Method Statement for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of

Fire Protection Services during Building under Construction for

______________________________________________________________________________________________

METHOD STATEMENT
FOR FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
FOR UNDER-CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING
AL-***** TOWER
AT PEARL QATAR

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 Method Statement for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of
Fire Protection Services during Building under Construction for
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PURPOSE
2.0 SCOPE OF WORKS
3.0 REFERENCES
4.0 RESPONSIBILITY / SUPERVISION
5.0 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENST
6.0 MATERIALS
7.0 WORK METHODOLOGY
8.0 TESTING AND COMMISISONING PROCEDURE
9.0 QUALITY CONTROL
10.0 HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMEN
11.0 ATTACHMENTS

1. PURPOSE
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 Method Statement for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of
Fire Protection Services during Building under Construction for
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The objective of this method statement is to establish the necessary guide lines for the Fire
safety requirements for the under construction building Al Mutahidah Tower at pearl Qatar.
2. SCOPE OF WORKS
The method statement have limited scope for installation, operation and maintenance of Fire
protection system for under construction building will commence upon site work begins un-till
handover of the building to the client only. Once the permanent life safety will commence in
operation and maintenance, the resp. installed temporary services will liable to remove from
the position.

3. REFERENCES

a. NFPA 13 & 14 Standards

b. NFPA 241
c. Qatar Construction specification and QCDD
d. Approved Building layout

4. RESPONSIBILITY / SUPERVISION

4.1 Project Manager

In overall, the project manager will be responsible in project execution and ensuring
quality and safety in all the activities. Also, maintaining the planning progress and
coordination of works with the main contractor.

4.2 Project Engineer / Fire life safety Engineer

He is responsible for ensuring the project is fit for the purpose and adheres to the
project budget and schedule. Ensuring all relevant safety objectives and legal
requirements are observed and accounting for engineering tasks to ensure they
meet the contract requirements. He will develop project specific procedures for the
work to be carried out. Interpreting client requirements, identifying and addressing
design parameters and engineering problems and ensuring solutions are
implemented. Ensuring all justifications for contractual variations during project is
maintained to support subsequent commercial claim. Evaluating, organizing and
prioritizing work within the overall project schedule. He will be direct reporting to
Project Manager.

4.3 QA/QC Engineer / Inspector

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He is the responsible for the overseeing the quality requirements and quality control
measures for the project in coordination with the Project / Fire life safety engineers.
He shall conduct inspection as per method statement and ensure all the procedure
in the method statement are implemented and followed. He will ensure all
necessary record such as request for inspection and test report and material
approval must be in place prior to commence with the works.

4.4 HSE Officer

Responsible for the overall Health and safety aspects on site as per managing
contractor requirements.

4.5 Safety Foreman

Responsible to assist Fire life safety Engineer in implementing the installation as

per approved layout and maintenance to be carried out as per preventive
maintenance checklist and program.

5.0 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS

5.1 Standard Mechanical / Electrical Tools

a. Electric drill and impact drill
b. Measuring tape
c. Market pen
d. Chain block / Rope pulley
e. Lever Bar
f. Adjustable wrench
g. Hammer
h. Combination wrenches
i. Threading and grooving machine
j. Calibrated pressure gauges
k. Portable Grinder
l. Screw Drivers
m. Technician Tool box and accessories
5.2. Standard Mechanical / Electrical Tools
a. Helmet / Hard hat
b. Safety Shoes
c. Gloves
d. Safety Harness
e. Other PPE’s depending on the scope of works
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5.3 Ladders / Scaffolding

6.0 MATERIALS, EQUIPMENTS, SYSTEM REQUIRMENTS

All the materials and equipment of Fire protection system for under construction building
shall be in accordance of Equipment schedule and Material list.
a. Fire Hose reel, valve and assembly
b. Fire Pump installation and connection to water source
c. Pipe valves, fittings
d. Fire Extinguishers and Fire blankets
e. Breeching inlet Assembly
f. Air release valve, Check valves

6.1 GUIDE LINES FOR FIRE SAFETY FOR UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUILDING

The following requirements are provided for Fire Inspector's information and also to
assist contractors during construction.

At least one standpipe shall be provided in every building under construction that is four
or more stories in height.

Such standpipes shall be installed when the building has reached a height of not more
than 35 feet in height above the lowest level of Fire Department access, and shall comply
with the requirements of section 3311 of the 2010 S.F.B.C.

