Fire hose reel testing and fire blanket checks in Wollongong and the Illawarra
We test your fire hose reels and check your fire blankets, and record what passes and what does not, so the equipment works when it is needed and your logbook is up to date.
test hose reels, check fire blankets and record the results.
a dated report for every reel and blanket by location, and a defect list with a quote.
AS 1851 routine servicing. 1
Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Southern Sydney, Campbelltown and Macarthur, Wollondilly, the Southern Highlands, Nowra and the South Coast.
What we check on a hose reel
Swipe sideways to see the whole diagram.
- The reel is clearly signed, unobstructed and easy to reach.
- The hose is free of cracks, kinks and perishing, and unrolls and retracts smoothly.
- The nozzle works and the valve opens and shuts fully.
- Water flows from the reel, and we record the result.
- Cabinets, doors and brackets are secure and undamaged.
What we check on a fire blanket
- The blanket is in its container, in date and visible.
- The container is undamaged and the pull tapes are free.
- The location suits the hazard, for example near a kitchen or workshop.
- A damaged or out-of-date blanket is flagged for replacement.
What we look for
These are the problems that turn up when equipment is checked properly:
- Hoses that are cracked, kinked or perished
- Reels that will not turn or swing arms that stick
- Nozzles that are blocked or will not shut off
- Stiff or leaking valves
- Cabinet doors that are damaged, locked or obstructed
- Blankets that are out of date, damaged or out of their container
What you receive after each visit
- A dated report listing each hose reel and blanket by location and the result.
- A defect list with a quote for each repair or replacement. Nothing is replaced until you approve it.
- An entry in your AS 1851 logbook. The Building Commission requires records for at least seven years and a hard copy logbook on site.1
- Where a repair involves plumbing, the report says so, because specialist trade work may need a licence.1
Why they are checked regularly
Chubb Australia says fire protection equipment is used infrequently, so its reliability is critical, and that hydrants, hose reels and extinguishers all need maintenance. It recommends an approved fire protection contractor working to AS 1851.2 A hose reel that has not been flowed for years can fail on the day it is needed.
Replacements
If a blanket is damaged or out of date, ask us about a replacement. Ask for a quote and tell us how many reels and blankets you have and where.
How a visit works
Find each reel and blanket
We locate every unit against your list or plan.
Inspect and flow test
Hose reels are unrolled and flowed, and blankets are checked, against the points in the diagram.
Record the result
Each reel and blanket is recorded by location with the date and result.
Report and quote
You get the report and a quote for each defect. Nothing is replaced until you approve it.
What to have ready
- A list or plan showing where hose reels and blankets should be
- Keys for any locked cabinets
- Confirmation that water is on to the reels
- Your last service report, if you have one
- A contact who can approve repairs and replacements
Where we work
We service Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Southern Sydney, Campbelltown and Macarthur, Wollondilly, the Southern Highlands, Nowra and the South Coast.
We will confirm we cover your suburb. See also where we work on the homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How often do hose reels need testing?
AS 1851 sets the schedule for your building. We put each due date in your record so none is missed.
Do fire blankets expire?
A fire blanket should be in date and undamaged. We check each one and flag any that need replacing.
What if a hose reel fails the flow test?
We record the result, list the fault and quote the repair. Plumbing work is flagged because specialist trade work may need a licence.
Do hose reels need to be tested if there are extinguishers nearby?
Both are essential fire safety measures where your fire safety schedule lists them. Each is checked separately.
How much does testing cost?
It depends on how many reels and blankets there are and where. Send us the list or address for a quote.
Where should fire blankets be kept?
Near the hazard they are for, such as a kitchen or workshop, where they are visible and easy to reach. AS 2444 covers the selection and location of extinguishers and fire blankets.
Is a hose reel the same as a hydrant?
No. A hose reel is a small-bore reel for occupants to fight a small fire. Hydrants are larger outlets mainly for fire brigades. We test hose reels and fire blankets.
Sources and further reading
- Building Commission NSW: Responsibilities of building owners under AS 1851-2012 Last updated 12 February 2026. Accessed 12 November 2026.
- Chubb Australia: Maintaining sprinkler and fire detection systems Dated 08/2024. General information; policy wordings govern. Accessed 12 November 2026.
Last reviewed . Checked against the sources above. Standards, rules and intervals change, so confirm details with the source before you act. This page is general information, not advice. Southern Fire Protection is not affiliated with any of the bodies listed.
Tell us the building and what is due
We will come back with a price, or a time to visit.