What Is A Fire Hydrant?
A fire hydrant is an access point for firefighters that provides a water supply in an emergency.
It can either be underground or in the form of an above-ground pillar. Hydrants play a key role in active fire fighting, making it essential that they remain unobstructed and well-maintained.
The presence of a fire hydrant can significantly impact the effectiveness of firefighting efforts. Therefore, making it an important part of public fire safety systems and making fire hydrant flow testing essential fire protection.
Fire Hydrant Flow Rates In The UK
8 litres per second (8ltr/sec) at a pressure of 1.7 bar.
A fire hydrant should be capable of delivering a minimum flow rate of 8 litres per second (8ltr/sec) at a pressure of 1.7 bar. However, higher flow rates are often necessary in areas with larger buildings or higher fire risks.
Flow rate refers to the volume of water that can be delivered through the hydrant per minute. In the UK, fire hydrants must meet specific flow rate requirements to ensure they provide adequate water for firefighting.
Fire Hydrant Testing And Maintenance
Maintaining fire hydrants involves fire hydrant flow testing and general maintenance.
Regular testing and maintenance are essential to ensure that fire hydrants function correctly during emergencies. This process ensures that hydrants are reliable and effective when needed most.
Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
Fire hydrant flow testing measures the flow rate and pressure of water from a hydrant.
This testing ensures that hydrants can deliver the water volume and pressure required during firefighting operations.
- Pre-test Inspection.
- Static Pressure Measurement.
- Flow Rate Measurement.
- Residual Pressure Measurement.
- Post-test Inspection.
The steps involved in a fire hydrant flow test are methodical and precise.
Pre-test Inspection, Fire Hydrant
Step 1
The process begins with a pre-test inspection.
The hydrant is thoroughly examined:
- For any visible damage or obstructions.
- For damage on the hydrant body, caps and valves.
- To ensure all parts are intact and operational.
- To ensure the hydrant is accessible and free from debris, overgrowth, or any other barriers that might impede access during an emergency.
Now move on to the Step 2, static pressure measurement.
Static Pressure Measurement, Fire Hydrant
Step 2
Static pressure measurement measures the water pressure in the hydrant when no water is flowing.
This measurement establishes a baseline. It provides a reference point for comparing subsequent pressure readings. Static pressure is an indicator of the hydrant’s readiness and the general health of the water supply system.
Flow Rate Measurement
Step 3, Part 1
The fire hydrant is then fully opened to measure the volume of water discharged per minute. Specialised flow meters are used to obtain accurate readings.
This measurement determines the hydrant’s ability to provide sufficient water flow to meet firefighting requirements. It is essential that the hydrant can deliver the expected volume of water to ensure that fire crews have the resources they need to combat fires effectively.
Residual Pressure Measurement
Step 3, Part 2
Simultaneously, the residual pressure measurement is taken while water is flowing from the hydrant.
This step ensures that the water pressure remains within acceptable limits even when the hydrant is in use. Residual pressure is an important factor in maintaining a consistent and reliable water flow during firefighting operations.
If the pressure drops too low, it could indicate potential issues within the water supply system or the hydrant itself.
Post-Test Inspection
Step 4
Post-test inspections involve rechecking the hydrant for any damage or issues that may have occurred during the test.
We ensure the hydrant is still in good condition and ready for use. Any problems identified during this inspection are documented and addressed promptly to maintain the hydrant’s reliability.
How Often Should Fire Hydrants Be Serviced?
In the UK, it is recommended that hydrants undergo a thorough inspection and basic maintenance at least once a year.
Fire hydrants should be serviced at regular intervals to ensure their reliability.
This annual inspection helps identify potential issues and ensures the hydrant remains in good working order.
Flow tests are crucial for verifying that the hydrants can deliver the required water volume and pressure. Flow tests should be conducted every five years.
Additionally, after any significant use, such as during a fire or training exercise, hydrants should be inspected and serviced as necessary to address any wear or damage incurred during the event.
Fire Hydrant Locations In The UK
Hydrants are typically located along pavements and streets, where they are readily accessible to fire crews. Schools, hospitals and public buildings often have hydrants installed in their vicinity.
In the UK, fire hydrants are strategically positioned to ensure rapid and efficient access to water during firefighting operations. Strategic placement ensures that hydrants are not obstructed and can be quickly identified and accessed during emergencies.
Fire hydrants are also positioned within close proximity to buildings. Industrial zones, commercial districts, and densely populated residential areas are given particular attention due to the higher potential for fire incidents and the significant consequences of such events.
To assist in identifying the locations of fire hydrants, they are typically marked with a yellow sign. The signage ensures that both firefighters and the public can easily locate hydrants, especially in times of emergency when every second counts.
Fire Hydrant Regulations In The UK
Based on Building Size
The two core regulations for fire hydrant testing include The Building Regulations 2010 (Part B: Fire Safety) and British Standard BS 9990:2015.
These documents provide comprehensive guidelines on the number, placement and maintenance of fire hydrants. Fire hydrant regulations in the UK are created to ensure an adequate and reliable water supply for firefighting operations, tailored to the size and type of buildings.
The Building Regulations 2010 (Part B: Fire Safety)
The Building Regulations 2010 (Part B: Fire Safety) is a document that outlines essential safety measures, including the provision of fire hydrants around buildings. This regulation ensures that hydrants are strategically placed to provide sufficient water supply during firefighting operations. The guidelines specify the minimum requirements for hydrant installation, focusing on accessibility, water flow, and pressure to support effective firefighting.
British Standard BS 9990:2015
British Standard BS 9990:2015 complements The Building Regulations by providing detailed specifications for the design, installation, and maintenance of non-automatic firefighting systems, including fire hydrants. This standard ensures that fire hydrants are constructed and maintained to the highest standards, guaranteeing their reliability and functionality during emergencies.
Residential Buildings
When it comes to residential buildings, the regulations are particularly stringent for larger structures. For residential buildings exceeding four storeys or containing more than 50 dwellings, additional hydrants are mandated. This requirement ensures that these larger residential complexes have sufficient water supply to manage potential fires effectively.
Commercial and Industrial Buildings
For commercial and industrial buildings, the regulations dictate that hydrants must be located within 90 metres of any part of the building’s perimeter. This stipulation ensures that all areas of the building can be reached by firefighting teams without significant delay. Larger commercial and industrial buildings, due to their size and potential fire load, require more robust firefighting infrastructure.
High-Risk Areas
In high-risk areas, such as chemical plants or fuel depots, the regulations are even more rigorous. These areas are identified as having a higher potential for severe fires due to the nature of the materials stored or processed. Enhanced hydrant provision is mandated in these zones, ensuring an immediate and high-volume water supply is available. The focus is on ensuring that any fire outbreak can be quickly contained and extinguished, preventing catastrophic consequences.
