The hose reel system is an immediate fire-fighting response equipment that can be easily be used by the public to contain the spread of the fire. When this fire-fighting equipment is used by a person prepared for such situations, it could save lives and properties, including his/ her own. But would you know what to do if you are required to use it?
To use a Fire Hose reel Set, remember the P.O.R.T.S. rule:
Pull and swing out the Hose reel drum
Open the control (gate) valve
Roll out the hose
Turn ‘ON’ the nozzle valve
Spray water over fire
Located within common areas of the building facilities (in a recessed or exposed Fire Hose reel Cabinet, or within a duct), key areas within a tenanted unit, the Fire Hose reel is easily identified and accessible for use at all times. However, unlike the Portable Fire Extinguisher that can be used for a single attempt to fight the fire, the Fire Hose reel can be used as long as there is a water supply from the Fire Hose reel Water Tank or direct PUB supply.
The following regulations thus require premises to have an operationally-ready and well maintained Fire Hose reel System:
Code of Practice for Fire Safety Precautions in Buildings
Code of Practice for Fire Hydrant, Rising Main and Hose reel System (SS 575: 2012)
Who is responsible for the Fire Hose reel System?
Building Owners and Council Members are responsible by regulation
Fire Protection Specialists, like BSE, MCST Managing agencies, and/ or technicians are engaged to assist Building Owners and Council Members
Tenants of owned or rented units are responsible for their own equipment within the unit.
Basic features of the Fire Hose reel System
Hose reel set consisting of the drum, hose, nozzle, nozzle clip, and mounting bracket
Hose reel cabinet, where provided
Operating signages, labels and instructions
Pipes and fittings from the water source (either from the Fire Hose reel Water Tank, or direct PUB supply). Where a Fire Hose reel Water Tank is provided, the Fire Hose reel controller panel and pump sets are being inspected as well.
What kind of maintenance will the Fire Hose reel System need and how often?
According to regulations, the recommended frequency of inspection of the Fire Hose reel System, including the testing Fire Pump System where required, in buildings is MONTHLY. However, the regulatory testing and maintenance of the Fire Hose reel Systems and Equipment are conducted ANNUALLY.
For industrial buildings with higher risk of fire incidents, more frequent testing and maintenance may be conducted to ensure Total Fire Safety in the premises.
Inspection procedure
Inspection checklist for the Fire Hose reel System:
No leakage detected
No obstruction of accessibility or visibility
Operating instructions on the label are seen legibly
No physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles
No entanglement or kinking of the hoses
Condition of the stop cock/ gate valve/ stop valve is in good working condition
Condition of hose reel cabinet, where provided, is in good working condition
Fire extinguisher cabinet/ wall hook bracket
Service Label by Authorized Companies to proof of servicing of the Fire Hose reel sets.
Testing procedure
Fire Hose reel System is tested by
servicing the hose reel sets on-site, and
running the hose reel pumps to determine under the water flow test requirements
Next, defects are identified for recommendation and rectified in a timely manner.
Tips on having an optimum Fire Hose reel System:
Ensure that RISER PIPES are properly INDICATED with the water flow directional area.
Ensure that RISER PIPES are charged with water supply without leakage.
Ensure NO OBSTRUCTION or MISUSE of the FIRE HOSE REEL equipment.
Ensure that the FIRE HOSE REEL SYSTEM pass the regulatory tests for the building requirements. Where a fully operational Fire Pump System is available, to check that it can provide the required water pressure throughout the pipes!
Comentários