METHOD STATEMENT FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION

 

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Table of Contents

1. Purpose

2. Necessary Tools & Equipment

3. Pre-Installation Checks

4. Installation of Soffit Mounted Fire Sprinklers

5. Installation of Wall Mounted Sprinklers

6. Hydro Pressure Testing of Sprinkler System Piping

7. Cleaning & Flushing of Sprinkler System Piping

8. Sprinkler Types

1- Purpose

This method statement covers the Sprinkler System Installation. The procedure defines the method used to ensure the Sprinkler System Installation has been carried out as per project contract requirements and best practices. It also gives details of how the mechanical work will be carried out and what health and safety requirements are implemented on the construction project site.

As a minimum recommended requirement, daily pre-task briefings will explain and discuss:

• The day’s work is for the team and individuals
• A planned sequence of work
• Plant requirements
• Materials requirements
• Trades handing over / handing back
• Other trades and their work in the vicinity
• The daily briefing should also seek feedback on Health and Safety issues and any near misses or accidents reported or not yet reported.

2- Necessary Tools & Equipment

Arrange the below-listed tools and equipment for the installation of the fire sprinkler system:

1) Drill machine

2) Portable electric drill

3) Forklift

4) Step Ladder

5) Platform scaffolding

6) Welding Machines

7) Threading machine

8) Measuring Tape

9) Helper’s toolbox

10) Spirit Level, Water tube & Plumb

11) Hammer

12) Hacksaw

13) Marker and Masking tape (consumables)

14) Pipe Wrench (Adjustable & Fix)

15) Bench Vise

16) L- Key Set

17) Pipe Cutter

3- Pre-Installation Checks

1. For sprinkler system pipe routing through walls and beams, make sure the appropriate sleeves are in place.
2. Sleeves are always as per approvals, shop drawings and specifications during the construction of structural elements.
3. Fittings for the changes of direction or elevation shall be selected and installed as per the specification and approved shop drawings.
4. Safely transfer the pipes from the stores to the areas where the installation will happen.

4- Installation of Soffit Mounted Fire Sprinklers

1. Move the scaffold into the position and check that all wheels are locked, and outrigger stabilizers extended to the correct position.
2. Use scaffolds that have been duly inspected, certified and tagged.
3. Mark out the vertical support threaded rod, channel position about grid lines, and datum markings per the approved shop drawings.
4. Check the dimensions of the finished face of the wall and/or column; report any discrepancies.
5. The secure first section of vertical support to the soffit is as per the shop drawing details.
6. Clean the pipes thoroughly, so that each dust is removed. Lift the pipe to the platform with the use of lifts or chine blocks to avoid any ergonomics issues.
7. Fit the bracket support to the pipe. Check the good elevation of support brackets from the datum.
8. Do not count on the ground/Slab being at the right FFL.
9. Check the tightness of all the bolts. When enough assist brackets are fixed the pipes can be lifted into the position and secured to the bracket.
10. The adjacent length of pipes shall be joined using the method stated below.
11. For joining the threaded pipes and fittings use jute and shellac.
12. For grooved fittings, cut the groove depths on pipes as per the fitting’s manufacturer data sheet.
13. Apply gasket lubricant around the groove and on the gasket internal.
14. At no time are tools and lost materials to be placed on pipes.
15. The subsequent firefighting pipe work inspection & testing shall be undertaken following ITP.

