Policy | Procedure

Hydrants and water supplies for firefighting

New policy number: 317

Old instruction number: TEC:F005:a1
Issue date: 25 January 2001
Reviewed as current: 15 June 2016
Owner: Head of Procurement
Responsible work team: Contracts Management Group

Contents
Part 1 - Overview ........................................................................................................... 3
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3
2 Hydrant types................................................................................................................ 3
3 Water supplies from fire hydrants...................................................................................... 5
4 Hydrants in London ........................................................................................................ 6
5 Hydrant installations ....................................................................................................... 6
6 The LFB hydrant inspection process................................................................................... 7
7 Devices fitted to hydrants ................................................................................................ 8
8 Unauthorised use of hydrants ........................................................................................... 8
9 Open water supplies ....................................................................................................... 8
10 Hydrants on mobile data terminals (MDT’s) ........................................................................ 8
11 Hydrant location books ................................................................................................... 9
12 General enquiries ........................................................................................................... 9

Part 2 - Undertaking hydrant inspections and reporting defects ......................................... 9

1 Station diary .................................................................................................................. 9
2 Hydrant inspections...................................................................................................... 11
3 Inaccessible or unusable hydrants ................................................................................... 12

Review date: 15 June 2019 Last amended date: 23 January 2017

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Part 3 - The safe system of work .................................................................................... 12
1 General ...................................................................................................................... 12
2 Preparation of work area................................................................................................ 13
3 Handling the hydrant cover ............................................................................................ 13
4 Cleaning out the hydrant pit ........................................................................................... 14
5 Use of hydrant bar and key ............................................................................................ 14
Appendix 1 - Key point summary - Hydrants and water supplies for firefighting .............................. 15

Document history ........................................................................................................ 17

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Part 1 - Overview
1 Introduction
1.1 In order to fulfil its responsibilities under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the LFB
undertakes inspections and in-house maintenance of hydrants in agreement with the water
companies who own the majority of London’s (statutory) hydrants. To achieve this, all fire stations
undertake inspections of fire hydrants on their ground. Major defects that cannot be remedied in-
house are referred to the Water Company for further action.

2 Hydrant types
2.1 The principal types of hydrant found in the London area are sluice valve and screw-down, with
new through bore design hydrants gradually being introduced.

Sluice valve hydrant

2.2 This type of hydrant is a legacy design that is no longer installed but still prevalent in Greater
London. This hydrant usually runs off a short branch from the water main, the water flowing
horizontally past the valve. It consists of three main castings. The inlet piece, which is connected
to the pipe, the sluice valve itself and the duck foot bend leading to the outlet. The opening and
closing of the waterway is affected by means of a gate or wedge having gunmetal faces. This sits
on corresponding faces in the body of the valve. Rotation of the spindle raises the wedge until it
is clear of the waterway. The spindle passes through the valve cover by means of a gland and
stuffing box. A sluice valve hydrant may be fitted with either a single or double outlet.
2.3 This hydrant is usually opened by turning the spindle in a clockwise direction. It should be noted
that sluice valve hydrants are usually replaced by the screw down type when major defects on
them are reported.
Figure 1 Cross-section of a sluice valve hydrant

Screw-down hydrant
2.4 This type of hydrant may be attached directly to the main or a short branch running off it, which is
provided at the chosen point with a vertical extension pipe having a flange to which that of the
hydrant is bolted. All screw down hydrants are fitted with a single outlet. A mushroom type valve
closes on a seating in the base of the hydrant body above the inlet flange. The valve has a rubber
washer, while the seating is of gunmetal. The valve is attached to the lower end of a screwed
stem, and is lifted from its seating by the rotation of a hollow spindle into which the stem screws

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 until it is clear of the waterway. A cover to the hydrant body carries the stuffing box and gland
through which the spindle passes. These hydrants are opened by turning the spindle in an anti-
clockwise direction.
Figure 2 Cross-section of a screw down hydrant

Through-bore hydrant
2.5 Through bore hydrants operate in the same manner described for sluice valve and screw down
hydrants, but have a different internal construction for the valve and operating mechanism. This
allows water from the water main or supply pipe to flow directly through the hydrant unimpeded
and with minimal frictional loss. Although more expensive to manufacture than screw-down
hydrants, this design typically provides an improve water flow of about 10%-15% over screw
down hydrants under the same conditions.

