Fire hydrants located in and around commercial premises are a vital part of fire safety and play a major role in fighting and subduing a fire if and when one breaks out. Fire hydrant installation is important, as it gives both workers, occupants, and especially firefighters access to high-pressure water supplies to douse the flames.
This article is going to be taking a look at some handy and important tips on fire hydrant installation at the workplace.
Fire Hydrants Are Required By Law
Standards for fire safety dictate that commercial buildings need to have fire hydrants and fire hose reels installed at key locations in and around the building. Building owners need to be aware of this necessity to be both compliant with regulations and to ensure adequate fire safety for the building, occupants, as well as nearby buildings and other people.
A Risk Assessment Of the Location Should First Be Performed
The first step in fire hydrant installation is to perform a fire risk assessment of the location and the building in question. This is done through a fire protection and fire safety company. Be sure to research and choose an experienced and reputable company in your area.
The assessment will take into consideration everything about the building and surrounding area and this assessment then helps experts determine the best locations for fire hydrant installation, fire hose reel installation, and also to ensure that hydrants and other fire safety measures are in compliance with laws and guidelines.
Your fire safety expert will design a layout for the installation of fire hydrants and other fire safety and suppression equipment and will then be able to implement the installation process.
The design of a fire safety system and locations for the installation of fire hydrants and fire hose reels cannot be carried out by building owners, plumbers or builders. It takes a trained and experienced fire safety professional to accurately formulate a working and compliant design.
Fire Plumbers Must Install Fire Hydrants
Fire plumbers are specialist plumbers that have been trained in the installation of pipe networks, fire hydrants, fire hose reels and fire sprinkler systems. While a regular plumber knows how to supply water and drainage to a home or business, it takes a trained expert to understand the workings of fire safety plumbing.
Once a design and layout for your fire hydrant and fire hose reel system have been established. Make sure the actual installation is going to be carried out by a certified and experienced fire plumber.
Water Supply for Fire Hydrants
The water supply for fire hydrants can come from a number of different sources. Depending on the actual locale of the building in question. Most commonly, fire hydrants have their water supplied by the town or city’s street mains. Other options include a static supply of water from water storage tanks. Or even from nearby dams in more rural areas. Ideally, water supplies for fire hydrants need to provide automatic replenishment. To ensure there is always a supply of water on hand to fight a fire.
Other Fire Hydrant Considerations
There is more to installing a fire hydrant. Then simply deciding on where one should be located and having the fire plumber perform the installation.
For starters, pipework and control valves also need to be installed. In accordance with the fire safety assessment and planning, as well as rules and regulations.
There is also the option for a fire brigade booster assembly. This allows firefighters to couple their own water supply to the fire hydrant. Providing an even greater supply of water and increased water pressure. The location of the booster is vital, as it needs to be easily accessible for firefighters.
Booster pump sets might also need to be installed in buildings. Where there is an insufficient supply of water or the water pressure is too low. To adequately fight a fire and get it under control. Pumps may be electric or diesel-powered.
Once installation is complete, periodic checks and maintenance of the system should be performed by a fire safety professional.
In Conclusion
Fire hydrants are vital equipment when it comes to fire safety and the ability to control and douse a blaze. Always entrust the design and implementation of fire hydrants to a trained professional.