2-7.005, November, 2003 Country of Origin: U.S.

Risktopics
cold weather preparation
Cold weather preparation checklist
As the seasons change and cold weather approaches, you should address key maintenance responsibilities and take various precautions now to reduce the chance of fire protection, impairment or property loss at your facility. Even if your facilities are located in a generally warmer area, give the following information serious consideration. Loss experience indicates that all but tropical areas need to be concerned with potential damage caused by arctic air masses affecting their area. You can eliminate or reduce cold-weather losses with adequate preparation, close monitoring of weather conditions and a well-trained emergency response team. In addition to freezing of sprinkler or domestic water piping, low temperatures can damage boilers, compressors, steam piping, instrumentation lines, process piping, and HVAC equipment. The following areas should be addressed as part of your planning both prior to and during the cold weather season. Emergency team Forming an emergency response team before a cold-weather crisis occurs is an important step in preventing or mitigating property loss. Team members should be trained for specific duties to keep the plant operational during freezing weather. They should work together to identify potential freeze problem areas in the plant Document and review previous sudden-freeze incidents with the emergency response ream. With past knowledge and experience of previous cold-weather incidents, the emergency team can better prepare the plant for heavy snow, ice or freezing conditions. In addition:
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The emergency team should identify and document power-outage procedures. Purchasing or obtaining generators can be difficult if pre-arrangements are not made with suppliers. This equipment could be vital to maintaining air supply, heating and alarm service. Provide a map for any underground utility and fire protection system valves. Keep a list of applicable contractors in the event a problem should arise. Risk Engineering

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Develop emergency response procedures for shutting off critical utilities and sprinkler control valves in the event of a line break. Customize procedures unique to your operations and processes.

In the event of an impairment, proper precautions should be exercised following the Risk Engineering impairment guidelines. Please notify Zurich Services Corporation immediately in the event of an impairment to fire protection. Structure and building precautions q Survey the facility for potential cold spots such as loading docks, attics, concealed areas, etc. Where necessary, use insulation. Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent freezing of pipes in the area. Portable heating units may be necessary in some instances. Note: Exercise proper care and maintenance when using portable heating systems. Proper use of insulation should be the first choice.
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Service systems supplying heat to fire pump houses, dry-pipe valve closets and water tanks before the cold season. Additionally, check the working conditions of all comfort heating systems for the winter months. Identify important access roads and ensure they are clear of snow at all times. Clear snow accumulation around the post-indicating valves, fire hydrants, and critical utilities such as water and gas. Check roof drains and gutters for plugs to prevent backup and ponding of water or ice. Ensure yard storage is properly protected. Trim tree branches over power lines to prevent ice accumulation, which could damage the power feeds. Put programs in place for snow removal from roofs, especially in lower elevation roof areas more susceptible to excessive wind-driven accumulation.

Boilers and heating systems q Inspect all boilers and heating systems annually. The inspections should be conducted by a qualified professional well in advance of the heating season. Prioritize steam usage for critical equipment.
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Maintain an adequate supply of fuel on site just prior to and during the cold weather season. Back-up fuel systems also need to be maintained. Maintain a minimum three-foot clearance between heating units and combustible material such as stock, wood walls, floors and roofs.

Fire-fighting equipment
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Determine which portable fire extinguishers are designed for cold-weather areas. Move extinguishers that are subject to freeze into a heated area. Drain, dry, and properly store fire hoses.

Fire-protection systems
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Maintain a minimum temperature of 40 F (4.4 C) in building areas with processes susceptible to freeze, wet pipe sprinkler systems, fire-pump houses and dry-valve enclosures.

2-7.005 Cold Weather Preparation Page 3 of 4 Diesel fire-pump houses should maintain a temperature of 70 F (21 C).
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Check, sample, and service all fire protection antifreeze systems. Inspect all dry-pipe systems to make sure their clappers are properly seated, air settings are correct, air maintenance systems are in good operating condition, pipe closets are well insulated, and heat tape and heating systems are working properly. All low points should be drained and priming water level checked for excess accumulation Insulate wet-pipe branch lines in isolated areas if subject to severe cold temperatures. Drain all exposed pipe.

Fire hydrants, underground mains and water supplies q Inspect fire hydrants and other exposed equipment for water drainage. Keep hydrants clear of snow and ice. Identify hydrants by using poles that will exceed the highest snow accumulation.
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Drain fire pump test headers. I nspect valve and water meter pits and remove any standing water. Exercise and lubricate all sectional control valves to ensure they will work properly should an underground break occur. Keep the valves clear of snow and ice. Maintain the water in the suction and gravity tanks at a minimum temperature of 42 F (5.6 C). Check the heating system prior to the cold weather.

The above recommendations are not all-inclusive, but a comprehensive guide to the most common problems that arise during cold weather. Certain precautions unique to your operation may be necessary. Call your Zurich Services Corporation representative for guidance. Immediate action items for imminent freeze conditions q Mobilize the emergency response team and ensure they continually monitor critical areas.
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Ensure that emergency lighting and flashlights are available. Inspect the heating systems to ensure they are fully operational. Check heat tracing provided in process areas and protective systems subject to freeze. Check the adequacy of insulation on piping, structures and in buildings. Check the fuel supply for the heating system and emergency equipment such as vehicles and portable heaters. Have adequate fuel supplies on hand. Maintain back-up fuel oil systems to prevent freeze-ups. Drain the vessels and piping of idle equipment. Regularly inspect fire protection equipment to ensure reliability. Constantly monitor weather cond itions.

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Disclaimer

Zurich Services Corporation Risk Engineering 1400 American Lane Schaumburg, IL 60196 800 982 5964 847 605 7736 (fax) www.zurichservices.com

The information in this publication was compiled from sources believed to be reliable. Zurich Services Corporation makes no guarantee of results and assumes no liability in connection with the information, methods or safety suggestions contained therein. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety and compliance procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require addititional procedures.

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