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 Associated fittings

Frost valves
2.6 Where the valve of a hydrant is closed after use, a certain amount of water is trapped in the body
of the hydrant between the valve and the outlet. In cold weather, this may freeze and prevent the
valve opening. In extreme circumstances it may crack the hydrant body. To prevent this
happening, water is drained away from the hydrant by way of either a hole drilled into a gunmetal
plug (screw down hydrant) or an automatic valve called the frost valve (sluice valve hydrant).

False spindles
2.7 The spindle of a hydrant is usually made of stainless steel, bronze or gunmetal. To protect it from
wear caused by the loose fitting hydrant key, a cap known as a false spindle made from a harder
metal is fitted over it and secured by a bolt or screwed stud. The false spindle is not designed to
be an integral part of the hydrant and may become detached or stolen. All appliances must carry
an appropriate number of spare false spindles to ensure an hydrants encountered with their false
spindles missing can still be operated for fire fighting or testing purposes.

Outlets
2.8 Due to incidences of theft of gunmetal outlets that were fitted to hydrants up until the 1990’s, the
British Standard for hydrants was revised to address this. Plastic outlets were installed for a time
before being superseded by a base metal outlet of limited value. However, older hydrants with
gunmetal outlets may still remain in situ and the outlet subject to theft. It has not been possible to
combat this to date without introducing measures that impact on operational fire fighting. When a
hydrant with a missing outlet is encountered, it should be reported to the Water Team who will
arrange replacement.

3 Water supplies from fire hydrants

General water supply requirements
3.1 The supply of water in the water undertaker’s network is governed by the Water Industry Act and
any requirements placed upon them by industry regulator Ofwat. LFB does not have authority to
influence this requirement through normal engagement channels and crews should therefore
appreciate the statutory obligations in place before reporting low water pressure concerns.
3.2 A water undertaker is required by law ‘to supply water at a pressure which will reach the top most
storey of a residential property including within a block of flats but not at a height greater than it
will flow from a service reservoir’. Ofwat’s Guaranteed Standards Scheme requires that the water
company must maintain a minimum pressure in the communication pipe of seven metres static
head (0.7 bar). The Water Industry Act does not specify flow and pressure rates.

Drought planning
3.3 Where London and surrounding areas experiences a sustained lack of rainfall, a water undertaker
may implement drought planning measures in accordance with their action plans. These will
usually consist of:
• Level 1 - publicity targeted at raising awareness and encouraging reduced usage.
• Level 2 - domestic restrictions, i.e. hosepipe bans.
• Level 3 - business use restrictions.
Should a drought situation continue and the steps above be regarded as insufficient to maintain
water supplies, a water undertaker may apply to the Secretary of State for an Emergency Drought

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 Order. Should this be implemented, emergency measures will be introduced to ensure that
domestic water supplies are maintained or supplemented by other means.
3.4 Water undertakers are required to advise LFB if any of the steps described above are
implemented. LFB will issue advice and instructions as appropriate under the circumstances to
ensure that measures are taken for water conservation, hydrant testing and operational supplies.

4 Hydrants in London
4.1 There are three categories of hydrant found within the London area:
• Statutory.
• City.
• Private.
4.2 Statutory hydrants - Although there is only one Fire Authority for London, there are four
statutory water undertakers whose districts of operation are wholly or partly within this area. In
London some 102,000 hydrants have been connected to a water undertakers' mains specifically
for fire fighting purposes. These hydrants are known as statutory fire hydrants.
4.3 City hydrants - Within the City of London, hydrants have been installed and are maintained by
the City Corporation. These hydrants are available to the Brigade for fire fighting purposes in the
same way as statutory fire hydrants and are inspected by LFB because of the high risks contained
in the area. Old pattern city hydrants have two outlets controlled by one valve, which usually
opens clockwise. When a city hydrant is renewed by the City Corporation, a modern pattern
double sluice valve hydrant with two outlets controlled by separate valves, or single screw down
hydrant is installed.
4.4 Private fire hydrants - Water undertakers' mains are usually in public thoroughfares.
Consequently, buildings occupying extensive sites (e.g. hospitals, railway goods yards,
generating stations and some blocks of flats) may be some distance from the nearest main. In
these cases (following recommendations made by the Water Team) the owners of the property
may provide, at their own expense, private hydrants on an independent supply pipe connected to
the nearest main, or other adequate water supply. Their maintenance is the responsibility of the
owner concerned.
4.5 It should be noted that hydrants located in fire station yards should not be reported to the Water
Team. Stations should instead place an order for repair direct with the appropriate contractor via
POMS, in consultation (if necessary) with the Property Services Help Desk on x89100.

