The user guide of a fire hose reel
A fire hose
reel is designed to counter fire in its earlier stages. Generally, a fire hose
reel can extend up to thirty-five meters and it is connected to the main water
supply. Therefore, it has virtually unlimited water supply to curb a fire. It
is simple to use and any person can use it (with basic training or know how) in
case a fire breaks out.
However,
using it on fires generated due to electrical malfunction will lead to
electrocution. So, do not use it on electrical fires! Another imperative
factoris to invest in regular fire hose
reel testingso that any malfunction can be avoided in hazardous situations.
It is
unlikely that a person will have to encounter such disastrous situations. Nonetheless,
every occupant of a building should be told the position of a fire hose reel as
well as its operating procedure, to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Where?
A fire hose
reel should be used only on class-A fires (caused by wood, plastics, rubber,
etc.).
When?
Use it only
on immediate fires (small) that can be distinguished easily. If the fire has
gotten out of hands, everyone should evacuate the vicinity immediately.
Who?
Only those
familiar with it should use it. People who do not know proper operational
measures should avoid using it to prevent accidents.
Alarm!
As soon as
the fire breaks out, notify everyone. If there is an alarm system, activate it
before doing anything else.
Call Fire Brigade!
Make sure
everyone in the building knows the fire brigade number. Immediately notify the
fire brigade in case of fire.
Pre- Operation
Before even
thinking about using the fire hose reel, one should make sure exactly what the
fire is caused by.
Check if the
nozzle is operating correctly before proceeding in action. It means that you
will have to check the nozzle valve. Keep it in a closed position until you
reach the area where the fire is situated.
Two people
should use the fire hose reel. One who holds and maneuvers the nozzle and the
other who makes sure that the hose freely runs through the reel. The latter
should confirm that the hose does not get stuck around corners.
It is also
vital to ensure that the water inlet is turned on before proceeding to the
hazardous area. This lever will be at the base of the hose reel. Therefore,
open it before taking the nozzle out.
Operation
Once all the
precautions are made and the valves as well as the reels are checked, get to
the area where the fire broke out. The reel will automatically unwind when the
hose is pulled. You should direct the water stream at the base of the fire. You
should keep a safe distance from the fire as well.
Immediately evacuate the building if the fire
keeps on increasing and if it has reached a point where you feel unable to
extinguish it. Close all the fire doors behind you while doing so.
