Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 1 of 8 Classification SOP FI 02.3-2009 Fire Operations – Water Supply Subject Hydrants and Water Fill Sites Authority Fire Chief Ottawa Fire Services’ (OFS) personnel shall utilize recognized water supply systems to combat fire. To provide direction related to the various hydrant systems and water fill sites currently in use within the City of Ottawa All OFS’ personnel Policy Purpose Scope Procedure RULES • Whenever possible, OFS personnel shall use recognized water supply systems to combat fire. • Recognized water supply systems shall include: municipal pressurized hydrant systems, private pressurized hydrant systems, dry hydrant systems into lakes/rivers etc., underground water storage tanks, private pressurized systems, remote hydrant head systems, and ice boxes. • While the use of recognized systems is preferred, OFS personnel are not restricted to only using these recognized water supply systems where the situation warrants deviation. • In an emergency situation, a recognized water supply system shall be designated “Water Fill Site” within the Incident Command System, when being used for the filling of tankers as part of a water shuttle. • Water supply systems in the non-hydranted area of the city that are specifically dedicated to institutional or commercial complexes shall not be used for training purposes or in emergency situations except emergency situations which apply specifically to that property/complex. • When a Water Fill Site is used for training, testing or in an emergency situation, the appropriate Sector Chief responsible for water supply will be notified (Appendix D). ACTIONS 1.0 Municipal Pressurized Hydrant System 1.1 The City of Ottawa’s Water Services supplies what is considered to be an unlimited quantity of water for firefighting purposes through an underground grid system equipped with hydrants. SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
14
Embed
Classification Subject Hydrants and Water Fill Sites Authority · Classification SOP FI 02.3-2009 Fire Operations – Water Supply Subject Hydrants and Water Fill Sites Authority
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 1 of 8
Classification SOP FI 02.3-2009 Fire Operations – Water Supply
Subject Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Authority Fire Chief
Ottawa Fire Services’ (OFS) personnel shall utilize recognized water supply systems to combat fire.
To provide direction related to the various hydrant systems and water fill sites currently in use within the City of Ottawa
All OFS’ personnel
Policy
Purpose
Scope
Procedure RULES
• Whenever possible, OFS personnel shall use recognized water supply systems to combat fire. • Recognized water supply systems shall include: municipal pressurized hydrant systems,
private pressurized hydrant systems, dry hydrant systems into lakes/rivers etc., underground water storage tanks, private pressurized systems, remote hydrant head systems, and ice boxes.
• While the use of recognized systems is preferred, OFS personnel are not restricted to only using these recognized water supply systems where the situation warrants deviation.
• In an emergency situation, a recognized water supply system shall be designated “Water Fill Site” within the Incident Command System, when being used for the filling of tankers as part of a water shuttle.
• Water supply systems in the non-hydranted area of the city that are specifically dedicated to institutional or commercial complexes shall not be used for training purposes or in emergency situations except emergency situations which apply specifically to that property/complex.
• When a Water Fill Site is used for training, testing or in an emergency situation, the appropriate Sector Chief responsible for water supply will be notified (Appendix D).
ACTIONS 1.0 Municipal Pressurized Hydrant System
1.1 The City of Ottawa’s Water Services supplies what is considered to be an unlimited quantity of water for firefighting purposes through an underground grid system equipped with hydrants.
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 2 of 8
1.2 When utilizing the municipal system in the village of Richmond, Incident Command shall
immediately direct dispatch to notify the City’s Water Services. (Failure to do so will result in un-chlorinated water entering the drinking water system.)
1.3 When a hydrant is shut down after use, firefighters shall ensure that a sufficient amount of time has elapsed before replacing the caps to allow the barrel to drain.