5 Hydrant installations
5.1 New hydrants in residential areas are normally spaced at a distance of 180 metres, although
historically they have been installed at lesser distances . The only exception to this will be cul-de-
sac or dead end locations where it is normally not necessary to install hydrants if the distance to
the nearest hydrant in the adjacent road is 90 metres or less.
5.2 In areas of high risk where shorter distances may be preferable, hydrants will normally be spaced
at a distance of no less than 90 metres. High-risk areas may be identified by such premises as
manufacturing or warehouse complexes, bulk oil/petrol storage, large timber distribution areas or
houses of multiple occupation, although these examples are by no means exhaustive.
5.3 The decision on where hydrants are to be located within new developments will be made by the
LFB’s Water Team using the GIS database available for this purpose.

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5.4 Wherever possible, hydrants are installed in footways immediately adjoining carriageways or
surfaces that will take the load of a pumping appliance. The top of the outlet should be
approximately 125mm (but not more than 300m)m below surface level. Any hydrant that does
not meet this standard should be reported to the Water Team.

6 The LFB hydrant inspection process

6.1 The purpose of undertaking hydrant inspections is to identify the overall condition of the hydrant
and allow station personnel to remain familiar with the location of hydrants in the context of their
station ground. The activity arises from the statutory obligation to secure water supplies for fire
fighting contained in the Fire Services Act and provides an assurance that hydrants installed for
this purpose have not fallen into a state of disrepair through either lack of use, wear and tear or
damage/vandalism, i.e. that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that hydrants produce a
supply of water for operational fire fighting and operate safely in doing so, including their
infrastructure.
6.2 LFB currently operates a rolling four yearly hydrant inspection process. This means that
approximately one quarter of the hydrants within each station ground are inspected by fire crews
in year one, a further quarter in year two and so on. The inspection period runs from 1st March
and its length (the active months in which inspections can be undertaken and outcome data
handled) is determined by the appropriate principal manager (currently the Director of
Operations). The start of each year’s inspection round and active months will be circulated in
advance.
6.3 The station-based process is planned and undertaken via Station Diary. Each station watch is
responsible for creating appointments in Station Diary to ensure that hydrants due for inspection
are inspected in their due months. Information on hydrants due for inspection in the active
months and the numbers completed are available from the link to the hydrant inspection pages
once an appointment is created. Management information on the overall hydrant inspection
process is also available from a report on Hotwire via this link ).
6.4 All hydrants that are reported by stations as defective are firstly visited by the LFB’s Hydrant
Technician Team. Hydrant technicians carry a range of tools in a service van that allows a number
of minor repairs to be carried out in house. This is both timely and cost effective. The inspection
cycle allows defective hydrants to be visited by the hydrant technicians shortly after the station
inspections are completed. The priority for the hydrant technician team is to attempt to remedy
hydrants that are reported as either inoperable for firefighting purposes or in a potentially
hazardous condition. Since hydrant locations are available on MDT’s within the appliance,
replacing missing hydrant plates is a lesser priority that is undertaken as a single activity later in
the year.
6.5 Where defects cannot be remedied in house (i.e. because they require the water supply to be
shut down, the hydrant to be dismantled or similar more extensive work) these defects are
passed to the appropriate water undertaker as repair orders to be completed in an agreed
timeframe. It is important to note that during winter months London experiences higher
incidences of burst water mains because of the aging water main infrastructure in a
predominantly clay soil. During this time, the water undertaker’s priority is to respond to burst
mains to ensure that water supplies can be restored as quickly as possible. For this reason, LFB’s
hydrant inspection programme aims to have orders placed before the winter season to avoid
hydrant repairs remaining outstanding for longer than desired.
6.6 Comprehensive information on undertaking the physical inspection of fire hydrants is addressed
in part 2 of this policy.

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7 Devices fitted to hydrants
7.1 From time to time, devices may be found that have been fitted to a hydrant by the local water
undertaker. Pressure monitors are generally attached to the hydrant outlet and used to monitor
the water supply network. Caps may also be fitted to hydrant outlets to address leakage
problems. More information on the range of devices fitted to hydrants can be found on hotwire
via the following link
7.2 If a fire hydrant fitted with a device is required for operational use, the device should be removed
carefully in line with the information provided on hotwire. As a precaution, the operator should
not stand directly above the device whilst removing it.
If a hydrant is encountered with a device fitted to it during routine hydrant inspections, the
hydrant should not be inspected and the device left in situ. The inspection outcome for the
hydrant should be entered as ‘Defective-Inoperable’ and the defect code is ’Outlet Defective –
Capped’. Such returns should also be annotated as ‘Unable to inspect – logging device fitted’. A
hydrant technician will visit the hydrant at a later stage.

