A Guide to Fire Hose Reels: Purpose, Standards, Uses & Legal Requirements in Australia

Fire Products Direct
Nov 24
5 min read

Understanding Fire Hose Reels in Australia: Purpose, Standards, Uses and Legal Compliance

Fire safety is one of those things you don’t really think about until a crisis hits—and that’s exactly why fire hose reels are so important. These seemingly simple devices sit quietly on walls in buildings everywhere, but when a fire breaks out, they become one of the most powerful tools available for immediate response.

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about fire hose reels—what they are, why they matter, who can use them, where they should be installed, and the Australian standards that govern their design and placement. We’ll also examine commonly misunderstood topics, including illegal use, cleaning restrictions, misuse prevention, and more.

1. What Is a Fire Hose Reel?

A fire hose reel is essentially a cylindrical drum designed to store and protect a long fire hose that’s permanently connected to a water supply. Mounted on walls or stands, these reels allow occupants or trained staff to access water during fire emergencies quickly.

The reel typically features:

A manual or automatic winding system
A nozzle for controlling water flow
A durable hose ranging from 36m to 50m
A mounted bracket or cabinet

When a fire breaks out, responders can rapidly unwind the hose, open the isolation valve, aim at the fire, and begin suppression.

2. The Importance of Fire Hose Reels

Fire hose reels play a crucial role in fire protection systems across commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Their importance comes down to a few key factors:

2.1 Immediate Water Supply

Instead of waiting for firefighters, trained personnel can respond instantly using the hose reel to prevent a small fire from turning catastrophic.

2.2 Controlled and Directed Water Flow

The nozzle lets you aim water precisely where it's needed—ideal for tackling flames at their base or in hard-to-reach corners.

2.3 Backup When Fire Hydrants Fail

If hydrants are blocked, inaccessible, or malfunctioning, fire hose reels remain a reliable fallback.

2.4 Preventing Fire Spread

Quick action prevents fires from escalating to larger areas or multiple rooms.

3. What Are Fire Hose Reels Used For?

Fire hose reels are typically used in early-stage fire situations, making them ideal for what’s called “first attack firefighting.”

Here’s where they shine:

3.1 Early-Stage Fires

Small flames, smouldering materials, or rubbish bin fires can often be handled before they worsen.

3.2 Localised Fires

When a fire is confined to a specific area—like a corner, appliance, or workstation—the hose reel helps contain and extinguish it swiftly.

3.3 Assisting Evacuation

Using a hose reel can help create a safer path for people escaping a building by cooling hot surfaces and slowing fire spread.

3.4 High-Risk Environments

Spaces where fires are more likely to occur—such as labs, kitchens, workshops, mechanical rooms, or warehouses—benefit heavily from hose reels.

4. Strategic Placement of Fire Hose Reels

One of the most important aspects of fire hose reel effectiveness is where they’re installed.

Fire hose reels are commonly placed in locations such as:

4.1 Commercial Buildings

Offices, hotels, retail stores, shopping centres, restaurants, and factories all require hose reels for rapid response.

4.2 Residential Buildings

They’re found in hallways of multi-storey apartments, condos, and similar shared living areas.

4.3 Industrial Facilities

Warehouses, manufacturing plants, processing facilities, and chemical storage areas often house multiple hose reels.

4.4 Public Spaces

Hospitals, schools, airports, theatres, community centres, and stadiums rely on hose reels to protect large crowds.

Proper installation ensures:

Coverage for every area
Easy accessibility
Visibility during an emergency

5. Australian Standards for Fire Hose Reels

Australian standards regulate everything from installation height to hose length and operational testing. These standards ensure uniform safety, no matter the building type.