1.4 If the water does not drain down the hydrant barrel the City’s Water Services must be notified.
1.5 When taking water from a fire hydrant, the hydrant shall first be flushed to remove any debris from the barrel.
1.6 Once the supply hose has been connected, the hydrant shall be opened fully to prevent “boiling” underground.
1.7 After a hydrant has been used in the winter months, Incident Command shall request that Dispatch call the City’s Water Services to have the barrel serviced to prevent freeze-up.
1.8 The barrel of a municipal hydrant shall be painted yellow and the flow rate is identified by the colour of the hydrant bonnet as follows:
• Class AA Light Blue 1500 gpm or greater Appendix A Fig #1 (5680 l/min)
• Class A Green 1000-1499 gpm Appendix A Fig #2 (3785 to 5675 l/min)
• Class B Orange 500-999 gpm Appendix A Fig #3 (1900 to 3780 l/min)
• Class C Red less than 500 gpm Appendix A Fig #4 (1900 l/min)
1.9 The litres used from a municipal hydrant will be reported to Dispatch as per SOP FI 02.2-
2007 2.0 Private Pressurized Hydrant Systems
Private pressurized hydrant systems are installed around large private buildings/complexes to satisfy the requirement within the Ontario Building Code for the provision of firefighting water and are connected to the municipal grid system.
2.1 To distinguish a private hydrant system from a municipal hydrant, the barrel of a private hydrant shall be painted red and the flow rate is identified by the colour of the hydrant bonnet as follows:
• Class AA Light Blue 1500 gpm or greater Appendix A Fig #5 (5680 l/min)
• Class A Green 1000-1499 gpm Appendix A Fig #6 (3785 to 5675 l/min)
• Class B Orange 500-999 gpm Appendix A Fig #7 (1900 to 3780 l/min)
• Class C Red less than 500 gpm Appendix A Fig #8 (1900 l/min)
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 3 of 8
2.2 Maintenance of a private hydrant system is the responsibility of the facility owner on an
ongoing annual basis and after any use by OFS. 2.3 Incident Command is responsible for ensuring that the building owner/owner’s
representative is notified through the “Notice to Owner /Occupant” form that the system has been used and requires servicing.
2.4 These systems are not to be used for training purposes by OFS’ personnel. 2.5 It is preferred that fire crews will use the closest City municipal hydrant wherever
practical. 3.0 Dry Hydrant Systems
Dry hydrant systems are used in areas of the city that are not serviced by the pressurized municipal system and are installed to allow fire vehicles to draw water from ponds, lakes, quarries, rivers etc. in an efficient manner.
3.1 Fire crews shall draft water from a dry hydrant utilizing 6” (150mm) hard suction hose. 3.2 Water from the pump’s booster tank shall be allowed to flow through the hard suction into
the dry hydrant to backflush the system prior to drafting. 3.3 The dry hydrant head and pipe shall be painted safety blue (“Tremclad® Light Blue”) to
identify to fire crews that drafting is necessary to obtain water from the system (Appendix “A”, Fig. 9).
3.4 Dry hydrant head caps which are fitted with a Schrader valve to allow the system to be pressurized with air during the winter months must have the air bled out of the system through the valve prior to removing the cap. NOTE: Caution must be exercised when removing this type of cap as any residual compressed air will propel the hydrant cap several feet from the hydrant head.
3.5 The officer shall notify the Sector Chief responsible for water supply (Appendix “D”) when fire crews use this type of system in order that arrangements can be made for any required maintenance.
3.6 When using a dry hydrant system that terminates with what appears to be a “regular” fire hydrant, the hydrant shall be completely opened prior to drafting in order to close the drain valves at the base of the barrel.
3.7 This hydrant will be completely painted safety blue to identify it as a draft hydrant. 3.8 The hydrant’s steamer connection shall be fitted with a 6” (150mm) NH female thread to
accommodate the hard suction of the fire pumper. 3.9 The hydrant must be completely closed after use in order to close the drain valves and
allow the barrel of the hydrant to drain. 3.10 Any snow or hydrant markers which are attached to the 2 1/2” (65mm) ports shall be
removed and the caps tightened prior to drafting to ensure a good seal. 3.11 The officer must notify the Sector Chief responsible for water supply (Appendix “D”)
when fire crews use this type of system in order that arrangements can be made for any required maintenance.
