When it comes to fire hydrant installation, having a reliable water supply is paramount.
The role of a fire hydrant is to ensure firefighters have access to the water they need to combat blazes effectively.
Installing these hydrants requires careful planning, skilled execution, and adherence to regulations.
In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of fire hydrant installation and why maintaining a dependable water supply matters for fire suppression efforts.
The Importance of Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants are an integral part of a community’s fire protection infrastructure. It is a common firefighting solution for both private entities and public urban and suburban areas.
These hydrants are connected to an underground piping system that supplies water from a main source, controlled by a valve. This system allows firefighters to access water through pillar hydrants to extinguish fires effectively.
Fire hydrants are particularly important in the following types of facilities:
- Sawmills
- Steel mills
- Palm oil mills
- Sugar mills
- Cement plants
- Factories involved in hazardous processes
- Warehouses storing combustible products
Read more: Fire Hydrant Types in Malaysia: Dry and Wet Barrel Hydrants
Factors Impacting Hydrant Performance in Malaysia
Regular hydrant flow testing by fire departments like BOMBA is mandated to assess water availability.
These tests involve specialised equipment to measure flow rates and residual pressures. Furthermore, low readings may indicate issues like leaks or undersized pipes, prompting repairs or upgrades.
Several factors can influence hydrant performance in Malaysia:
1. Pipe Age/Condition
Malaysia’s tropical climate can accelerate pipe deterioration. High humidity and soil acidity in some regions contribute to faster corrosion of metal pipes.
Additionally, older pipes often suffer from internal scaling, reducing their effective diameter and restricting water flow to hydrants.
2. Distance from Sources
In more rural states, where communities can be spread out, hydrants located far from water treatment plants or pumping stations may experience lower pressure due to friction losses in the pipes.
This is exacerbated in areas with hilly terrain, which is common in parts of East Malaysia.
Read more: Fire Pump Water Leak in Malaysia: What Should You Do?
The Fire Hydrant Installation Process
The installation of fire hydrants is a multi-step process that involves coordination between various parties, including local authorities, water utility companies, and certified contractors.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages:
1. Site Selection and Planning
Before installation can commence, careful site selection is crucial. It involves several factors, such as:
- proximity to water mains
- accessibility for fire trucks
- potential obstructions
Urban planners work closely with fire departments to identify optimal locations that ensure hydrants are spaced strategically throughout the community.
2. Excavation and Pipe Laying
Upon the site’s approval, excavation begins. Trenches are dug to accommodate the piping connecting the hydrant to the main water supply line.
This step requires precision and adherence to specific depth and grading requirements to ensure proper water flow and drainage.
3. Hydrant Assembly and Connection
The hydrant is a complex assembly of valves, fittings, and nozzles designed to withstand immense water pressure and harsh weather conditions.
Certified technicians or contractors carefully assemble the hydrant components and connect them to the underground piping system, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
4. Hydrant Outlet Placement
Pillar hydrants must adhere to M.S 1395 standards and be situated no more than 30 metres from the building’s breeching inlet.
For high-rise buildings, place hydrants at least 6 metres away to ensure firefighters can operate them safely, protected from the burning structure and potential falling debris.
While hydrant mains are typically underground, they may also be installed above ground, except where they intersect with roads.
5. Hydrant Tanks
Hydrant tanks are generally separate from other water storage systems, though they can be integrated with tanks for other firefighting purposes.
To identify fire tanks, their external surfaces should be painted red. If this is not feasible, a red band at least 200 mm wide should be applied to indicate its function as a fire tank.
6. Testing and Inspection
Before a fire hydrant can be put into service, it must undergo rigorous testing and inspection.
Water flow rates, pressure levels, and overall functionality are evaluated to ensure compliance with local regulations and industry standards.
Promptly addressing any issues or deficiencies can guarantee the hydrant’s reliability.
Regulatory Compliance and Standards
Stringent regulations and standards for public safety and operational efficiency govern the installation of fire hydrants in Malaysia.
These guidelines cover various aspects, including:
- hydrant placement
- water flow requirements
- maintenance protocols
- colour coding systems
Maintenance and Testing
Even after installation, fire hydrants require regular maintenance and testing to maintain their functionality. Maintenance schedules may include:
1. Static Pressure Test
The hydrant system is first flushed to clear all debris from the inside of the riser. The hydrant pipes are then tested to a 150% working pressure, measured at the furthest hydrant.
Subsequently, checks are carried out for leakage at the joints and landing valve connections.
2. Inspection and Testing
Another test that is performed during maintenance is a flow test to ensure that the pumps are in proper working condition.
Firstly, the pipework is checked for leakage, and the hydrants, valves, hoses, drain valves, and cabinets are inspected as recommended in the checklist.
Regular maintenance and strict adherence to existing regulations ensure the reliability and longevity of fire hydrants, consequently providing firefighters access to a dependable water supply when they need it most.
Read more: Fire Hazard Awareness in Malaysia: Why Is It Important?
Prioritise Fire Hydrant Installation with Palcon
In short, proper fire hydrant installation is essential for effective firefighting capabilities.
Palcon, as a leader in fire safety solutions, offers expertise in fire hydrant systems. From design to installation, we ensure fire safety compliance when it comes to fire hydrants.
Stay protected with Palcon today with our comprehensive fire protection solutions:
