Fire Hydrant Inspections Vancouver
According to the B.C. Fire Code and the Vancouver bylaw, you are responsible for the fire hydrants on your property. Like other components of your fire protection system, your fire hydrants must be inspected and tested regularly to ensure they work as designed when needed.
Did you know that under the B.C. Fire Code and NFPA 291 your fire hydrants must be:
- Inspected every six months and after each use
- Kept clear of obstructions and readily accessible for use by firefighters
- Clearly identified
NFPA 291 also sets out standards for fire flow testing and marking fire hydrants.
Your annual fire hydrant inspection should include:
- A visual check for leaks and rusting before and after flushing the hydrant
- A full tear down to look for internal damage, gasket and tread conditions
- Replacing components, if required
- Testing for adequate, sustained water pressure and proper drainage
- Painting the hydrant, if needed
- Lubricating the nozzle caps
You can trust our fire protection technicians to thoroughly inspect and test your fire hydrants and all related components. We tell you if there are any deficiencies, and as a full-service fire protection company, we will maintain and repair your fire hydrants upon request.
Inspection Requirements
We have summarized, for your reference, some key regulations and standards for fire hydrant inspections and testing.
Maintenance:
- Hydrants must be maintained in operating condition
- Any attachments or connections to a fire hydrant require a permit from the fire department and municipality
- An area with a one-metre radius around the hydrant must be kept clear of obstructions and the hydrant must be readily visible from the approaching roadway
- Hydrants must be readily accessible for use by firefighters
Inspections and Repairs:
- Every six months and after each use
- Hydrant caps are in place and caps with worn, rusted or obstructed threads, which might hamper easy removal, shall be repaired or replaced.
- Water accumulation in barrels as a result of a leaking main valve, or a plugged or damaged drain valve
- Leaking main valves and plugged or damaged drain valves (If it is impractical to repair drain valves or if they are intentionally plugged, ensure any accumulated water does not freeze.)
- Flush fire hydrants every 12 months with the main valve and any outlet valves fully opened.
Records:
- The type, capacity, colour, location and maintenance of each fire hydrant requires approval from the fire department.
- Keep records of inspections and tests on the hydrants for the fire department to check during its inspection.
In addition, to allow firefighters to quickly assess a hydrant’s capacity, NFPA 291 sets out the colour code for painting fire hydrants.
To schedule your fire hydrant inspection, contact Vancouver Fire today.
© 2023 Vanfire. All Rights Reserved.
