Are you familiar with firefighters’ air replenishment systems (FARS)? While this technology is not new, its adoption is rapidly growing. It is rare in our industry for an entirely new system to be introduced to commercial buildings. The rapid growth and lack of awareness are creating some challenges.

This article gives an overview of the technology and guides you to additional resources for further learning, using plain language to convey ideas without the precision of the actual code language. 

Firefighters need two things to be effective: water and breathing air. Fire protection standpipes, which provide a reliable water supply to upper floors, were introduced more than 100 years ago. FARS are intended to serve the same function for breathing air. 

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) consists of bottled breathing air worn on the firefighter’s back, supplying air to a breathing mask. SCBAs are essential for protecting firefighters from the toxins and particles produced by a fire. Each tank provides approximately 15 to 25 minutes of breathing time and weighs about 30 pounds. 

Without FARS in a building, highly trained firefighters are not optimally deployed on firefighting and rescue activities because significant resources are needed for a bottle brigade. The bottle brigade is a team of firefighters tasked with transporting breathing bottles up a building while bringing empty bottles back down for replenishment. 

It’s not uncommon for a bottle brigade to occupy one firefighter for every two stories of a building. Furthermore, many firefighters are also trained paramedics. FARS allows firefighters occupied with the bottle brigade to be deployed in critical areas that leverage their specialized training.

The model codes are a great place to start when wanting to learn more about FARS. The International Code Council locates the requirements in Appendix L of the International Fire Code (IFC). The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials includes the requirements in Appendix F of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). 

While the codes share many similarities, they have some key differences. In both model cases, the appendices are not considered part of the code unless a jurisdiction formally adopts them. 

The UPC specifies the facilities required to include FARS: certain high-rise buildings, underground structures, tunnels and large-area horizontal structures. On the other hand, the IFC leaves it up to the adopting jurisdiction to determine which types of buildings require FARS but provides a list of characteristics to be considered. 

When dealing with codes, it is always necessary to review the adopting jurisdiction’s code language, amendments and interpretations. In general, FARS are applied in buildings that are either tall, belowgrade or have a large footprint, restricting the ability to replenish SCBA bottles in portions of the building.

Supplying Breathable Air

The breathable air is supplied from one of three sources: on-site storage, fire department mobile air unit or, less commonly, on-site compressors. When using a fire department mobile air unit, an emergency mobile air connection (EMAC) panel must be provided. The EMAC panel must be in an accessible location approved by the fire code official. It should be protected from impact, weatherproof and meet minimum clearance requirements. 

On-site storage, when used, must be capable of refilling the number of SCBAs specified by the jurisdiction and of the size and pressure used by the fire department. The number of specified SCBAs can vary, though 50 is a common requirement. The pressure can vary from approximately 2,200 pounds/square inch (psi) to 5,500 psi. Consult with the local fire department for the type, size and style of SCBAs they use. 

The quality of the air must be closely monitored. An air monitoring system shall measure levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrocarbon and moisture. When thresholds are crossed, a supervisory signal must be transmitted, and the system shall be electronically supervised and monitored. Regular maintenance and calibration of sensors are critical to ensure accuracy and reliability. 

Breathable air is distributed to stairwells (or columns within large-area horizontal structures) through high-pressure, stainless-steel tubing that connects to fill panels located at intervals; for example, on every third level. The local jurisdiction amendments often specify the specific intervals and the number of stairwells requiring fill panels. 

Orbital welding of the stainless tubing provides a reliable, leak-free connection. There may be requirements for fire-rated protection of distribution piping from the storage location to the fill panels.

There are two methods of filling SCBA bottles. The first method involves fill stations, where the firefighter must take the bottle out of use and place the bottle in a containment enclosure during filling. Alternatively, some fire departments may use SCBA bottles with rapid intervention crew/company universal air connection fittings. These connections allow the firefighter to breathe and wear the bottle during the filling process. 

Fill panels are often located in the stairwell exit enclosure. Ensure that all egress clearances are maintained when the panels are not recessed. When the panels are recessed, ensure the wall fire ratings are maintained. 

The time to fill a tank is a key performance criterion for a system. The maximum fill time is specified in the code and may vary, depending on the code and jurisdiction. A two-minute maximum fill time is common. Additionally, the jurisdiction may specify a minimum number of bottles to be simultaneously filled; a two-bottle requirement is common.

After installation, the system must undergo acceptance testing. This includes a pneumatic test to inspect for leaks, a fill test to demonstrate compliance with fill-time requirements and an air quality analysis. Successful completion of these tests may be necessary to obtain a certificate of occupancy. Once the system is operational, ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance must be understood. This may include quarterly air sampling.

Industry Challenges

Introducing FARS has created challenges in the industry, the least of which is awareness of jurisdictions requiring FARS. In 2022, a nonprofit organization called the Firefighter Air Coalition was formed to share knowledge about firefighter air. Its website includes a FARS Code Tracker, a convenient reference for identifying jurisdictions that have adopted FARS. The website currently lists 25 states with jurisdictions that have adopted FARS into their codes. 

Many consulting engineers are not well-versed in the FARS design process and may choose to designate the system as a delegated design component. This lack of experience can lead to inconsistent space allocation early in the design process, resulting in unintended consequences such as oversized or undersized air cylinder storage rooms. 

General contractors may lack experience in pricing and procuring FARS, making it essential to coordinate with low-voltage electrical power and fire life safety systems to ensure aligned scopes and budgets. 

The pool of experienced subcontractors for installation may be limited, so it is critical to verify their experience, training and certifications. Fortunately, contractors in the market, such as TDIndustries, have more than 10 years of experience installing and servicing this equipment.

The adoption of FARS is rapidly increasing due to the significant safety benefits of providing constant, safe and reliable breathing air. FARS can help prevent loss of life and reduce property damage. Readily available breathing air protects frontline firefighters by reducing smoke exposure, preventing short-term effects such as hypoxia and long-term effects such as cancer. Since building owners cover the costs, the impact on the jurisdiction’s capital budgets is minimal. 

It’s essential for everyone in the industry to invest time in learning about this important and emerging system.