5.1 What Is the Australian Standard for Hose Reels?

The key standard is:

AS 2441 – Installation of Fire Hose Reels

This standard covers:

Installation requirements
Water supply standards
Hose length and type
Cabinet and mounting rules
Hose reel location and signage
Operational clearances
Maintenance guidelines

Supporting standards include:

AS 1221 – Fire hose reels manufacturing
AS 1851 – Routine service of fire protection systems

6. Standards for Fire Hose Reel Installation

To comply with AS 2441, fire hose reels must meet the following installation requirements:

Minimum Requirements Include:

Hose length: 36m minimum, 50m maximum
Water supply: Must deliver 0.4 L/s at 220 kPa
Coverage: Reels must cover their designated fire hazard area completely
Location: Reels must be easily accessible and unobstructed
Mounting: Must be securely fixed to a permanent wall or stand
Signage: Must include clear “FIRE HOSE REEL” signs

7. Who Can Use Fire Hose Reels?

Fire hose reels aren’t for general public use. Only trained personnel should operate them, including:

7.1 Firefighters

Experts in first attack firefighting and hose handling.

7.2 Fire Wardens or Fire Safety Officers

Designated building staff trained to respond to early-stage fires.

7.3 Trained Employees

In warehouses, factories, and large workplaces, select staff may receive hose reel training.

7.4 Building Occupants (in Some Cases)

If trained, building occupants can use hose reels until emergency services arrive.

⚠️ Untrained individuals should not attempt to use hose reels, as improper use can worsen the situation or cause injury.

8. Standard Clearance for a Fire Hose Reel in Australia

According to AS 2441, the clearance rules include:

Fire hose reels must be unobstructed
A clear radius around the reel to allow full rotation
Height: The centre of the drum should be between 1.5m and 1.8m above floor level

This ensures quick deployment and ease of access during emergencies.

9. How Often Do Fire Hose Reels Need to Be Inspected?

Inspection requirements fall under AS 1851.

Inspection frequency:

Every 6 months – Routine inspection
Annually – More detailed testing
Every 5 years – Full functional test and overhaul

Testing includes checking:

Hose condition
Pressure and water flow
Valve operation
Nozzle function
Reel rotation
Leakage or damage

10. The Main Advantage of Using a Fire Hose Reel

The biggest advantage?

A continuous, reliable supply of pressurised water.

Fire extinguishers run out—but hose reels do not, as long as the water supply remains active. This makes them incredibly powerful for controlling fires in the first few minutes.

11. Illegal Use of Fire Hose Reels in Australia

Many people don’t realise this, but using a fire hose reel for any purpose other than firefighting is illegal.

Illegal uses include:

Washing floors
Cleaning vehicles
Filling pools
Watering gardens
“Testing” without authorisation

Penalties apply, and they vary by state or territory.

Why is it illegal?

Because improper use can:

Damage the reel
Waste water needed for emergencies
Make the hose reel unreliable when a fire occurs

12. Can You Use a Fire Hose Reel for Cleaning?

No—absolutely not.

Fire hose reels:

Deliver extremely high pressure
Lack gentle cleaning attachments
They are not designed for prolonged non-emergency use
May cause damage to surfaces or equipment

For cleaning, use:

Pressure washers
Garden hoses
Commercial cleaning tools

13. Fire Hose Reel Misuse & How to Prevent It

Fire hose reel misuse can include:

Using it for non-fire purposes
Misoperating the valve
Leaving hoses unwound
Damaging nozzles or mounts
Tampering with the water supply

Prevention Measures:

Provide proper training
Install clear signage
Conduct regular inspections
Educate occupants on proper fire response
Enforce building policies and penalties

Conclusion

Fire hose reels are far more than just a wall fixture—they’re a critical part of any effective fire safety strategy. With the right installation, training, and maintenance, these reels empower trained individuals to respond quickly during the early stages of a fire, potentially preventing catastrophic damage and saving lives.

Understanding Australian standards, knowing who can use them, recognising legal restrictions, and ensuring proper training are all essential for maintaining a safe environment.

By respecting the purpose of fire hose reels and using them correctly, buildings stay safer, occupants remain protected, and emergency responses are far more effective.

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