The Standpipe Kit

photo source: highriseoperations.com

High-rise building fires can be the most challenging and dangerous operation for a firefighter. An important element for success in high-rise fire incidents is "the standpipe kit".  These kits include all the essential tools a crew may need to conduct standpipe operations. In the article titled, "The Standpipe Kit", published in WNYF (2nd/2015), describes the components that make up a functional kit. This article serves as a useful guide for creating or updating your department's own kit.

The basic standpipe kit should include:

• Door chocks and wedges (assorted)
• Spanner wrenches (2)
• Off-set pipe wrench (18" minimum) - to remove caps or operate stripped control valves
• Control valve wheels - various sizes, as needed for the response area
• Wire brush
• Pressure gauge or standpipe flowmeter 
• Nozzle (spare)
• Adapters and couplings (various)
• Gate valve

This list presents basic items that should be included in every kit.  Pre-fire planning for your response area must be conducted. Based on the pre-fire plans other adapters, thread types, sizes, or items may be needed and should be added to the kit.