|
| INTERPRETATION BULLETINOffice of the Fire Commissioner |
| September 8, 2004 |
No.IB 011R |
The Office of the Fire Commissioner has received numerous questions regarding requirements for the testing and maintenance of occupant use fire hose provided in building hose cabinets.
The B.C. Fire Code references NFPA 25 for the inspection, testing and maintenance of standpipe and hose systems. This standard then references NFPA 1962 for the care, use and service testing of fire hose, including couplings and nozzles. Chapter 2 of NFPA 1962 contains the requirements for occupant use fire hose.
Chapter 2-3.1 requires that occupant-use hose be service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1962, within the 90 days prior to being put in service.
Chapter 2-3.2 requires that in-service hose designed for occupant use only be removed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1962, at intervals not exceeding 5 years after installation and every 3 years thereafter.
Chapter 2-3.3 requires that in-service hose be unracked, unreeled or unrolled and physically inspected as specified in Section 2-5 of NFPA 1962, at least annually. Hose shall be reracked, rereeled, or rerolled so that any folds do not occur at the same position on the hose.
Chapter 2-3.6 requires that after each use and before being placed back in service, the hose shall be inspected as specified in Section 2-5, service tested as specified in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1962, and cleaned and dried as specified in Section 2-6 of NFPA 1962.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner interprets that Aprior to being put in service@, includes the initial installation from the supplier. This means that before the fire hose is installed in a building, it must be service tested in conformance with Chapter 5 of NFPA1962, by the supplier, at least 90 days prior to being put into service
This should provide some assurance that the hose will function as designed and be free of possible manufacturing defects that otherwise may not be detected until the first required service test at five years.
|
Interpretation Bulletins are distributed by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, in order to provide direction for the application and interpretation of the Fire Services Act, and pursuant regulations. Where applicable, the Fire Commissioner will issue accompanying approval or interpretative Orders, under the authority of Part 1 of the BC Fire Code.
For further information contact: Office of the Fire
Commissioner, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, |
Return to the Office of the Fire Commissioners' menu page
Return to the Ministry home page