Standpipe Fire Hose Testing
Q. Do fire hoses for standpipes or fire hose cabinets have to be tested with any particular frequency?
A. Yes, per NFPA 1962, the 1998 edition (Section 2-3), all occupant-use hoses should be service-tested (hydrostatically) in accordance with Chapter 5 of that standard at intervals not exceeding five years after installation and every three years thereafter. A summary of the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for all components of a standpipe and hose system can be found in NFPA 25, Table 3-1. Many state and local fire officials have been allowing health care organizations to remove their occupant-use hose. Fire departments cannot always rely on building hose so they always bring their own reliable hose. If you choose to remove your building fire hose, you should always check with your fire department first. In addition, it is recommended that this coordination be in writing to avoid potential problem areas in the future.
The TJC 2010 Standards
Standard EC.02.03.05
The hospital maintains fi re safety equipment and fi re safety building features.
Note: This standard does not require hospitals to have the types of f re safety equipment
and building features described below. However, if these types of equipment or features exist
within the building, then the following maintenance, testing, and inspection requirements
apply.
C 12 . ?Every 5 years, the hospital conducts water-flow tests for standpipe systems.
The completion date of the tests is documented. M
Note: For additional guidance on performing tests, see NFPA 25, 1998 edition.
C 17 . ?The hospital conducts hydrostatic tests on standpipe occupant hoses 5 years
after installation and every 3 years thereafter. The completion date of the tests is
documented. M
Note: For additional guidance on hydrostatic testing, see NFPA 1962, 1998 edition
(Section 2-3), and NFPA 25, 1998 edition.
A 10 . ?For automatic sprinkler systems: Every quarter, the hospital inspects all fire
department water supply connections. The completion dates of the inspections
are documented.
Note: For additional guidance on performing tests, see NFPA 25, 1998 edition (Section
9-7.1).
A 11 . ?For automatic sprinkler systems: Every 12 months, the hospital tests fi re
pumps under flow. The completion date of the tests is documented. 3
This is a summary of NFPA 1962 requirements (this exceeds TJC):
NFPA Standard #1962Requirements for Testing Occupant-Use Hose
2.3.2. In-service hose designed for occupant use only shall be removed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 at intervals not exceeding 5 years after installation and every 3 years thereafter.
2.3.3. In-service hose shall be unracked, unreeled, or unrolled and physically inspected as specified in Section 2-5 at least annually. Hose shall be reracked, rereeled, or rerolled so that any folds do not occur at the same position on the hose.
2.5.1. Physical inspection shall determine that the hose, couplings, and any nozzles have not been vandalized, are free of debris, and exhibit evidence of mildew, rot, or damage by chemicals, burns, cuts, abrasion, and vermin.
4.1.2. All nozzles shall be inspected at least annually and after each use. The nozzle inspection shall include verification of the following:
Clear of obstructions in waterway
No damage to tip
Full operation of adjustments such as pattern selection, etc.
Proper operation of shut off valves if so equipped
No missing parts
Threaded gasket in good condition in accordance with 4-3.1
5-1.2.1.The service test pressure for hose manufactured in July, 1987 and after to meet the requirements of the 1987 or subsequent editions of NFPA 1961, Standard for Fire Hose, is stenciled on each length of hose and reads "Service Test to______PSI per NFPA 1962."
Code-compliant fire hose inspection and maintenance
Specific requirements for Fire Hose test and inspection are stipulated in National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1962 – Standard for the Care, Use and Service Testing of Fire Hose, Including Couplings and Nozzles. Fire Hoses are to be inspected and service tagged annually in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This annual inspection includes checking for deterioration, cuts and/or tears in the material. Hoses also require pressure testing no less than every 3 years, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and NFPA 1962. Exceptions: New hose is to be pressure tested after the 5th year following installation, and every 3 years thereafter. Unlined fire hose is to be replaced with an approved lined fire hose when pressure testing is required.
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Piping and hose connections must be
inspected quarterly to verify such things as:
?Piping and supports have not been damaged
?Hose connections are unobstructed
?Hose connection caps are in place
?Hose connection valves are not leaking and handles are in place
NFPA 25(98), Tables 3-1 and 3-2.3