The following additional stipulations shall apply to buildings which will exceed 200 feet
in height:

1. Submit detailed plans for approval to the Chief, Division of Fire Prevention and
Investigation;

2. When building reaches 200-ft. elevation, a fire pump shall be in operation with power
and water provided; controls shall be at ground floor.

3. Provide signs and necessary keys to gain access and operate equipment.

4. Domestic and construction water connections may not be taken off the standpipe
system.

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5. If a UL labeled and listed pump is not available, a dependable equivalent may be

accepted for temporary use, if approved.

6. Maximum static pressure at any Fire Department outlet shall be 150 psi or approved
PRVs shall be installed.

7. The sizing of the pump shall be based on sound engineering principles and approved
by the SFFD.

Any part of the permanent standpipe may be used on a temporary basis, with the
approval of the fire code official.

1. The responsibility of the main contractor of the project is to actively work closely with
the SE to ensure that all requirement for the provision of rising mains in the building
are complied with and allowed for in the construction stage

2. An inspection checklist has been designed buildings under construction (see Annex
A).

The major items in the checklist are elaborated as follows:

Provision of dry & wet risers
(i) All rising mains (dry & wet) shall be made operational for all storeys (except
the uppermost 3 storeys) as soon as the uppermost completed storey reaches
24m. This is because the uppermost 3 storeys are likely to be strutted with
props and scaffoldings for the purpose of gaining structural strength.
Moreover, some of the staircases may not have been provided yet, hence no
access available to the upper storeys.
(ii) Dry & wet rising mains shall be installed progressively as the building gains
height, in order to provide to fire-fighting capabilities to all stages of
construction. All outlets, landing valves inlets, water tanks and pumps, where
required shall be provided and made readily operational.

b. Provision of normal lift/ passenger hoist.

A normal lift is preferred for the purpose of fire-fighting. However, we are fully
aware that this is not possible at the construction stage. As a readymade
alternative, the passenger hoist (usually installed on site) can then be made
available for use by firefighters.

c. Provision of electrical supply

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A generator set may be used for fire-fighting if the permanent power supply is not
available prior to the completion of the building. In a fire situation, an experienced
worker should be made available to operate the generator set immediately.

d. Provision of fire engine access way.

It is difficult to provide fire engine access way during construction stage as the
entire site is invariably cluttered with all kind of activities and items such as
electrical services, water pipes, excavation works and all kinds of equipment.
Space for fire engine access way may not even be available or, otherwise very
limited.
However, in spite of the site constraints, adequate fire engine access way shall
be provided where practicable, for the purpose of conducting firefighting
operations.

Where there is no fire engine access way provided at site, the main contractor
should install more portable fire extinguishers at every floor, which would facilitate
first-aid fire fighting by construction workers. This would at least help to control
any fire that may occur before the arrival of the fire engine. Nevertheless, it is
important that good housekeeping is observed.
e. Provision of adequate pressure & flow.
(i) It is important to note that for the rising mains to be effective, it must be
hydraulically tested and a pressure-release valve installed at the highest point of
the riser stack. In the case of wet riser system, a break tank of only 11.5 cubic
metre is required to provide for close-range fire-fighting for at least 5 minutes and
the continuous flow of water supply can subsequently be drawn from the public
fire hydrant. The main contractor should also bear in mind that the break tank
must be installed before the building reaches 60 meters mark.

(ii) For the testing of flow rate for wet riser system (residential & nonresidential
buildings), the topmost landing valve should be tested (under pump/gravity feed)
with a flow rate of at least 27 L/s. This minimum flow rate required for residential
buildings will also be applicable to nonresidential buildings (commercial building),
as the fire hazard in both types of buildings are similar while under construction.
6.3 INSTALLATION OF BREECHING INLET

a. Check suitability of gasket for intended service and apply a thin coat of silicone or
other compatible pipe lubricant to gasket lips and outside of the gasket, if the gasket
surface does not have lubricity.

