Scope of Work
This Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment defines the execution of the installations in accordance with the relevant reference standards, project specifications, approved shop drawings, and health, safety & environment (HSE) requirements.
The installation contractors are required to follow this method statement at all times during the whole working period.
The subcontractor shall ensure that the safe work systems resulting from the Risk Assessments are employed throughout the works as described.
The Construction Manager and Safety Manager have the responsibility for ensuring that the method statement procedures are adhered to and are verified using the SADDs.
Table of Contents
Purpose of the Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations
The purpose of this Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations is to provide instructions for the installation of fire protection equipment.
This work is specifically for the exposed wall-mounted/ floor-mounted, Internal wall, and floor-mounted works necessary for the proper execution and timely completion of the project, in line with approved construction drawings and project requirements.
Definitions and Abbreviations
The following definitions and Abbreviations are used:
BS British Standard
HSE Health Safety and Environment
IFC Issued For Construction
ITP Inspection and Test Plan
MAR Material Approval Request
MEP Mechanical Electrical Plumbing
MS Method Statement
NCR Non-Compliance Report
NFPA National Fire Protection Association.
PE Project Engineer
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
QC Quality Control
RA Risk Assessment
SADDS Site Activity Day Diary Sheets
Reference Standards
NFPA 10 – 2013 For Portable Fire Extinguisher
NFPA 13 – 2016 For Installation of Sprinkler System
NFPA 14 – 2016 For Stand Pipe & Hose Systems
NFPA 24 – 2016 For The Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances
NFPA 25 – 2016 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection
NFPA 1961-2013 For Fire Hose
NFPA 1963 – 2014 For Fire Hose Connections
Reference Documents
Material Approval Request
Project Specifications
IFC Drawings
Project Quality Plan
Quality Inspection Management
HSE Plan
Environmental Management Plan
Sustainability Management Plan
Health, Safety, and Environment
Health and Safety
All site operatives will be required to undergo site safety Induction and suitable training prior to undertaking any site construction works. As a minimum, the following PPE will be provided in addition to that identified in the Risk Assessment.
a) Safety Glasses.
b) Safety Helmet
c) Safety Shoes
d) Hand Gloves
e) High Visibility Vest
f) Safety Harness
g) Coverall
The Health and Safety considerations included in the Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations:
a) Issue approved Method Statement & Risk Assessment to supervisors operatives prior to the work commencement.
b) Conduct daily task briefings and toolbox talks before starting work and record all participants by signing an attendance sheet and recording in SADD’s
c) Obtain confirmation from the main contractor that the designated construction areas have safe access and that all related safety precautions and safety warning measures have been implemented by a subcontractor.
d) Provision of shaded rest areas where practical on-site and welfare facilities.
e) Provision of drinking water, toilets, and washing stations.
f) Daily compliance with the working practices stated in the Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations will be managed by using the SADD inspections. Daily Audits will be conducted by the Site Engineer and HSE Inspector throughout the duration of the works.
g) Activity-related Health & Safety.
h) Necessary permit to work system.
i) Site-Specific Risk Assessment.
Environmental
The environmental threats risks issues and concerns shall also be managed using the SADD during the works: The main environmental issues include :
a) Noise disturbance
b) Waste management
c) Lighting
d) Dust Control
Quality
The Inspection and Test Plan for the Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations summarizes the specific characteristics and objectives that are to be satisfied. The Site Construction Manager will be responsible to ensure stage-wise compliance for these operations, and the QA/QC Engineer will carry out quality control checks and report the inspection results. The ‘Hold Points’ are identified in the ITP.
Materials Delivery
All delivered materials shall be inspected on arrival at the site.
The inspection shall be advised, in advance as required by ITP.
All approvals documents and certifications shall be made available for site goods received inspections at the time of the delivery.
Material delivered on-site must be new & bear complete identification as per specification.
All materials shall be free from any defects or damages and foreign materials that will result in the inability to install the materials and subsequent deterioration.
All materials shall be as per the approved material submittal & samples.
No materials will be permitted to enter the work location without prior inspection and approval.
