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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Standpipe Work & Inspections

In completing standpipe work or equipment, Contractors should check the following applicable notes to ensure regulatory and Code compliance with NYC Building Code:

Color Coding

All standpipes and sprinkler risers must be painted red; this color-coding must be certified (BC 903.6). All buildings must comply.  Branch piping does not require color-coded painting BB 2010-014.

*Note: Dedicated Standpipe Valve handles must be painted Red; combination SD/SP System Valve handles must be painted Yellow; all painting must be complete before the hydrostatic test.

COLOR CODING

 

Sprinkler

Standpipe

Combination

Risers

Red

Red

Red

Branch Lines

Not Required

Not Required

Not Required

Handles

Green

Red

Yellow

FDC

Green

Red

Yellow

Cutting and Capping

In gut rehabilitations and demolitions, a NYS licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect must obtain a variance from the NYC Fire Department’s Construction, Demolition & Abatement Unit to remove standpipes when the scope exceeds four (4) stories.  Regardless of scope, FDNY notification is always required when any standpipes will be taken out of service.

Roughing + Finishing

  • Altered Standpipe Systems.  An LMP or LFSC must conduct hydrostatic pressure testing.
  • Removing Stories.  An LMP or LFSC must conduct hydrostatic pressure testing before work begins.
  • All standpipe and sprinkler work must have a Special Inspection; the Special Inspector must be named at the time of permit using an online submission form.
  • Fire pumps are not permitted in spaces that have gas piping, appliances and equipment.
  • Complete all the required authorizations and inspections from other city agencies and Special Inspection Agencies.
  • Automatic ball drip valve must be ¾" and installed horizontally.
  • All OS&Y standpipe valve, must be locked in the open position.
  • Affected Floors.  Conduct testing at the Standpipe drain line/test tee.
  • Hydrostatic Tests.  Conduct test at Fire Department connection
  • Test Standards.  Modifications of standpipe systems shall be tested to hydrostatic pressure of 300 psi for one (1) hour.

Special Inspections

Standpipe project work requires, per the Building Code, certain Special Inspection to be performed during, and at the end of construction based on scope of work, as per table below.  The Registered Design Professional is responsible for indicating which Special Inspections are required at submission, and the Owner must engage a responsible Special Inspection Agency, per BC 1704.24.

Sprinkler Systems

 Per NYC Building Code (BC 1707.23), Standpipe systems Special Inspections are required to verify installation of materials, fitting hangers’ assemblies and signage, are per approved documents.

In addition, Special Inspection must ensure that painting of system complies with BC 905.11 and BC 905.11.5. This portion of the inspection may be conducted periodically at incremental stages matching the progress of the work.

Special inspector shall witness all required tests, both hydrostatic* and flow tests and ensure submission of Form FP 84 to FDNY

Fire Resistant Penetrations and Joints

Per BC 1707.27, Special Inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration fire stops, fire resistant joint systems, and perimeter fire barrier systems that are tested and listed in accordance with BC Sections 713.4.1.1.2, 713.4.1.2, 714.3 and 714.4 shall comply with Sections 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2.

Seismic Isolation Systems

Per BC 1707.8, compliance of standpipe system piping to ensure earthquake protection of building and its occupants.

Post-Installed Anchors

 Per BC 1704.32
  • The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors and screw anchors complying with Table 1704.32.
  • Special inspection shall include verification of compliance with the approved construction documents and standards.

*The Special Inspection Agency need not witness the hydrostatic pressure test when such test is witnessed by DOB Plumbing Inspector.*

Required Standpipe Inspections

Department inspections are required at various stages of completion, as well as at the final completion. Based on the project scope of work, the following sprinkler inspections may be required:
  • Underground Piping. Bedding, pitch, materials, protection, flushing
  • Roughing Work.  Piping, valves, components, size, location, materials, hangers
  • Test. Hydrostatic, flow, Dry Pipe Valve, Fire Pump, and controls - Painting: where the project work requires a hydrostatic pressure test, all painting shall be completed prior to such test
  • Finishes.  Painting, escutcheons, signage, labeling, chaining of valves, and central station
  • Final Inspection and Sign-off.*  Must be performed at the completion of all work and the system is active. Contractor must check for submission of all Special Inspection reports prior to completing a Final Inspection for project’s sign-off.

*Contractors have the option to self-certify standpipe inspections.*

Contractor Self-Certification of Plumbing Inspections

For standpipe work, Contractors have the option to either require a Department Inspection or submit a self-certification of the completed work. The Contractor must submit a notice of intent to self-certify, with the dates of these self-certified inspections to the Department, (online inspection request) and follow-up with the submission of results for self-certified inspections (online inspection results).

The Standpipe Enforcement Unit conducts a random audit of all self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work with Code and regulations.

Inspection Requests

The Department’s online portal for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used.  DOB NOW provides robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals.

Standpipe

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