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What You Should Know About Fire Hose Reels

By 6 April 2021April 26th, 2022No Comments

Fire Hose Reels

Fire Hose Reels are a common piece of First Response Fire Equipment that is best for Class A Fire Hazards. Water, being the agent attacking the fire to provide a cooling effect to remove the heat element of the Fire Triangle.

Anyone who uses a Fire Hose Reel should be trained in how to operate and be aware of the hazards involved such as not using a Fire Hose Reel on Class E (Electrical) Fires due to the risk of electrocution.

Fire Hose Reels can be located either inside or outside of premises and can be manufactured of metal, stainless steel, or plastic. The design and manufacture of Fire Hose Reels shall meet minimum Australian Standards AS/NZS1221.

Fire Hose Reel

Fire Hose Reels can be installed within a recess, cabinet, cupboard, or on a surface such as a wall or a post, and must meet installation standards AS2441 or otherwise as approved by a Fire Engineer and Certifier.

Fire Hose Reels can be either pumped (connected to a Hydrant Pump System) or unpumped. Fire Hose Reels connected to a Pumped Hydrant System, when used, will automatically start the Fire Pumpset and can possibly cause the pump set to run until the fuel tank is empty. This can cause damage to the pumps and render the pump set inoperable which would be a Critical Defect.

Fire Hose Reel Testing

This is a serious issue, as it would affect the ability of the prescribed fire safety equipment (Fire Hose Reels, Fire Hydrants & Pumpsets) to be used in a fire emergency. It is important to ensure Fire Hose Reels are not used for a purpose other than to attack a fire in an emergency and for the fire brigade to be contacted to take the necessary action to ensure the safety of people and property.

Using Fire Hose Reels for wash down can cause added wear and tear or damage. If the Fire Hose Reel is not correctly wound up and reinstated after use, this could cause risks to the life safety of the potential user of the equipment when attempting to use the Fire Hose Reel in a fire emergency. Such concerns may arise from a kinked hose, the hose tangled and unable to be freely unwound, or the nozzle not interlocked which may cause the hose to be run out to fight the fire with the risk of the water not initially being turned on.

Fire Hose Reel Inspection

FCF Fire and Electrical have qualified QBCC licenced technicians that can supply, install, service, and maintain Fire Hose Reels as per AS2441 & AS1851 requirements. It is our experience and knowledge that puts confidence in our customers that their fire safety equipment is operational and ready to be used in a fire emergency.

FCF is focused on providing exceptional service, so why don’t you put us to the test! Contact us to find out how we can help make managing your fire compliance easy.

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