Materials inspection request MIR shall be issued by the sub-contractor and submitted by the main contractor and materials shall be inspected and approved by Engineer’s representative prior to dispatch to the site and commencement of works.
Handling and Storage of Materials
All materials will be delivered to the site by truck/trailer. quantities of materials stored on-site shall not exceed 2 Weeks of planned production. All incoming materials will be off-loaded by Boom truck or manually into the storage area. Manual handling shall be up to 25Kgs.
On receipt of fire protection equipment like landing valve, breeching inlet, portable fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and fire hose cabinet the materials shall be handled & stored in line with the following procedure:
a) The landing valve, breeching inlet, fire hose cabinet, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, fire hose, landing valve cabinet, nozzles, and breeching inlet cabinet delivered at the site shall be carefully off-loaded by deploying necessary/ adequate dedicated manpower for loading and unloading materials in such a way that no damage is caused to the same.
b) Fire hose cabinet, shall be stacked type-wise on a flat surface free from any sharp objects and shall be given adequate support at all times.
c) Necessary care should be taken not to shatter the glass of the breeching inlet & landing valve cabinets.
d) Ensure fire extinguishers & fire blankets are stored in a place where the maximum ambient temperature does not exceed the temperature rating of the manufacturer.
e) All the materials shall be stored in a place free of water, and dust & adequately covered to avoid any kind of damage.
f) While unloading, shifting, and storage, it should be ensured that there are no damages.
g) Delivery of materials will be checked/inspected by the contractor QC Engineer to ensure all
items on delivery notes are correct prior to signing. Any shortage or damaged items should be recorded on the delivery note and reported to the Engineer.
h) Any discrepancies, damage, etc. found to the materials shall be notified and reported to QA/QC Engineer.
i) Materials found not suitable for site use shall be removed from the site immediately and moved to the quarantine zone and reported on SADDs.
j) Raise the MIR for engineers’ approval.
Responsibilities for Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations
Project Manager
Responsible for providing adequate resources and ensuring that the project specifications and regulations are adhered to.
Sr. MEP Engineer
Oversee the entire MEP construction activities within the site and ensure that activities are carried out as per the contract drawings and documents and report the same in SADDs.
MEP Construction Engineer
Supervise the subcontractor to meet the desired quality of the activities and ensure that proper work and schedules are met.
Site Engineer
Supervise closely, the activities designated to them and ensure that all instructions and safety procedures are followed and strictly adhered to.
QA/QC Engineer
Conduct surveillance and inspection duties at various stages to ensure compliance with QA/QC Plan.
HSE Manager
Provides advice and support in the application of this procedure and monitors the effectiveness of the relevant control documents.
HSE Officer/ Inspector
Ensure enforcement of safety procedures in accordance with the Main Contractor HSE Plan / Procedures & project specifications requirement.
Tools and Equipment
The following tools and equipment items have been identified for the installation of fire protection equipment:
a) Measuring tape hand tools box ( Adjustable spanner set, cutting pliers, screwdriver set, hammer, hacksaw frame & flat file, spirit levels).
b) Portable drilling machine.
c) Boom truck
d) Measuring tape and suitable materials for marking.
e) A-type ladder.
f) Mobile-type scaffolding with wheel safety lock.
g) Electric drilling/ hammering/ grinding machines.
h) Adjustable pipe wrench.
i) Speed metal cutting machine.
j) Pipe threading machine.
k) Roll grooving machine.
I) Paintbrush.
m) Pipe vise table.
n) Hack and saw.
o) Wooden mallet.
Pre-Site Work
Prior to the commencement of any installation works associated with the fire protection equipment, the MEP subcontractor will ensure that all site installation pre-conditions have been satisfied. These include a site inspection to verify that the site condition is considered suitable for work to commence and that the main contractor’s safety provisions have been provided and were completed by subcontractors’ safety provisions also. E.g. Site Access Site Illumination etc.
