FIREFIGHTING MOS

Installation, Testing & Flushing of Firefighting Piping System

Purpose & Scope
The purpose of this method statement is to ensure that correct materials &
equipment are used and agreed procedures are implemented during
fabrication, installation, testing and flushing of firefighting piping sprinkler
system. This method statement specifies the sequence and methodology to be
followed for the installation and testing of firefighting piping and sprinklers,
fire hose reels and fire extinguishers activities to achieve the best quality of
workman ship for installation works.
Reference s & Standards
 Project specifications for pipe, tubes, valves and firefighting System
 Approved Shop Drawings
 NFPA 10 Standard for fire extinguishers, portable and mobile
 NFPA 13 Standard for installation of sprinkler system
 NFPA 14, Standard for the installation of standpipe and hose systems
 NFPA 20, Standard for installations of centrifugal fire pumps
Tools & Equipment
 Tool Box
 Drilling Machine
 Spirit Level
 Threading Machine & Thread Sealant
 Welding Machine
 Grooving Machine
 Grinder
 Chain Block
 Pipe Wrench
Method Statement for Firefighting System
 Ensure that all materials to be used and equipment to be installed
should be checked by the Project Engineer / Supervisor against
equipment datasheets and approved drawings.
 All materials and equipment shall be inspected by Quality Control
Department prior to shifting to work site.
 The latest revision of the Approved Shop Drawing should be available
at the installation area.
 Project Engineer / Supervisor will ensure that safety requirements have
been complied with and are in place.
 Project Engineer / Supervisor will orient and familiarize all the workers
and assistants involved in the installation regarding relevant approved

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drawings, technical submittals, installation procedures and details,

acceptance criteria.
 Install fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA rulings,
listings and manufacturers recommendations. Locate where accessible
for servicing and replacement.
Fabrication & Installation of Threaded Pipe
 The floor/workshop where the threading machine is placed will be
protected with a cover of PVC sheets to avoid oil splash on the
concrete floor.
 Thoroughly clean the pipe surfaces with damp cloth and let dry the
surface. In case, if any foreign materials remain on the surface, which
cannot be cleaned by damp cloth, then use a mild wire brush to remove
the same. If pipe surface is contaminated with oily material, then use a
washing solvent. Avoid scratching and damaging the galvanized
surfaces
Firefighting Piping Cutting
 Based on the approved shop drawings, square cut pipes with a pipe
cutter – machine mounted or manual, to the exact length, as required.
 For pipe sizes of 2” and below, thread the pipe end using the standard
threading machine having BSPT dies. The threading machine will be
inspected daily before starting the work. Scale, slag, dirt, and debris
will be removed from the pipe and fittings before machining process.
 The pipes will be cut to the actual required length and threaded from
both sides. The pipe will be tapered and the threads will be cleaned
using steel brush and file. All threading residuals will be removed to
restore full inside diameter.
Pipe Jointing
The joint compound will be applied on the ale portion of the thread for fitting
assembly. The branches will be either assembled at the fabrication workshop
or on installation spot. The pipes will be hanged to the proper level and will
be connected to the cross-main. Pipe work will be protected from foreign
matters.
Fabrication & Installation of Grooved Pipe
 The Floor where the grooving machine is placed will be protected with
a cover of PVC sheets to avoid oil splash portion on the concrete floor.
Roller of the grooving machine will be checked for wear and tear
before starting the grooving work.
 Grooved fitting is applicable for pipe sizes of 2 ½” and above. Pipes
will be inspected to ensure plain ends. (NO Bevelled ends). The OD of

