Fire hose testing

[Merlot]

Hi everyone,

Wonder if I can pick your brains regarding the periodic testing of layflat fire hoses?

We have a number of fire points dotted around the site each contains 5 rolls of fire hose for use by our guys should a fire occur. This provision has been in place for a number of years however, this year we are using a new training provider for our hose handler training and he has informed me that hoses over 1 year old should be inspected and tested every 5 years.

He couldn't quote Regs or British standards but has promised to email me the details over the next few days.

So, whilst I hit google for info and whilst I wait for him can anyone confirm if this is the case for me???

Thanks in advance,

Merlot.

[quality_somerset]

Hi Merlot

From: https://www.firehosereelsdirect.co.uk/f ... 0equipment.

"Fire hose reels require regular visual examination by a competent person. Also an annual flow rate test and a pressure test are required. The fire hose must be pressure tested every five years. The test details should be recorded on a service label attached to the reel.

In the UK fire hose reel testing procedures are governed by BS-EN-671/3."

Regards QS

[Messy]

Hi Merlot

From: https://www.firehosereelsdirect.co.uk/f ... 0equipment.

"Fire hose reels require regular visual examination by a competent person. Also an annual flow rate test and a pressure test are required. The fire hose must be pressure tested every five years. The test details should be recorded on a service label attached to the reel.

In the UK fire hose reel testing procedures are governed by BS-EN-671/3."

Regards QS

I believe the OP is requesting info on the testing of 'layflat' hose or what the fire service call delivery hose.

I cannot recall any manufacturer or 5 year tests or hose flow tests . When I was in the fire service we would test the hose by laying it out with a branch connected and increase the pressure to 10bar

Then an inpection for leaks and that was it

There was a JCDD standard for the test, but I don't know if JCDD even exists

Why not contact your local fire and rescue service in writing ? They would know the current standard

[Merlot]

Thanks for that everyone,

yes, its the layflat type we have in the bunkers along with the branches. Supply is from the towns mains with a maximum pressure of 6bar recorded so a test to 10bar would make sense.

We have a good relationship with our fire extinguisher service engineer so will be picking his brains for local suppliers as well as contacting the local FRS.

Thanks,
Merlot.

[Messy]

Latest news:

The London Fire Brigade test their lay flat hose as follows:

On acceptance (i.e. upon delivery), after use and yearly.

Visual check for defects,
followed by pressure test up to 15 bar for 1 minute,
then reduced to 7 bar to visually check for leaks.

[Messy]

OK, latest info - Standards

British Standard 6391:2019 Specification for non percolating layflat delivery hose assemblies for firefighting

JCDD 1/1 (Fire service standard)

[Merlot]

Thanks everyone for their input, its much appreciated.

So, after much research guided by Messy and QS we have formulated something that sits pretty close to the BS.

• All our existing lay flat fire hoses are going to be pressure tested to their max rated value and logged / tagged.

• New hoses will have their certification recorded and the hose tagged.

• Annual, in house pressure and leak test / inspection at the current main pressure (7 bar max). Training on what to look for etc provided by the outfit doing the full pressure test.

• 6 monthly check of the bunkers themselves to check contents in good condition.

All documented and photos etc retained for future reference.

Thought I would post just to close off the thread and hopefully help anyone else in the same position in the future.

Merlot.