8 Unauthorised use of hydrants

8.1 Misuse of a fire hydrant means use other than for firefighting under the Fire Service Act or as
authorised by the undertakers or owners of the hydrant. Any such misuse may render the person
concerned liable to a fine. Additionally, any person who damages or obstructs a fire hydrant,
unless using it for an authorised purpose is also, on conviction, liable to a fine.
8.2 In London, most water undertakers authorise the use of fire hydrants without reference to the
Brigade and such authority may be in respect of one hydrant for a specified period, or may be a
general authority, e.g. to a Borough Council. Any case of unauthorised use brought to the notice
of a local officer is to be reported immediately to the Water Team by telephone or e-mail (address
‘water@london-fire.gov.uk’) giving the following information/evidence:
• The location of the hydrant.
• The date on which the hydrant was observed in use.
• The name, address, telephone number and vehicle registration number of the individual or
company using the hydrant, if known.
• Any photos of the hydrant in illegal use, should you have them.

9 Open water supplies

9.1 Where appropriate and available, crews may use an open water supply to supplement firefighting
using water from an adjacent fire hydrant. Their use and method of extraction will be determined
by the officer in charge at the incident. Open water supplies include rivers, lakes, ponds,
swimming pools or similar. These are subject to inspection from time to time to ensure that they
are still available for use.

10 Hydrants on mobile data terminals (MDT’s)

10.1 Hydrants are displayed on all MDT’s in appliance cabs. Information is updated on a weekly basis
and drawn from the LFB’s hydrant database. Hydrants that are displayed as defective usually
derive their status data from the latest hydrant inspection and will remain as such until the defect
is either remedied by a hydrant technician or the water undertaker. The Water Team take all
steps to ensure data displayed on MDT’s is accurate and up to date, however sometimes mistakes
do occur and the section is reliant on information relayed from users on the fire ground or during

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 inspections. If any data displayed on MDT’s is found to be incorrect, staff should inform the
Water Team as soon as possible so the information can be investigated.
10.2 Open water supplies are also displayed on MDT’s by an icon that shows the point at which an
appliance can park adjacent to the supply in order to extract water from it. Emergency water
supplies are inspected from time to time to check that their availability has not altered.
10.3 The icons for hydrants and open water supplies displayed on MDT’s are shown below.
Operable fire hydrant.
An operable fire hydrant that may have a minor defect.
An in operable fire hydrant that will not supply water for firefighting.
Open water supply.

11 Hydrant location books

11.1 Hydrant location books are available to supplement the information provided by mobile data
terminals. They are printed by stations locally and stored in a standard A4 ring binder which is
carried on station appliances. A hydrant location book can be produced via this link (it can be
formatted as required).

12 General enquiries
12.1 Reports of hydrant defects are to be investigated where possible at station level before being
reported to the Water Team if any further action is required. General enquiries or complaints
regarding fire hydrants from members of the public or other bodies that cannot be answered at
station level are to be emailed or referred to the Water Team (water@london-fire.gov.uk).

Part 2 - Undertaking hydrant inspections and reporting

defects
This section explains the steps required to create a time slot on Station Diary, the generation and
completion of hydrant inspection sheets and the physical inspection of fire hydrants.

1 Station diary
Creating time slots on
Station Diary
• Open Station Diary.
• Create new appointment for
hydrant inspections.
• From category list, select station
activity.
• From subject, select
‘Hydrant/EWS inspections’.
• A button marked ‘Hydrant
System’ appears on the
appointment front page (see
image to side).
• Select the date and time slot for
the activity.
• Select OK.

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 Accessing and printing hydrant inspection sheets
1.1 To access the page displaying the hydrants due to be inspected by a watch for the month, click
the ‘Hydrant System’ button in the appointment.
• This launches the Water Management Module.
• The hydrants to be inspected by your watch this month will be displayed.
• Select the print icon.
• A map can also be printed if required using the map tab. It should be configured to landscape.

