For larger office buildings and other commercial areas it may be worth investing in a fire hose connected to a dedicated water supply. These provide large amounts of water for an unlimited amount of time to deal efficiently with fires and allow fighting a fire without being too close to the source of fire. Before investing in a fire hose, however, consideration should be given to the type of fire that is likely to occur in the relevant area. As fire hoses deliver water, they should only be used on common types of fires such a Class A fires. Carefully carry out a fire risk assessment to determine if a fire hose is adequate. Newly built properties will of course have to take building regulations into account as well.
Hose reels operate as either a manual or automatic device. Manual hoses require a stop valve to be turned before the water will come through, whereas an automatic device will deliver water the instant it is pulled. Which of these is necessary will be dictated by how urgent water may be needed for adequate fire protection. The hose diameter will typically determine how much water is delivered, but a 19mm hose should be sufficient for many areas.
Reliable fire protection also depends on the protection of the equipment. Hoses can be subject to both damage from vandalism and the environment they are located in. This may necessitate a protective cabinet. For hazardous industrial areas, a reinforced cabinet may be needed which can withstand impacts and a corrosive atmosphere. Alternatively, for public areas it may be necessary to keep the hose in a wall mounted cabinet to ensure that it is not tampered with or damaged. Like other pieces of fire safety equipment, hoses and protective cabinets will require periodic maintenance checks to ensure they are in full working condition.
The Article is written by safelincs.co.uk providing Safelincs fire safety and Safelincs Ltd fire protection. Visit www.safelincs.co.uk for more information on safelincs.co.uk Products & Services!