Fire Hose Reels, Fire Hydrants and Sprinkler Systems Explained

By Paul Hurford, Managing Director, AZISAFE

Wet fire systems are a serious consideration in the design of any new project, and they can be an expensive addition. However, retrofitting them after a building is completed is an extremely difficult and more expensive task. Ensuring you select the best system for your project needs to be more than simply following the building standard or code you have chosen to use for your project.

It is also essential to remember that whatever option is selected, it will require an independent reserve supply of water and fire pump; mains supplies are not a reliable source of water in the event of a fire.

Fire Hose Reels systems are designed as an easy-to-operate, first intervention tool for building residents to use in the early stages of a fire. They are also a cost-effective solution due to the limited plumbing and pipe work requirements. They are unfortunately not a genuine firefighting solution if your building is of a size or height that limits the fire service from accessing all areas from the outside, as they do not deliver enough water to effectively fight a developed fire.

Sprinkler systems are often seen as the automatic solution for firefighting in a building, and would seem to be the ideal solution for Cambodia where fire safety awareness is limited and the likelihood of those present in the initial stages of a fire taking action to stop a fires spread is low. Sprinklers however are primarily designed to slow the development of a fire and aid in the evacuation process rather than extinguish a fire. Without quality ongoing maintenance sprinkler systems can do significant water damage to a building and can result in higher expense than a potential fire would cause.

Fire Hydrant systems with fire hoses are a very effective tool for internal firefighting for trained professionals, however are not designed for use by individuals with no training, and can be quite dangerous to those attempting to fight a fire without the relevant skills and knowledge. This is a problem that can be easily overcome by ensuring building employees are trained appropriately, or better still developing onsite fire response teams.

As I have discussed in an earlier article, fire standards from different countries are not always the answer for Cambodia. When it comes to fire hydrants, sprinkler systems and hose reel systems there are some clear examples of quality installations being inappropriate for Cambodia.

The fire service in Cambodia is dramatically improving, however they still have limited resources and training to be able to internally fight fires, particularly in larger buildings. Most fire codes or standards are designed with the response procedures of local fire authorities taken into account, which in the case of Singapore or Malaysia for example are some of the best trained and equipped fire services in the world. Applying these standards to Cambodia without looking at the difference in response capability, and the impact this will have can be very dangerous.

Other installations which are commonly found in Cambodia due to the application of international standards include dry risers systems and sprinkler or hydrant boost points which are currently a waste of resources as the majority of firefighting vehicles used in Cambodia are not designed to work with these installations. Investment in higher capacity fire pumps and effective internal procedures would be a far more efficient option.

- Video Advertisement -

Related Post

Network News: How Digital Twins and Analytics Are Shaping the Future of Connectivity And 5G

Not entirely out of sight, but almost always out of mind, cell towers quietly form the backbone of modern communication, powering everything from texts and phone calls to TikTok videos. Some topping 200 feet, they can stand tall like sentinels along roads or poke up from the roofs of high buildings. Their thistle-like tops bristle […]

Cambodia Officially Withdraws from CLV Development Triangle, Focuses on National Infrastructure Projects

Cambodia has officially announced its withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), marking a shift in its regional development strategy. The decision was formalised through the promulgation of the Law on the Approval of the Agreement on the Promotion and Facilitation of Trade in the CLV-DTA and will take effect upon the completion of […]

Cambodia’s Mining Sector Attracts USD 2.764 Billion Investment Across 555 Licensed Operations

Cambodia’s mining sector continues to expand, with 555 registered mining licenses now active under the Ministry of Mines and Energy, driving a total investment of USD 2.764 billion and creating approximately 11,306 jobs. The Ministry highlighted this significant growth during its annual meeting on 21 November 2024, underscoring the sector’s vital role in national economic […]

Cambodia Achieves Over 7.7 Million Land Registrations, Eyes 2028 Completion

Cambodia has registered over 7.7 million land parcels nationwide, with only 1.5 million parcels remaining, marking substantial progress in its national land registration initiative. The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction (MLMUPC) aims to complete the registration process by 2028, further strengthening land rights and management. Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona shared this […]

Four Firms Submit Proposals to Redevelop Cambodia’s Block A Oil Project

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced that four companies have officially submitted proposals to redevelop Block A, Cambodia’s prominent oil exploration site. These proposals come as part of a broader effort to revitalise the country’s energy capacity following the suspension of operations due to KrisEnergy’s bankruptcy in 2021. An additional five companies have […]

Cambodia Unveils Modern National Assembly Building with USD25 Million Vietnamese Aid

Cambodia has inaugurated a modern National Assembly administration building, constructed with a USD25 million aid package from Vietnam. The ceremony, held on 21 November 2024, was attended by Samdech Khuon Sodary, President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, and His Excellency Tran Thanh Man, President of the National Assembly of Vietnam, symbolising the enduring friendship between the […]