Carrying out physical inspections

1.2 The new hydrant inspection sheets show columns to indicate
• The hydrant number.
• The address of the hydrant.
• The inspection result (satisfactory of unsatisfactory).
• The fault codes for an unsatisfactory hydrant.
• Notes which can be added as free text for where it is helpful to provide some additional
information.
1.3 The printed inspection sheets should be completed with the inspection findings as the physical
inspections are undertaken. On return to the station, the information recorded is then entered
electronically as explained below.

Entering hydrant inspection findings through Station Diary

• Open Station Diary.
• Select the appointment for the hydrant inspections that have just been undertaken.
• Select the hydrant button to access the hydrant inspection sheets.
• Click on the icon adjacent to the hydrant number.
• You now see a screen for you to input information with the hydrant’s address at the top.
• Use the additional information box below the hydrant’s address to enter any additional
location information (i.e. by side entrance).
• Using drop down box, select the inspection outcome. Note that if faulty – non operable is
selected, this means the hydrant is not available for operational use.
• If OK is selected as the inspection outcome, then press ‘Update’ to complete.
• If the inspection outcome is not OK, this has to be supported by one or more fault codes.
• Click on a fault code in the ‘Faults Code’ box and use the right arrow key to transfer it to the
‘Hydrant Faults’ box. Repeat if required for an additional fault code.
• If an incorrect fault code has been selected, highlight it in the ‘Hydrant Faults’ box and select
the left arrow to remove.
• If additional notes are required, enter them in the ‘Notes’ box.
• Once satisfied that all the information is correct, press ‘Update’.
• Once the ‘Update’ button is selected, the hydrant inspection is complete.
• This information is now sent to the Water Office for action and is no longer visible at the
station.
• Close the Water Management Module, this will return you to the Station Diary.
• The inspection appointment can now be marked as ‘Complete’ in the normal way once the
participants and time frame have been updated.
Note -as the information for each hydrant in that month is entered, this will update the overall
hydrant inspection figures at the top of the page.

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2 Hydrant inspections
2.1 Personnel carrying out hydrant inspections are to wear work-wear uniform with cap and if
appropriate, a fire tunic. Fire boots are to be worn instead of shoes. The driver of the appliance
may wear shoes while engaged in driving.
When hydrants are tested or inspected, all efforts must be made by crews to remedy any defect
found where it is possible to do so.
2.2 Each hydrant is to be tested in the following manner using a standpipe and operating key and bar.
• Outlet to be tested. A standpipe should be fitted to the outlet to ensure that the thread or
connection is in good order.
• Hydrant charged. With a standpipe, head and blank cap connected to the outlet, the valve
should be partially opened to release a small quantity of water through the hydrant. The flow
of water must be directed to the gutter, using a length of hose if necessary.
• Valves to be tested. With the standpipe still in position a blank cap should be inserted in the
head (or the valve in the standpipe head should be closed), and the hydrant opened to its
fullest extent. Whilst under this pressure, all joints should be examined for signs of leakage.
The hydrant should then be turned off and, if the cap is not fitted with an air release, the
standpipe should be unshipped without the blank cap being removed (or the valve in the
standpipe head being opened).
• Frost valve. The frost valve (where fitted) should be checked to see that it operates in a
satisfactory working order.
Note: These tests should not be carried out in cold weather where there is a likelihood of water
freezing as this could present a slip hazard to the public.
2.3 A hydrant should only be considered defective and reported as unsatisfactory if it:
• Cannot be used for operational purposes; and/or
• Presents a significant hazard to the general public.
2.4 In addition to the standard testing procedure described above, the following points should be
noted:
Frost valve: Failure of the frost valve may sometimes be remedied by tapping lightly on the
elbow flange with the blunt end of a hydrant bar. If a frost plug is fitted to a screw down hydrant
and fails to drain the bend, the drilled hole can often be cleared by inserting a thin, sharp object
such as a piece of wire or similar. If there are signs of the main valve letting by, the hydrant is to
be flushed out to remove any foreign matter that may be preventing the valve from seating
properly. Note: A defective frost valve is not a notifiable defect.
Frame and/ or cover: Where a damaged frame and/or cover constitutes a serious hazard to the
public, the Water Office should be informed immediately.
Spindle Leaks: These are rarely of a reportable nature when the hydrant is in the closed position
and should not be reported as defects unless they present a hazard to the public because the
water is not contained in the hydrant pit. This includes the occupiers of neighbouring premises,
who may suffer damage from the leakage. Spindle leaks will generally cease once the packing
gland becomes wet.
Tight spindles: These can usually be eased using the full extent of a hydrant bar. However,
under no circumstances should excess force be used as this could result in injury. If the hydrant
cannot be opened after easing the spindle, this should be reported as defective.

