EN 15182-1:2007+A1:2009

Hand-held branchpipes for fire service use - Part 1: Common requirements

Publication date:   Jan 30, 2010

Scope

This part of this European Standard applies to hand-held branchpipes. It deals with:
- safety requirements;
- performance requirements;
- test methods;
- classification and designation;
- instructions for use and maintenance;
- marking.
This standard should be read in conjunction with parts 2, 3 or 4.
This standard does not apply to branchpipes covered by EN 671, foam branchpipes, powder branchpipes, or branchpipes with a maximum working pressure above 40 bar.
NOTE 1 The Working Group has thoroughly addressed and discussed the issue of electrical safety in relation to using water branchpipes. However, an electrical test is not incorporated into this standard as international experience, as well as research (NFPA handbook, French research, etc) have shown that any "artificial" or "laboratory style" testing will not take into account poor visibility and other conditions present on any fireground, nor the problem of estimating distances under these conditions. The end user should be advised (through the operating instructions, see 8.1) that when fighting fires in or near electrical installations, the power should be cut off as soon as possible. Also, maintain a maximum possible safety distance (at least 1 m up to 1 000 V) and use a spray jet with a minimum spray angle of 30 °.
NOTE 2 Reaction forces should be taken into consideration before choosing and operating branchpipes.