Prior to installation, the subcontractors shall ensure that:
a) All materials and documentation relevant to a particular section of work have been checked by the site/project engineer prior to the commencement of work ensuring that these are of the correct type as reviewed by the client.
b) Before the commencement of any construction works, pre-inspections will be carried out on all materials prior to being withdrawn from the storage area i.e. quantity, physical damage, and brand/make.
c) Works shall not proceed until an approved IFC shop drawing or detail is issued.
d) Safe access to work areas shall be provided and shall be approved by the competent safety person prior to the commencement of works if applicable.
e) The Site Engineer/Supervisor will also check that the tools and equipment available are in compliance with contract requirements.
f. Where the RA identifies high-risk works, a permit to work must be obtained from the safety department and entered on SADDs.
g) Documents required for the execution of the construction work are of the latest issued shop drawings and should have an IFC stamp prior to starting the work (specifications, working drawings, Manufacturer’s drawings, etc.)
h) Ensure that all relevant documentation i.e. ITP, installation method statement, shop drawings & MEP coordinated drawings, etc. are available and approved.
i) Skilled manpower required for carrying out the construction work will be employed.
k) Check that proper tools and equipment are available to carry out the work and are in compliance with contract specifications.
I) Mobilize all equipment and materials which are required for the Installation of firefighting equipment.
m) Adequate exclusion zone and warning signs shall be ensured around the workplaces to eliminate unauthorized personnel/equipment movements.
n) Make sure before installing equipment, that the visual dimensional & quantitative checks have been carried out properly and that the materials fully comply with the approved shop drawings and specifications.
o) Ensure that all materials received are inspected (by the engineer), found acceptable as per approved material submittal, and available to carry out the work.
p) Prior to installation works, the study of the shop drawings, Manufacturer installation details & specifications to be done. The subcontractor shall carry out a survey of the site related to the area of the installation works. This shall include a dimensional survey, recording the construction of the building, the detail, and nature of the existing obstruction, and future installations, in order to fully coordinate the work to be done.
Installation of Fire Protection Equipment
General
A standpipe system is intended to eliminate the need for excessively long runs of hose for manual firefighting. With a standpipe system installed in a building, the firefighter can connect a hose to a permanently installed valve on the standpipe system and with not more than 100 to 200 ft. (35.5 m to 61 m) of hose, can fight a fire anywhere on a given
floor. According to NFPA 14 ( 3.3.17). Standpipe systems are divided into classes to identify their specific function. Those classifications are as follows:
Class I. Intended for fire department uses only. This type of system is equipped with a 2 ½” (65 mm) angle valve for hose attachment. The system is not provided with a hose; the fire department will use its own hose.
Class II. Previously intended for building occupant use only. NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, now restricts this type of system for use by trained industrial fire brigades.
The Class II system is usually equipped with a 1 ½” (40 mm) hose in varying lengths of 50 to 150 ft (50 m to 45. 7 m) and is designed to discharge water at a rate of 50 GPM (189 Lim) per hose rack at a pressure of 65 psi (4.5 bar).
Class III. A combination of Class I and Class II. This type of system is usually equipped with a 2 1/2″ (65 mm) angle valve for fire department use and a 1 ½” (40 mm) hose rack assembly for industrial fire brigade use, although a 2½ “. (65 mm) hose valve with a 2½” X 1 ½” (65 mm X 40 mm) reducer and a 1 ½ ” (40 mm) cap and chain can, by definition in NFPA 14, be used to satisfy the Class Ill standpipe system requirement. It is important to note that many building codes will require the installation of a Class Ill standpipe system. Such a requirement can be met without the installation of a hose rack assembly.
Installation of Landing Valve Assembly
a) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the wall has been painted & released to proceed with the installation.
b) The position of the landing valve shall be readily visible and accessible to the firefighters.
c) After confirming the openings are made shift the required landing valves, cabinets, fire hose reel & nozzles to the site using adequate manpower.
d) Before installation check for any physical damages on the landing valve, fire hose reel, nozzle & cabinet.
e) All the Landing valves, fire hose, cabinet, and nozzles shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 14, NFPA 24, and project specifications.
f) Ensure the installation height of the landing valve should comply with the requirements (between 1 meter and 1.4 meters)
g) Necessary Piping should be carried out as per the approved drawing.
h) The landing valve shall be placed as per the approved shop drawing.
i) Mount the landing valve cabinet to the opening using approved fasteners.
j) Ensure the cabinet is fixed properly in the opening.
k) Check the doors of the cabinet are opening smoothly.
