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Demand for stainless steel in fire extinguishing systems in Japan gets a boost
By T. Kohga
Nickel Magazine, September 2007 -- Changes to Japan’s Fire Service Law
Enforcement have resulted in the increased use of stainless steel pipes in fire fighting systems. A wave of
regulation, which also affects air-conditioning and sanitation piping systems, is boosting demand for
stainless steel in indoor piping systems.
Demand for light, durable, pressure-resistant materials for piping has risen in recent years, reflecting
an increase in the construction of high-rise buildings. Nickel-containing stainless steel may not be as
inexpensive as ordinary carbon steel; however, its advantages in fire fighting are considerable. They include
corrosion and heat resistance, ease of installation (owing to its relatively light weight), low friction loss
(especially valuable in piping), and overall strength.
These were among the findings of the Committee for Preparation of the Standards for Pipes and Joints for
Indoor Fire Fighting Equipment, which met in the period 2003-2005 to study the benefits of stainless steel in
this crucial, life-saving discipline. In 2006, the Fire Service Law Enforcement Regulations were revised in
accordance with the committee’s findings, so that today the use of stainless steel in fire-fighting equipment
is not only encouraged but necessary (in permit applications, for example).
Stainless steel pipes in indoor piping systems have been used in air-conditioning and sanitation for about
30 years in Japan. Non-stainless pipes become corroded by dissolved oxygen and residual chlorine, and
generally last no more than 30 years. Long-term deterioration arising from the corrosion of carbon steel
pipes, for example, has resulted in accidents. Stainless steel pipes, on the other hand, actually extend the
durability of indoor piping systems.
That’s welcome news for Japan’s construction sector. In recent years, the threat of massive earthquakes,
such as occurred in March 2007, has been a matter of great concern. Quake-proof fire extinguishing systems
are considered indispensable in high-rise buildings.
To meet social demand for new piping materials the Japan Stainless Steel Association (JSSA) is working to
educate the public about the benefits of stainless steel. Besides quake-proof fixtures, the benefits include
shorter construction periods and size reduction (owing to prefabrication), as well as durability and light
weight.
In 2006, the JSSA and the Nickel Institute jointly held two explanatory meetings to outline revisions to
the Fire Service Law Enforcement Regulations. More than 150 people attended the meetings, including Section
Chief Ito of the Fire Protection Equipment, Fire Prevention Division, Fire and Disaster Management Agency,
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and Executive Adviser Miyasaka of the Fire Equipment and
Safety Center of Japan as guests. The high attendance showed how deeply the industry is interested in the
regulations.
The various stainless steel piping systems that the Japan Stainless Steel Association had been advocating
are now a reality.
T. Kohga is the Manager of the Nickel Institute's Tokyo office.
Photos: Japan Stainless Steel Association and iStock.
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