How often should fire hose reels be inspected?

Fire hose reels in Australia require six-monthly inspections under AS 1851 (Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment). Annual inspections are more comprehensive and typically include a full operational test. Monthly visual checks are also recommended to confirm access is clear and the hose reel is in its correct location.

What standard applies to fire hose reel inspections in Australia?

Fire hose reels must comply with AS 1221 (Fire hose reels) for design and installation, and AS 1851 for routine servicing and inspection. The inspection confirms the hose reel meets these standards and remains fit for purpose. Only a competent person should perform formal six-monthly and annual inspections.

Who can inspect a fire hose reel?

Monthly visual checks can be performed by any trained person, such as a building manager or fire warden. Six-monthly and annual inspections must be performed by a competent person with relevant fire protection experience. In many states, annual inspections must be carried out by a licensed fire protection technician.

What should be checked during a six-monthly fire hose reel inspection?

A six-monthly inspection under AS 1851 includes a functional test of the hose reel. This means fully extending the hose and checking for damage, kinks, coupling integrity and deterioration. The stop valve is opened and the nozzle tested to confirm adequate water flow and pressure. The shut-off nozzle must operate correctly and the hose must rewind smoothly. Mounting, signage and the service tag are also checked. Any defects must be recorded and corrective action assigned.

What is the difference between a fire hose reel and a fire hydrant?

A fire hose reel is a first-response suppression device designed for use by building occupants to control small fires before the fire brigade arrives. It provides a lower-pressure water supply through a smaller-diameter hose (typically 19 mm or 25 mm) that is easy for untrained occupants to operate. A fire hydrant is a higher-pressure system designed for use by trained firefighters, delivering significantly greater water volume through larger-diameter hoses. Both systems are covered by AS 1851 for routine maintenance, but they serve different purposes and have different inspection requirements.

Is this fire hose reel inspection checklist free to use?

Yes. Download and use this fire hose reel inspection checklist for free. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to schedule fire hose reel inspections digitally, track monthly, six-monthly and annual inspection tiers, assign inspections to technicians and maintain a complete fire protection compliance history across your building or portfolio, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how.

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Free fire hose reel inspection checklist for six-monthly and annual compliance (PDF-ready). Covers hose, valve and AS 1221 requirements. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

Also see:Compliance and inspections →Best inspection software →MapTrack vs SafetyCulture →

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a fire hose reel inspection checklist?

A fire hose reel inspection checklist is a structured form used to inspect and document the condition and compliance of fire hose reels at regular intervals. It covers the hose, nozzle, valve, water supply, mounting, signage and general compliance with AS 1221 (Fire hose reels) and AS 1851 (Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment). The checklist ensures that fire hose reels are ready for use in an emergency and provides documented evidence of compliance with Australian fire safety regulations.

Fire hose reels are a first-response fire suppression system installed in most Australian commercial, industrial and multi-storey residential buildings. They provide building occupants with a readily accessible water supply to control small fires before the fire brigade arrives. AS 1851 requires that fire hose reels be inspected and tested at regular intervals to confirm the hose is in good condition, the valve operates freely, water pressure is adequate and access is not obstructed. Documented inspection records are required by fire authorities, building surveyors and insurers as evidence that the building fire protection systems are being properly maintained.

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Benefits of using this fire hose reel inspection checklist

Life safety: confirm fire hose reels are operational and ready for immediate use in an emergency, giving building occupants a first-response suppression option.
Compliance: documented inspections demonstrate your building meets AS 1851 and local fire authority requirements for fire protection system maintenance.
Reduced liability: a demonstrated inspection history provides a strong defence in fire incident investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Insurance requirements: many commercial and industrial property insurers require documented fire protection inspection records as a condition of cover.
Early fault detection: identify damaged hoses, faulty valves, poor water pressure or blocked access before they compromise fire response capability.
Regulatory readiness: maintain current inspection records so your building is always prepared for fire authority inspections, audits and compliance reviews.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise fire hose reel checklists in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Set recurring audit schedules with automatic reminders and escalation.
Produce regulator-ready PDF compliance packs in one click.
Track corrective actions from finding to close-out with full audit trail.

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What to include in a fire hose reel inspection checklist

This fire hose reel inspection checklist covers 6 key areas:

Location details: building, floor/area, hose reel number, inspection type, date, inspector.
Hose condition: damage, kinks, couplings, nozzle operation, full extension.
Valve and water supply: stop valve, valve operation, water pressure, leaks, backflow prevention.
Mounting and signage: cabinet/housing, mounting security, location sign, instruction sign, clear access.
General compliance: AS 1221 compliance, service tag, next service date, fire authority requirements.
Sign-off: inspector, building manager.

How to use this fire hose reel inspection checklist

Record location, hose reel number and inspection type.: Identify the hose reel by its building location, floor or area and the unique hose reel number from your fire protection register. Note whether this is a monthly visual, six-monthly functional or annual comprehensive inspection.
Check hose for damage, kinks, and that it extends fully.: Pull the hose to its full length and inspect for cuts, abrasion, kinks, coupling damage or signs of deterioration. Confirm the hose rewinds smoothly onto the reel without jamming or tangling.
Test the valve, nozzle and confirm adequate water pressure.: Open the stop valve fully and activate the nozzle. Confirm the shut-off nozzle operates correctly and water pressure is sufficient to produce an effective spray pattern at full hose extension.
Inspect mounting, cabinet condition and signage.: Check the mounting bracket or cabinet for damage, corrosion or loose fixings. Confirm the location sign is visible from the corridor or access route and the operating instructions sign is legible and in place.
Verify service tag is current and AS 1221 compliance.: Check the service tag attached to the hose reel shows the last service date and next due date. Confirm the hose reel assembly meets AS 1221 requirements including hose length, nozzle type and water supply connection.
Sign off and update the fire protection register.: The inspector and building manager should sign the completed checklist. Record the inspection result in the fire protection register and schedule the next inspection based on the AS 1851 tiered frequency.

In MapTrack, you can automate compliance tracking and audit trails. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Fire hose reel inspections follow a tiered schedule under AS 1851 (Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment). Monthly visual checks confirm access is clear, signage is in place and the hose reel is in its correct location. Six-monthly inspections include a functional test of the stop valve, hose condition and nozzle operation. Annual inspections are comprehensive and include a full operational test with water flow and pressure checks, hose extension and rewind test, and verification of AS 1221 compliance. In MapTrack, you can schedule each inspection tier and track compliance across all fire hose reels in your building or portfolio.

Frequently asked questions

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 1851-2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment (Section 3)
AS 2441 - Installation of fire hose reels
WHS Regulations 2011, Chapter 3 - General workplace management
National Construction Code (NCC) - BCA Volume 1

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