We must remember that firefighters operations and safety count on working standpipes to deliver water to a fire. It is important for owner's to ensure that the FDNY are informed if a standpipe system is removed from service at any given time. They should also be informed if there is any malfunction in the system, as this will allow them to adjust their procedures in case there is a fire.
For any alteration projects that require the removal of the standpipe system in an existing building, the following DOB/FDNY permit application procedure shall be completed:
Fire Code Compliance
If the alteration work requires the standpipe system of an existing building to be placed out of service for any length of time then the owner must follow the Fire Code out-of-service conditions including making a note on the plan that there will be compliance with the provisions set forth within the Fire Code under Section 901.7 including the provisions on 901.7.7.
Notifications to FDNY
It is also imperative that the owner notify the FDNY before taking down the standpipe system and also after it has been reinstalled. The notification can be done by calling the non-emergency hotlines of the Fire Department. The one making the call should be ready to provide pertinent information as outlined in the Fire Code Section 901.7.5.3.
Notifications to Building Occupants
The owner is also responsible for notifying the building occupants and all affected parties of the plans to take down the standpipe service as noted in the Fire Code Section 901.7.3.
Fire Watch
During the time that the standpipe system is down, the owner will be responsible in maintaining a fire watch as prescribed in the Fire Code sections 901.7 and 901.7.7
Hot Works
There will be no hot works on the construction site when the standpipe system is down. The provisions are noted in the fire Code Section 901. 7.7
Letter of No Objection
If the standpipe system will be taken down for more than 24 hours then the owner shall obtain a letter of no objection or an LNO from the FDNY. After filing of the application with the DOB, then the owner/applicant will have to file with the FDNY, an application for LNO for the alteration project to be done, the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention modification (variance) application form will be used. The application shall include a detailed scope of work as well as the projected duration that the system will be out of service. It is important to set a note on the plan that indicates that compliance will be completed for the out of service standpipe as provided in the Fire Code Section 901.7. The LNO from the FDNY should be uploaded to the DOB’s virtual job folder via B-SCAN, but the application for LNOs and payment of fees should be done by snail mail or in person to the proper FDNY office.