FARS Installation & Maintenance Contractors

Two firefighters in full gear and oxygen masks work on an upper-level stairway, one adjusting the air tank of the other. They stand by a sign indicating "Stair 1, No Roof Access, 3 Down to 1 for Exit Through 8." One firefighter carries a large hose.

Technology

A Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS) is a building-installed air standpipe that delivers air to firefighters inside large structures. Just as water standpipes replaced hand buckets as a delivery system for water, FARS replaces the slow, labor-intensive process of hand-delivering replacement air bottles to firefighters during a fire.

Three construction workers in safety gear and hard hats discuss a large blueprint inside a building under construction. A woman points to the blueprint while two men look on. A laptop, papers, and a walkie-talkie are on the table in front of them.

Code Adoption & Implementation

FARS codes are currently adopted in over 249 jurisdictions across 26 US states, with more being added every year. The FAC is here to both help with the code adoption and implementation process. We provide a Code Guide and other tools to help simplify the process, as well as direct advocate support. Additionally, we keep an up-to-date Code Tracker Map of all jurisdictions with FARS code adoptions.

Three construction workers in hard hats examining blueprints at a construction site. One woman is pointing at the blueprint, another woman is observing attentively, and a man in a yellow hard hat is leaning in, focused on the plans.

Licensing Requirements, Installer Qualifications & Certifications

Plans, specifications, product data sheets, and system engineered calculations for FARS must be reviewed and stamped by an engineer licensed in the state of the jurisdiction adopting the code. The engineer should be knowledgeable in high pressure breathing air replenishment systems, and able to demonstrate previous experience with such systems.

The system should be installed by a licensed fire protection contractor experienced in the installation of fire department high pressure breathing air systems. The installation contractor should be registered as a contractor with the state and any other appropriate jurisdiction required by code and hold all appropriate licenses and certifications.

NFPA fire codes states that no Certificate of Compliance shall be issued until all approved plans and specifications have been tested, certified, and approved to be in proper working condition to the satisfaction of the local fire department.

Certificate of Analysis for ABC Fire Department: Ensuring quality and safety standards for fire prevention and emergency response.

System Lifecycle Management

NFPA Annex D dictates Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Requirements for FARS. Inspection includes a visual examination of the system and its components as specified in the code. Local codes also require periodic testing for air pressure and quality (typically quarterly).