Fire hoses are imperative to firefighting sudden fire emergencies. They are designed to deliver water or other fire retardants to extinguish fires. Understanding the different types of hoses in the fire service and their applications is crucial for both fire professionals and property owners to maximise the safety of their buildings and their occupants in the event of a sudden fire outbreak.
This comprehensive guide will explore the various fire hose types, their specific uses, installation standards, and other essential aspects. Dive into our blog and learn all things fire hoses.
This blog will cover:
- What is a Fire Hose?
- The Purpose & Benefits of Fire Hose Reels
- Different Types of Fire Hose Reels
- Fire Hose Reel Regulations & Standards
- Fire Hose FAQs
What is a Fire Hose?
A fire hose is a flexible, reinforced tube which firefighters use to distribute water or other fire retardants in order to extinguish fires. These hoses are designed to withstand high pressure, allowing them to deliver large volumes of water quickly and efficiently to the fire scene.
The Purpose & Benefits of Fire Hose Reels
Fire hose reels provide a readily accessible and controlled water supply for fighting fires. Installed in strategic locations within buildings, they allow occupants or trained personnel to respond quickly to a fire before it spreads, offering a first line of defence in fire emergencies.
Here are the fundamental purposes and benefits of fire hose reels:
- Immediate Access to Water - Fire hose reels are designed to provide an immediate and continuous water supply once the hose is unwound and the valve is opened. This makes them essential for quickly addressing small to medium-sized fires, particularly in commercial and industrial settings.
- Ease of Use - Fire hose reels are user-friendly. They have a hose that can be easily pulled out to the desired length and a nozzle that controls the water flow. This simplicity ensures that even non-professional users can operate the hose effectively in an emergency.
- Coverage and Reach—Fire hose reels can cover large areas with hoses typically up to 30 metres long, enabling the user to reach a fire even in distant parts of a building. The hose's flexibility allows for manoeuvring around obstacles, making it possible to direct the water exactly where needed.
- Controlled Water Supply - The nozzle on a fire hose reel allows the user to control the water's direction, flow, and pressure, making it easier to target the base of the fire and minimise water wastage. This control is crucial in preventing the fire from spreading and protecting property from unnecessary water damage.
- Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations - In many regions, installing fire hose reels is legally required in certain buildings, mainly commercial and industrial properties. Fire hose reels help ensure compliance with local fire safety regulations and standards, contributing to the overall safety of the premises.
- Supplementary Fire Protection - While fire hose reels are not a replacement for professional firefighting services, they provide a valuable supplementary measure that can contain or even extinguish small fires before they escalate. This can buy critical time for the building's occupants to evacuate safely and for firefighters to arrive.
- Versatile Application—Fire hose reels are suitable for fighting Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles. This makes them adaptable to various environments, including offices, factories, warehouses, and public buildings.
Different Types of Fire Hose Reels
1. Manual Fire Hose Reels
Manual fire hose reels require users to manually activate the water flow by turning a valve. These reels are simple to operate and allow users to control when and how much water is released, making them suitable for various settings. Manual fire hose reels are commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings where the occupants may need to intervene quickly during a fire emergency.
2. Automatic Fire Hose Reels
Automatic fire hose reels are designed to start dispensing water automatically when the hose is pulled out. This feature eliminates the need for the user to open a valve, allowing quicker and easier deployment during an emergency. Automatic reels are ideal for high-risk environments where a fast response is critical, such as factories, warehouses, and large commercial buildings.
3. Swinging Fire Hose Reels
Swinging fire hose reels are mounted on a pivoting arm, allowing the reel to swing out from the wall. This design provides greater flexibility, allowing the user to quickly direct the hose towards the fire. Swinging hose reels are handy in confined spaces or areas where the hose needs to be manoeuvred around obstacles. They are commonly installed in buildings' stairwells, corridors, and other tight areas.
4. Fixed Fire Hose Reels
Fixed fire hose reels are mounted stationary and do not pivot or swing. The hose is typically pulled straight from the reel mounted on a wall. Fixed hose reels are suitable for open areas with ample space for the hose to be deployed directly from the reel. They are often used in large open spaces like warehouses and industrial facilities.