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b. Insert and push the gasket over one of the grooved ends of the two pipes to be joined.
Gasket lips should not overhand pipe end.
c. Align and bring the pipe ends together and slide gasket into position centred between
the grooves on each side. Gasket should not extend in to groove on either pipe.
d. Place housing over gasket and apply pressure by hands to engage the keys in to the
grooves. Insert bolts and apply nuts finger tight. Make sure the tongue and groove
match to avoid coupling failure.
e. Tighten nut s alternately and equally until housing bolts pads are firmly together,
metal to metal. Uneven tightening will pinch the gasket. On some coupling models,
there may be a slight gap at bolt pads.
f. Visually inspect the pipe joint to assure the coupling keys are fully engaged in the
pipe grooves. The bolt pads are to have equal gaps on each side of the coupling.
g. Install the flanged type breeching inlet.
h. Fabricate a pipe that will connect the grooved end type of check valve and flanged
end type of breeching inlet.
i. Once the fabricated pipe is connected. Place the flange end type of breeching inlet
and make sure the flange and adjacent pipe work are clean of dirt.

6.4 INSTALLATION OF AIR RELEAS VALVE

Installation shall be in accordance of manufacturer’s instruction and approved layout.

Valves shall be installed at the system high points in the vertical pipe riser with the
inlet down.
Make sure the space at top have wide enough and easy to access to allow
maintenance.

6.5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

(A) ABC Dry Powder Extinguishers :

Powder fire extinguishers are suitable for use on class A, class B and class C fires but
should be used differently depending on which type of fire they are being used on.
HOW TO USE?
Before attempting to tackle a fire with an extinguishers you need to make sure that the extinguisher
is safe to use.

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1. Check that the extinguisher is fully charged by ensuring the pressure gauge is in the green
area (Fig. 1) and that the safety pin is not bent (Fig. 2)
2. Ensure you remain a safe distance from the fire and remove the safety pin (Fig.3) this will break
the tamper seal
3. Aiming the extinguisher:
o Solid Materials: Aim the hose at the base of the flames, moving across the area of the fire
o Spilled liquids:Aim the hose at the near edge of the fire and with a rapid sweeping motion,
drive the fire towards the far edge until all the flames have been extinguished
o Flowing liquid:Direct the hose at the base of the flames and sweep upwards until all the
flames have been extinguished
o Electrical equipment: Switch off the power (if safe to do so) and then direct the hose straight
at the fire
4. Squeeze the lever slowly to begin discharging the extinguisher, as the fire starts to diminish
carefully move closer to it
5. Ensure all the fire has been extinguished, re-ignition can be possible when a powder fire
extinguisher has been used

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(B) Stored Pressure Fire Extinguishers

Stored pressure fire extinguishers contain the extinguisher agent (water, powder, foam, CO2,
etc.) and the pressurizing gas (dry air or oxygen-free nitrogen) in the same cylinder.
HOW TO USE?

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1. Before moving the extinguisher, check that the safety pin/clip and tamper seal are in place (Fig.
1) and that the extinguisher has not been operated (if this is not the case, then make the fire
extinguisher safe before going any further by fitting a safety pin and tamper seal)
2. Check the extinguisher service label, if the extended service is not due then proceed.
3. Visually inspect the fire extinguisher body for external corrosion or damage that could impair the
safe operation of the extinguisher, in particular check the head cap. If this is made from plastic,
check for UV degradation.
4. Ensure that the manufacturer’s extinguisher labelling is in good condition, legible and printed in
English.
5. Weigh the extinguisher ensuring that it meets the weight recorded on the service label
(Investigation and recharge is required if a weight loss exceeds 10%).
6. Verify the pressure gauge indicator is in the green zone of the gauge (Fig. 2). Verify that the
gauge is in working order by carrying out a gauge test with a pump gauge tester or pin test. (This
step is not applicable for CO2 fire extinguishers)
7. Remove the discharge hose from the extinguisher head cap, check the hose and nozzle for
damage and ensure that the hose is clear from obstruction (Fig. 3). Remove the hose ‘O’ ring
and replace if applicable.
8. Break the tamper seal by withdrawing the safety pin/clip. In the case of a metal pin; check that
it is in good condition. Refit/replace the safety pin/clip and then secure in place with a tamper
seal.
9. Replace any ‘O’ rings where components have been disassembled.
10. Wipe down the extinguisher exterior with a cloth.
11. Fill in the details required on the service label (date, weight, engineer initials and next service
date).
12. If applicable, ensure that the wall mountings are secure before mounting the extinguisher back
in position
13. If there is a sign above the extinguisher check that it is appropriate and is in good condition

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(C ) Cartridge operated Foam Mobile Extinguishers

Cartridge operated extinguishers contain the extinguisher agent (Foam) in the main cylinder (this
is not pressurised) and a seperate gas cartridge containing highly pressurised CO2. Once the
handle is squeezed the CO2 cartridge is pierced releasing the pressure into the main cylinder.

