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Businesses and organizations of all sizes have a responsibility to protect their staff, customers, and facilities. An important component of a comprehensive fire safety plan is access to firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers and fire hose reel cabinets. Fire hose reel cabinets provide a ready water supply and hose that allows people to quickly respond to a small fire.
What exactly are fire hose reel cabinets? How do they work? And what standards and regulations apply to their use? This guide provides an overview of fire hose reel cabinets – a simple but effective fire protection system.
Defining Fire Hose Reel Cabinets
A fire hose reel cabinet consists of a hose wound around a reel and connected to a water supply inside a cabinet. It provides a high-pressure water flow for manual firefighting efforts during emergencies. Fire hose reel cabinets are installed in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings to be readily accessed in the event of a small fire.
Fire hose reel cabinets are categorized as Class I hose systems, which refer to manifolds connected to a pressurized water pipe system. This type of hose system contrasts with Class II systems connected to water stored in tanks specifically for firefighting purposes. Class I reels connected to a reliable municipal water supply avoid the maintenance required of water storage tanks in Class II systems.
Key Components of Fire Hose Reel Cabinets
Fire hose reel cabinets consist of several key components:
- Cabinet – Usually constructed of coated steel. Holds and protects the hose reel and plumbing components. Available in different dimensions.
- Hose – Typically 9mm to 20mm diameter rubber hose up to 36 meters long. Stored on a reel ready for quick deployment.
- Shut-Off Valve – Gate valve to manually open/close water flow. Located inside cabinet or exterior.
- Guide and Hose Stop – Guide directs hose during deployment. Hose stop prevents it from retracting during use.
- Nozzle – Adaptable nozzles allow stream adjustment from jet to spray. Constructed of brass.
- Drum – Hose reel constructed of steel or plastic mounted horizontally or vertically.
- Water Supply – Connected to the building’s internal water pipe network.
These components work together to deliver pressurized water on demand for attacking fires during the early stages.
Where Fire Hose Reel Cabinets Are Used
Fire hose reel cabinets are installed in locations where water and electricity pose potential fire risks. They allow rapid, localized manual firefighting for suppressing small fires before they spread or become dangerous.
Typical locations include:
- Factories and warehouses
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and aged care homes
- Shopping centers and malls
- Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues
- Airports, train stations, and public transport hubs
Fire hose reel cabinet locations must be indicated with clear signage for ease of access. They offer a first-response option before the arrival of professional firefighters.
Benefits of Fire Hose Reel Cabinets
As a frontline fire protection measure, fire hose reel cabinets offer various advantages:
- Rapid access and deployment for quick fire suppression
- Require minimal training for safe and effective use
- Compact system takes up minimal space
- Fixed water supply avoids reliance on external hydrants
- Durable components need little maintenance if inspected regularly
- Provide building owners with reassurance of responsible fire precautions
- Support insurance requirements for property and assets
Though not a substitute for sprinklers or professional fire response, fire hose reel cabinets are an affordable and straightforward precaution. They allow staff to take immediate action that can prevent small fires from incurring major damage and losses.
Fire Hose Reel Cabinet Regulations and Standards
Installation of fire hose reel cabinets must comply with all relevant building, plumbing, and fire safety regulations. These include national standards like AS/NZS 1221 in Australia and NZS 4503 in New Zealand that specify fire hose reel cabinet dimensions and other requirements.
Key regulations cover:
- Water supply size and pressure
- Maximum distance to hose reel cabinets from any point
- Highly visible signage for cabinet locations
- Unobstructed, convenient access
- Hose length based on building layout and use
- Minimum flow rate and duration
- Routine testing and inspection
Local authorities may impose additional specifications applicable to new and existing buildings in their jurisdiction. Owners should verify all regulations with the council and fire departments. Compliance helps ensure hose reels are optimally located and maintained for emergency use.
Selecting Suitable Fire Hose Reel Cabinets
Choosing the right fire hose reel cabinets for your property requires considering:
- Building size, layout, and fire risks
- Water supply pressure and flow rate
- Hose diameter and length for adequate coverage
- Sturdy reel construction to hold pressure
- Ease of access to cabinet locations
- Local signage requirements
- Frequency of maintenance checks needed
Reputable fire protection companies like Prime Phoenix in the UAE can help select the optimal hose reel cabinets. They advise on installing sufficient cabinets at key access points not obstructed by storage or equipment.
Professional installation is also recommended to integrate cabinets with your building’s pipe network and water supply. Proper connection is vital so reels function as intended when required.
Maintaining Fire Hose Reel Cabinets
While a simple system, fire hose reel cabinets require periodic maintenance and testing to ensure availability and performance when needed. AS 1851 outlines monthly and annual routine checks for owners and professional contractors.
This includes:
- Visual inspections for leakage and damage
- Flushing water through the reel to prevent stagnation
- Testing shut-off and nozzle function
- Checking hose integrity by pressurizing
- Confirming adequate water flow
- Verifying cabinet accessibility and signage
Annual testing may also assess water supply pressure and capacity. Defective parts should be replaced promptly. Proper maintenance is essential for reliable operation during fire emergencies.
Fire Hose Reel Cabinets Offer Vital Protection
Equipping busy buildings with fire hose reel cabinets provides a critical first-response option in the event of a small fire. They allow immediate action to suppress fires before extensive damage and danger arise. Backed by a pressurized water supply, fire hose reel cabinets are an affordable investment that could prevent catastrophic losses.
Compliant installation, signage, and maintenance ensure reels are optimally located and functional when urgently needed. Fire hose reel cabinets are a simple precaution that offers substantial protection for occupants, property, and business continuity.