Introduction
Regular inspection of fire hose reels is essential for building safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness. This comprehensive checklist helps facility managers and safety personnel identify potential issues before they compromise fire response capabilities. A thorough fire hose reel inspection not only ensures compliance with NFPA standards and local fire codes but also provides peace of mind that your emergency equipment will function properly when needed.
Following this fire hose reel inspection checklist as part of your routine maintenance helps ensure life safety systems remain functional, prevents equipment failures during emergencies, and provides documentation for compliance and insurance purposes. The checklist aligns with NFPA 25 standards, manufacturer specifications, and fire safety best practices for inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems.
Equipment Information
Inspection Requirements
Regulatory Compliance
This inspection checklist aligns with NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and NFPA 1962: Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances. Always refer to your local jurisdiction's specific requirements, as they may differ.
-
Inspection Frequency: Monthly visual inspections are required, with more comprehensive quarterly inspections and annual service testing.
-
Documentation: All inspections must be documented and records maintained for at least 1 year, with records of annual inspections kept for the life of the system.
-
Qualified Personnel: Inspections should be conducted by properly trained individuals knowledgeable about fire protection systems and standards.
Accessibility & Signage
Cabinet/Housing Inspection
Hose Reel Assembly
Hose Condition
Nozzle & Couplings
Water Supply & Valve
Functional Test (Annual)
Pressure Testing (5-Year)
Associated Equipment
Inspection Procedures
Follow these structured procedures when conducting your fire hose reel inspections. Different inspection types require different levels of testing.
Monthly Visual Inspection
- Check that hose reel is visible and accessible
- Verify cabinet/housing integrity and cleanliness
- Ensure hose is properly racked and free from damage
- Confirm nozzle is attached and in good condition
- Verify water supply valve is in open position
Annual Service Testing
- Fully unwind hose from reel to check for damage
- Perform flow test to verify adequate water supply
- Check nozzle pattern and operation
- Inspect all couplings and gaskets
- Verify proper rewinding of hose after testing
- Update service tags with inspection date
5-Year Service Test
- Remove hose from reel for comprehensive inspection
- Conduct pressure test according to standards
- Inspect for permanent deformation or damage
- Check couplings for secure attachment
- Record test results and attach test tag to hose
Corrective Actions
- Tag defective equipment "Out of Service"
- Report deficiencies immediately to facility manager
- Document any repairs needed on inspection form
- Arrange for prompt repair or replacement
- Re-inspect after repairs are completed
Inspection Measurements & Readings
| Measurement Type | Reading | Acceptable Range | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static Water Pressure | Min. 65 psi (450 kPa) | ||
| Flow Rate | Min. 18 gpm (68 L/min) | ||
| Residual Pressure (at nozzle) | Min. 30 psi (207 kPa) | ||
| Hose Test Pressure | Service test: 200 psi (1380 kPa) | ||
| Hose Reel Swing (degrees) | Min. 170° |
Inspection Progress
0% complete
Inspector Certification
Inspector Signature
Building Representative
Defects & Corrective Actions
Corrective Actions Taken
Maintenance Guidelines
These guidelines outline the recommended inspection and maintenance frequency for fire hose reels. Following these schedules helps ensure compliance with fire codes and maintains equipment reliability.
Monthly
- Visual inspection of all components
- Accessibility check
- Signage verification
- Cabinet/housing inspection
- Verify valve position
Quarterly
- Partial unreeling of hose
- Check hose condition
- Check nozzle and couplings
- Verify reel movement
- Inspect water inlet/connection
Annual
- Full hose unreeling
- Flow and pressure testing
- Nozzle pattern check
- Valve operation verification
- Complete system inspection
- Lubrication of moving parts
5-Year
- Hose pressure testing
- Comprehensive hose inspection
- Hose replacement if needed
- Valve servicing
- Full system overhaul
- Recertification
Conclusion
Implementing this comprehensive Fire Hose Reel Inspection Checklist is essential for maintaining fire safety compliance, equipment reliability, and emergency preparedness. By systematically inspecting fire hose reels at regular intervals, facility managers can identify potential issues before they compromise fire response capabilities in an emergency situation.
For optimal inspection management, consider implementing the Oxmaint platform to streamline your fire safety program. The Oxmaint software allows digital documentation of inspections, provides real-time alerts for maintenance requirements, and creates comprehensive historical records for each fire hose reel. With the Oxmaint APP, safety managers can easily track compliance, monitor maintenance patterns, and ensure all fire protection equipment is properly inspected and maintained.
Make fire hose reel inspections an integral part of your building safety protocols with the Oxmaint software's comprehensive inspection management solution. Whether for regulatory compliance, insurance requirements, or life safety assurance, this digital approach significantly improves inspection thoroughness and documentation while reducing administrative burden on facility and safety personnel.
© 2025 Fire Hose Reel Inspection Checklist | Developed by Oxmaint | Contact us at contact@oxmaint.com for customized inspection solutions.