Fire Hose Reel Testing
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Fire Hose Reel Testing
Fire hose reels help suppress fires quickly and effectively, which is why they are installed around many commercial properties as safety measures. Regular testing is a legal requirement under NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment safety standards and the best way to ensure they can perform properly when needed.
During a fire emergency, if the fire hose reel gets stuck or doesn't spray effectively, there's nothing to stop flames from spreading and putting lives and properties at risk. The Local Guys will make sure your fire hose reels are always ready to deploy. You'll enjoy peace of mind after a fire hose reel testing service from our professional technicians!
Fire Hose Reels Need To Be Tested?
Under NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment, fire hose reels need regular maintenance checks every month and comprehensive annual tests every 12 months. These inspections are essential to ensure you can maintain a safe environment and stay compliant with fire safety regulations.
However, fire hose reels installed in hostile environments may require more frequent inspections. The frequency of testing will depend on the results of a risk assessment.
The Local Guys will help you schedule fire hose reel safety inspections and keep your property up to code!
Test a Fire Hose Reel
There are 2 main types of the fire hose reel tests: the standard monthly inspection and the major 12-monthly inspection.
During the monthly inspection, The Local Guys will:
- Visually inspect the fire hose reel's location, signage, and accessibility
- Check the quality and function of the hose reel, nozzle, and valves
- Test that water flows when engaged
- Tag each item and document the results
During the 12 monthly test, our technicians will:
- Visually inspect the fire hose reel's location, signage, and accessibility
- Check the quality and function of the hose reel, nozzle, and valves
- Test the flow rates
- Measure the reach of the water jet
- Tag each item and document the results
Visual Inspection
Fire hose reels need to be installed in places where they are clear to see and easy to access. In hazardous areas, hose reels must be installed within 40 metres of potential fire risks so that they're in close proximity if needed. The Local Guys will check that your fire hose reels are positioned appropriately and aren't blocked by obstructions that would slow down emergency response times.
Our technicians will also need to make sure that any signs are clearly visible.
Hose and Nozzle Integrity Check
Any damage to the fire hose reel could cause the equipment to fail, so The Local Guys will diligently check for issues. Our expert team will start with a visual inspection of the hose and the hose container to check for obvious damage. Next, the technician will unwind the entire hose from the reel to see if it is still in good condition and easy to deploy. The Local Guys also inspect the hose for twists or kinks, and any signs of damage or wear like cracks, splits, or soft spots.
Our technicians will also inspect the nozzle, valves and hose connections. Any damage, blockages, or issues with these essential components could prevent water from flowing freely, so it's vital that they're checked over thoroughly.
Flow Rate Test
Fire hose reel flow tests are used to check that your hose can provide an adequate water supply. When fighting a fire, it's essential that you can count on a strong and steady flow of water from your fire hose reel.
The minimum flow rates are:
- 14 litres per minute for a 13 mm hose
- 27 litres per minute for a 19 mm hose
- 33 litres per min for a 25 mm hose
Jet Throw (Reach) Test
The advantage of fighting a fire using water from a fire hose reel is that you can maintain a safer distance and protect a larger area. To do that properly, the fire hose reel must be able to spray a jet of water that will reach flames burning several metres away.
As per NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment, the jet throw of the hose must be at least 6 metres.
The Local Guys will conduct a jet reach test to see whether the water can reach the appropriate distance. If the fire hose reel fails the test, there may be a problem with the incoming water supply, a fault with the hose, or an obstruction blocking the water flow.
Tagging and Documenting Results
Each fire hose reel tested by our team will also be tagged with a new compliance tag. The Local Guys will record the results of your fire hose reel tests into a detailed service report, and include any important notes from the technicians. Once any issues have been addressed, The Local Guys will issue you with a certificate of compliance for your official safety maintenance records.
In the event of a safety audit, the service report and certificate can act as evidence of your dedication to safety and compliance.
Why Choose The Local Guys?
The Local Guys will make sure your safety equipment is compliant with all the essential fire hose reel testing requirements. Our friendly team of technicians are fully-licensed and trained to deliver professional safety checks and inspections.
Keep your property safe and book your next fire hose reel testing appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire hose reels should only be tested by people with the appropriate training and understanding of NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment safety standards. Any annual inspections for your fire hose reels must be completed by professional technicians like The Local Guys. Regular inspections and monthly checks can be done by a trained worker or staff member, but a qualified technician will need to be contacted if any potential issues are found.
No, fire hose reels cannot be used on every type of fire. In fact, fire hose reels are most effective on Class A fires involving regular combustibles like paper, wood, plastic, and clothing. Fire hose reels project water, so they should never be used on electrical fires because of the electrocution risk. They also aren't effective on Class B or Class F fires involving oils and flammable liquids, so you won't see them in commercial kitchens or the like.
No, fire hose reels do not need pressure tests during monthly or annual fire hose reel inspections to remain compliant with national testing standards. Pressure testing is only required if the fire hose reel is newly-installed, has been repaired or replaced, or needs to be checked for evidence of damage. Only a qualified professional should conduct pressure testing.
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