Sprinkler System Installation Procedure

Pre-construction meeting will take place to brief all requirements on the implementation of this firefighting method statement. All operatives will attend the Project Safety induction prior to commencing work on site.

As a minimum requirement, daily toolbox talk will explain and discuss:

• The day’s work is for the team and individuals
• planned sequence of work
• plant requirements
• materials requirements
• trades handing over / handing back
• other trades and their work in the vicinity

The daily briefing should also seek feedback on Health and Safety issues and any near misses or accidents reported or not yet reported.

Necessary Tools & Equipment

Arrange below listed tools and equipment for installation of fire sprinkler system.

• Drill machine
• Portable electric drill
• Forklift
• Step Ladder
• Platform scaffolding
• Welding Machines
• Threading machine
• Measuring Tape
• Helper’s tool box
• Spirit Level, Water tube & Plumb
• Hammer
• Hacksaw
• Marker and Masking tape (consumables)
• Pipe Wrench (Adjustable & Fix)
• Bench Vise
• L- Key Set
• Pipe Cutter

Pre Installation Checks

For sprinkler system pipe routing through walls and beams, make sure the appropriate sleeves are in place.

Sleeves are always as per approvals, shop drawings and specification during the construction of structural elements.

Fittings for the changes of direction or elevation shall be selected and installed as per the specification and approved shop drawings.

Transfer the pipes in safe manner from the stores to the areas where installation will happen.

Installation of Soffit Mounted Fire Sprinklers

Move scaffold into the position and check that all wheels are lock and outrigger stabilizers extended to the correct position.

Use scaffold that have been duly inspected, certified and tagged.

Mark out vertical support threaded rod, channel position in relation to grid lines, datum markings per the approved shop drawings.

Check the dimensions to the finished face of the wall and / or column; report any discrepancy.

Secure first section of vertical support to the soffit as per the shop drawing details.

Clean thoroughly the pipes, so that all dust is removed. Lift the pipe to the platform using lifts or chine blocks.

Fit the bracket support to the pipe. Check the correct elevation of support brackets from the datum. Do not assume that floor / Slab is at correct FFL.

Check the tightness of all the bolts. When sufficient number of support brackets is fixed the pipes may be lifted into the position and secured to the bracket.

Adjacent length of pipes shall be joined using the method stated below.

For joining the threaded pipes and fittings use jute and shellac.

For grooved fittings, cut the groove depths on pipes as per fitting’s manufacturer data sheet.

Apply gasket lubricant around the groove and on the gasket internal.

At no time are tools and loose materials to be placed on pipes.

The subsequent firefighting pipe work inspection & testing shall be undertaken in accordance with ITP.

Installation of Wall Mounted Sprinklers

Move scaffold tower into the position and check that all wheels are locked and outrigger stabilizers are extend to the correct position.

Only scaffold that have been duly inspected, certified and tagged shall be used . Mark out center line of brackets position check the center line is plumb, if using cast-in channel, check that channel is plumb.

Mark out elevation of brackets using datum.

Do not assume that floor is at correct FFL.

Fix the brackets as shown in approved drawing details. Always check right of bolts.

When sufficient number of support brackets is fixed the pipes may be lifted into the position and secured to the bracket.

Adjacent length of pipes shall be joined by using the same method.

Select fittings for changes of direction or elevation and install as per the approved shop drawings.

The subsequent pipe work inspection & testing shall be undertaken in accordance with ITP.

Make sure that the fire alarm devices are installed in the piping systems as per specification, NFPA, approved shop drawings and as per local civil defense requirements.

Install Sprinkler Zone Control Valves, test assemblies and drain risers as per specifications, approved shop drawings, manufacturer recommendations and according to civil defense requirements.

Ensure Pressure gauges are installed as per approved shop drawing and civil defense requirements.

Issue request for inspection of installation of firefighting sprinkler systems including supports / brackets, valves, piping specialties and accessories as per approved shop drawing.

Make sure all open pipe works are suitably plugged.

Plug all connection ( including Sprinkler Tee-connection / adapters) , branches / drains in preparation to fill the system with water for hydro testing.

Hydro Pressure Testing of Sprinkler System Piping

The entire firefighting pipe work will be hydro-statically tested at 10 bars or 1.5 times the operating pressure.

Care should be taken not to exceed maximum capacity of the pipes.

Check and ensure that all pipes undergoing test is sufficiently supported and addition of pipe work will not introduce stress on any support.

Attach the pressure pump / hand pump to the desired location through an isolation valve / by-pass valve and a calibrated pressure gauge to indicate the pressure on the pipe system.

When hydraulic test is to be carried out for an installation of multiple floors, pressure gauge shall also be provided at the highest point of the circuit.

Ensure test pressure is recorded at highest point of the system.

Pressure gauge will be identified with serial numbers matching the submitted copies of calibration certificates.

Attach a drain valve at the lowest part of the pipe system, an air release valve at the highest point along with an isolation valve at the farthest end of the pipe work system to be tested.

Once the visible checks are satisfactory, start filling the system with clean water of ambient temperature.

During the water filling process, keep the air release valve, isolation valve open in order to purge any air in the system.

Once the pipe is filled with water close the test water inlet and air release valve.

Observe any leakage and if found drain the system and immediately rectify the defect before proceeding.

If there is no sign of leakage, increase the water pressure in the pipe work gradually in increment of 2 bars.

After increasing by 2 bar pressure hold for 10-15 minutes before applying additional pressure.

Check and ensure there is no leakage before proceeding further.

Upon reaching the test pressure of 10 bars close and secure the inlet valve.

Record the readings in the Hydro Test / Pressure test report sheet and the same to be signed off by consultant.

Keep the report in safe custody for future reference.

Cleaning & Flushing of Sprinkler System Piping

After successful completion of the hydro test/pressure testing, flushing of the sprinkler system will be done during the sectional installations of the system and after the completion of the whole Sprinkler system pipe work assembly.

Blow down effect if achieved during draining of the system right after completion of hydro pressure test.

Enough drain points will be left open of the flushing purpose. These points will be located in the lowest point of the area/ zone and the water supply point.

The pipe network will be flushed to ensure that the pipes are clean from dust, foreign materials and other construction debris that could have found its way inside the pipes.

Water will be pumped from the water supply point using the existing fire pumps or temporary water supply source, and the lowest points will be connected to the nearest drainage facility via a hose.

Flushing will continue until clear water at the drainage points is achieved.

Completely drain the sprinkler system piping, ensure all drain points are fully closed.

Make sure to remove all plugs on the sprinkler tee-connection / adapters and install approved sprinkler heads as per specifications and approved layout drawings.

SPRINKLER TYPES

Install pedant, upright, (combined pedant & upright) sidewall, extended coverage fast response sidewall, recessed, concealed, in areas as indicated on the approved shop drawings and as per manufacturer recommendation.

Any changes proposed must be approved in writing, by the consultant engineer.

Make sure all exposed Fire Fighting Sprinkler Pipes, Fittings and accessories will be painted with approved red oxide paint, unless otherwise stated in the specifications.

After painting, identification/labeling for Fire Fighting Sprinkler Pipes, Fittings and accessories (with direction of flow) will be done completely as per approved material and specifications.