South African thermoplastic pipe and fittings manufacture and supplier Astore Keymak has – in accordance with updated South African National Standards (SANS) 1086 requirements – re-audited and tested its original fire hose offerings to specify the difference between the application of the hose as either for use in mining or fire fighting.

The South African Bureau of Standards revised the SANS 1086 specification for flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) pressure hoses in October, 2022.

As a result of its compliance, Astore Keymak now holds a permit certification to apply the SANS mark, which has been updated on its schedule pages to now include fire hose.

“Previously, the SANS 1086 specification was generically used for the mining industry, with no reference to different types of end-products,” says Astore Keymak business development director Pranesh Maniraj.

He adds that the change was necessitated, as the hose is used in critical applications for the fire industry, and for fire reels that are installed in most buildings, offices and factories.

Accordingly, all new permits for a manufacturer should now have a revised schedule page highlighting its conformance in applying the revised SANS 1086 for its fire hoses to ensure compliance.

Since the change in specification, the company has sold more than 1 000, 30 m-long and 20 mm in diameter fire hoses to a new client, with more demand anticipated.

“The client has opted to work with Astore Keymak in the future, owing to the company’s quality of products, reliability and service delivery,” says Maniraj.

Manufactured locally and using high- quality locally sourced raw materials, this specific hose is easily identifiable by its distinct red colour and ribbed outer cover.

The 12.5-mm-diameter fire hose is used for fire extinguishers and the 20-mm-diameter fire hose is used for fire hose reels and mobile fire-fighting equipment.

More Hoses

Maniraj says the fire hose is one of four hose- related offerings the company manufactures.

“Our PVC mining hose is engineered to deliver optimal performance in mining operations, with a robust construction and high abrasion resistance.”

Astore Keymak’s anti-static hose, meanwhile, is formulated to minimise the risk of explosions or fires in hazardous environments, owing to its notable electrical connectivity, Maniraj notes, adding that it is suitable for a range of industries, including petrochemicals, refineries and paint manufacturing.

Finally, the rock-drill hose

can withstand the demanding conditions of rock-drilling operations.

Each range’s superior performance demonstrates the company’s ability to provide solutions in demanding industries.

“Astore Keymak remains at the forefront of fluid and gaseous handling,” Maniraj concludes.