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 Pit defects: A pit defect should only be reported if the hydrant is unusable or presents a hazard
to the public.
False spindles: These are to be checked to ensure that they are securely fixed to the true
spindles. However, missing false spindles should not be replaced or reported as a defect.
Hydrant pit: This is to be inspected for loose brickwork or cement packing. Some pits are
rendered watertight because of vaults etc. underneath. Broken or cracked cement rendering
should therefore also be noted and the possibility of leakage considered. Any debris or silt is to
be removed from the hydrant pit using the salvage scoop and bucket carried on the appliance.
The collected debris or silt should be disposed of carefully.
Hydrant tablet: This is to be cleaned and any small deficiencies, such as missing screws,
remedied if possible (it should be noted that hydrant tablets can also be secured to wall, posts
etc. with binding tags or other means). The numbers indicating the distance to the hydrant cover
are to be checked and reported to the Water Team if not correct. Where a concrete tablet and
post is found to be damaged, every effort should be made to make it safe for the public.
However, only in extreme cases should the tablet and post be removed. The Water Team is to be
contacted immediately, enabling the necessary arrangements to be made with the water
undertakers to have the post removed safely.
The hydrant is also to be inspected for slackness of any bolts or joints. Lugs of old pattern valve
body covers are to be examined for signs of breakage.

3 Inaccessible or unusable hydrants

Obstruction of hydrants
3.1 If it is found that a hydrant cannot be used, examined or tested because of obstruction, road or
footway improvements, or other work in progress, the Watch Manager is to take such remedial
action as is possible and inform the Water Team immediately by telephone or e-mail.

Excavation work adjacent to hydrants

3.2 If it is noticed that excavation work for the erection of buildings or for the laying of pipes, etc. is in
progress adjacent to or below any hydrant pit or hydrant branch pipe, the inspecting officer is to
take such action as is possible to ensure that the hydrant is not rendered inoperative and inform
the Water Team. The work is to be inspected to see that the hydrant is properly secured and
accessible for Brigade purposes and that any damage or disturbance to the hydrant pit and the
frame cover is made good.

Part 3 - The safe system of work

1 General
1.1 This section describes the steps to be followed in gaining access to a hydrant and operating it for
testing purposes in a safe manner.
1.2 Hydrant tests should be undertaken by not less than two fire station personnel. One person must
be nominated to maintain an awareness of passing pedestrians, vehicles and other traffic so that
work can be carried out safely for the operator and without risk to the general public.
1.3 There are 4 main steps to be followed when undertaking minor repairs. They are:
• Preparation of work area.

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 • Handling the hydrant cover.
• Cleaning out the hydrant pit.
• Use of the hydrant bar and key.
1.4 The safe system of work to be followed for each step is described below.

2 Preparation of work area

2.1 The operative should make sure that the area surrounding a hydrant is set up in a safe manner
before work begins. This requires assessing any risks that may affect operatives, pedestrians,
vehicles or other passing traffic.
2.2 In pedestrian areas, any potential risks to pedestrians are to be taken into account and they
should be directed away from the working area. When working at the roadside, the appliance is
to be parked adjacent to the hydrant with warning lights on and in a manner that shields the
operatives from oncoming traffic. In exceptional circumstances where the location of the hydrant
means that the level of risk from passing traffic is unreasonably high, the Water Team is to be
informed.

3 Handling the hydrant cover

3.1 Hydrant covers have evolved in design over many decades. Whilst generally square or
rectangular, they can differ in size and depth and may be grey/black or painted yellow. They
generally weigh from 15kg to 75kg although new composite material designs are being
manufactured that are significantly lighter. They can be lifted using the hydrant bar in one of two
ways. For covers containing a lipped, cut-away section at one or either end of the cover, the flat
end of the hydrant bar should be inserted under the lip in order to gain leverage. Covers
containing a circular, cut-away section allow the hydrant bar to be inserted to a further degree in
order to gain leverage.

