While we have covered most fire equipment in 2022, the fire hose reel is one of the most critical pieces of fire equipment in a building. The fire hose reel is crucial for “first attack” during the early stages of a fire which can be used by the owners, occupants of a building or firefighters.
In 1673, a Dutch painter, inventor, and printmaker, by the name of Jan van der Heyden and his son produced what they referred to as a “fire hose”. Jan and his son sewed leather tubes together in 50-foot lengths and replaced the use of water buckets to fight fires.
Today a hose reel in South Africa is typically 30m long and has a 300L/minute flow rate. They are permanently connected to a water supply and can be easily operated by the public.
What is the purpose of a hose reel?
Its sole purpose is to fight fire. The length of a hose reel allows fires within short range to be extinguished with unlimited water supply. As hose-reels are connected to a permanent water supply, they can extinguish Class A fires far more effectively than water-based fire extinguishers. Class A fires are combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics.
Since supply to the hose reel is water, this essentially means that it cannot extinguish Class B to F fires, such as flammable liquids, flammable gases, flammable metals, electrical equipment, and deep fat fryers. Therefore, DO NOT use for Class B to F fires.
According to Johan Pieterse, spokesperson for the Tshwane Emergency Services in Pretoria, several complaints were received on the illegal use and misuse of fire hose reels and hydrants. If you are found guilty of tampering with a fire hose reel, you could be fined up to R2500.
What is the difference between a hose reel and a fire hydrant?
Fire hydrants are required for larger commercial premises. A fire hydrant is a connection point that is used by firemen to tap directly into piped main supplies or water supply to add on to their emergency water tanks. Fire hydrants are strategically placed along roads, streets, and workplaces and they are often highlighted for visibility to the public and firemen.
Fire hose reels are required for short range firefighting by occupants of a building. Hose reels are connected to an unlimited water supply to extinguish Class A fires in a controlled manner.
What are the types of hose reels available in South Africa?
There are 3 different types of hose reels readily available in South Africa:
- Fire hose reel (standard or fixed)
- Fire hose reel (swing type)
- Stainless steel fire hose reel
Do fire hose reels need to be serviced and maintained?
Yes, according to SANS 1475-1:2010, fire extinguishers, hose reels & above ground hydrants shall be serviced and maintained annually. 1 Not servicing fire equipment in accordance with regulations opens up the risk to equipment malfunction and in the event of a fire, loss of lives, damage of property and financial losses due to insurance claims being rejected. Hose reels should be serviced annually by a reputable fire protection company with correct training, qualifications, and experience. A good practice tip for the company or owner of the building is to keep record of when hose reels are due for a service.
Inspection and testing are to ensure that the hose reel is fully operational. This includes checking that the nozzle has water, if the hose is leaking, that it is free from dust and debris that can wear away at the hose, it has not been tampered with, and that it is operating to its full capacity.
Can a plumber install a hose reel?
No, only a reputable fire protection company, like Elite Fire Protection, with the correct qualification can install a hose reel.
What is the correct process for using a fire hose reel effectively?
Operation of a hose reel:
- Turn the water on by turning the control valve in anti-clockwise direction.
- Remove the nozzle from its bracket
- Pull the nozzle and proceed to a safe distance from the fire (maximum 4 meters)
- Turn the nozzle for water to flow
- Direct water to the base of the fire
- Extinguish using a sweeping motion
Get fire hose reels installed with Elite Fire Protection!
At Elite Fire Protection we offer, inspections, installation, and maintenance of fire hose reels.
If you work in an environment that requires fire protection and safety, we can help find the best solution for you, your property, and your people. Contact us today!
References
- SANS 1475-1:2010 Edition 3.4, The production of reconditioned fire-fighting equipment – Part 1: Portable and wheeled (mobile) rechargeable fire extinguishers.
