POINTS TO PONDER
BY GLENN P. CORBETT, P.E.
The events depicted in these photos offer a number of points to ponder. We`ll give you a few, in no particular order of importance. Write to us with your own operational considerations of the scenarios depicted, and we`ll publish them in a future issue.
(Top) It`s bad enough that we must worry about firefighters shutting down sprinkler systems prematurely, but how about the instructions for building occupants found on this door? The handmade sign reads, “When in trouble, close big red valve and open small handled valve on left side. 335-8XXX. XXXXX Fire (Corp.).” How about calling the fire department? you might ask. Inspectors must educate building owners concerning the critical need for calling the fire department when the system is activated or impaired. (Photos by Paul T. Dansbach.)
(Bottom left, right) On closer inspection, we find that the owner really has trouble. Note the use of the “approved” electrical tape on the air supply line of this dry-pipe system to cover the pinhole leaks. Of even more concern is the cascade of water pouring out of the accelerator`s drain cup onto the air compressor below after the system tripped. Inspectors and firefighters alike must be concerned about the obvious electrical shock hazard as well as the damage to the compressor. Air compressors should be mounted off the floor and out of harm`s way.
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GLENN P. CORBETT, P.E., is a professor of fire science at John Jay College in New York City, a technical editor of Fire Engineering, and a firefighter with the Waldwick (NJ) Fire Department. He previously held the position of administrator of engineering services with the San Antonio (TX) Fire Department. Corbett has a master of engineering degree in fire protection engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. He authored two chapters on fire prevention/protection in The Fire Chief`s Handbook, Fifth Edition (Fire Engineering Books, 1995). Corbett has been in the fire service since 1978.
