No one ever expects to find themselves in the position of needing to phone for fire services and attempt to put out a fire. However, it can happen when you least expect it.
Because it’s an unexpected yet very genuine reality, it’s helpful to know as much about fire protection equipment as possible, including how to use them. A small amount of knowledge could save lives and property.
With that in mind, you may have seen a fire hose reel at your place of work and wondered how to use it. The following information may assist with that process.
What to Do First
Before you attempt to use a fire hose reel system for the first time, there are a few things you need to do first.
When you notice a fire, make sure everyone in your building or nearby has been alerted to the risk and that a fire warden has jumped into action.
They can activate your workplace’s fire alarm and call fire services for help.
It’s also vital for you to identify the cause of the fire. If it’s anything other than a fire involving wood, paper, cloth, plastic, and other Class A materials, you will not be able to use the fire hose to put it out.
What is a Fire Hose?
A fire hose is a wall-mounted hose inside or outside a building with a 30 to 40-metre reach.
These hoses are connected to mains water supplies and are designed to be used by trained people who are competent in putting out a fire.
How to Use a Fire Hose
Now that you’ve made sure everyone is a safe distance away and emergency services are on their way, you can attempt to use the fire hose. Make sure you’re at a safe distance from the fire and have identified at least one clear exit away from it.
The fire hose nozzle should be in the closed position before turning on the valve and extending the hose to the flame. You can then turn the nozzle into an open position to free the water.
Aim it at the fire’s base, but from a safe distance away. Remember, you need to have a clear exit if things get out of hand.
If you cannot gain control of the fire by using the hose, leave the building and wait for fire services to arrive.
How to Maintain a Fire Hose
Because fires are unexpected events, not every workplace’s fire hose would have seen much use, or any at all. As time passes, it’s easy for fire hoses to become non-functional or require repairs or maintenance.
Never attempt to maintain a fire hose yourself. Instead, hire a fire protection equipment testing business to manage it for you.
Their job is to identify any damage, repair and replace parts, and provide a test report so that you know it’s in working order.
Should the worst happen and you need to use it, you have complete confidence that it will work as it should.
Even though a fire is a rare event in most workplaces, they do happen. The more you know about fire equipment at your disposal, the more confidence you can have to put out a small fire before it has a chance to threaten property and life.