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Fire safety hose reels: Safety equipment offered by Boplan

Fire safety in industrial environments is a top priority for safety managers, industrial engineers and facility managers. Adequate safety can save lives and significantly reduce damage in the event of an incident. Fire safety hose reels play a key role in this and are among the most effective safety solutions. 

Discover the equipment offered by Boplan, best practices for the use of fire safety hose reels and the regulations and requirements for their installation and maintenance.

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® TB 400 Plus in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Safety equipment offered by Boplan

 

Boplan is a company renowned for its innovative safety solutions, specifically designed to protect industrial facilities. The company offers a wide rangeof safety equipment, including flexible safety bollards and industrial safety barriers. 

Flexible safety bollards

Boplan's flexible safety bollards are designed to absorb impacts and reduce damage caused by accidental collisions in warehouses and factories. Made from high-strength materials, they are ideal for protecting equipment, walls and critical infrastructure. Their flexibility offers exceptional durability while keeping costly repairs to a minimum.

Find out about our safety bollards
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® BO200R in red to protect fire extinguishing systems
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® TB 260 Plus in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Industrial safety barriers

Industrial safety barriers play a key role in securing high-traffic areas, particularly around dangerous machinery, forklift aisles and storage areas. Boplan's barriers are lightweight, modular, and highly robust, providing long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance. 

Boplan’s equipment protects fire safety equipment, such as fire safety hose reels and fire extinguishers, from damage caused by collisions. 

Find out about our safety barriers

Manual fire alarm call point protectors

Fire safety hose reels are essential fire prevention equipment in industrial buildings. Boplan's manual fire alarm call point protectors protect vital equipment from damage caused by collisions or accidental impacts, ensuring they function properly in the event of an emergency. 

Find out about WALLY PRO
Boplan WALLY PRO in red to protect call point systems
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® HP PLUS in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Other benefits of Boplan's equipment

In addition to their effectiveness in ensuring safety, the safety equipment offered by Boplan also provides additional benefits for businesses: 

  • The equipment is easy to install and maintain, reducing costs and downtime for operations. 
  • Its modular design allows for adaptability according to the specific needs of each business. 
  • The materials used are durable and hard-wearing, ensuring a long lifespan for the equipment. 
  • The flexibility of the barriers allows for high-energy absorption in the event of an impact, minimising damage to equipment and personal injuries. 

Use of fire safety hose reels: Instructions and best practice

Fires safety hose reels are vital equipment in areas with general and specific hazards. Connected to a pressurised water supply, they enable a rapid response in the event of a fire, even before the fire brigade arrives. Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your equipment: 

  1. Triggering the fire alarm: Before using the equipment, activate the alarm to alert anyone in the building and ensure safe evacuation. 
  2. Access to lockers or cabinets: Ensure that the fire safety hose reels are easy to access and well marked. Each high-risk area must be equipped with a visible cabinet. 
  3. Correct use: Turn the valve to release the water and direct the jet toward the base of the fire. Ensure your employees receive regular training so that they know how to use this equipment. 
  4. Coordinated evacuation: The fire safety hose reels can quickly contain flames, but they should never substitute a planned evacuation. People's safety comes first.

Additional regulations for fire safety hose reels

UK regulations impose strict conditions for the installation and use of fire safety hose reels, especially in public buildings and industrial sites: 

  • Environmental standards: Environmentally classified facilities must adhere to specific regulations, such as fire hydrants with additives or supplies from elevated storage tanks. 
  • Appropriate protection: In high-rise buildings or areas with specific hazards, the use of fire safety hose reel covers is recommended to protect equipment and ensure it works properly. 
  • Insurance: Follow the insurer's requirements and the safety regulations for public buildings to avoid any disputes or the possibility that your insurer refuses to cover you in the event of a fire.

Installation and maintenance of fire safety hose reels

Installation requirements

The correct installation of fire safety hose reels is crucial to ensure they work effectively. Here are the main points for you to consider: 

  • Strategic areas: Place the fire safety hose reels in accessible locations, close to the risk area. 
  • Adequate pressure: Connect them to a suitable water supply or tank with sufficient pressure for effective fire-fighting. 
  • Compliance with standards: Follow the BS EN 671-1 standards to ensure compliant installation.

Regular maintenance

Effective maintenance of fire safety hose reels includes annual inspections and regular tests to ensure they are working properly. Checkpoints include: 

  • Checking the water pressure. 
  • Inspecting the seals and the pressure gauge. 
  • Ensuring there are no blockages in the public pipes.
Boplan low KP Protector in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Frequency of fire safety hose reel inspections

Regular checks are essential to keep the fire safety hose reels operational in case of an emergency. NSI (The National Security Inspectorate) and SSAIB (The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) certifications recommend the following inspection intervals and other requirements: 

  • Annual inspections should be carried out for general functionality and condition. 
  • Annual testing should be carried out of water flow, pressure, and operation.  
  • Regular maintenance should be carried out to address any wear and tear or damage to the fire safety hose reels. 
  • Records should also be kept of any inspections, tests, and any remedial action taken.  
  • Inspections of fire safety hose reels should always be carried out by an accredited organisation or certified inspector. 

Adhering to these inspection and testing intervals and other requirements ensures that the equipment remains in good working order and compliant with approved safety standards. 

Tips for choosing a fire safety hose reel

The choice of fire safety hose reel must be based on an assessment of your company's specific needs. Consider: 

  • The level of fire risk: Assess the risks associated with your activities (e.g., industrial sites or public buildings). 
  • The nominal diameter (DN): Choose DN19, DN25, or DN33 according to the site requirements. 
  • Regulatory compliance: Work with specialists such as D3I to ensure that your choices comply with the standards. 
Boplan FLEX IMPACT® TB 400 Plus in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Invest in safety with Boplan

Fire safety hose reels are a key component in fire fighting at industrial sites and public buildings. When combined with Boplan's innovative safety equipment, such as flexible bollards and industrial barriers, fire safety hose reels provide you with a complete and effective safety system. 

Visit Boplan to find out more about our solutions. Together, let's protect your installations and ensure safer environments.

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