SS 6 covers riser mains for use by fire services, such as dry and charged risers that carry water up a building for firefighters. MBIE says they are listed in all cases. Council templates typically cite NZS 4510, with annual and five-yearly inspection and testing by an IQP.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 6 |
| Official name | Riser mains for use by fire services |
| Typical intervals | Annual and every 2–5 years (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | NZS 4510 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 6 covers
- Handbook examples: a dry riser and a charged riser. Must be listed on a compliance schedule in all cases.[1]
- Purpose of maintenance: so the riser will operate as required in the event of a fire.[2]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 6 Riser mains | no | no | no | no | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection and testing to NZS 4510 Part 9 | Annual and 5-yearly (Westland template) | IQP[3] |
| Form 12A certificate | Annually | IQP[2] |
| Keep inspection, test and maintenance records | Previous 24 months on site | Owner[2] |
What an inspection typically covers
- Regular inspection and testing so the riser operates as required during a fire.[1]
- Planned preventative and responsive maintenance to the nominated standard.[1]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| NZS 4510:2008 (Amdt 1:2009) Parts 1-8 | Fire hydrant systems for buildings (performance standard)[3] |
| NZS 4510:2008 Part 9 | Testing, maintenance, and impairments (inspection/maintenance)[3] |
| NZS 4510:1998 | Fire hydrant systems for buildings (older installations)[2] |
| NZS 4510:1978 | Code of practice for riser mains for fire service use (older installations)[2] |
| Specifically designed solution | Prepared by a competent person[1] |
Titles as listed in council and MBIE documents. Inspections follow the standard and edition named in the building's compliance schedule, usually the edition the system was installed to. Changing to a different edition needs an amendment to the compliance schedule.
Questions
How often is SS 6 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: annual and every 2–5 years, with an IQP certifying the system each year. The building's compliance schedule sets the actual frequency.
Which standards apply to SS 6?
Commonly cited: NZS 4510. The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 6?
An independently qualified person (IQP) registered with the council for this system. They issue a Form 12A each year, which the owner attaches to the building warrant of fitness.
Sources
- Compliance Schedule Handbook, Amendment 3 — MBIE, 14 February 2014 (first published 25 May 2007)
- SS 6 Riser Mains form — Palmerston North City Council / Manawatu DC
- Specified Systems Guidance for Customers, WBCA 003 v1.0.1 — Westland District Council BCA, 16 September 2025
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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