Lipped-ended cover, showing Circular, cut-away sectioned

insertion point for hydrant bar. cover showing insertion point
for hydrant bar

Comprehensive information on the variety of hydrant designs that can be found in London can be
found on hotwire via this link.
3.2 Once leverage using the bar has lifted the cover, the remaining removal action should be carried
out with the cover remaining in contact with the ground. This will ensure that the majority of the
weight remains on the ground and is not borne by the operative. Where a heavier style of cover is
being lifted, assistance from a second operative will allow the first operative to raise the cover
using the bar. The second operative can then safely move the cover away from the hydrant pit
using both hands. The cover should remain in contact with the ground at all times so that the
ground rather than the operative supports the majority of its weight. The second operative should
wear fire-fighting gloves during this stage. All operations should be performed whilst maintaining
good posture; that is, keeping the back straight to prevent unnecessary strain. Newer style
hydrant covers are compact but sit more deeply in their accompanying frame. These covers are
designed to be lifted directly upwards from the frame they sit in. They may appear to ‘stick’
during lifting if a hydrant bar is inserted at one end and removal attempted in the same way as
thinner style covers. Users should find the correct method of lifting to be a simple process upon
familiarity with the type of cover.

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3.3 Once the cover has been lifted from the pit, it should be placed away from the working area
before work begins, having due regard to the advice contained in 16.1 above.

4 Cleaning out the hydrant pit

4.1 The hydrant pit is to be cleaned by removing excess water and any objects that may affect the
operating of the hydrant. Fire-fighting gloves are to be worn during this procedure to guard
against dirty water and the potential presence of sharp objects. The operative should endeavour
to maintain a good posture. Excess water is to be removed from the pit using a scoop or similar
device before removing any debris. Extreme caution should be taken to avoid contact with any
sharp objects that may have entered the pit. A supply of plastic bags used to cover sandbags
should be carried on the appliance during the course of hydrant testing. These are to be used to
store pit debris. The bags should be disposed of upon return to the station.

5 Use of hydrant bar and key

5.1 The hydrant is operated by firstly fitting a false spindle of the correct size over the spindle of the
hydrant. The bolt on the false spindle should be tightened so that it is properly secured over the
hydrant spindle. Once the standpipe has been fitted to the outlet, the key is placed securely onto
the false spindle and the bar located in the head of the key. The key is then turned in the
direction indicated on the reverse of the hydrant cover, which is usually anti-clockwise. This
allows the main valve to open and water to flow.
5.2 Care must be taken to avoid using excessive force when turning the bar and key. The operation
should be performed slowly, since opening the valve too quickly may cause pressure changes
within the mains that can either result in damage or displace particles which normally rest at the
bottom of the water main. This can cause discolouration or contamination of the drinking water
supply. In some cases the spindle may be situated close to the outlet, resulting in contact
between the hydrant key and standpipe. Care is to be exercised when turning the bar and key to
avoid the operative’s hand striking the standpipe. Good posture is to be maintained whilst this
operation is performed as demonstrated in the photographs below. (Note: that these are to
illustrate good posture only and not current work wear/PPE).

317 Issue date: 25 January 2001 14 of 18

 Appendix 1

Appendix 1 - Key point summary - Hydrants and water

supplies for firefighting
This policy provides information on the types of hydrants that are found in London, the arrangements
for undertaking tests and inspections and the reporting of defects to the Water Team.
Hydrant inspections are carried out in LFB on a four year rolling programme. Where appropriate, water
may also be drawn from an open water supply.

Types
There are two main types of hydrants found in the London area:
• Sluice valve.
• Screw-down.
A new type of hydrant, a through-bore design, is being introduced offering a reduced frictional
loss but very few of these have been installed to date.
Three categories of fire hydrant, statutory, city and private.

Installations
• Since year 2000, hydrants in residential areas have been spaced at a distance of 180 metres.
• Exceptions can be made but fire hydrants will normally be spaced at a distance of no less than
90 metres.
• In London, hydrants are normally installed in footways immediately adjoining carriageways or
surfaces that will take the load of a pumping appliance.

Operating a hydrant
• Old sluice valve hydrants open clockwise, newer hydrants usually open anti-clockwise.
• Hydrants should be operated slowly and carefully in accordance with the safe systems of
work.
• Hydrants must be closed down fully after use.

