What components of the sprinkler or standpipe system must be painted?
Buildings Bulletin 2010-014 (PDF) clarifies the components that need to be painted.

Where do I find the Certificate of Compliance with Color-Coding Form?
The form is available in the Plumbing Forms section.

Where should I keep the certificate?
The certificate should be kept at the building's fire command station. If the building does not have a fire command station, keep the certificate where other required building inspection and maintenance documents are kept. This space should be open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

How long do I have to keep the certificate?
The certificate must be kept on the premises at all times as proof that the building is in compliance with the painting requirements.

What is the penalty for failing to comply with the painting requirements?
Failure to comply with the painting requirements may result in the following violations:

1. Failure to properly paint the standpipe or sprinkler systems. This violation is a Class 2 violation that carries a minimum penalty of $1,600. It cannot be cured.
2. Failure to produce a Certificate of Compliance with Color-Coding Form. This is a Class 2 violation that carries a minimum penalty of $500.

Does the special inspector need to verify that the concealed piping has been painted?
Yes. The special inspector must certify that painting has been completed prior to the concealing of pipes.

On new buildings, who is responsible for certifying proof of color-coding?
A special inspector can certify compliance on the color-coding certification form. Certification is for the entire building. If the special inspector cannot certify compliance for the entire building, the owner must hire an appropriate professional to certify.

What is considered "exposed piping"?
Exposed piping is piping that is easily accessible within a building, such as piping in halls or closets. Piping in ceilings and behind walls is not considered exposed. Exposed cross connections and riser piping must be painted in accordance with Buildings Bulletin 2010-014 (PDF).

What is the difference between sprinkler cross connections and horizontal branch lines?
Sprinkler cross connections provide a connection between standpipe risers and Fire Department siamese connections. Horizontal branch lines receive water from the riser and deliver water to the sprinkler heads. Cross connections and standpipe risers must be painted red. Horizontal branch lines are not required to be painted.

If piping is to be labeled and listed and not obscured by painting, are contractors supposed to paint around labeling and listing?
Yes.

Which Certificate of Fitness holders can certify proof of color-coding?
Holders of the following FDNY Certificates can certify:

Examination F-95
Residential Sprinkler Systems off City Main/Domestic Water (F-95)

Examination F-96
F-15 Standpipe Systems with Pressure Tanks
F-23 Sprinkler Systems with Pressure Tanks
F-48 Sprinkler Systems with Pressure Tanks Complex-wide

Examination F-97
F12 - Standpipe Systems with Fire Pumps and Gravity Tanks
F14 - Standpipe Systems with Fire Pumps
F21 - Sprinkler Systems with Fire Pumps
F49 - Sprinklers Systems with Fire Pumps Complex-wide

Examination F-98
F-10 Standpipe Systems with Gravity Tank
F-18 Sprinkler Systems with Gravity Tank
F-47 Sprinkler Systems with Gravity Tank Complex-wide

Examination F-99
F-09 Dry Standpipe Systems
F-11 Standpipe Systems with City Mains
F-16 Yard Hydrant System
F-17 Sprinkler Systems with City Mains
F-20 Autodry Sprinkler System
F-46 Sprinkler Systems with City Mains Complex-wide

Examination H-01
Supervision of Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems Citywide - NYCHA Pilot Program (H-01)

Examination W-12
Citywide Sprinkler Systems Maintenance (W-12)

Examination Z-00
Generic Standpipe/Sprinkler Systems - No employment address (Z-00)

Do the cutting and capping requirements need to be following when the work is for the removal of interior partitions only?
No.

Do the requirements apply if an existing sprinkler system is removed in the hallway and lobby as part of renovation work involving interior-only demolition in an occupied building?
No, the requirements only apply to interior demolitions where the cutting and capping of standpipe or sprinkler risers becomes neccessary, such as when a story is being removed.

What is a partial demolition?
The Building Code defines partial demolition as the dismantling, razing or removal of structural members, floors, interior bearing walls and/or exterior walls or portions thereof, including all operations incidental thereto.

What needs to be submitted to indicate that testing was successfully performed?
The permit holder must submit a completed OP98 Form to the appropriate borough Plumbing Unit to serve as record of the test.

What is the penalty for failing to comply with the testing requirements?
Failure to comply with the testing requirement will result in a Class 1, immediately hazardous violation that carries a minimum penalty of $2,400.

Who needs to be notified of alarm activation or deactivation?
A FDNY borough dispatcher must be notified. Notifying the local firehouse is discouraged. The FDNY must also be notified of all out-of-service standpipe systems.

Who is responsible for notifying the FDNY?
The Site Safety Manager or the fire watch, if after normal work hours.

What are acceptable methods of notifying the FDNY?
Communication devices that do not require a coin to operate, such as telephone landlines or cell phones, are acceptable. Pay phones are not recommended.

What is the penalty for failing to have the alarm installed?
Failure to install an air pressurized alarm will result in a Class 1, immediately hazardous violation that carries a minimum penalty of $2,400.

Is the air pressurized alarm required on construction standpipes?
The air pressurized alarm is required if the construction standpipe is permitted to be maintained as a dry system. The construction standpipe is required when the height of the building reaches 75 feet or as specified in BC 905.3.1.

Does the air pressurized standpipe require hoses or pressure restrictors to be installed?
No, hoses, adapters and pressure restrictors are not required for the air pressurized standpipe.

Does the air pressurized alarm have to be connected to a central station alarm service?
No, but it must be able to alert the site safety office or fire watch.

Does the alarm have to be audible throughout the site, including remote areas such as the upper floors for a taller building?
Yes, the alarm must be audible throughout the site. This may require multiple horns.