How to protect fire safety equipment?

Fire safety in industrial environments is a top priority for safety managers, industrial engineers, and facility managers. Proper fire protection can save lives and significantly reduce damage in the event of an emergency. Fire safety hose reels play a crucial role in fire suppression and are among the most effective fire safety tools.

Explore the safety equipment offered by Boplan, best practices for using fire 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 leading provider of innovative safety solutions designed to protect industrial facilities. The company offers a wide range of safety equipment, including flexible safety bollards and industrial safety barriers.

Flexible safety bollards

Boplan’s flexible safety bollards are engineered to absorb impact and reduce damage from accidental collisions in warehouses and manufacturing plants. Made from high-strength materials, they provide excellent protection for equipment, walls, and critical infrastructure. Their flexibility ensures long-term durability while minimizing costly repairs.

Explore 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 are essential for protecting high-traffic areas, particularly around hazardous machinery, forklift lanes, and storage zones. Boplan’s barriers are lightweight, modular, and highly durable, providing long-term protection with minimal maintenance.

Boplan’s equipment safeguards fire safety tools, such as fire hose reels and fire extinguishers, from accidental damage caused by vehicle collisions.

Explore our safety barriers

Boplan FLEX IMPACT® HP PLUS in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Additional benefits of Boplan's safety equipment

Beyond improving workplace safety, Boplan’s safety solutions offer several advantages for businesses:

Easy installation and maintenance, reducing operational costs and downtime.
Modular designs that can be tailored to meet specific business needs.
Highly durable, long-lasting materials.
High-energy absorption to minimize equipment damage and reduce the risk of injury in case of impact.

Using fire safety hose reels: Best practice

Fire hose reels are essential fire safety equipment in areas prone to fire hazards. Connected to a pressurized water supply, they allow for a rapid response to fire emergencies, even before firefighters arrive. Here are some key tips for using them effectively:

Activate the fire alarm: Before using the fire safety equipment, trigger the alarm to alert building occupants and initiate evacuation procedures.
Ensure accessibility: Fire hose reels should be easily accessible and clearly marked. Each high-risk area must have a visible, unobstructed fire hose cabinet.
Proper use: Open the valve to release water and aim the stream at the base of the fire. Employees should receive regular training on proper usage.
Prioritize evacuation: While fire hose reels can help control flames, they should never replace a coordinated evacuation plan. People’s safety always comes first.

Fire Safety Equipment Regulations in the U.S.

Fire safety regulations in the United States establish strict requirements for the installation and use of fire hose reels, particularly in public buildings and industrial facilities. Key considerations include:

Environmental compliance: Facilities handling hazardous materials must comply with specific regulations, such as fire hydrant additives or elevated storage tanks for fire suppression.
Equipment protection: In high-rise buildings or areas with high fire risk, protective covers are recommended to safeguard fire hose reels and ensure their functionality.
Insurance compliance: To maintain coverage and avoid disputes, businesses must adhere to fire safety regulations outlined by insurers and government safety agencies.

Installation and maintenance of fire safety hose reels

Installation guidelines

Proper installation of fire hose reels is crucial to ensuring their effectiveness. Key factors to consider include:

Strategic placement: Install fire hose reels in accessible locations near high-risk areas.
Adequate water pressure: Connect them to a water supply or storage tank with sufficient pressure for effective fire suppression.
Regulatory compliance: Follow OSHA and NFPA standards to ensure compliance.

Routine maintenance

Effective maintenance of fire safety hose reels includes annual inspections and routine testing to ensure functionality. Maintenance tasks should include:

Checking water pressure levels.
Inspecting seals and pressure gauges.
Ensuring that pipes are free from blockages.

Boplan low KP Protector in red to protect fire extinguishing systems

Fire safety equipment inspection frequency

Regular inspections are essential to ensure fire safety equipment remains operational in case of an emergency. While maintenance intervals may vary based on local codes and equipment type, standard guidelines recommend:

Annual inspections by certified professionals to verify functionality and compliance with safety standards.
Routine maintenance and testing in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and applicable regulations.

Following these inspection and maintenance schedules ensures that fire safety equipment remains in optimal working condition and compliant with safety standards.

Choosing the right a fire hose reel

Selecting the right fire hose reel depends on your business’s specific safety requirements. Key factors to consider include:

Fire risk level: Assess fire hazards based on your industry, whether in manufacturing, logistics, or public buildings.
Hose diameter (DN): Choose DN19, DN25, or DN33 based on site-specific needs.
Regulatory compliance: Work with certified safety specialists to ensure compliance with NFPA, OSHA, and local fire codes.

Invest in safety with Boplan

Fire safety equipment is a critical component of fire protection for industrial sites and public facilities. When combined with Boplan’s innovative safety solutions—such as flexible safety bollards and industrial barriers—fire protection systems become even more complete and effective.

Explore Boplan’s safety solutions and take the next step in protecting your facility.

Browse our catalogue Get in touch