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the groove will be measured. The OD of the groove should be within

the manufacturer recommended range.
 Before assembly, the grooved joints will be cleaned from any dust,
debris, etc.
 The branches will be assembled at the fabrication shop or on spot as
per site requirements, all the open ends will be plugged after
completing the work.
Fabrication of Pipe at Location of Mechanical Tee
 The pipe will be marked at the location of the mechanical tee.
 The pipe will be holed drilled to the suitable size of the branch and in
accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The hole will be
filed to ensure soft surface.
Installation / Hanging of FF Piping system on Site
 Complete the marking of the routes of the pipe work by following the
approved shop drawings, combined services drawings and site
coordination with other services based on given and final benchmarks
or reference points.
 After marking the pipe routes, the anchoring points will be drilled
according to the required support spacing as shown on the approved
shop drawings.
 M10 Anchors will be used to support 4” and below pipes while M12
Anchors will be used to support 6”pipes and above, as recommended
by NFPA. Thread rods of the appropriate size shall be cut and fixed by
using bolts, nuts and washers. Approved type of pipe support / Hanger
will be attached to the threaded rods, nuts and washers will be installed
as well.
 Piping will be installed so that system can be drained. Where piping
cannot be fully drained, nipple and cap will be installed for drainage.
Piping will drain to grade or to air gap sewer receptor.
 The branch lines will be hanged to the proper level and will be
connected to the cross main. Where piping is embedded or passing
through masonry or concrete, sleeves will be provided as per
specification mostly of GI material.
 Clean internally the pipes during construction and installation.
 Provide clearance for access to valves.
 Anchors, expansion joints, swing joints and/or expansion loops shall be
provided so that piping may expand and contract without damage to
itself, equipment or the building. Expansion / Contraction joints will be
provided wherever is applicable as per the approved shop drawings.
Installation of Feed mains / Wet Stand Pipes

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 Piping shall generally be run parallel to walls and beams. Coordinate

with other trades before finalizing the location of any piping to avoid
interfering with their work. Care shall be exercise in the installation of
the piping so that the system will drain by gravity, back through
branches.
 Install a complete combined fire stand pipe and sprinkler system with
all piping, valves, hangers, signs, valves, tests, etc., as per approved
shop drawings.
 Furnish and install all drain piping, flushing, and connections, drain
plugs, drain valves, etc., at drain points and all low points.
 Seal all valves, not provided with tamper switches, in open position by
approved means. Flushing connection shall be as per NFPA 13.
Installation of Sprinkler Heads & Accessories
 Installation of sprinkler heads will be done after pipework flushing is
completed.
 Apply the PTFE tape only to the male portion of the sprinkler and
install the upright sprinkler head using the wrench provided by the
manufacturer, and in such a way that the arms are parallel to the branch
pipe. Maintain a clearance of 1” between the deflector of upright
sprinkler and ceiling. Ensure that sprinkler heads have the correct finish
and temperature rating.
 Fix the sprinkler floor control valve as per the approved shop drawing.
Ensure that valves are located at an accessible location. Ensure that the
arrow of the water flow detector switch points to the direction of the
water flow.
 Ensure that supervisory butterfly valves are provided with tamper
monitor switch.
 Ensure that the sight glass of the test / drain valve is free of damage.
Ensure that test / drain valves are provided as shown on the drawings.
Installation of Cabinets, Hose Reel Valves and Fire Extinguishers
 Prior to the installation the Project Engineer / Foreman will read,
understand and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
 Examine the location of the hose reel cabinets and ensure that opening
is sufficient for fixing all equipment and the mounting height of the
hose valve and hose racks is as per the approved shop drawings and to
the requirements of civil defence. Hose reel, hose valves and fire
extinguishers are of approved type and have the correct rating.
 The cabinet (without the equipment) will be installed where applicable.
Branches to the hose rack (reel) /hose valve will be fabricated and
installed on site to ensure actual entry point to the cabinet. Location of
Pipe sleeves shall be as per approved drawings.

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 Hose reel & valve will be installed as per the manufacturer’s

