Portable Fire Extinguishers and Wall Hydrants
Portable fire extinguishers and wall hydrants enable occupants to tackle a fire manually in its first minutes, before automatic extinguishing systems or the fire brigade become effective.
Selection and Provision
The extinguishing agent – water, dry powder, CO2 or foam – is chosen according to the prevailing fire class and the specific occupancy. The number and location of extinguishers depend on floor area and the maximum travel distance to the nearest unit. Clear signage, unobstructed access and a location known to occupants are essential preconditions for an extinguisher actually being used in an emergency.
Wall Hydrants
Rigid or semi-rigid hose reels connected to a fixed water supply complement portable extinguishers, particularly in larger buildings and industrial facilities. They are subject to their own requirements for minimum pressure, flow and regular function testing, since their extinguishing effect depends directly on the connected water supply.
Insurance Relevance
As the lowest-threshold firefighting measure, the availability of functioning extinguishers and wall hydrants that occupants know how to use often determines whether an incipient fire is contained or develops into a major loss. Missing or expired inspection tags are among the most frequently identified deficiencies during risk surveys.
Standards and codes
- VdS 3462 – Wall Hydrants for First-Aid Fire Fighting in the Workplace