subject: The Fire Hose Reel Components [print this page] Among the fire safety equipment currently available, installing a fire hose reel is essential especially in taking out water based fires. It is one of the easiest and safest to use of fire fighting equipment by laypeople as it uses a spray of water unlike the electrical fire extinguisher, which can sometimes cause frostbite due to extremely cold temperatures when people don't follow the proper instructions in its operation. The components in itself as we will see in this post aren't too different from assembling your home's garden hose. The same goes with its operation which in all honesty, is simply point and spray at the fire while being careful not to get hurt from its powerful jet spray!
First off, we must discuss the proper application of a fire hose reel. It is a water based fire fighting equipment - which means it should be used in taking out the basic forms of fire such as the ones caught on fabric, paper and the like. It should NEVER be used in taking out fires that originate from electrical sources such as generators, computers and other electrical appliances and equipment. This may cause shock and extended damage to the equipment - for that you use a separate electrical fire extinguisher. It should also NEVER be used in fires that originate from hot cooking oil - particularly the ones in restaurants. A different class of fire extinguisher is also used for that one. Refer to the instructions and your local fire authorities for more information on this.
The fire hose reel itself is the first component. It is the container and pump of the entire unit. While it isn't usually much to look at in terms of size, it packs a pretty amazing punch. The one I have seen installed in a school's auditorium once. It contained a 30 meter hose that delivers a fire quelching spray effective up to 12 meters in length. This is practically enough to cover any fires that may get caught on the curtains, seats and the wooden components of the auditorium. It's bright red color including the fire hose tubing itself, made sure that it was easily seen and used.
This brings us to the next two components: the fire hose tubing and the jet spray hose nozzle. These come at different lengths but make sure you inquire as to what will bring about the best amount of water flow in case of bigger flames to quelch. All in all, this powerful combination insists as a protection for your assets.
To know how to mix and match these components and to know if what combination will work best for you and your establishment, it is highly recommended that you consult with a reputable fire safety equipment dealer and the local fire authorities. Equipment like this in addition to the electrical fire extinguisher are actually now required by law of companies under the Fire Safety Order (FSO) 2005 ratified back in 2006. Thus, make sure your investment counts by giving the professionals a call.
