Metal theft is becoming an expensive problem for building owners to deal with. Thieves have been known to target dry risers outlet valves which, when removed, leave the system in state of disrepair. This could be disastrous in the event of a fire.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has completed an urgent maintenance job at a large residential development of 445 apartments and 13 townhouses in London. The development suffered a number of thefts to its dry riser outlets. To rectify these initial thefts, a number of shear nuts had been fitted to prevent further thefts. However, these had been cut off in a subsequent episode of vandalism.
PTSG Fire Solutions Ltd raised an order and its engineers were there just two hours later. Its engineers spot-welded the nuts, which has prevented any further thefts or damage.
Dry risers are vertical water mains fitted into staircase enclosures or similar, with outlet valves on each floor to enable the fire brigade to connect to the water supply at ground level. They consist of PTSG keeps thieves at bayf a vertical pipe with an inlet at ground level on an outside face of the building and outlets (known as landing valves). These are fitted in cabinets at each floor level, allowing fire and rescue service personnel to pressurise the main from their appliances. Rising mains in buildings can be either filled with water (wet riser) or left dry (dry riser). The current standard for the installation and maintenance of dry riser systems is BS9990 2015.
The installation, testing, maintenance of dry risers is one aspect of PTSG’s comprehensive portfolio of fire and security solutions. Others are fire detection and fire suppression services, passive fire services and bespoke specialist security systems.