I) Ensure the outside of the cabinet is having a “WET RISER OUTLET” indication in 50 mm high red letters on the inside face of the glazing.
m) Fix the landing valve to the completed pipework using the necessary tools and equipment.
n) Ensure the landing valve is with a 50 mm diameter inlet & 65 mm diameter instantaneous female outlet with a blank cap.
o) Ensure the chain valves shall be in a straight or oblique pattern as per the project specifications.
p) Approved pipe nozzle & fire hose 30 meters long by 65 mm diameter should be placed in necessary hangers inside the cabinet.
q) Ensure the pipe nozzle & firehouse are placed in a way that they are ready for immediate use.
r) After installation the cabinet should be cleaned as per the approved MAR.
Installation of Breeching Inlets
a) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the wall has been painted & released to proceed with the installation.
b) Check the approved drawing and mark the portion where the openings should be made for the recessed type cabinet.
c) The position of the breeching inlet shall be readily visible and accessible to the firefight.
d) Maximum distance between the fire engine hard standing to the breeching inlet should be 18 meters.
e) After confirming the openings/markings are made, shift the required breeching inlets & cabinets to the site.
f) Before installation check for any physical damages on the breeching inlet & cabinet.
g) All the breeching inlets & cabinets shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 14, NFPA 24, & project specifications.
h) Ensure the centerline of the breeching inlet is 750 mm above the surrounding ground level.
i) Check the 25 mm gunmetal gate valve is fixed properly on the breeching inlet.
j) Fix the cabinet in the opening using approved fasteners, after doing necessary pipe works as per the approved shop drawings.
k) Fix the breeching inlet to the completed pipework using the necessary tools and equipment.
I) Check the 25 mm gunmetal gate valve is fixed properly on the breeching inlet.
m) Ensure the outside of the box is having the necessary indication “WET RISER INLET” in 50 mm high red letters on the inside face of the glazing.
Installation of Portable Fire Extinguishers
a) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the wall has been painted &released to proceed with the installations.
b) Shift the required portable fire extinguisher to the site using adequate manpower.
c) Before installation checks any physical damages on the Fire extinguisher.
d) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the shop drawings including coordination drawings of the respective area are approved.
e) Ensure the Fire extinguishers have complied with the BS-5423 standard.
f) All the portable fire extinguishers shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 10, & project specifications.
g) Check the approved drawing for the exact location of each type of fire extinguisher.
h) Ensure the type and capacity of the fire extinguisher by cross-checking it with the approved drawing.
i) Check on the approved drawing for the elevation of the extinguisher from the finished drawing.
j) Mark on the wall the location of approved wall hangers and or wall brackets from the finished floor.
k) Ensure the height of the hanger location does not exceed 1.5 meters.
I) Drill and fix the hangers and support using the necessary tools.
m) Check the portable extinguisher is pressurized correctly before installing it on the hanger.
n) Installed Fire extinguisher location to be marked in a drawing and shall be kept in the respective level escape route plan.
Installation of Fire Blankets
a) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the wall has been painted & released to proceed with the installation.
b) Before installation checks any physical damages on the fire blanket.
c) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the shop drawings including coordination drawings of the respective area are approved.
d. All the fire blankets shall conform to the requirements of the NFPA, & project specifications.
e) Check the approved drawing for the exact location of each type of fire extinguisher.
f) Mark on the wall the location of approved wall hangers and or wall brackets from the finished floor.
g) Drill and fix the hangers and support using the necessary tools.
h) Fix the fire blanket on the hanger.
i) Ensure the fire blanket is placed in a region that is easily accessible and the labels are facing incorrect manner.
Installation of Fire Hose Cabinets
Surface Mounted Fire Hose Cabinets
a) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the wall has been painted & released to proceed with the installation
b) Shift the required Fire hose cabinets to the site.
c) Before installation checks any physical damages on the fire hose reel cabinets.
d) All the fire hose cabinets, hose reels, and portable fire extinguishers shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 14, NFPA 1961, NFPA 1963,& project specifications.
e) The location of the fire hose cabinet shall be marked as per the approved shop drawings.
f) The location of the fire hose cabinet should not be disturbed by any obstacles.
g) Using an approved anchor & bolt fasten the backbox of the cabinet to the wall.
h) Ensure the doors will open 180 deg without blocking any valves.
