Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-24 - General safety and health standards › Part G-3 - FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT › Section 296-24-60299 - Appendix A- Standpipe and hose systems

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
Scope and application.
This
				section has been written to provide adequate coverage of those standpipe and
				hose systems that an employer may install in the workplace to meet the
				requirements of a particular DOSH standard. For example, DOSH permits the
				substitution of hose systems for portable fire extinguishers in WAC
				296-24-592. If an employer
				chooses to provide hose systems instead of portable Class A fire extinguishers,
				then those hose systems used for substitution would have to meet the applicable
				requirements of WAC
				296-24-592. All other standpipe
				and hose systems not used as a substitute would be exempt from these
				requirements.
The section specifically exempts Class I large hose systems.
				  By large hose systems, DOSH means those two and one-half inch hose lines that
				  are usually associated with fire departments of the size that provide their own
				  water supply through fire apparatus. When the fire gets to the size that
				  outside protection of that degree is necessary, DOSH believes that in most
				  industries employees will have been evacuated from the fire area and the
				  "professional" firefighters will take control.
(2)
Protection of standpipes.
Employers must make sure that standpipes are protected so that they can be
				relied upon during a fire emergency. This means protecting the pipes from
				mechanical and physical damage. There are various means for protecting the
				equipment such as, but not limited to, enclosing the supply piping in the
				construction of the building, locating the standpipe in an area which is
				inaccessible to vehicles, or locating the standpipe in a stairwell.
(3)
Hose covers and cabinets.
The employer should keep fire protection hose equipment in cabinets or inside
				protective covers which will protect it from the weather elements, dirt or
				other damaging sources. The use of protective covers must be easily removed or
				opened to assure that hose and nozzle are accessible. When the employer places
				hose in a cabinet, the employer must make sure that the hose and nozzle are
				accessible to employees without subjecting them to injury. In order to make
				sure that the equipment is readily accessible, the employer must also make sure
				that the cabinets used to store equipment are kept free of obstructions and
				other equipment which may interfere with the fast distribution of the fire hose
				stored in the cabinet.
(4)
Hose outlets and connections.
The employer must ensure that employees who use standpipe and hose systems can
				reach the hose rack and hose valve without the use of portable equipment such
				as ladders. Hose reels are encouraged for use because one employee can retrieve
				the hose, charge it, and place it into service without much
				difficulty.
(5)
Hose.
When the employer elects to provide small hose in lieu of portable fire
				extinguishers, those hose stations being used for the substitution must have
				hose attached and ready for service. However, if more than the necessary amount
				of small hose outlets are provided, the hose does not have to be attached to
				those outlets that would provide redundant coverage. Further, where the
				installation of hose on outlets may expose the hose to extremely cold climates,
				the employer may store the hose in houses or similar protective areas and
				connect it to the outlet when needed.
There is approved lined hose available that can be used to
				  replace unlined hose which is stored on racks in cabinets. The lined hose is
				  constructed so that it can be folded and placed in cabinets in the same manner
				  as unlined hose.
Hose is considered to be unserviceable when it deteriorates
				  to the extent that it can no longer carry water at the required pressure and
				  flow rates. Dry rotted linen or hemp hose, cross threaded couplings, and
				  punctured hose are examples of unserviceable hose.
(6)
Nozzles.
Variable stream
				nozzles can provide useful variations in water flow and spray patterns during
				firefighting operations and they are recommended for employee use. It is
				recommended that 100 psi nozzle pressure be used to provide good flow patterns
				for variable stream nozzles. The most desirable attribute for nozzles is the
				ability of the nozzle person to shut off the water flow at the nozzle when it
				is necessary. This can be accomplished in many ways. For example, a shut-off
				nozzle with a lever or rotation of the nozzle to stop flow would be effective,
				but in other cases a simple globe valve placed between a straight stream nozzle
				and the hose could serve the same purpose. For straight stream nozzles, 50 psi
				nozzle pressure is recommended. The intent of the standard is to protect the
				employee from "run-away" hoses if it becomes necessary to drop a pressurized
				hose line and retreat from the fire front and other related hazards.
(7)
Design and installation.
Standpipe and hose systems designed and installed in accordance with NFPA
				Standard No. 14-1976, "Standpipe and Hose Systems," are considered to be in
				compliance with this standard.
Statutory Authority:
					 RCW
					  49.17.040 and
					 49.17.050. 82-02-003 (Order
					 81-32), § 296-24-60299, filed
					 12/24/81.