1. Before moving the extinguisher, check that the safety pin/clip and tamper seal are in place and
that the extinguisher has not been operated (if this is not the case, then make the fire
extinguisher safe before going any further by fitting a safety pin and tamper seal).
2. Check the extinguisher service label, if the extended service is not due then proceed.
3. Visually inspect the fire extinguisher body for external corrosion or damage that could impair the
safe operation of the extinguisher, in particular check the head cap. If this is made from plastic,
check for UV degradation.
4. Ensure that the manufacturer’s extinguisher labelling is in good condition, legible and printed in
English.
5. Weigh the extinguisher ensuring that it meets the weight recorded on the service label
(Investigation and recharge is required if a weight loss exceeds 10%).
6. Unscrew the head cap assembly to not more than one third of extent necessary for full
disengagement – this allows any pressure remaining in the extinguisher to escape through the
automatic means of venting. Then continue to open the extinguisher slowly.
7. Remove the extinguisher head cap away from the extinguisher body.
8. Examine the head cap and operating mechanism for damage.
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9. Examine the gas cartridge and if safe to do so, remove the cartridge from the head cap. Visually
inspect the gas cartridge for corrosion or damage – in either case replace the cartridge in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Check if the gas cartridge is more than 10 years old – otherwise replace it.
11. Check weigh the mass of the gas cartridge against that marked on the gas cartridge body.
Although a tolerance of -10% (15% for cartridges with contents less than 30 grams) is allowed
it is good practice to replace it if it has lost weight.
12. Remove the safety pin/clip and tamper seal from the head cap. Check for free movement of the
safety pin/clip and replace if necessary. Check that the operating lever freely operates and is
not damaged.
13. Check that the firing pin is in place and operates correctly.
14. Check that the discharge hose, hose nozzle, dip tube and strainer are free from obstructions
and damage. Pass air through the discharge hose, dip tube and strainer, checking for
blockages and correct operation.
15. Examine the pressure release slots in the head cap threads – clean as necessary.
16. Fit a new head cap ‘O’ ring.
17. Fit a new discharge hose ‘O’ ring.
18. Assemble the head cap, discharge hose, dip tube and gas cartridge together and put to one
side so that the extinguisher body and contents can be dealt with.
19. Empty the contents of the extinguisher into a clean container. Inspect the extinguisher medium
to make sure that it is fit for re-use. If the medium is not fit for re-use then dispose of accordingly.
All medium should be kept clean and free from debris at all times. Powder medium should be
kept clean and dry and away from moisture.
20. Examine the extinguisher body internally using a torch to check for corrosion and damage to the
internal lining (powder extinguishers do not have lining).
21. Return the original medium or fresh medium to the extinguisher – always adhere to
manufacturer’s specifications.
22. Refit the head cap and tighten down firmly.
23. Weigh the extinguisher total mass.
24. Wipe down the extinguisher exterior with a cloth.
25. Fill in the details required on the service label (date, weight, engineer initials and next service
date).

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26. If applicable, ensure that the wall mountings are secure before mounting the extinguisher back
in position.
27. If there is a sign above the extinguisher check that it is appropriate and is in good condition.

INSTALLATION GUIELINES FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS :

Mounting Heights
The carrying handle of a portable fire extinguisher with a total gross mass of 4kg and above should
be approximately 1 metre from the floor. The carrying handle of a portable fire extinguisher with a
total gross mass of less than 4kg should be sited at 1.5 metres from the floor.

2 Extinguishers Mounted Side by Side

With one extinguisher total mass above 4kg and the 2nd extinguisher below 4kg, both extinguishers
can be mounted on the wall at the heaviest extinguisher handle fixing height of 1 metre.

Fire Extinguisher Stands

Where fire extinguishers can not be wall mounted the use of fire extinguisher stands is
recommended.

