What Are the Requirements for Fire Hydrant Snow Removal?
Whether you live in an area that shuts down under the threat of snow or looks like a winter wonderland, fire hydrants must remain unobstructed even during a snowstorm. Fire hydrant snow removal is critical because firefighters must be able to identify and quickly access a fire hydrant. Snow encapsulated and obstructed fire hydrant delays firefighting efforts. This gives a fire more time to grow. To ensure fire hydrants surrounding your facility remain accessible during the winter, follow NFPA requirements and recommendations on fire hydrant snow removal.
Cleared Area
How much area around a fire hydrant must remain clear of snow? NFPA 1 18.5.7.1 A 36 in. clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved. This means your Authority Having Jurisdiction could have different requirements and that you should review your local code. The time frame of when to remove the snow is also key.
Snow Removal Time Frame
Fire hydrant snow removal should occur prior to snow obstructing fire hydrants. Even though NFPA 1 fails to provide an exact time frame of when to remove the snow, it states that fire hydrants shall remain unobstructed. This ensures that firefighters always have access to fire hydrants. Waiting too long to clear the snow can make the process more difficult. If the snow melts and refreezes, you’ll have to chisel away at an ice block. Also, when snow stacks up quickly during major storms it makes locating fire hydrants extremely difficult.
Locating Fire Hydrants
Fortunately, there are ways to help identify snow-covered fire hydrants. Attach a flag or device that’s approved by your AHJ to mark the hydrant’s approximate location. You may also place a reflector on the road in front of the fire hydrant. But before you decide to use one of these methods, check with your AHJ to receive their approval.
Ensuring firefighters have access to fire hydrants at any time of the year is crucial but it can be a challenge in the winter. But by following NFPA requirements and taking a proactive approach to fire hydrant snow removal, you can help to ensure that they’ll remain unobstructed by snow.
Categorized in: Education, Fire Sprinklers, General