NFPA 291 pertains to the Recommended Practice for Water Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants. The document provides guidelines for assessing the water supply capabilities of fire hydrants and establishing a standardized system for their color-coding and marking. Obtaining a digital copy of this standard, at no cost, is a common search query, particularly among fire protection professionals and those responsible for water distribution systems.
Adherence to NFPA 291 is crucial for ensuring adequate water availability for fire suppression activities. Proper hydrant testing and marking facilitate efficient firefighting operations by enabling firefighters to quickly identify hydrants with sufficient flow rates and understand the available water supply. Historical context reveals the evolving need for standardized practices to overcome inconsistencies in hydrant identification and water supply assessment across different jurisdictions, enhancing interoperability and emergency response effectiveness.