ERP buildings such as theaters, cinemas, hotels, hospitals and other buildings with high footfall require dry columns to secure basements and high levels.
Industrial Plants
- High-risk sites: Industrial facilities with high fire risks or complex configurations (such as basements or multiple floors) require dry columns to secure all areas of the site.
Need help?
Contact our teams for a precise diagnosis.
Regulations and standards
The regulatory requirements for dry columns are set out in the French Construction and Housing Code, the French Labor Code, and current ERP regulations.
On this basis, the operator is responsible for maintaining the general condition of the dry columns: maintenance must be carried out by an authorized professional, and proof of this must be recorded in the safety register. The various maintenance operations, as well as the initial conformity check of the installation, must be carried out in accordance with the current NF S 61-759 standard. An inspection report is then issued, recording the tests carried out and the results observed.
In the event of a malfunction, a proposal for remedial action is sent to the operator. The Centre Opérationnel Départemental d'Incendie et de Secours must also be informed if the condition of the system reaches a certain critical level. These proposals must be made in writing.
