As a common feature in our built environment, the sight of a Fire Hydrant may become so familiar that we take it for granted sometimes. But, do you know that the Fire Hydrant System is
A fixed installation of water supplied fire-fighting equipment on building premises
Permanently charged with water
Crucial to the fire-fighting operations in and around a building?
Therefore, a well-maintained Fire Hydrant System is essential for the safety of lives and properties!
According to the 1) Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings and 2) Code of Practice for Fire Hydrant, Rising Mains and Hose Reel Systems (SS 575: 2012), a Fire Hydrant should
Be located no less than 1m from a building
Be situated on a minimum of 1m paved flat ground
Have a fire engine access within 50m from it
Who is responsible for the Fire Hydrant System?
Building Owners and Council Members are responsible by regulation
Fire Protection Specialists, like BSE, MCST Managing agencies, and/ or technicians are engaged to assist Building Owners and Council Members
What kind of maintenance does the Fire Hydrant System need and how often?
According to regulations, the common frequency of inspection of the Fire Hydrant System, including its Fire Pump Systems in buildings, is MONTHLY. However, the regulatory testing of the Fire Hydrant System is conducted ANNUALLY.
Inspection procedure
Inspection checklist for the Fire Hydrant System and equipment
Hydrant Pillar and Valves
Yellow Band (indication of Private Hydrant)
Pipeworks
Fire Pump System
Earthing
Testing procedure
The Fire Hydrant System is tested under Water Flow Rates—Static Pressure and Running Pressure.
Next, defects are identified for recommendation and rectified in a timely manner.
Tips on having an optimum Fire Hydrant System:
Ensure that access to the Fire Hydrant has NO OBSTRUCTION by obstacles, stored goods, vehicles and vegetation
Ensure the pipeworks are charged with water WITHOUT LEAKAGE
Ensure that HYDRANT PILLAR(S) are properly INDICATED, NUMBERED and PAINTED with a YELLOW BAND
Ensure that the Fire Hydrant System PASSES the REGULATORY TESTS for the building requirements with FULLY OPERATIONAL FIRE PUMPS, if available, that can PROVIDE THE REQUIRED WATER PRESSURE throughout the pipes