Insights From Solinas
By Sujan G, Team Solinas
In industrial facilities, fire safety begins with preparedness and system reliability. Fire hydrants form an essential part of on-site fire response, ensuring the immediate availability of high-pressure water. A well-functioning hydrant system supports initial containment efforts before external assistance arrives. In operations where consistent water flow and pressure are required, maintaining hydrant performance is an integral aspect of plant safety and operational continuity.
Across India, however, many of these systems remain partially functional or disconnected due to inconsistent maintenance practices.
The Industrial Fire Reality
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), factory fire incidents in India have increased in recent years, drawing attention to the condition of industrial safety infrastructure.
In several instances, hydrant systems were reported to be non-operational due to issues such as low pressure, corrosion, or dry pipelines.
At a chemical unit in Valsad, Gujarat (2023), firefighters noted the absence of a usable hydrant within 200 meters, leading to dependency on water tankers.
In another case in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, a warehouse fire continued for nearly 10 hours as the hydrant system supplied less than 500 LPM in the surrounding area. Reduced pressure limited the firefighting response and prolonged containment time.
The Cost of Poor Flow
When hydrants are unable to deliver the required pressure, industries often use alternative arrangements such as private water tankers or portable pumps.
In Thane MIDC, for example, several plants have installed independent hydrant systems because the municipal supply pressure is typically below 3 kg/cm². Such measures increase operational costs and indicate varying reliability levels across industrial zones.
Keeping the Flow
For industrial operations, “keeping the flow” refers to maintaining system consistency through scheduled inspection, pressure testing, and timely component replacement. Proper documentation and adherence to standards help ensure that hydrant systems remain functional as designed.
Bottom line
Effective fire safety depends on the reliability of every system component. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance contribute to consistent hydrant performance, supporting overall site readiness and compliance with safety regulations.
https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S03/is.3844.1989.pdf
https://www.cracindia.in/admin/uploads/IS-13039.pdf
https://mahadish.in/media/front/images/disaster-management/pune_offsite_dm.pdf