Challenge

The intake nozzles on the Vesda fire detection system were pointed upward, causing them to collect and become clogged with dust. Accessing the system required completing each pipe run before moving to the next, which meant traveling across the trusses rather than following them. During the project, the team also discovered a sprinkler head covered in moist slime, indicating a slow leak in an area inaccessible from below.

Rope Guy Solution

The Rope Guy team cut off the existing nozzles and installed two 90-degree fittings to redirect the nozzles downward and prevent future dust accumulation.

To safely move across the trusses, the team fabricated a custom 6-foot expandable bar that could be inserted between the trusses and moved along using ladder hooks. Similar in concept to an expandable doorway pull-up bar, the custom solution was significantly larger and allowed the team to efficiently access each pipe run.

After identifying the leaking sprinkler head, the team notified the supervisor and returned to replace it while completing the remaining work.

Results

The Vesda intake nozzles were successfully redirected downward to reduce dust buildup and clogging. The custom expandable bar provided safe access across the trusses, allowing the team to complete the required modifications efficiently. The team also identified and resolved a previously undetected slow sprinkler leak, preventing a potential maintenance issue from becoming more significant.