- Emergency fire pumps must be outside, and independent of, the space containing the main fire pumps, and should be accessible, easy to operate and capable of readily starting the engines when cold. When the emergency fire pump is electrically driven by an emergency generator, or a direct or hydraulically coupled compression ignition engine, the unit should be capable of being started manually. It is essential that such emergency units should be capable of being readily started when cold.
- The means of starting should be capable of providing not less than six starts in a period of thirty minutes, and at least two starts should be obtained in the first ten minutes. Such starting arrangements should be independent of sources of power in the machinery spaces.
- Where air starting is used, an independent air compressor should be provided adjacent to the emergency unit, and the capacity of the air receiver, together with the independent air compressor, should be such as to provide for the number of starts in the times stated. The air compressor should be driven by a hand starting compression ignition engine. The air receiver should be reserved solely for the purpose of starting the emergency unit, and the air inlet pipe should be fitted with a non-return valve at the receiver.
- Emergency Fire Pump should have sufficient fuel to run on full load for at least 3 hrs and reserve fuel for 15hrs. The fuel supply should be stored in a safe place having regard to adjacent fire hazards, e.g. engine exhaust pipes, switchboards, etc.
- The emergency fire pump is to be run and tested weekly for at least five minutes, ensuring that remote starts are working and that the required pressure can be maintained at the farthest away fire hydrant. If any defects are noted, including insufficient water pressure, then the Company is to be notified and an urgent plan agreed to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.
- The suction lift of any pump is limited and for this reason emergency fire pumps must have their own suction, total suction head should not exceed 4.5 meters under all conditions of list or trim.
- Pump capacity must not be less than 25m3/hr and must be able to deliver two 1⁄2 inches bore jet of water having a horizontal throw not less than 40 ft.
- If the pump is fitted above the water level, priming arrangement must be fitted.
