Free Safe Operating Procedure (Fire Hose Testing) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Fire Hose Testing) Template

This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Fire Hose Testing) Template provides a structured framework for safely conducting routine inspections and pressure tests on fire hoses and their associated reels. Documenting this process is critical for ensuring that fire safety equipment remains in a constant state of readiness and will function as intended in an emergency.

A clear, step-by-step procedure minimises the risk of injury to personnel performing the test and reduces the likelihood of equipment damage.

Using a standardised SOP helps demonstrate a commitment to proactive safety management. It forms a key part of your overall WHS management systems, providing consistency in how tasks are performed, regardless of who is undertaking them.

This procedure helps outline the required personal protective equipment (PPE), pre-start checks, testing sequence, and post-test actions needed for a safe and effective outcome.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Fire Hose Testing) Template

To get started, download the template in your preferred format (DOCX or PDF). This document is a comprehensive starting point, not a finished procedure.

It is essential that you customise the content to reflect the specific types of fire hoses used at your workplace, the unique environmental conditions, and the relevant state or territory WHS regulations. We strongly advise that you conduct a site-specific risk assessment to identify all potential hazards associated with the task and incorporate appropriate controls into the SOP.

Your documented safety procedures should be consistent and clear for all types of workplace equipment. Just as you would formalise the steps for using a circular saw, this SOP ensures the critical task of fire hose testing is not left to chance.

When customising, involve workers who will perform the task to ensure the procedure is practical and easy to follow. Ensure the final document is approved by a competent person before being issued for use.

The principles of managing pressurised systems are common across various types of equipment. For guidance on a related task, you may find our Free Air Compressor SOP useful for comparison.

Once finalised, your fire hose testing SOP should be regularly reviewed and updated, especially if there are changes to equipment, processes, or regulations.

When to use this Safe Operating Procedure

This SOP should be used every time a fire hose or fire hose reel requires routine inspection or testing. The frequency of these tests is dictated by Australian Standard AS 1851, which typically requires inspections at six-monthly intervals and hydrostatic pressure testing at five-yearly intervals.

However, more frequent checks may be necessary depending on the environment (e.g., corrosive or high-damage areas) or your internal maintenance schedule.

The procedure should also be followed for any non-routine testing, such as after a hose has been used in a fire or for training purposes. Integrating this SOP into your scheduled maintenance program ensures consistency and accountability.

For organisations seeking to verify their maintenance and compliance schedules align with legislative requirements, a formal WHS compliance auditing process can provide valuable assurance and identify areas for improvement.

Who should use this template

This Safe Operating Procedure is intended for use by competent personnel who have been trained and authorised to inspect and test fire safety equipment. This typically includes facilities maintenance staff, dedicated fire safety technicians, or third-party service contractors.

It is also a valuable resource for WHS managers, safety officers, and supervisors responsible for overseeing the site's fire safety program.

Ensuring that only trained individuals perform these tasks is a critical safety control. The SOP serves as both a guide for the operator and a training tool for new team members.

For a wider selection of safety documentation, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library to find templates for other high-risk tasks and equipment.