New Fire Fighter Air Replenishment Systems

12/7/2018

There's a jurisdiction that is considering requiring "Fire Fighter Air Replenishment System" or as I understand it a standpipe-for-air system. Has anyone designed these systems?

The International Fire Code (Appendix L) provides requirements for the system - my only concern is the size and storage of pressurized oxygen tanks either in or near the stairwells and the potentially increased hazard they could be in a fire.

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5 Comments

Kelley Stalder

12/7/2018 01:03:37 pm

Just to clarify: if the system has stored gas to supply it, the gas is air, not 100% oxygen. Still a stored gas though.

Some systems may be a "dry" standpipe and an air truck will connect to a point on the outside of the building.

Some systems have cylinders of air in the stairwell but they are in a rupture containment case.

Michael J Lonigro

12/9/2018 07:34:51 pm

There was a revision to the NYC code some years ago that required the installation of the Air Replenishing Systems.

I doubt any building in NYC has one. They've since repealed the code, realizing that it more of a hindrance than help.

There is a company that designs these systems..Google FARS

anthony turiello

10/24/2019 05:02:08 pm

NYC never adopted FARS, never repealed FARS. For reference FARS is incorporated in 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 NFPA1 and 2018 Uniiform Plumbing Code

Dee Withee

12/11/2018 12:18:54 pm

These are air standpipes, where the air is supplied by the fire department's air apparatus. There are refilling stations to allow firefighters to refill the SCBA in the buildings, rather than haul the tanks up/down stairs - the refilling stations are within rupture containment stations.

Glen Albright

8/27/2020 10:03:36 am

I know Phoenix adopted this requirement a few years ago as well as a few in the Seattle area including Bellevue. Our (Bellevue) initial adoption amendment closely mirrored PFD's. However with the pending adoption of the 2018 IFC, we are making substantial changes and allowing developers to design under the updated amendment.

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