At LRI Engineering, we’ve spent well over 30 years helping building owners and managers across Ontario stay ahead of fire and life safety requirements. As trusted experts in fire protection engineering, we provide insights that not only enhance safety but also reduce unnecessary costs—especially when it comes to outdated fire hose cabinets.
Why 38 mm Fire Hoses Are No Longer Used
Many buildings still contain 38 mm fire hoses in their hose cabinets. However, these are no longer used by fire services. In fact, Toronto Fire Services has clearly stated that these hoses are unreliable and will not be used by their personnel. According to a 2022 Training Note from the Toronto Fire Services’ Technical Operations Division, “This hose has repeatedly proven to be unreliable… Toronto Fire Services personnel shall only use TFS hose lines and nozzles.”
Despite this, the Ontario Fire Code still requires signage on hose cabinets stating: “Fire Hose For Use By Trained Persons Only.” Without proper training and protective equipment, building occupants and staff should not attempt to use these hoses—making them not only redundant but potentially hazardous.
This is where LRI can help.
Cost-Saving Benefits of Hose Removal
We assist building owners in obtaining approval to remove these outdated hoses from sprinklered buildings under Ontario Fire Code Section 6.9 (Decommissioning). Removing these hoses offers several cost-saving benefits:
- Reduced inspection costs: Annual inspections require labor-intensive unracking, unrolling, and reinstalling of hoses.
- Avoid costly replacements: Hoses must be pressure-tested every three years (starting at year five). Failed tests mean full replacement.
- Lower risk of misuse or vandalism: Unused hoses can become liabilities if tampered with.
How LRI Simplifies the Decommissioning Process
LRI manages the entire decommissioning process—from preparing and submitting the Alternative Solutions application to coordinating with your fire protection vendor and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). We also oversee the final inspection and submit the required verification report.
By removing redundant equipment, you not only reduce maintenance costs but also streamline your building’s fire protection strategy.
For more information on how LRI Engineering can help you modernize your fire safety systems and reduce operational costs, please contact us.
LRI Engineering is a fire protection engineering, building code consulting, and emergency planning firm with offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary.
