Fire hose-reel and hydrant annual inspection: systems, water and access

Circular 9/2021 provides annual checklists for hydrant and hose-reel systems and supply tanks. The contractor should establish the actual system scope; counting visible hose reels alone does not describe all the work.

For an enquiry, provide pump-room, tank, main-valve and floor equipment details with the latest report. If these are incomplete, a survey gives a better basis for pricing than comparison with an unrelated building.

Ask the contractor to explain required access, water and drainage arrangements, and any effects on other fire functions. Management can then organise keys, pump-room access and tenant notifications in advance.

Residents should not open valves, start pumps or operate hoses to test the system themselves. Where inspection involves a shutdown, use the applicable assessment, notification and precaution procedures.

Management can record locations of visible leaks, obstructed cabinets or damage and notify the contractor. After inspection, request itemised defects with responsibility, quotation and further-test arrangements.

At handover, reconcile the inspected installations, findings and incomplete items, then keep certification and reinstatement records. Resolve any differences between the equipment inventory and the report with the contractor.