If your business needs firefighting equipment like fire hose connections and reels, it’s important to know how to use them properly. Also, your employees should have training in safety issues. Here are some helpful tips to remember when you talk to your people about fire prevention and safety.
Manual or Automatic?
Your business can use one of two reel types. Manual reels and automatic reels look similar, and it’s sometimes hard to tell them apart, so it’s important to know which type your company has. For example:
- Manual – when a fire starts, you must turn on the water before you take the hose from the reel. You’ll see a gate valve which operates the water pressure. If you don’t turn the water on, you’ll have to go back to the valve after pulling the hose out many feet, and this takes valuable time. Time is one of the most important issues to consider when putting out fires.
- Automatic – an automatic reel doesn’t have special fire hose connections to make the hose unwind on its own. The “automatic” term refers to the water supply. You won’t see a gate valve to turn the water on. All you need to do is pull the hose from the reel, and after a few feet, the water automatically comes on.
Use a Helper
When possible, two people should operate a fire hose. These hoses have a great deal of pressure, and it helps if more than one person is there. This helps you avoid accidents with the hose whipping about or spraying on things you don’t want to get wet.
Talk to Your Supplier
Your fire hose connections and equipment supplier can help you with your safety program. They are familiar with the local codes and regulations and can answer all your questions.