Page 15 - The EDGE Fall 2025

Fire Risers: A Critical Safety Mechanism for Buildings

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• Proper labeling: All components, including
valves and gauges, must be clearly labeled with
their function and operational instructions.
Proper labeling ensures that maintenance
personnel and emergency responders can
quickly identify and operate the system.
• No visible corrosion or damage: Pipes, valves,
and fittings should show no signs of rust,
corrosion, or physical damage. Corrosion
can weaken the system and lead to leaks or
failures.
• Secure and stable components: All system Fire Riser Inspections in Arizona Schools
parts should be securely mounted and stable, In Arizona, K‒12 public schools are required
with no loose or wobbly components that to adhere to the state fire code, which is based
could compromise functionality. on the 2012 International Fire Code (IFC) and
• Intact seals and gaskets: Seals and gaskets incorporates National Fire Protection Association
must be intact, with no signs of leakage or standards (NFPA 25). These regulations provide
wear. Damaged seals can lead to water loss a framework for ensuring fire risers and sprinkler
and reduced system pressure. systems are properly inspected and maintained.
• Clear gauges: Pressure gauges must be clear Key points regarding fire riser inspections in
and easy to read, and must display normal Arizona schools include:
operating pressure levels. Faulty or unreadable 1. Inspection frequency: Fire risers are
gauges can lead to misjudgments during required to be inspected annually as part of a
emergencies. comprehensive fire safety inspection program.
• Operational valves: Valves should be in the Regular inspections help identify and address
correct position (open or closed as required) potential issues before they escalate.
and easy to operate without excessive force. 2. Qualified inspectors: Inspections must be
Stuck or improperly positioned valves can conducted by certified professionals, such as
prevent water from reaching sprinkler heads. licensed fire sprinkler contractors or certified
• Proper drainage: Drain valves must be fire protection specialists. Qualified inspectors
operational, and there should be no standing have the expertise to identify and address
water or signs of leakage around the system. deficiencies effectively.
Proper drainage prevents water damage and 3. Testing and maintenance: A comprehensive
ensures the system is ready for use. preventive maintenance program should
• Functional alarms: Any connected alarm include testing all components of the fire riser
systems should be functional and tested system to ensure proper functionality. Any
regularly to ensure that they activate as deficiencies must be promptly addressed to
expected during a fire. maintain system reliability.

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