Location and Mounting of Fire Hose Reels

Each hose reel shall be located in a readily-accessible position and its location shall be clearly indicated. They shall not be installed in fire-isolated exits unless approval is obtained from the Regulatory Authority.

The space and area around any fire extinguisher and hose reel MUST be kept free and clear of any obstruction hazard or hindrance of whatever nature, permitting easy access with a clear unobstructed path to and from the fire extinguisher and or hose reel. This immediate area should be 1m x 1m square in front of the fire extinguishing unit and identified by 50 mm wide red and white striped hazard marking painted on the floor with a 100 mm solid white or yellow barrier line around it. This hazard marking may also be extended up the wall. By law, nothing may be packed or stacked within this area or block the path to the area.

The hose reel assembly shall be mounted so that the full diameter of the drum is facing the access point.

The hose reel assembly shall be suitably mounted at a spindle height of between 1.5 m and 2.4 m above floor level. The valve shall be mounted at 1 + 0.1 m above floor level. (NOTE: The recommended mounting height of the centre of the hose reel is 1.5 m above floor level.)

The stop valve assembly and operating instructions (located on the front disc) shall be visible and readily accessible when the hose reel is installed and shall be not more than 2 m from the spindle of the hose reel assembly. A clearance of not less than 100 mm shall be provided around the valve hand wheel.

Wherever the hose reel is mounted, there shall be a minimum radial clearance of 100 mm between the reel rim and any obstructions which do not form part of the hose assembly.

The hose reel shall be mounted and installed so that there is no interference with the running out of the hose in any direction.

Click here to view a video that explains how to use a fire hose reel.