5. Heavy-Duty Fire Hose Reels
Heavy-duty fire hose reels are designed for industrial environments where the hose may be subjected to harsh conditions, such as exposure to chemicals, heat, or rough handling. These reels are constructed from robust materials that can withstand demanding environments, ensuring durability and reliability in critical situations.
6. Portable Fire Hose Reels
Portable fire hose reels are not fixed to a wall but can be moved to different locations. These reels are typically mounted on a wheeled cart, allowing them to be transported to different areas of a building or site. Portable reels are ideal for large, open spaces like construction sites, where the fire risk may vary depending on the location of work activities.
7. Double-Action Fire Hose Reels
Double-action fire hose reels combine the features of both manual and automatic reels. The user can manually activate the water flow or allow it to start automatically when the hose is pulled out. This versatility makes double-action reels suitable for environments with varying fire risks, where different levels of control may be required.
8. First Aid Hose Reels
First-aid hose reels are smaller and designed for use in environments with relatively low fire risk, but some fire protection is still required. These reels typically contain a smaller hose and are used for minor fire incidents, such as in-office kitchens or small retail stores.
Fire Hose Reel Regulations & Standards
Fire hose reel regulations ensure fire safety equipment is installed, maintained, and used correctly in various commercial, industrial, and residential settings. These regulations are designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of fire hose reels during an emergency.
Installation Standards
The fire hose installation height should be 1.5 to 1.8 metres from the floor to the reel's centre. This height ensures that the hose reel is within reach for most users and allows for quick deployment.
If the fire hose reel is installed within a cabinet, the cabinet's installation height should also comply with the recommended standards, typically between 1.5 and 1.8 metres. The cabinet should be marked, easily accessible, and free from obstructions.
Compliance with Safety Standards
The British Standard BS EN 671-1 specifies the requirements for hose reels with semi-rigid hoses used in fixed firefighting systems. It covers construction, performance, and installation to ensure that hose reels meet safety and quality standards.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that a responsible person must be assigned to each building. This person is responsible for conducting a risk assessment and installing the required fire protection equipment, such as fire hose reels.
Water Pressure & Flow
Regulations often specify the minimum water pressure and flow rate that must be maintained at the nozzle of the fire hose reel. This ensures that the hose can deliver sufficient water to extinguish a fire effectively. The water supply should typically provide a flow rate of at least 0.33 litres per second at a minimum pressure of 300 kPa.
Fire Hose Labelling
Fire hose reels must be marked with appropriate signage to ensure they are easily identifiable in emergencies. The signage should include:
- Location Signs: These signs indicate the presence of a fire hose reel, which should be placed at a height easily visible from a distance.
- Operating Instructions: Clear instructions on how to use the hose reel should be displayed near the equipment. These instructions should guide users through deploying the hose, opening the water valve, and aiming the nozzle at the fire.
Maintenance and Servicing
Regulations often mandate that fire hose reels be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are fully operational during a fire. Maintenance requirements typically include monthly inspections, annual servicing by a professional and record keeping to ensure that you comply with legal regulations.
Fire Hose FAQs
How does a fire hose work?
A fire hose connects to a water source, such as a fire hydrant or fire engine, which supplies high-pressure water. When the hose is deployed, water flows through the flexible, reinforced tubing and is directed through a nozzle at the end. The nozzle allows firefighters to control the flow and pressure of the water, enabling them to aim the water accurately at the base of the fire to extinguish it effectively.
What is the difference between a manual and automatic fire hose reel?
A manual fire hose reel requires the user to manually activate the water flow by turning a valve before dispensing water. In contrast, an automatic fire hose reel begins dispensing water automatically as soon as the hose is deployed. Automatic reels are designed for quicker response, while manual reels offer more control over water flow.
What is a garden fire hose?
A garden fire hose is designed for homeowners to use in fire prevention and small fire suppression around their property. It typically has a larger diameter and is more durable than standard garden hoses, allowing for greater water flow.
Prepare for a Fire Emergency With Our Fire Hose Reels
Understanding the various types of fire hoses and their applications is essential for effective fire safety planning, whether for professional firefighting or personal use.
We are committed to providing top-quality fire protection equipment at Fire and Safety Centre, including a wide range of fire hose reels and accessories designed to meet the highest safety standards. Explore our extensive selection and ensure your premises are well-equipped to handle fire emergencies.
Our expert team can safely install your fire hose reels in compliance with installation standards and regulations. Contact us today for a quotation!