Hydrant water pressure and flow rate

• Relevant standards do not specify any minimum requirement for flow rates from a hydrant.
• Ofwat’s Guaranteed Standards Scheme requires that the water company must maintain a
minimum pressure in the communication pipe of seven metres static head (0.7 bar). The
reality is companies usually deliver a minimum of 1.5 bar.
• Crews should consider this before reporting hydrants as suffering low flow or pressure rates
and it may be advisable to arrange additional pumping appliances via the Pre-determined
Attendance Team for areas of high risk.
• During an incident, hydrant flow and pressure can often be temporarily increased through
liaison with the water company either by using a water company turncock operator or by
remote operation from the water company headquarters to increase the flow of water in the
network. Assistance on water supply issues at incidents is to be arranged via Brigade Control.
• LFB staff must not attempt to turn stopcocks or control valves in order to increase water
pressure themselves as this may cause serious damage to the water network resulting in heavy
leakage and expensive repairs. In the worst case scenario, it may be that no water is available
from the hydrant if the pipes serving the hydrant burst or are significantly damaged.

317 Issue date: 25 January 2001 15 of 18

 Appendix 1

• In drought conditions the water companies are required to notify the brigade of any impacts
on water supply and any emergency plans.

Inspections and tests

• LFB’s inspection cycle tests all statutory fire hydrants on a rolling programme over a four year
period.
• The inspection period begins in March each year and concludes in October. This cycle may
vary if agreed by principal managers.
• City hydrants are inspected but the maintenance falls to the City of London.
• Private hydrants are not currently inspected as they are the responsibility of the hydrant
owner.
• When carrying out inspections and testing, station personnel must:
− Test the hydrant outlet.
− Charge the hydrant.
− Test the valves.
− Check the frost valve.
− Attempt to resolve any minor defects with the hydrant wherever possible.
Station personal should be mindful of water run off and aim to discharge water from a hydrant
undergoing testing into the gutter or another suitable place. Hydrants should not be tested in
very cold weather when water may freeze causing a trip hazard to the public.

Reporting defects
• All stations will carry out hydrant inspections using the procedures described in this policy.
• If a defective hydrant needs attention outside of the normal inspection cycle or because of
extraordinary circumstances, please e-mail the Water Team mailbox (water@london-
fire.gov.uk) giving the hydrant number, location, nature of defect and the reason why it is
urgent.

Devices fitted to hydrants

• Devices are used by water companies to monitor the pressurised water network (the mains) or
to address leakage.
• They are fitted to the outlet of a hydrant, and there are various types in use although designs
can vary. Devices can be removed from hydrants required for operational use by following the
information in this policy and the information available on hotwire.
• NB – hydrants with a logger fitted are usually left in the fully open position and should be shut
down slowly before attempts are made to remove the logger.

317 Issue date: 25 January 2001 16 of 18

Document history
Assessments
An equality, sustainability or health, safety and welfare impact assessment and/ or a risk assessment was
last completed on:

EIA 21/ 05/ 2013 SDIA 21/ 05/ 2013 HSWIA RA

Audit trail
Listed below is a brief audit trail, detailing amendments made to this policy/ procedure.
Page/ para nos. Brief description of change Date
Page 3 Key Point Summary Added 10/ 02/ 2010
Pages 7-11, Replaced in its entirety, Please read through to familiarise yourself 10/ 02/ 2010
Section 9 with the new content
Throughout Update of Hydrant maintenance and inspection 10/ 02/ 2010
Pages 14-15, Updated with new information 10/ 02/ 2010
16.1, 16.3
Throughout This policy has been reviewed as current with major changes, 21/ 05/ 2013
please read through the complete document to familiarise yourself
the changes. PN364 has been cancelled as the content has been
incorporated into this policy.
Page 18 SIA date has been added to this policy. 22/ 01/ 2014
Page 17 Key point summary removed from page 2 and new appendix 1 – 19/ 08/ 2014
key point summary flowchart added.
Page 18 Subject list and FOIA exemptions tables updated. 16/ 12/ 2014
Throughout Reviewed as current with minor updates throughout. Please re- 15/ 06/ 2016
read to familiarise yourself with the changes.
Page 1 Updated contact from Head of Operational Resilience to 23/ 01/ 2017
Procurement and Technical & Service Support

Subject list
You can find this policy under the following subjects.
Assets Water hydrants and supplies
Water Hydrants
Firefighting Mobile data terminals (MDTs)
Responding to an incident

317 Issue date: 25 January 2001 17 of 18

Freedom of Information Act exemptions
This policy/ procedure has been securely marked due to:

Considered by: FOIA exemption Security marking

(responsible work team) classification

317 Issue date: 25 January 2001 18 of 18