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Lay Flat Fire Hose ("LFFH")

Lay Flat Fire Hose ("LFFH")

A Layflat Fire Hose (LFFH) is a heavy-duty, flexible water delivery hose designed to transport high volumes of fire suppression water under pressure from a fixed fire hydrant valve or mobile pump apparatus to a discharge nozzle.

Typically housed rolled or flaked inside internal or external fire hydrant cabinets installed in accordance with AS 2419.11, these hoses are deployed during structural fire emergencies. Unlike first-attack equipment intended for immediate occupant use, layflat hoses are primarily operated by the fire brigade or trained emergency response personnel to suppress advanced or spreading fires.

In contrast to a semi-rigid fire hose reel, which maintains its circular shape while pressurised on a reel and can be deployed immediately by building occupants, a layflat fire hose must be completely uncoiled, unrolled, and laid out flat along the ground before pressurization to avoid dangerous kinks, twisting, or immediate restriction of the water supply.

  • 1

    Australian Standard AS 2419.1: Fire hydrant installations - System design, installation and commissioning.

Technical Specifications & Subtypes

To ensure reliability and compliance with the National Construction Code, layflat hoses must adhere to strict manufacturing and performance metrics:

  • Manufacturing and Performance Standards: Hoses must be manufactured and certified to Australian Standard AS 27921 to ensure adequate structural resistance against high burst pressures and extreme environmental exposure.
  • Pressure Classifications: Hoses are categorized by operational pressure limits, consisting of Class M (Medium pressure with a maximum working pressure of 1,500 kPa) and Class H (High pressure with a maximum working pressure of 2,100 kPa).
  • Material Configurations: Delivery hoses are classified into three architectural configurations: Type 1 (uncoated textile jacket), Type 2 (coated textile jacket providing enhanced moisture and mildew resistance), and Type 3 (extruded rubber or PVC-nitrile synthetic cover offering superior resistance to chemical stains and abrasion).
  • Percolating vs. Non-Percolating: Non-percolating hoses feature an impermeable internal lining to deliver the maximum volume of water without loss. In contrast, percolating hoses allow a controlled, precision seepage of water through the fabric jacket, creating a continuous external wet barrier that protects the hose from burning embers during intense forestry and bushfire operations.
  • Maintenance and Testing Standards: Hoses must undergo systematic inspection, service, and hydrostatic testing in strict accordance with Section 4 of AS 18512 to verify their ongoing operational readiness.
  • 1

    Australian Standard AS 2792: Fire hose—Delivery layflat.

  • 2

    Australian Standard AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment.

Types of Lay Flat Fire Hose

  • Type 1 (T1) hoses are manufactured to BS 6391 Type 1 standards. Light and flexible. Uncoated exterior. Best used for indoor fire cabinets and quick mobile deployments where the hose isn't dragged over sharp, rough ground. These are hoses to which no external treatment has been applied, giving low protection against the absorption of liquids or resistance to abrasion.
  • Type 2 (T2) hoses are manufactured to BS 6391 Type 2 standards.  Heavier and highly durable. Has an external rubber or plastic coating that protects it from tearing on rocks, concrete, and rough roads.These are hoses to which an external elastomeric coating has been applied to give some protection against the absorption of liquids and to improve resistance to abrasion.
  • Type 3 (T3) hoses are manufactured to BS 6391 Type 3 standards. Designed for the toughest environments. It has a special cover that protects it from high heat and contact with hot surfaces. These are hoses to which additional coating/treatments have been applied to give high resistance to abrasion and heat, along with very low external liquid absorption rates.

Pressure Ratings of Lay Flat Fire Hose

  • Class L (Low) lay flat fire hose with a working pressure of 1,000 kPa
  • Class M (Medium) lay flat fire hose with a working pressure of 1,400 kPa
  • Class H (High) lay flat fire hose with a working pressure of 2,100 kPa

    Disclaimer

    In preparing this definition, we have drawn from various sources including Legislation, Codes, Standards and industry information, research and knowledge.  Like the english language, these definitions may subtly change from time to time. As such these definitions are provided solely on the basis that users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the definition and and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.