Overview
ISO 8331:2016 - "Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies - Guidelines for selection, storage, use and maintenance" provides practical, non‑prescriptive recommendations to keep rubber and plastic hoses and hose assemblies in the condition intended at delivery and to help achieve expected service life. It is a guidance document intended to be used alongside applicable national statutory regulations and related ISO test/measurement standards.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Selection criteria: consider operational environment (temperature, atmosphere, chemical exposure), media conveyed (liquid, gas, solids), method of conveyance (pressure, suction, gravity), operating conditions (pressure, temperature, frequency) and installation (bend radius, vibration, abrasion, connection type).
- Storage guidelines:
- Rotate stock using first‑in first‑out; recommended maximum storage: 4 years for bulk hoses and 2 years for hose assemblies (can be consecutive up to 6 years).
- Temperature: store below 25 °C; avoid exceeding 50 °C or below –30 °C and avoid large fluctuations.
- Humidity: relative humidity ≤ 70% (≤ 65% for polyurethane hoses).
- Light: store in dark conditions; obscure windows with red/orange/white coverings.
- Avoid ozone sources (e.g., mercury vapour lamps, high‑voltage equipment), solvents, oils, certain metals and heat sources; prevent contact with sharp objects and avoid deforming coils.
- Use and maintenance: handling, pressure/temperature limits, conveyed product compatibility, minimum bending radii, torsional/tensile stress, vibration control, correct assembly of end fittings, leakage checks, electrical properties, marking/identification, repair practices and routine maintenance.
- Application‑specific guidance: supplementary points for welding and gas hoses, steam, food/drinking water conveyance, abrasive or corrosive media, flammable liquids, automotive, fire‑fighting and oil‑industry hoses.
Applications and who should use it
ISO 8331:2016 is valuable for:
- Hose and hose‑assembly manufacturers and suppliers (quality control, storage practices)
- Specifiers, procurement and plant engineers (correct hose selection)
- Maintenance teams and storeroom managers (stock rotation, handling and repair)
- Safety officers and compliance personnel in industries such as oil & gas, firefighting, food & beverage, automotive and general process plants
Keywords: ISO 8331:2016, rubber hoses, plastic hoses, hose assemblies, storage guidelines, hose selection, hose maintenance, hose handling.
Related standards
- ISO 2230 - Rubber products - Guidelines for storage
- ISO 1402 - Hydrostatic testing of hoses and assemblies
- ISO 8031 - Determination of electrical resistance and conductivity
- ISO 8330 - Terms and definitions for hoses and hose assemblies
Use ISO 8331 together with these standards and any applicable national regulations to ensure safe, compliant hose selection, storage and maintenance.
Open preview (PDF)Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies — Guidelines for selection, storage, use and maintenance