instructions at the correct mounting height.
 Keep fire extinguisher inside the cabinet along with the hose rack.
Ensure that the top of the wall mounted extinguisher do not exceed
from the levels as per approved drawing and specification.
 Shut off valve will be installed in the piping to the breaching inlet.
Breeching inlet will be located at conspicuous location.
Hydrostatic Testing of Pipe Work
 Make available a highlighted drawing of area intended for hydrostatic
pressure testing. Indicate on the drawing the location of vent/drain
valve, plugged connections and water pressure pump connection.
 Make sure the test witness timing and pressure duration are agreed by
the client/consultant.
 Place safety warnings at all points where personnel may pass through
within the vicinity of testing.
 Make sure that no equipment item such as sprinklers, valves etc. are
subjected to the pressure test.
 The entire pipe work shall be hydrostatically tested for not less than 2
hours at 15 bars (or 1.5 times the working) pressure without leak.
 Physically check and ensure that all pipes undergoing test is strongly
supported and addition of pipe work will not introduce undue stress on
any support.
 Make sure that all pipe works are suitably plugged.
 Attach the pressure pump to the desired location through an isolation
valve, by pass valve and calibrated pressure gauge to indicate the
pressure on the pipe work.
 The drain point will be plugged and the highest point of the system will
be considered as the water supply point for pressure testing. The
selected supply point will be provided with an isolation valve,
calibrated pressure gauge and manual water pump.
 Fill the pipe with water and connect the test pump to the pipe work at
the filling location, bleed all air from the pipe work.
 Connect a calibrated and approved pressure gauge and fix an isolation
valve just below the pressure gauge.
 Apply pressure gradually until it reaches the test pressure. The test
pressure will be as per agreed terms and as per Civil Defence
requirements.
 Hold the piping under pressure for duration of 2hours and observe for
any leakage or pressure drop, if the pressure gauge shows a steady
reading after 2 hours; notify the client/consultant and get the test
witnessed by the consulting engineer.
Firefighting Pipes Flushing

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 Flushing of the firefighting piping system will be after successful

completion of the pressure testing. This will be done during the
sectional installations of the system and after the completion of the
whole work assembly.
 Enough draining points will be left for this purpose. These points will
be the lowest point of the area / zone and the water supply point.
 The water will be pumped into the water supply point using the existing
fire pumps and the lowest points will be connected to the nearest
drainage facility via hose.
 The pipe network will be flushed to ensure that the pipes are clear from
debris and other residual materials. Flushing will continued until clear
water at the drainage side is observed.
Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Checks
 Ensure that all equipment included are thoroughly cleaned and
checked.
 Ensure that all foreign debris is thoroughly flushed out from the whole
pipework system.
 All automatic controls and safety devices shall be inspected and
checked for serviceability.
 When various installations have been completed and pre-
commissioning has been done, setting of work is to be carried out in the
entire installation prior to the issuance of completion certificate.
 Ensure that all apparatus are working as per specification.
 Ensure that all instruments/meters are correctly calibrated with
certificates and are accurate.
 Ensure that all services are tested and control systems are functioning
correctly and are properly set, sequenced or interlocked.
Final acceptance test
 After the testing and commissioning of the entire firefighting piping
system, final acceptance tests shall be carried out prior to the issuance
of Performance Certificate in accordance with the program agreed with
the consultant.
 Prior to the issuance of Certificate of Completion, tests shall be carried
out whenever required by the authorities having jurisdiction over the
said performance tests.
Health and Safety Requirements
 All necessary PPE and safety gear shall be worn at all times during the
execution of work,
 In full compliance with safety requirements, i.e. Helmets, Safety Shoes,
Hand gloves and Safety signs etc.

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Safety Checks
 Safety checks will be made prior to commencement of work in order to
ensure that materials and equipment are in safe working order in
accordance with project and site regulations.
 Ensure that all the access means-scaffolding, stepladders are of good
quality and strength. Do not use weak or broken scaffolding or
stepladders. Always use hard hats at the construction premises.
 Wear hand gloves whenever working at site
 Wear Goggles of adequate visibility, whenever using gas torches,
grinders, cutting machines, or doing chipping, drilling etc. Do not use
goggles with starched glasses or of poor visibility.
 Wear safety belts whenever working at heights exceeding 1.5m
 Safety shoes must be worn always.
 Wear full body harness when working at heights exceeding 4m and
secure to a strong building or other structure.
Material Lifting
 Lifting of any material or equipment should be done only by means of
chain/electric hoists appropriately supported.
 Avoid standing right below to items being raised.
 Always use proper slings other approved media for binding the item
being lifted.
 Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation whenever working in confined
spaces. Carryout works in such areas, only when free entrance and exit
from and to the area is ensured and entry/exit is continually manned
during the whole working period.
 Application of paints, primers, thinners varnishes etc. should be carried
out at ventilated places only.

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