Fire Hose Reel Maintenance Checklist
Keep fixed hose reels ready for first-aid firefighting — monthly visual checks, the annual flow and pressure test, and hose, nozzle, and cabinet condition checks.
What is a fire hose reel maintenance checklist?
A fire hose reel maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 10 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional and record-keeping checks — that keep a fire hose reel running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core fire hose reel checks
- Confirm the reel is in its cabinet, accessible, signed, and unobstructed
- Check the supply isolation valve is open and accessible
- Record monthly checks and the annual test in the fire log book
What is a fire hose reel?
A fire hose reel is a fixed first-aid firefighting facility supplying a continuous jet or spray of water from the building's water main. Installed in cabinets or recesses on escape routes, reels are maintained to BS EN 671-3. Maintenance involves a monthly visual check and an annual service that includes running the reel out fully, checking flow and pressure, and inspecting the hose, nozzle, guide, and supply valve. Although less common in new buildings (extinguishers are often preferred), many existing buildings still rely on hose reels.
This checklist is one of 16 in our fire safety maintenance checklists, covering fire dampers, alarms, emergency lighting, sprinklers, risers and fire doors — the statutory checks and their records.
Typical Fire Hose Reel maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Confirm the reel is in its cabinet, accessible, signed, and unobstructed
- Inspect the hose for cracks, perishing, kinks, or damage along its length
- Inspect the reel drum, guide, and pivot for free rotation and security
- Confirm cabinet, glazing, and signage are intact and legible
Functional Checks
- Check the supply isolation valve is open and accessible
- Verify the nozzle operates (off/jet/spray) and is not blocked
- Run the reel out fully and confirm it feeds water without leaks
- Check flow and pressure meet the required minimum at the nozzle (annual)
- Rewind the hose neatly and reset the reel after testing
Record Keeping
- Record monthly checks and the annual test in the fire log book
Download the free Fire Hose Reel maintenance checklist PDF
Get all 10 tasks as a printable PDF — free, no signup needed. Keep a copy in the plant room, attach it to work orders, or share it with your maintenance contractor.
Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for fire hose reel maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Monthly
- •Visual check of reel, hose, nozzle and signage
- •Confirm valve open and access clear
- •Log the check
Annually
- •Run out and flow/pressure test to BS EN 671-3
- •Full hose and nozzle inspection
- •Lubricate pivot/guide
- •Issue certificate
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining fire hose reel equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for fire hose reel maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the relevant BS 5306 / BS 9999 parts
- North America
- The applicable NFPA standards (e.g. NFPA 10, 25, 72, 80)
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning fire hose reel maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing Fire Hose Reel documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your fire hose reel documentation and ask questions like “Where are the hose reels located on each floor?” or “When was the last flow test?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
See PM Assist answer questions about a real fire hose reel manual — try the live demo, no signup needed.
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Inspection checklists for this asset
Maintenance keeps the asset working; a statutory inspection records whether it currently passes. Both usually apply.
Further reading on fire hose reel maintenance
Compliance topics for fire hose reel maintenance
Frequently asked questions
How often should a fire hose reel be tested?
Are fire hose reels still required?
Who can use a fire hose reel?
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