The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association is led by industry experts with decades of fire protection experience, representing the top global brands in commercial fire protection. Committed to saving lives and protecting property, the association’s key initiatives include providing educational opportunities and collateral, advancing best industry standards and practices, and leading advocacy efforts to safeguard the public
Fire Hose, Cabinets & Valves
About Standpipe Fire Hose Stations
Standpipe fire hose stations provide quick response during the first few minutes.
Standpipe and rack hose systems provide means for manual application of
water to fires in buildings. They do not take the place of automatic
extinguishing systems, which are important in large buildings.
Quick Suppression
Standpipe hose systems can be effectively used in the incipient stage
(after everyone is safe and the fire department has been called), often
extinguishing the fire before automatic systems can activate.
One Person Operation
Standpipe hose systems are activated and operated by one person, and do
not depend on heat, smoke or flame to spread before water is applied to
the fire. This manual equipment provides total reliability in case
automatic systems fail.
Minimal Water Damage
Standpipe hose systems can minimize water damage since water can be
applied directly at the base of the fire versus indiscriminate spray
from automatic systems. Additionally, the hose systems can be turned off
immediately.
Occupancy Safety & Rescue
Standpipe hose systems can be used to allow time for evacuation, protect
a means of egress, or defend occupants who cannot evacuate the
building.
Inspection & Maintenance
Fire hose stations should usually be inspected or checked every 90 days (or as specified by local AHJ). The business owners or building occupants are responsible for making sure that the fire hose station is regularly checked and maintained. Fire hose stations will not be an effective fire-fighting tool if they are not properly maintained and inspected for quality assurance.
Review the check list below to identify key concerns with the fire equipment and contact local fire authorities if a repair is needed.
- Are the operating instructions legible?
- Does the cabinet appear to be intact with no cracks or breaks in the glass?
- Is the cabinet door easy to open?
- If a locked cabinet is installed, does the lock function properly?
- Will the hose rack swing out at least 90° from the cabinet?
- Are any safety seals broken or missing?
- Is there any obvious damage or corrosion to the hose valve?
- Is the valve handle missing?
- Does the hose appear to be folded neatly on the hose rack?
- Is the hose connected to the rack nipple or valve?
- Is the hose intact with no breaks, holes, or tears?
- Is the hose nozzle missing?
- Are all warning labels and tags free from damage?
- Are all the valves, hose nozzles, fire extinguishers, etc. easily accessible?
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Dry chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
The most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B and C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical extinguishers except that they extinguish the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat element of the fire triangle.
Dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible metal fires ONLY. They are ineffective on all other classes of fires.
Water and Foam Fire Extinguishers
Water and foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. Foam agents also separate the oxygen element from the other elements.
Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only; they should not be used on Class B or C fires. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a Class B fire or could create a shock hazard on a Class C fire.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle, and by removing the heat with a very cold discharge.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers can be used on Class B and C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Cartridge operated dry chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Like the stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, the multipurpose dry chemical is effective on Class A, B and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B and C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to reignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
Halogenated or clean agent extinguishers include the halon agents as well as the newer and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents. They extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction and/or removing heat from the fire triangle.
Clean agent extinguishers are effective on Class A, B and C fires. Smaller sized handheld extinguishers are not large enough to obtain a 1A rating and may carry only a Class B and C rating.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical is an agent that extinguishes the fire by removing the heat of the fire triangle and prevents reignition by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements.
Wet chemical or Class K extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency deep fat fryers in commercial cooking operations. Some may also be used on Class A fires in commercial kitchens.
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers
Water mist extinguishers put out fires by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They are an alternative to the clean agent extinguishers where contamination is a concern.
Water mist extinguishers are primarily for Class A fires, although they are safe for use on Class C fires as well.
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