The characteristics of the hydrants network are set by the UNI 10779 standard. This is vital information in Firefighter Recruitment NSW. Fire extinguishers are the most effective means to effectively counteract a fire principle, since it is essential to intervene immediately, at the latest within 15-20 minutes from when the combustion started.
This is why knowing the classification of fire extinguishers can be decisive so as to identify the most suitable type to place in a given environment, in correlation with the nature of the potential fuel.
All types of fire extinguishers are composed of the same main parts, namely: a tank containing the extinguishing or propellant needed to extinguish the fire. A valve that allows the flow of the extinguishing agent to be regulated, a hose, or a flexible hose to direct the flow of the extinguishing agent. To comply with the applicable fire extinguishing regulations, everyone must be provided with a declaration of conformity of the manufacturer, of the use and maintenance manual, of the technical and safety data sheets.
For each hydrant there must be at least an endowment of a unified length of flexible pipe, complete with fittings and delivery spout (equipment located near the hydrants).
The position of the underground hydrants must be adequately indicated; they must also take measures to prevent their use being hampered.
The hoses are instead a fire-fighting apparatus consisting of a mobile coil on which a semi-rigid pipe is wound connected to one end with a dispensing spout. The document reminds that for the use also by untrained personnel, the hoses are an alternative to hydrants, especially for activities with lower risk. However, they have lower performance than hydrants. In some low-risk activities, they can be directly connected to the sanitary water network. Firefighter Recruitment NSW applicants must know this.
We conclude with some brief indications on the positioning of wall hydrants and hoses they must be positioned so that every part of the activity can be reached with the water jet of at least one hydrant or hose.
In general, it is permissible to consider that the water jet has a reference length of 5 m. The positioning of the wall hydrants and of the hoses must be performed considering each compartment independently. Hydrants or hoses must be installed in a clearly visible and easily accessible position, preferably located close to emergency exits or escape routes, in a position that does not hinder the exodus.
A first classification divides the extinguishers on the basis of the weight of the extinguishing agent contained in the tank, a feature that also affects the minimum duration of operation of the extinguisher itself, normally measured with the valve fully open.
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