In any workplace, ensuring the safety of employees and property is a top priority. Fire hose reels play a crucial role in fire safety measures by providing a reliable and effective means of tackling small fires before they escalate.
Below, we’ll elaborate on the importance of fire hose reel installations in the workplace and why they are beneficial in maintaining a safe environment for all employees.
What is a Fire Hose Reel?
A fire hose reel is a cylindrical device designed to hold an extended hose, typically 30 metres, connected to a pressurised water source. The hose can be quickly unwound in case of a fire emergency to provide a continuous stream of water for controlling or extinguishing small fires before they spread.
Unlike fire extinguishers, which are designed for specific types of fires, a fire hose reel is ideal for Class A fires—those involving solid materials like paper, wood, or textiles. It’s an essential first line of defence when a fire breaks out, particularly in industrial or commercial settings where such materials are commonly found.
Benefits of Fire Hose Reel Installations in Workplaces
Since fire incidents can occur without warning, having a fire hose reel in easily accessible areas can be the difference between quickly containing a small fire and allowing it to escalate into a much larger emergency.
Here’s how equipping your workplace with fire hose reels can benefit the organisation:
- Immediate Response to Fire
Time is critical when controlling fires. Installing a hose reel means that employees can quickly tackle small fires, preventing them from escalating into more dangerous situations. This helps limit property damage and reduce the risk of injury.
- Easy to Operate
Fire hose reels are easy to operate. Employees can pull the hose and start using it even without extensive training. This makes it an accessible tool for anyone in the workplace, offering peace of mind that, in an emergency, most people can take quick action.
- Continuous Water Supply
Unlike fire extinguishers, which have a limited capacity, fire hose reels provide a continuous water supply as long as they are connected to a water source. This allows for extended firefighting efforts, which can be crucial in controlling larger fires or those that spread more slowly.
- Various Usage
Fire hose reels can be used on various fire types involving solid combustibles. Whether it’s a warehouse, office, or industrial site, having a fire hose reel available ensures that staff can handle fires caused by various workplace materials.
Also Read – Types of Fire Extinguishers
Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations
Regulations ensure buildings meet fire safety standards, reduce risks, and protect lives and property. For example, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) requires all workplaces to install fire hose reel systems under the SS 575 code of practice. Here are some provisions for using fire hose reels in the workplace:
- Size and Type: The hose itself must have a nominal diameter of either 20mm or 25mm, conforming to EN 694 standards. It should not exceed 30 metres in length and must be fitted with “shut-off” nozzles measuring either 4mm or 6mm in diameter for effective control during use.
- Water Supply: The water supply to these hose reels must meet the flow rate and minimum pressure requirements as specified in SS 575, ensuring consistent water availability in an emergency.
- Piping: To ensure a durable and reliable water connection, copper or stainless steel piping is allowed when connecting the hose reels to the PUB mains.
Proper Installation and Maintenance
Improper installation can render the hose reel ineffective, which could lead to dire consequences in an emergency. As such, the siting and installation of fire hose reels must strictly adhere to the requirements outlined in SS 575. When installing fire hose reels, placing them in recesses whenever possible is recommended to prevent obstructions along escape routes.
The installation details vary based on hose reels’ different types and sizes, but ensuring they don’t block critical pathways is essential. Recess doors should be designed to open fully, up to 180 degrees, to allow easy access to the hose without hindering its use. These doors are typically not locked, but if locks are necessary, they should feature tempered glass panels and be operable from the inside without a key to ensure accessibility during an emergency.
In cases where hose reels are installed in open areas where obstructions are common, positioning them above head height may be required. However, even in such situations, the nozzle retainer, hose guide, and inlet valve should be installed approximately 900 mm above floor level to ensure ease of use.
An anti-overrun device can also be beneficial in avoiding tangling during deployment. This setup ensures that the hose can be used efficiently without causing delays in a critical moment.
- Hose Reel Notices: A notice reading “FIRE HOSE REEL” must be displayed next to the hose reel or on the door if it is located in a recess with a door, whether glazed or otherwise. The notice must feature block letters at least 50 mm in height, in a suitable colour on a contrasting background. It must be resistant to weathering and any industrial processes in the area.
- Maintenance: According to SS 575 section 11.2.5, hose reels must be regularly inspected to ensure there are no leaks in the inlet valve, automatic on/off valve, tubing, and nozzle. If booster pumps are in use, they and their associated equipment must also be checked.
Once a year, the hose must be entirely run out and tested under water pressure to verify its condition, and a flow test must ensure at least 0.4 L/s discharge, especially testing the highest reel on each rising main.
Training and Awareness
Regular fire drills and safety training sessions ensure all staff know how to respond to alarms, evacuate the premises safely, and contact emergency services immediately.
Employees must be trained in essential fire safety procedures, including using fire hoses and extinguishers, evacuation routes, and communication during emergencies. The lack of proper fire safety training in the workplace can severely impact the ability to handle emergencies.
Ensuring Fire Safety in the Workplace Round-the-Clock
Don’t overlook the importance of a well-maintained fire safety system—it’s an investment in your workplace’s security and peace of mind. At King Fire, our goal is to safeguard lives and properties by providing holistic fire protection systems and fire protection system maintenance in Singapore to organisations.
Should you need further information on ensuring a safe work environment for your employees, please contact us
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