Hose Reel Identification Sign – FS0073

Hose Reel Identification Sign – FS0073

This hose reel identification sign shows the fire hose reel pictogram above a red “Fire Hose Reel” label and a use-on chart, confirming that the hose reel station below it is suitable for ordinary combustible fires only. The chart on this hose reel identification sign lists wood, paper, and textiles (Class A) as the approved use, while clearly marking that the hose reel must not be used on live electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or flammable metal fires.

Where this hose reel identification sign is used

Unlike the fire hose reel sign, which simply marks the location of a hose reel station for quick recognition, this hose reel identification sign sets out what the reel is actually rated to be used on, in the same format as the extinguisher identification charts found elsewhere on a vessel. Because a fire hose reel delivers a plain water jet, it carries the same Class A only rating as a water extinguisher, and using it on electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or metal fires carries the same risks as using water on those fire classes.

This sign is fixed directly to or beside the hose reel station it identifies, typically in accommodation spaces, corridors, and other areas where ordinary combustible materials are the primary fire risk. Crew should always check the use-on chart before charging a hose reel on an unfamiliar fire, since it is not a substitute for a foam, powder, or CO2 extinguisher in spaces with electrical or flammable liquid hazards.

On vessels where hose reel stations sit alongside various portable extinguisher types, this hose reel identification sign lets crew confirm at a glance whether the reel is the right tool for the fire in front of them, rather than assuming water is always suitable. This matters most in the first seconds of a fire, when using the wrong method wastes time and can make the situation worse.

This sign is checked during SOLAS fire safety surveys, where the surveyor confirms that hose reel stations are correctly identified and that their use-on rating matches what is recorded on the vessel’s fire control plan. Correct identification signage is a standard item reviewed during these inspections, since crew safety in an emergency depends on picking the right firefighting method without hesitation.

New crew joining a vessel should be shown the difference between hose reel stations and portable extinguisher types during familiarisation, since assuming a hose reel is suitable for every fire is a genuine and avoidable risk. This sign is commonly found alongside other extinguisher identification signage such as the fire hose identification sign and the water fire extinguisher sign, so a vessel’s full range of firefighting equipment is clearly and consistently distinguished.

Hose reel stations and their identification signage are reviewed during routine equipment audits, and this sign should be checked at the same time to confirm it remains legible and correctly matched to the hose reel it is fixed to. A hose reel station left without correct rating signage is a genuine hazard, since crew trust this sign to tell them what the reel is suitable for.

Because picking the wrong firefighting method can make a fire worse rather than better, keeping this sign accurate and legible is as important as keeping the hose reel itself in working order.

Technical specifications:
SKU: FS0073
Compliant: IMO Resolution A.1116(30)

• Fire-retardant marine-grade material
• Available in non-glow vinyl, general purpose glow, or DNV Wheelmark certified Class C / Class D photoluminescent film
• Waterproof and saltwater resistant
• Glossy wipe-clean finish
• Peel-and-stick installation, no tools or drilling

Supplied ready to apply directly to or beside the hose reel station. Available in the standard size shown above.

This sign is produced to IMO fire control symbol specifications for consistent recognition across international fleets. Need a different size or a custom layout? Contact us for a quote.