Dry Riser Compliance

A functioning dry rising main is the primary infrastructure used by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) to fight high-rise fires. At Firecom Systems, we ensure your dry riser maintenance meets strict safety standards, protecting lives and your assets.

Failure to maintain these systems can lead to catastrophic delays, invalidated insurance, and prosecution under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This page outlines the technical requirements of UK dry risers and the critical BS 9990 standards.

A dry riser is a vertical pipeline for fire crews, providing instant access to water on upper floors (typically in buildings 18–50m high). Unlike a "Wet Riser," it sits empty until the brigade connects its pumps.

Because the system sits dormant, it is prone to critical failures if not maintained:

• Seized landing valves from lack of use.
• Pressure loss due to degraded washers.
• Vandalism or theft of components.
• Blockages preventing water flow.

Any failure here instantly compromises fire suppression.

BS 9990:2015 governs dry riser compliance. As the "Responsible Person" (Building Owner or Facility Manager), you have a legal duty to ensure the system is maintained by a competent person. Negligence is a direct violation of fire safety laws.

To meet the standard, a stringent dry riser servicing schedule is mandatory.

To ensure 100% reliability, BS 9990 requires two distinct maintenance visits per annum.

1. The Six-Monthly Visual Inspection

   A detailed mechanical check is required every six months, involving:

   
   
   • Valve Functionality: Checking all landing valves open/close freely.
   • Inlet Integrity: Inspecting inlet breeching valves for damage.
   • Signage Verification: Ensuring correct BS signage for FRS identification.
   • Seal Checks: Verifying outlet washers and seals are secure.
   • Air Release: Testing valves allow air escape when water is introduced.

2. The Annual Hydraulic Pressure Test (Wet Test)

   Once a year, the system must be physically tested to prove mechanical integrity:

   • The system is charged with water via the inlet breeching valve.
   • It is pressurised to 12 bar (approx. 175 psi) for a minimum of 15 minutes.
   • Technicians check for leaks at joints and valves throughout the building.
   • Upon success, a certificate of compliance is issued.

Note: Simply filling the pipe is insufficient. It must hold the requisite pressure without fluctuation to meet the British Standard.

• Dry Risers: For buildings under 50m (approx. 18 storeys). Relies on FRS pumps.
• Wet Risers: For buildings over 50m. Permanently charged with water via onsite pumps/tanks.

• Business Continuity: A working riser allows suppression within minutes. Failure forces manual hose deployment, leading to greater fire spread and structural damage.
• Insurance Validity: Insurers require proof of maintenance. Without a valid Certificate of Compliance (within 12 months), your policy may be voided after an incident, leaving you liable for damages.

We offer "Turnkey Compliance," handling every stage of your asset's lifecycle:

1. Design: Hydraulic calculations and layouts to BS 9990.
2. Installation: UK-sourced, kite-marked steel pipework and gunmetal valves.
3. Commissioning: Initial pressure testing and full certification.
4. Maintenance: Bespoke PPM schedules to ensure statutory compliance.

From new developments to existing portfolios, we deliver technical rigour for the UK’s most demanding environments.

Ensure your premises are fully compliant and protected. Contact our experts at 0115 822 2000, or contact us here to discuss your fire protection requirements.