The NYC Department of Buildings have passed several new local laws that may affect our customers with buildings in New York City. The new local laws are:
• Local Law 58/09 Color Coding, Effective 3/2/2010
• Local Law 60/09 Cutting and Capping, Effective 3/2/2010
• Local Law 63/09 Pressure testing, Effective 2/4/2010
• Local Law 64/09 Standpipe Pressurized Alarm Systems, Effective 2/4/2010
Local Law 58/09 Color Coding, Effective 3/2/2010
A new local law 58/09 concerning the painting of sprinkler and standpipe has been made effective as of 3/2/2010 and is retroactive. The law states: “All exposed standpipes and sprinkler piping must be painted red.” There are exceptions, such as branch piping. The new law applies to all buildings- no matter the size or occupancy.
• Dedicated standpipe valve handles must be painted RED
• Combination standpipe valve handles must be painted YELLOW
• Dedicated sprinkler valve handles must be painted GREEN
For buildings under construction:
• The special inspector will confirm compliance before the walls are enclosed.
• The color-coding certificate must be kept on the premises at all times for Buildings and Fire Department inspections.
For existing buildings:
• Owners of buildings with exposed sprinkler piping and standpipes must comply and hire one of four types of contractors to certify the color-coding.
• The color-coding certificate must be kept on the premises at all times for Buildings and Fire Department inspections.
Local Law 60/09 Cutting and Capping, Effective 3/2/2010
A new local law 60/09 concerning cutting and capping of standpipe and sprinklers states: “Permits are required to cut and cap standpipes or sprinklers.”
• Authorized Licenses: Only licensed master plumbers or master fire suppression piping contractors may cut and cap standpipes or sprinklers during demolition.
• Local law incorporates TPPN 3/7: For demolitions and gut rehabilitations, a registered design professional must have a variance to remove damaged or inoperable sprinklers. This filing must include a damage report and explanation why the system can’t be restored. (The design professional must first file the variance with the Fire Department and have FDNY approval before filing it with the Buildings Department)
Local Law 63/09 Pressure Testing, Effective 2/4/2010
Freezing temperatures can damage a pressurized system. Compressors without air dryers generate moisture in the line, which can freeze. Exposed valves can also freeze, causing the system to depressurize and triggerering the alarm. The new local law 63/09 concerning pressure testing states:
• New or Altered Sprinkler or Standpipe Systems: A licensed master plumber or licensed fire suppression piping contractor must conduct hydrostatic pressure testing. (Read local law 63/09 for limited excpetions for standpipe in freezing conditions)
• Removing Stories: A licensed master plumber or licensed fire suppression piping contractor must conduct hydrostatic pressure testing before work begins.
• New Buildings Under Construction: An initial standpipe hydrostatic pressure test must be performed when the building reaches 75 feet high; additional tests are required when the building reaches 175 feet high and every 100 feet thereafter.
• Enlargement Triggering a New Standpipe System or Addition to an Existing Standpipe System: A hydrostatic pressure test is required at every 75 feet in height added to the system.
Local Law 64/09 Standpipe Pressurized Alarm Systems, Effective 2/4/2010
The new local law 64/09 concerning standpipe pressurized alarm system states:
• Vacant Building Being Demolished: Existing standpipes must be dry standpipes and have an air-pressurized alarm.
• New Buildings Higher than 75 Feet: Temporary and permanent dry standpipes must have an air-pressurized alarm.
• Prior Notification for Scheduled Work: Contractors must notify the Fire Department before any planned alarm dactivaction.
• Out of Service Standpipes: Contractors must notify the Fire Department.
• Site Safety Manager’s Log: Alarm activations, inspections and repairs must be logged.
• Installation Applications: A registered design professional must file the application.
• Installation Permits: A licensed master plumber or licensed master fire suppression piping contractor and a licensed electrician must have a permit.
For more information regarding these new laws, contact Associated Fire Protection at sales@associatedfire.com or call our customer service department at 866-812-3473 .
Information taken from: NYC Buildings Standpipes & Sprinkler New Safety Regulations Flyer