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 4 of 8
3.12 If a crew experiences problems obtaining a draft while checking a dry hydrant location,
the Officer or firefighter in-charge of the vehicle shall notify the Sector Chief responsible for water supply (Appendix “D”), who in turn will arrange to have the system tested.
4.0 Underground Water Storage Tanks
OFS has strategically placed, in the non-hydranted areas of the city, 10,000 gal (45,000 litres) underground water storage tanks to provide firefighting water. Each tank is accessed by a 2’x2’ square chute and a 6” (150mm) polyvinyl-chloride PVC draw pipe with a dry hydrant head.
4.1 The hinged top of the chute shall be secured with a padlock. 4.2 All rural and suburban vehicles shall carry a key to unlock the water tank chutes. 4.3 When bolt cutters are used to gain access, only the lock must be cut, not any part of the
locking mechanism or any chains. 4.4 A Sector Chief shall be notified immediately after a padlock has been cut. 4.5 The Sector Chief shall supply a new padlock for the crew to install. 4.6 Each site shall be identified by a hydrant sign and the chute will be painted “safety blue”
to identify it as a drafting situation (Appendix “A”, Fig. 11). 4.7 The available gallonage will be posted on the water chute. 5.0 Private Pressurized systems
In order to take advantage of “natural” bodies of water, such as quarries, lakes ponds etc. in the non-hydranted areas, the OFS shall enter into a Usage Agreement with a private landowner to establish access to water/pumping systems for firefighting purposes. Examples of these would be a quarry where a large sump system would have the ability to pump a minimum of 1000gpm (4500 litres).
5.1 In an emergency situation, the Incident Command shall assign a firefighter who is familiar
with the operation of the system to assist crews who are unfamiliar with these particular site operations.
5.2 If crews wish to train at these sites the Officer shall contact the Sector Chief of the area in which the site is located to arrange access and instruction on use.
5.3 Access keys for these locations are carried on the rural pumps for that area. 5.4 Crews using these sites shall respect that OFS is allowed to utilize these locations through
the generosity of the landowner and will conduct themselves accordingly. 6.0 Remote Hydrant Heads 6.1 OFS shall require a developer to install a Remote Hydrant Head system to comply with
the requirements of the Ontario Building Code with respect to the travel distances from a building exit to an on-site water supply.
6.2 These inter-connected hydrants will be freestanding and are not connected to a water supply.
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 5 of 8
6.3 The hydrant located next to the water supply (tank or pond) will be fitted with a 4”
(100mm) storz connection on the steamer connection. 6.4 A fire pump shall park adjacent to and draft water from the water supply. It shall then
charge the network of hydrants around the complex/building utilizing a high volume hose connected to the 4 ½” (115mm) steamer connection on the hydrant adjacent to the water supply.
6.5 The hydrant that the supply pump is charging shall be fully opened when in use. 6.6 The supply pump’s pressure shall not exceed 100psi. (700kpa) at any time. 6.7 Once the supply pump has charged the system, the attack pump shall connect high vol
hose to the steamer connection of one of the network hydrants to receive the water at a convenient location elsewhere on the property.
6.8 To receive the water, the attack pump must fully open the hydrant. 6.9 When closing down the system, the hydrant shall be fully closed. 6.10 Remote hydrants that are not connected to a water supply and shall be charged by a fire
pump before use, will be identified by being painted red from the ground to below the steamer connection, and “safety blue” from the base of the steamer connection to the top of the bonnet. (Appendix “A”, Fig. 12)
6.11 If crews wish to train at these sites, the Officer must contact the Sector Chief of the area to make arrangements with the building owners.
