Maximizing Fire Safety with Dry Risers in Exeter Commercial Buildings

Dry Risers are an essential part of any building design within Devon where the height of the building exceeds 18 metres from the fire brigade access level to the top floor. They are also required where there are floors more than 10 metres below ground.

A dry riser is a system of pipes installed in a building that allows firefighters to connect fire hoses directly to the water supply. The riser pipes are normally empty, hence the term "dry". When needed during a fire, the firefighters can connect their hoses to valves on the pipes and charge the system with water. Dry risers enable firefighters to have water supply available on the upper floors of tall buildings without having to pump water up from the ground level. This allows them to more quickly attack fires on upper levels.

Dry risers are an important fire protection system required by building codes in high-rise structures and other large buildings where upper floors would be difficult to reach with fire hoses from the street. Though dry in normal conditions, these riser pipes provide a critical lifeline during emergencies.

Furthermore, dry risers provide crucial fire protection infrastructure for commercial buildings. Installing dry risers enables firefighters to effectively combat fires in tall structures. Although the initial expense gives pause, the long-term benefits prove well worth the investment. Equipping commercial buildings properly safeguards human life, preserves property and maintains business continuity when calamity strikes.

Want to find out more about dry risers? Give our Exeter fire safety specialists a call today and we'll give you more advice, or we can arrange a site visit!