Determining the location of fire hose reels
/The location of fire hose reels is governed by the building code, Australian Standards, safety and aesthetic considerations. Here is a short guide to unpacking at least some of the complexities of this subject.
Fire hose reels or fire extinguishers?
Fire hose reels are provided for the occupants of a building to take “first strike” action against a fire. As a part of the fire safety system, they provide the occupants with access to unlimited water supply for extinguishing fires and for protecting themselves from radiant heat. In a 2017 study, the Australian Building Control Board questioned the benefits of fire hose reels versus portable fire extinguishers in office buildings. In the UK, a study found that 80% of first strike responses were with portable fire extinguishers. Nevertheless, fire protection experts have pointed out the benefits of fire hose reels:
Fire hose reels allow for a continuous supply of water.
The spray from fire hose reels can be used for protection against radiant heat.
The stream from fire hose reels allow their use to be at least 4 metres from the seat of the fire compared with 2 metres for fire extinguishers.
Fire hose reels can extinguish a fire up to 10 times greater than fire extinguishers.
But, they are not suitable for use with chemical or electrical fires.
The requirement for the installation of fire hose reels is not likely to change in the near future.
The difference between fire hydrants and a fire hose reels
Our clients are often confused by the subtle differences between the requirements for fire hydrants and fire hose reels.
Every fire hose reel must be located next to a fire hydrant, but not every hydrant needs a fire hose reel.
If the building has internal fire hydrants, then fire hose reels are required.
For any sole-occupancy unit, or fire compartment, greater than 500m2 fire hose reels are required, whether or not there are hydrants located internally.
System coverage
The Australian standard AS2441 defines the concept “system coverage”. The fire hose reel or reels, need to be located within a design such that the occupant can reach a fire in any part of the building. The maximum length of hose allowed for this calculation is 36m with a 4m spray from the nozzle. It is system coverage that will determine if internal hydrants are required.
Where fire hose reels are to be located
Fire hose reels must be located within 4m of an exit. Sometimes it is not possible to provide the system coverage with hose reels located near exits, in these cases, it is permissible to locate extra fire hose reels “in the paths of travel to an exit”
Generally, separate hose reels are to be provided for each storey of the building. In some restricted cases a multistorey sole occupancy unit may be served by a single fire hose reel located at the entrance/exit level.
A fire hose reel should not be located such that it is required to take the hose through a fire or smoke door to fight a fire. Again, there are limited exceptions to this rule.
Fire hose reels need to be clearly marked with white letters on a red sign located 2m or more above the floor. Operating signage need to be visible within 2m of the reel.
The hose and hydrant valve need to be accessible and not obstructed by furniture. The design needs to consider how the hose will be unreeled and the height of the reel needs to be within regulated limits (1.4-2.4m)
Fire hose reels need to be mounted robustly. The mounting must not only support the weight of the apparatus but also the forces applied by the fire-fighting occupant pulling on the hose. External fire hose reels need to be protected by a cabinet.
If there is insufficient pressure available a water storage tank and/or a pump must be installed to boost the hydrant pressure
Schools and aged care facilities
The national construction code E1.4 regulations regarding fire hose reels do not apply to primary schools, secondary schools and aged care buildings.
Integrated Fire Services help clients navigate the complex regulation and performance requirements of fire hose reels. If they are to be a benefit that can save lives the location, design and installation of the fire hose reel is critical.
Further reading
NCC E1.4 building regulations define the “deemed to satisfy” requirements for fire hose reels. Where an “alternative building solution” is required the services of a fire engineering consultant such as Integrated Fire Services are essential.
AS 2441 Installation of fire hose reels
AS 1221 Fire hose reels