5- Installation of Wall Mounted Sprinklers

1. Move the scaffold tower into the position and check that all wheels are locked, and outrigger stabilizers are extended to the correct position.
2. The only scaffold that has been duly inspected, certified, and tagged shall be used. Mark out the centre line of the position of the bracket and check the centre line is plumb, if using the cast-in channel, check that channel is plumb.
3. Mark out the elevation of brackets using datum.
4. Do not make any assumptions that the floor is at the accurate and correct FFL.
5. Fix the brackets as shown in the approved drawing details. Always check the right of bolts.
6. When enough support brackets are fixed the pipes may be lifted into the position and secured to the bracket.
7. The adjacent length of pipes shall be joined by using the same method.
8. Select fittings for changes of direction or elevation and install them as per the approved shop drawings.
9. The subsequent pipe work inspection & testing shall be undertaken following ITP.
10. Make sure that the fire alarm devices are installed in the piping systems as per specification, NFPA-approved shop drawings and local civil defence requirements.
11. Install Sprinkler Zone Control Valves, test assemblies and drain risers as per specifications, approved shop drawings, manufacturer recommendations and according to civil defence requirements.
12. Ensure Pressure gauges are installed as per approved shop drawing and civil defence requirements.
13. Issue request for inspection of the installation of firefighting sprinkler systems including supports/brackets, valves, piping specialities and accessories as per approved shop drawing.
14. Make sure all open pipe works are suitably plugged.
15. Plug all connections (including Sprinkler Tee-connection / adapters), branches/drains in preparation to fill the system with water for hydro testing.

6- Hydro Pressure Testing of Sprinkler System Piping

1. The entire firefighting pipework will be hydro-statically tested at 10 bars or 1.5 times the operating pressure.
2. Care should be taken not to exceed the maximum capacity of the pipes.
3. Check and ensure that all pipes undergoing the test are sufficiently supported and the addition of pipework will not introduce stress on any support.
4. Attach the pressure pump/hand pump to the desired location through an isolation valve / by-pass valve and a calibrated pressure gauge to indicate the pressure on the pipe system.
5. When the hydraulic test is to be carried out for an installation of multiple floors, a pressure gauge shall also be provided at the highest point of the circuit.
6. Ensure test pressure is recorded at the highest point of the system.
7. The pressure gauge will be identified with serial numbers matching the submitted copies of calibration certificates.
8. Attach a drain valve at the lowest part of the pipe system, an air release valve at the highest point along with an isolation valve at the farthest end of the pipe work system to be tested.
9. Once the visible checks are satisfactory, start filling the system with clean water of ambient temperature.
10. During the water filling process, keep the air release valve, and isolation valve open to purge any air in the system.
11. Once the pipe is filled with water close the test water inlet and air release valve.
12. Observe any leakage and if found drain the system and immediately rectify the defect before proceeding.
13. If there is no sign of leakage, increase the water pressure in the pipework gradually in increments of 2 bars.
14. After increasing by 2 bar pressure hold for 10-15 minutes before applying additional pressure.
15. Check and ensure there are no leakages before proceeding further.
16. Upon reaching the test pressure of 10 bars close and secure the inlet valve.
17. Record the readings in the Hydro Test / Pressure test report sheet and the same is to be signed off by the consultant.
18. Keep the report in safe custody for future reference.

7- Cleaning & Flushing of Sprinkler System Piping

1. After successful completion of the hydro test/pressure testing, flushing of the sprinkler system will be done during the sectional installations of the system and after the completion of the whole Sprinkler system pipe work assembly.
2. The blowdown effect is achieved during the draining of the system right after the completion of the hydro pressure test.
3. Enough drain points will be left open for the flushing purpose. These points will be in the lowest point of the area/ zone and the water supply point.
4. The pipe network will be flushed to ensure that the pipes are clean from dust, foreign materials and other construction debris that could have found its way inside the pipes.
5. Water will be pumped from the water supply point using the existing fire pumps or temporary water supply source, and the lowest points will be connected to the nearest drainage facility via a hose.
6. Flushing will continue until clear water at the drainage points is achieved.
7. Completely drain the sprinkler system piping and ensure all drain points are fully closed.
8. Make sure to remove all plugs on the sprinkler tee connection/adapters and install approved sprinkler heads as per specifications and approved layout drawings.

8- Sprinkler Types

1. Install pendant, upright, (combined pendant & upright) sidewall, extended coverage fast response sidewall, recessed, concealed, in areas as indicated on the approved shop drawings and as per manufacturer recommendation.
2. Any changes proposed must be approved in writing by the consultant engineer.
3. Make sure all exposed Fire Fighting Sprinkler Pipes, Fittings and accessories will be painted with approved red oxide paint unless otherwise stated in the specifications.
4. After painting, identification/labelling for Fire Fighting Sprinkler Pipes, Fittings, and accessories (with the direction of flow) will be done completely as per approved material and specifications.

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METHOD STATEMENT FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION