Fire hose reels
Safequip is committed to delivering excellence and quality fire service equipment. One of our core offerings includes fire hose reels. It would be important to know the difference between the different types of fire hose reels and the typical types of fires you can use the fire hose for.
SANS 543 also specifies that the hose fitted to the hose reels must be SANS 1086 approved.
Fire hose reels are typically used to fight type A fires such as wood, or paper and the typical functionality would be to supply a continuous and controllable supply of water to a fire.
The two most commonly used fire hose reels include a fixed wall-mounted fire hose reel which is permanently attached in a specified location and is plumbed into the existing mains water supply. Another type of fire hose reel includes a swing-way fire hose reel which is usually installed in a hose reel cabinet. The benefit of using this type of hose reel is that it is required for an emergency and the hinge allows the whole reel to be swung out. Additional UV-protected covers and cabinets are also available.
Using the fire hose reel would include breaking the anti-tamper seal. Turn on the water supply at the stop valve and run the hose out the required distance to the area where the fire is. Turn the water on at the source nozzle.
Once the fire is extinguished, turn off the water at the nozzle and rewind the hose in even layers. It would also be important to turn off the water at the stop valve. Open the nozzle to release the pressure into a bucket and close the nozzle and put it back into the holder.
Best practice for installing a fire hose reel should be aligned to industry standards and mounted according to definitive specifications. The recommended spindle height for a fire hose reel should be approximately 1500mm above the floor height. The access along the path to an exit as well as minimal interference with the running of the hose should be implemented seamlessly.
Once installed such fire hose reels must be inspected and sealed by qualified and registered SANS 1475 service agents who employ qualified SAQCC technicians. This is also applicable when a fire hose reel needs to be serviced and when the hose reel was used or tampered with.
Fire hose reels should not be used to wash vehicles or hose down driveways.
Contact Safequip for more information.