7.0 Ice Box Systems
To gain access to strategically located frozen rivers and lakes in the winter months, OFS installs ice boxes. An ice box is a 2’x 2’ insulated plywood chute which is installed on a frozen body of water with the base below the ice level in the open water. A photograph of an installed ice box is shown in (Appendix “A”, Fig. 13).
7.1 A crowbar or pike pole shall be used to break through any ice that has formed within the
chute. 7.2 The Water Fill Pump will use 2 lengths of 6” (150mm) hard suction and a barrel strainer
to access the water. 7.3 The hard suction hose shall be suspended above the bottom of the river/lake using a rope. 7.4 A minimum 3-person crew shall be used to install ice boxes only after the ice has built up
sufficient thickness to support a firefighter with a chainsaw. 7.5 The firefighter cutting the hole must wear a PFD and be tethered to shore. 7.6 Ice boxes shall be removed from the ice prior to spring run-off utilizing the same safety
precautions as for their installation. 8.0 Water Fill Site Operations 8.1 The pump directed to the Water Fill Site shall be designated “Water Fill Pump” within the
Incident Command System. 8.2 Incident Command or the Water Supply Officer shall direct the pump crew to establish a
Water Fill Site and will designate the location of the fill site to be used.
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 6 of 8
8.3 The pump shall then connect to the fire department connections using either 1 or 2 lengths
of 6” (150mm) hard suction. 8.4 The crew shall connect two high volume hoses in preparation for the filling of tankers. 8.5 Once a draft is obtained and the hi-vol hoses laid, the Water Fill Site Officer shall inform
the Water Supply Officer that the fill site is established. 8.6 The Water Fill Site Officer shall track the amount of water being removed from the site
and notify the Water Supply Officer when the water levels are running low. 8.7 The pump crew shall gain access to the chute of any water tank installations by either
using the key to the padlock or by cutting the padlock. 8.8 Once the underground tank is accessed, the draw pipe shall be raised until the neck of the
hydrant head can be hooked over the lip of the chute. 8.9 When a tank is fitted only with a dry hydrant connection (no chute), crews shall remove
one of the tank’s inspection covers to monitor the water level in the tank as tankers are being filled.
8.10 If the chute lock was cut off using bolt cutters, a Sector Chief shall be notified immediately. The Sector Chief will supply a new lock for the crew to install.
8.11 Incident Command shall ensure the tank is refilled immediately after use, utilizing the tankers that have responded to the incident.
9.0 Identification System 9.1 Each water fill site in the non-hydranted area of the City shall be assigned an identification
number which includes the following information: the station in whose area the fill site is, the number of the site, a letter to signify the “type” of site, and the number of gallons available if the site is not unlimited.
10.0 Inspection and Testing of Hydrants and Water Fill Sites 10.1 The City’s Water Department will test municipal pressurized hydrants and is responsible
for their maintenance and painting. 10.2 The building/complex owner is responsible for the maintenance, testing and painting of
private pressurized hydrants, as part of the fire protection system of the building/complex. 10.3 OFS is responsible for the maintenance, testing and painting of all the water fill sites
identified on the “Water Fill Site List” (Appendix “B“) with the exception of those listed as municipal hydrants which are maintained by the Water Department, or those identified as private pressurized systems (sump pumps into quarries etc.), in which case, OFS is only responsible for inspection and testing.
10.4 A visual inspection shall be undertaken twice each year and will include: • An inspection of the “standing area” for the fire pump to ensure it is free of debris,
not obstructed and the gravel has not been washed out. • An inspection of any chute, locking system, hydrant head or draw pipe. • A visual check of the water level in underground water tanks to ensure the tank is
full and also that the tank has not been overfilled. • Ensuring the signage is in place.
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 7 of 8
10.5 A test of the system shall be completed twice each year and will include:
• Connecting the fire pump to the system and flowing water through a deluge gun. • Checking the system for air leaks when drafting or flowing water. • Pulling a draft, closing all valves, shutting down the pump’s motor and listening
for air leaks at all joints - both in the hard suction and in the union between the hard suction and the draw pipe/hydrant head.
Note: A flow test on a tank should only be performed for a very short time since all water removed will need to be replaced by the Fire Services prior to leaving.
10.5 The results of the test shall be recorded on the “Water fill Inspection and Test” form included as Appendix “C”.
10.6 The completed forms shall be forwarded to the Sector Chief responsible for water supply. (Appendix “D”)
RESPONSIBILITIES
Command shall:
Direct dispatch to contact the City’s Public Works Dept.- Utilities Branch to: • Request any required maintenance for a damaged hydrant. • Request the Public Works Dept.- Utilities Branch to attend the scene of an emergency to
resolve any water flow/supply issues. • Have a hydrant serviced after use in winter months. • During emergency situations in non-hydranted areas of the city, designate a water fill site
for a tanker shuttle. • Designate a Water Supply Officer for incidents in the non-hydranted areas of the city. • Request a separate radio channel for water shuttle operations. • Ensure that any water used from underground tanks is replaced prior to releasing tankers
after an incident Fire Prevention Division shall: When performing an inspection of a facility where private hydrants are in place the inspector will:
• Ensure the private pressurized hydrants are correctly colour-coded to indicate flow rate. • If the flow rate is unknown, direct the facility owner to have the hydrant tested and
painted the appropriate colour. • Follow up with the owners to ensure the required work is completed. • Ensure that the private water supply is re-instated after use at a fire.
SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
Standing Operating Procedure Ottawa Fire Services
Dispatch shall:
Upon the request of Incident Command, Dispatch shall contact the City of Ottawa’s Public Works Dept.- Utilities Branch to: • Request any required maintenance for a damaged hydrant, which has been used at either
an emergency, or for training purposes. • Request their attendance at the scene of an emergency to resolve any water flow/supply
issues which emergency crews may be experiencing. • Request them to service a hydrant during the winter months after having been used at an
emergency scene. • Inform the Sector Chief responsible for Water Supply (Appendix “D”) when a Water Fill
Site has been used in a non-hydranted area, either in an emergency situation or for training purposes.
• Report all use of a hydrant for authorized consumption by Ottawa Fire Services’ personnel following procedures listed in “SOP F1 02.2 – 2007”
• Assign a separate radio channel for water supply operations when requested by either Incident Command or the Water Supply Officer.
Attachments Appendix A – Hydrant and Water Fill Site Pictures Appendix B – Ottawa Fire Services Water Fill Site List Appendix C – Water Fill Inspection and Test Sheet Appendix D – Sector Chief Responsible for Water Supply
References and Related Areas Of Interest N.F.P.A. 1142 Ontario Building Code OFS Non-Hydrant Operations CD OFS Water Supply Training Document available on Ozone under Fire Services\Reference Material\Training Essentials Of Firefighting – Chapter 11 Water Supply SOP F1 02.2 – 2007
R. Larabie Fire Chief, Ottawa Fire Services Branch Original signed by Fire Chief Larabie City Operations
City of Ottawa
It is understood that this procedure may not address all circumstances. Conditions may exist that require some type of deviation by the Incident Commander. Decisions should always be based on experience, the safety of the public and the safety of Ottawa Fire Services personnel.
Date: January 6, 2009 Last Revision: Page 8 of 8 SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites
SIGN OFF SHEET- STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE
Ottawa Fire Services
SOP #: SOP FI 02.3-2009 Hydrants and Water Fill Sites A Platoon B Platoon
Print Name Signature Print Name Signature C Platoon D Platoon
81-2PU(S) 81 Mun Hydrant Links Dr N Between Carlisle & Sawgrass Circle Unlimited N45° 12.708' W076° 00.528'81-03PU 81 Mun Hydrant Jnct of Etta St & Fernbank Rd Unlimited N45° 14.777' W075° 54.873'