Overview
EN ISO 8331:2016 / ISO 8331:2016 provides practical guidelines for the selection, storage, use and maintenance of rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies. Published by CEN and aligned with the international ISO edition, the standard aims to keep hoses in a condition close to that when received and to achieve their expected service life. It is intended for use alongside any applicable national statutory regulations.
Key topics and requirements
The standard is organized as actionable recommendations rather than prescriptive test methods. Major technical topics covered include:
- Selection criteria for matching hose type and construction to application and conveyed media.
- Storage conditions: recommended practices for period in storage, temperature, humidity, light exposure, ozone protection, protection from rodents and heat sources, handling in and out of storage.
- Use and maintenance: handling, pressure and temperature considerations, conveyed products, environmental influences, bending radii, torsion, tensile stress, vibration, end fitting assembly, leakage checks, electrical properties, marking/identification and maintenance procedures.
- Repair and inspection recommendations and guidance for returning hoses to storage.
- Application-specific guidance for welding/gas-cutting hoses, steam hoses, hoses for foodstuffs and drinking water, abrasive or corrosive media, flammable liquids, automotive hoses, fire-fighting hoses, and oil-industry hoses.
The document references relevant test and storage standards (e.g., ISO 1402 hydrostatic testing and ISO 2230 storage guidance) as normative references to be used in conjunction.
Practical applications
EN ISO 8331:2016 is practical for:
- Creating procurement specifications and acceptance checks for hose deliveries.
- Developing storage procedures to minimize aging and damage during inventory.
- Establishing inspection, maintenance and replacement schedules to reduce downtime and safety incidents.
- Informing safe installation practices (bending radius, fittings, routing) to prevent premature failure.
- Tailoring handling and maintenance protocols for industry-specific hoses (food contact, oil & gas, firefighting, welding).
Benefits include improved hose reliability, extended service life, enhanced safety and clearer compliance documentation.
Who should use this standard
- Hose manufacturers and suppliers
- Maintenance and reliability engineers
- Safety and facilities managers
- Procurement and quality assurance teams
- Fire-fighting services and oil-industry operators
- Regulators and testing laboratories
Related standards
- ISO 1402 - Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies - Hydrostatic testing
- ISO 2230 - Rubber products - Guidelines for storage
- ISO 8031 - (referenced in the normative list)
Using EN ISO 8331:2016 helps organizations standardize hose lifecycle practices-selection, storage, installation and maintenance-to reduce risk and cost while ensuring operational safety and regulatory alignment.
