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    CB-2007-8

    Uploaded by

    Divakar Dhande
    TBT

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    CB-2007-8

    Uploaded by

    Divakar Dhande
    1 views1 page
    TBT

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    TBT

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    1 views1 page

    CB-2007-8

    Uploaded by

    Divakar Dhande
    TBT

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    No.

    2007-8 February 20, 2007

    U.S. Fire Administration / National Fire Academy

    Coffee Break Training


    Topic: Preventing Freeze-up Impairments
    Learning objective: The student shall be able to list several actions needed to avoid freeze-up emergencies in
    water-based fire protection systems.

    With the northern hemisphere in the middle of winter, sustained cold weather creates
    potential problems like this severely ice-damaged outside stem and yoke valve that was
    left in the open position when the building heat was turned off.

    There are numerous steps a property owner should take for property protection when
    cold weather nears:

    • Examine wet-pipe sprinkler systems for areas susceptible to freezing, and develop
    plans to assure they remain operational.
    • Inspect all dry-pipe systems to make sure their clappers are properly seated, air settings
    are correct, air maintenance systems (compressors) are in good operating condition,
    riser rooms are well insulated, and heat tape (if permitted) and heating systems are
    working properly.
    • Drain all low points and check priming water level for excess accumulation.
    • Exercise and lubricate all sectional control valves to ensure they will work properly
    should a break occur. Keep the valves clear of snow and ice.
    • Verify antifreeze systems have proper antifreeze solution strength.
    • Inspect, service, and test heating systems to assure that power and temperature controls
    cannot be inadvertently deactivated. Check the fuel supply for the heating system and
    portable heaters. Have adequate fuel supplies on hand.
    • Install temperature alarms or automatic backup heat sources on vulnerable
    systems. Temperatures should not fall below 40° F (4.4° C).
    • Use only listed or approved portable heaters where they can be supervised
    safely, and where there is adequate ventilation. Use extreme caution to
    prevent ignition of surrounding combustibles.
    • Do not use torches, other open flame tools, or steam to thaw frozen pipes.

    Always follow impairment plan protocols. An owner should contact his


    or her property insurer for additional loss control advice. See Coffee Break
    Training 2006-12 “Planned Impairments”.

    For additional information, refer to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection,Testing, and
    Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
    Photo courtesy of
    Fire Marshal Tony Collins, Clive, Iowa

    Inspections For archived downloads, go to: www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/

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