Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Aerial Operations • Forcible Entry • ARFF

Standpipe

Term from Firefighting industry explained for recruiters

A standpipe is a crucial fire safety system found in buildings that helps firefighters quickly access water on different floors. Think of it as a vertical water pipeline that runs through a building, with connection points (like water faucets) on each floor. This system allows firefighters to connect their hoses directly to these points instead of dragging heavy hoses up multiple flights of stairs. It's similar to having a fire hydrant inside the building. When reviewing resumes, you'll often see this term when candidates have experience with installing, inspecting, or maintaining these systems in tall buildings or large facilities.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted monthly inspections of standpipe and standpipe system connections across 12 high-rise buildings

Led training sessions on proper standpipe usage and maintenance procedures for junior firefighters

Certified in standpipe system testing and maintenance with 100% compliance record

Typical job title: "Fire Safety Inspectors"

Also try searching for:

Fire Inspector Fire Safety Specialist Fire Protection Engineer Fire Systems Technician Fire Prevention Officer Building Safety Inspector Fire Safety Consultant

Where to Find Fire Safety Inspectors

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a comprehensive standpipe inspection program for a large commercial building?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss creating inspection schedules, documentation procedures, team training, coordination with building management, and ensuring compliance with local fire codes and NFPA standards. They should also mention risk assessment and emergency planning.

Q: What are the key differences between wet and dry standpipe systems, and when would you recommend each?

Expected Answer: The candidate should explain that wet systems are always filled with water and are common in heated buildings, while dry systems are kept empty until needed and are used in unheated areas to prevent freezing. They should discuss maintenance requirements and specific applications for each.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main components of a standpipe system that need regular inspection?

Expected Answer: The candidate should mention checking valves, pressure gauges, hose connections, pipes for corrosion, signage, and access points. They should also know the typical inspection intervals for each component.

Q: How do you ensure proper pressure in a standpipe system?

Expected Answer: They should discuss pressure testing procedures, understanding minimum and maximum pressure requirements, checking pump operations, and identifying common pressure-related issues.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic purpose of a standpipe system?

Expected Answer: The candidate should explain that standpipes provide firefighters with water access points throughout a building, making it easier to fight fires on upper floors without running hose lines up stairways.

Q: What safety precautions do you take when inspecting standpipes?

Expected Answer: They should mention personal protective equipment, proper communication with building staff, following lockout/tagout procedures, and basic safety protocols during inspections.