Dry risers are integral components of fire safety infrastructure in multi-storey buildings, designed to facilitate the rapid supply of water to higher floors during firefighting operations. These vertical pipes are installed within stairwells or dedicated shafts, allowing firefighters to connect hoses to deliver water to the required levels, bypassing the need to carry heavy hoses up numerous flights of stairs. Dry risers play a pivotal role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of firefighting efforts, especially in tall and large buildings.

The term “dry riser” refers to the fact that the pipes are not constantly filled with water. Instead, they remain empty until needed. When a fire occurs, firefighters can connect their hoses to the dry riser inlet at the ground level, allowing water to be pumped from the fire service’s equipment into the riser, and then distributed to various levels. This mechanism significantly speeds up the process of accessing higher floors with firefighting water, enabling firefighters to focus on containment and extinguishment without the delay of setting up equipment on each floor.

In the UK, dry risers are subject to regulations and standards to ensure their functionality and reliability. The BS 9990 standard provides guidance on the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of non-automatic fire-fighting systems within buildings, including dry riser systems. Compliance with this standard is essential to guarantee that dry risers are fit for purpose and can effectively assist in fire suppression operations.

PKF Fire & Security, your dedicated partner, excels in the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of dry riser systems. Our expertise encompasses understanding building layouts, hydraulic calculations, and the rigorous testing procedures required to ensure the system’s integrity. We ensure that every aspect of the dry riser system, from its construction to its compliance with standards, aligns with the highest quality and safety benchmarks.

By collaborating with PKF Fire & Security, building owners can have confidence in the provision of a well-designed, properly installed, and meticulously maintained dry riser system. Our commitment to fire safety extends to equipping properties with reliable infrastructure that enhances the capabilities of firefighters and contributes to effective fire suppression in emergencies.