This document applies to hand-held branchpipes. It deals with:
- safety requirements;
- performance requirements;
- test methods;
- classification and designation;
- instructions for use and maintenance;
- marking.
It is advised to read this document in conjunction with parts 2, 3 or 4.
This document does not apply to branchpipes covered by EN 671 series, foam branchpipes covered by EN 16712-3, powder branchpipes, or branchpipes with a maximum working pressure above 40 bar.
NOTE 1 The Working Group has thoroughly addressed and discussed the issue of electrical safety in relation to using water branchpipes. However, an electrical test is not incorporated into this document as international experience, as well as research (NFPA handbook, French research, etc) have shown that any "artificial" or "laboratory style" testing will not take into account poor visibility and other conditions present on any fire ground, nor the problem of estimating distances under these conditions. When fighting fires in or near electrical installations, the power is cut off as soon as possible (see the operating instructions, 8.1). Also, it is best practice to maintain a maximum possible safety distance (at least 1 m up to 1 000 V) and to use a spray jet with a minimum spray angle of 30 °.
NOTE 2 It is essential to take into account reaction forces before choosing and operating branchpipes.