A Note of Warning on 'Pre-serviced' fire extinguishers

Occasionally, you may come across the practice of online fire extinguisher retailers offering pre-
serviced fire extinguishers. What they offer is the inspection of the extinguisher in their warehouse
and the addition of a maintenance label on the extinguisher. Sometimes they even claim that this
service is in accordance to BS5306.
However, this practice is NOT in accordance to BS5306 for very good reasons. Damage to
extinguishers like loss of pressure, loss of extinguishing medium, bent handles and hoses which
make the extinguisher inoperable do not occur whilst the extinguisher is in the warehouse but all
of these issues can occur in transit to the customer after the supplier has already declared the
extinguisher ‘fit for operation’. This puts lives at risk, especially if suppliers do not protect
extinguishers adequately for shipment. BSI has therefore changed the standard BS5306 to require
an ON SITE commissioning for all extinguishers installed under BS5306. This entails a full check
of the extinguishers as they arrive on site and the correct weighing, preparation and certification of
the extinguishers. Only then can you use the certification document as proof that you have taken
your responsibility in accordance to your fire risk assessment seriously.
Pre-servicing or pre-labelling is therefore not permitted any longer. If you require your extinguishers
to be installed in accordance to BS5306 you must have the extinguishers commissioned on site or
alternatively you can have them installed and commissioned on site by a servicing company.
BS5306 conformity is always required if you are a business or landlord or if you have to carry out
a fire risk assessment.

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Documentation
Commissioning Test Sheets
Maintenance checklist for Fire hose reel
Maintenance checklist for Fire hose Extinguishers
Maintenance checklist for Fire Pump
Commissioning test sheet for Fire pump

Supporting Documentation
Fire pump catalogue and installation docs.
Fire hose reel and accessories submittal docs.
Fire Extinguishers installation and maintenance docs.

Demonstration Procedures
The Fire hose reel along with Fire Pump system testing and commissioning should be done as
per method statement and to be witnessed with Consultant and record with inspections.
Fire Extinguishers installation should be done as per approved Fire plan for building layout and
should be witnessed with consultant as per approved checklist and docs.
Instrumentation
The test instruments will be used for commissioning of the pumps. These will be selected as
having the maximum field measuring accuracy and being the best suited to the function being
measured, and will be applied as recommended by the manufacturer.
Test Instruments
Electrical - clip-on ammeter, digital multi-meter.
Tacho meter for RPM measurement
Tape measure
Calibration
All instruments used, will carry current calibration certificates/certificates of conformance to the
tolerances specified in the referenced standards.
Instruments will be properly maintained and protected against damage.
Calibration periods for all instruments are as recommended by the instrument manufacturers and
are in line with the requirements of the Commissioning Specialists Association.

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Certificates will be available for presentation prior to commencement of the works.

Staffing
A Fire safety engineer will be available to each system pump during the course of test. He is also
to liaise with the HSE engineer and the supervisor in ensuring that the pumps are safe to run and
that our electrical tests are complete.
Safety Aspects & Permit to Work Requirements
Health and Safety procedures by the Main Contractor and HLG will be implemented for this job.
The responsible safety officer as per HLG procedure will conduct a routine safety inspection in
conjunction with the main contractor.
Safety Rules during Testing
In order to ensure safe conditions during testing the following rules have to be followed:
Persons engaged with the pump commissioning are experienced pump commissioning engineers
and have received proper and adequate training related to procedures and test equipment
utilized for the particular testing activity.
Safety procedures for energization of MCC’s and pump motors are covered by the HLG method
statement for Tag on & Lock out Procedures.
Test instruments and test leads should be maintained in a safe condition and the test methods
not to create danger either for the operator or for other persons.
Where tests are required to circuits which are live for amp readings then the tightness of the
cable terminations will be checked without power prior to live amp readings.
Ensure that warning labels are installed on sump pumps control panel.
Access to the sump pits will only be permitted when an assistant is in attendance and the site
offices have been notified.
When readings are being taken for amperage and running speeds a support engineer will be in
attendance for safety reasons.
Lighting
Safety lights will be used in case of power failure ensuring the good illumination of the working
area to aid evacuation if necessary.
Adequate lighting shall be provided to ensure the good illumination on the working area.
Emergency Arrangements
General

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Site general safety procedures will be followed. In case of emergency the Safety Officer or the
most senior employee present will stop the work, and make the necessary emergency
arrangements and report to the assembly points as described during Site Induction Course.
Fire Precautions
No significant fire risks associated with this activity but general fire precaution measures will be
taken as per ECG instruction to HLG.
Communication from site areas to Site Office via mobile phones issued to all engineers. In
emergency situations the users of handheld 2-way radios to be notified if deemed that this can
speed up notification of relevant personnel and/or the Site Clinic.
Risk and Controls
Hazards / Risks / Relevant risk assessments (See Attachments):
3rd Party Protection: Applicable as per the contract only.
Environmental Considerations: The waste water is discharged to the Doha Municipality sewer
and is clean and no hazardous.

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CHECKLIST AND FORMS :

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