) i) Ensure necessary labeling & identification are given to the cabinet.
j) The Hose reel shall be installed inside the fire cabinet utilizing the existing brackets in the cabinet. The hose reel shall open fully & easily in all directions by just pulling the hose nozzle without even touching the reel.
k) The piping connection to the hose rack landing valve shall be as per the approved drawing.
I) Ensure the necessary pressure-reducing valve is installed as per NFPA 14 (5.8).
m) Ensure the pipe penetration is properly sealed.
n) The Hose reel shall be installed inside the fire cabinet utilizing the existing brackets in the cabinet. The hose reel shall open fully & easily in all directions.
o) Hose reels with semi-rigid hoses shall generally comply with BS EN 671-1.
p) Ensure the maximum length of the hose is 30 meters.
q) Check necessary indication for shut and jet is given in the nozzle as per the approved MAR.
r) Piping connection to the hose reels shall be as per the approved drawing.
s) Hose and fire extinguisher shall be placed inside the fire hose cabinets as per approved shop drawings & material submittal.
t) Check cabinets shall have suitable ventilation openings.
u) On completion of fire hose cabinet installation, clean interior & exterior surfaces as recommended by the manufacturer.
Recessed fire Hose Cabinets
a) Prior to starting the installation it shall be ensured that the wall has been painted &. released to proceed with the installation.
b) Check the approved drawing and mark the portion where the openings should be made.
c) After confirming the openings are made shift the required fire hose cabinets to the site.
d) Before installation checks any physical damages on the fire hose reel cabinets.
e) All the fire hose cabinets, hose reel, and portable fire extinguishers shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 14, NFPA 1961, NFPA 1963, & project specifications.
f) The location of the fire hose cabinet should not be disturbed by any obstacles.
g) The fire cabinet shall be then placed in the opening with the outer flange flush with the wall and shall be fitted to the block wall using approved fasteners.
h) Ensure the doors will open 180 deg without blocking any valves.
i) Ensure necessary labeling & identification are given to the cabinet.
j) The hose reel shall be installed inside the fire cabinet utilizing the existing brackets in the cabinet. The hose reel shall open fully & easily in all directions by just pulling the hose nozzle without even touching the reel.
k) The piping connection to the hose rack landing valve shall be as per the approved drawing.
I) Ensure the necessary pressure-reducing valve is installed As per the NFPA 14 (5.8).
m) Ensure the pipe penetration is properly sealed.
n) The hose reel shall be installed inside the fire cabinet utilizing the existing brackets in the cabinet. The hose reel shall open fully & easily in all directions.
o) Hose reels with semi-rigid hoses shall generally comply with BS EN 671-1.
p) Ensure the maximum length of the hose is 30 meters.
q) Check necessary indication for shut and jet is given in the nozzle as per the approved MAR.
r) Piping connection to the hose reels shall be as per the approved drawing.
s) An extra hose & two approved fire extinguishers shall be placed inside the fire hose cabinets as per approved shop drawings & material submittal.
t) Ensure cabinets is having suitable ventilation openings.
u) On completion of fire hose cabinet installation, clean interior & exterior surfaces as recommended by the manufacturer.
Competence and Compliance
The Method Statement for Fire Protection Equipment Installations provided shall include a detailed clause-wise compliance statement in respect of:
Regulatory Compliance
This method statement has been developed to follow the regulatory requirements and as per project specifications.
Competency of Author/Originator
This method statement includes a statement verifying the competence of the document author/ originator and demonstrating competency.
Construction/Installation (SADD’s)
The project specifications compliance requirements section reference documents SADDs are deemed to be a condition of this Method Statement and are provided to demonstrate that the procedures identified are actually adhered to at the site.
Risk Assessment, Health, and Safety Compliance
This method statement has been developed specifically for the works specified in the designated area. A Risk Assessment of this work has been undertaken by the approved safety manager as per requirement.