3303.8 Standpipe Systems During Construction, Alteration or Demolition

During construction, alteration or demolition operations, standpipe systems shall comply with the following:

1. When, during the course of the construction of a new building, the topmost working deck reaches a height of 75 feet (22 860 mm) or greater above the ground in a building for which a standpipe system will be required, a permanent or temporary standpipe system meeting the requirements of Section 905 shall be kept in a state of readiness at all times for use by fire-fighting personnel. The standpipe system shall serve all floors that are at least 4 stories or 40 feet (12 192 mm) below the topmost working deck, whichever is less. No standpipe shall be considered to be in a state of readiness unless it is painted red in accordance with the provisions of Section 905.11. When freezing conditions may be encountered, the system in whole, or the part of the system subject to freezing conditions, shall be maintained as a dry system.
2. Existing standpipe systems in structures undergoing a full demolition shall be maintained as dry standpipes. At the commencement of demolition, the standpipe risers shall be capped above the outlet on the floor immediately below the floor being demolished so as to maintain the standpipe system on all lower floors for Fire Department use. Cutting and capping of standpipes during demolition work shall be performed only by a licensed master plumber or licensed master fire suppression piping contractor who has obtained a permit for such work. Standpipe hose, nozzles and spanners are not required to be maintained and may be removed at any time. The red paint required pursuant to Section 905.11 shall be maintained during any demolition operations. All existing house check valves shall remain in place until completion of the demolition work.
3. When, during the course of the construction of a new building which will have a occupiable space at a depth of 75 feet (22 860 mm) or greater below the level of the ground in a building for which a standpipe system will be required, a permanent or temporary standpipe system meeting the requirements of Section 905 shall be installed and shall be kept in a state of readiness at all times for use by fire-fighting personnel. The standpipe system shall serve all stories below grade and shall be installed as soon as the foundation is in place and the first elevated slab has been erected. No standpipe shall be considered to be in a state of readiness unless it is painted red in accordance with the provisions of Section 905.11. When freezing conditions may be encountered, the system in whole, or the part of the system subject to freezing conditions, shall be maintained as a dry system.
4. When, during the course of alteration or partial demolition operations in a building for which a standpipe system is required, the standpipe system shall be maintained in accordance with Section 3303.9. In an unoccupied building, an existing wet standpipe system may be maintained as a dry system subject to the approval of the commissioner and the commissioner of the fire department, and also provided the standpipe system is equipped with an air pressurized alarm system meeting the requirements of Section 3303.8.1. No standpipe shall be considered to be in a state of readiness unless it is painted red in accordance with the provisions of Section 905.11.
   
   1. If the alteration work results in the addition of new stories to the structure at a height of 75 feet (22 860 mm) or greater above the level of the ground, the requirements of Item 1 of this section shall apply to such new stories during the course of the alteration operation.
   2. If the alteration work results in the addition of new occupiable space at a depth of 75 feet (22 860 mm) or greater below the level of the ground, the requirements of Item 3 of this section shall apply to such new occupiable space below grade during the course of the alteration operation.

Dry standpipe systems utilized during construction or demolition operations shall be provided with an air pressurized alarm system as set forth in Items 1 through 5 below. The provisions of NFPA 14, Chapter 12, as modified in Appendix Q, shall also apply.

Fire department hose connections shall be kept free from obstruction and shall be marked by a metal sign reading, "Standpipe Connection" and by a red light at night.

Standpipes may be used for a purpose other than to supply water for firefighting operations, including but not limited to supplying water or compressed air for construction or demolition operations, subject to the approval of the Fire Department and provided at least one standpipe riser is maintained at all times for firefighting operations. Where the standpipe is used to supply water for construction or demolition operations and freezing conditions may occur, the standpipe shall be completely drained after use to prevent freezing.