How to Use a Fire Hose Reel

It’s something that we hope you’ll never have to do – fight a fire. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know when and where a fire could break out, so it’s best to be prepared. Especially if you run a business.

Jim’s fire hose reel testing services are just the tip of the iceberg. As an organisation, we are dedicated to providing information and advice about fire safety. That’s why we have put together this guide about how to use a fire hose reel.

Be Prepared

Earlier this year, Ray Minehan – a farmer in Port Hills – bought his own fire engine to fight any future blaze on his property. Ray was a victim of a terrible fire in 2017, and it is something that he doesn’t ever want to go through again.

Not every business or property owner needs to take their fire safety this far. You don’t need to have your own fire engine – what you do need is a Fire Safety Plan. This should involve the installation and maintenance of fire protection equipment, evacuation points, and contacting Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

No matter whether or not you think you can get a fire under control, you need to contact the professional fire fighters. Make sure they are on the way before you try to control a flame yourself.

How to use a Hose Reel

First, you need to know the type of fire hose reels are used on.

Hose reels are suitable for use on class A fires. A class A fire involves paper, wood, textiles, rubber, plastics, or cloth. You must not use the hose on electrical fires (because water will conduct electricity).

Your fire hose reel is a great first response to a fire. If you feel that you are compromising your safety at any point, abandon your efforts and get to safety.

The following guide will help you use a fire hose reel effectively. Please seek out professional training and material from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to make sure you know exactly what to do when fighting any type of fire.

How to use a fire hose reel:

Call Fire and Emergency New Zealand on 111.
Check the source of the fire. If you can’t identify it as a class A fire, do not use the hose.
For fixed wall mounted hose reels: Unwind the top of the hose by pulling it away from the wall. For swing arm fire hose reels: Open the cabinet and swing the reel out. Retract the hose by pulling it.
Make sure you have a clear egress or departure point between you and the nearest exit.
Check that the nozzle is in a closed position.
Turn on the stop valve.
Pull until you have the required length of hose.
Move the nozzle into the on position to release a flow of water.
Aim the water at the base of the fire.

The key to how to use a fire hose reel safely is initiative. If you feel like the fire is too much to control or you don’t have a safe way out, evacuate immediately. Saving your property may seem important but it is not worth risking your life.