Chapter 15 - Fire Hose (MINE)
Hose Construction
Fire hose must be made of best materials available, used in appropriate manner, and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations. It must be watertight, flexible, and have a smooth, rubber/neoprene lining covered by a durable jacket. Configurations include: single-jacket, double-jacket, rubber single-jacket, and hard-rubber or plastic-noncollapsible types
Test Site
Fire hose should be tested in a paved area with enough room to lay out the hose in a straight line, free of kinks, bends or twists. It should be protected from vehicular traffic and be well lighted if done at night. It should be smooth and free of rocks/debris. A slight grade to help with drainage is helpful. A water source sufficient for charging the hose is necessary. Equipment needed includes: hose testing machine, portable pump, or FD pumper equipped with gauges certified as accurate within one year before testing, hose test gate valve, means of recording the hose number and results. tags or means to identify sections that fail, nozzles with shutoff valves, means of marking each length with the year of the test to easily identify which lengths have been tested and which have not without looking at records.
Replacing Burst Sections
If a hoseline bursts due to mechanical damage or overpressure, the nozzle operator should requires the pumper close the discharge or apply a hose clamp or create a kink to stop flow. Two additional sections of hose should be used to replace one bad section because hoselines stretch to longer lengths under pressure.
Controlling a Loose Hoseline
If a hoseline has a rupture, is out of control, or its water is under pressure and flowing through a nozzle, or has an open butt, the hoseline will whip back and forth. This causes a safety issue. This can be controlled by closing the valve at a pump or hydrant, applying a hose clamp, or putting a kink in the hose until the appropriate valve is closed.
Advancing a Hose from a Standpipe
If fire is too high to reach with preconnected hoses, hose may need to be carried up stairs to these types of connections closest to the fire. One method is to have rolls with fittings and nozzles on the apparatus ready to carry in packs. Crews normally stop one floor below the fire floor and connect the attack hoses to these. If it is in an enclosed stairway, it is acceptable to connect on the fire floor. It is usually in or near the stairway. A gated wye can be used if using a 1.5, 1.75, or 2" hose to permit the attachment of a second attack hose. While this connection is being made, an additional hose should be deployed up the stairs toward the floor above the fire. When two lines are being advanced from the same connection, deploy one hoseline down the lower set of stairs and the other up the stairway in order to lessen the chances of the two hoselines becoming tangled. When extinguishment is complete, drain the water down a floor drain, out a window, or down a stairway to prevent water damage.
Deploying Other Hoselines
If hoses are not reconnected, they may be deployed using supply hose as attack line. It may be deployed from either side of the hose bed and may require the addition of an adapter to mate the coupling with a nozzle or connect the hose to an FDC. Wye equipped hoses are normally used with a reverse layout because the wye is fastened to the 2.5 or 3" supply hose. One person can unload these hoselines. Hose is placed on the ground behind the apparatus. Kneel on the hose as the apparatus drives toward the water source. To deploy individual sections from flat, accordion, or horseshoe loads, load one section of hose on another FFs shoulder one at a time. Multiple FFs can carry the hose once it is disconnected from the remainder of the hose in the bed. Since all folds in an accordion or flat load are the same length, they can be loaded on the shoulder by taking several folds at a time directly from the hose bed.
Hose Lay Guidelines
Regardless of method chosen for laying hose follow these guidelines: Do not ride in a standing position when the apparatus is moving, drive no faster than 10 mph, deploy the hose to the side of the roadway but not in the gutter so other apparatus do not drive over it.
Accordion Load
This type of hose load is name for the manner in which the hose looks after loading. Hose is laid on edge in folds that lie adjacent to each other. The first coupling is placed in the rear of the bed in either corner. This requires usually 2 or 3 people but 4 is best. An advantage is that FFs can easily pick up a number of folds and place them on one shoulder to carry the hose from the bed.
Shank
the portion of the threaded coupling that serves as a point of attachment to the hose.
Higbee Cut and Indicator
1. flattened angle at the end of the threads that prevents cross-threading when couplings are connected. 2.indicator on the exterior of the coupling that marks where the flattened angle begins.
Advancing Hose Up and Down a Stairway
Advancing hose up and down this can be very difficult. If conditions allow, advance uncharged. Shoulder carry works well because hose is not dragged. Minuteman load and carry is also good for use. Lay uncharged hose against the outside wall to keep the stairs clear as possible and avoid sharp bends and kinks. Going down is easier than going up. Excess hose should be deployed on the stairs toward the floor above the fire floor. Water and gravity weight will make extending the excess hoseline on the fire floor easier. Advancing a charged hoseline down can almost be as difficult as up. Excess hose should be stretched outside the stairway such as in a hallway or room adjacent. FFs should be positioned on the stairs to feed the hose down to the nozzle team as well as at corners and pinch points.
Hose Storing
After washing and drying hose, roll and do this in a manner that protects them from damage. Racks can be mounted on the wall or used to store or move hose from storage rooms to apparatus for loading. Try to avoid doing this in places where the hose can be exposed to solvents, lube, oils, diesel fumes, and other airborne contaminants. If you have to store them in those places, inspect them more frequently. If using racks: locate racks in a clean, well-ventilated room, store where not exposed to direct sunlight, pack cotton fabric hose loosely so air can circulate around it, softer hose in a rack so that couplings are not in walkways and will not come into contact with equipment or personnel, roll hose with male end inside, when necessary to store with male coupling on outside, protect the threads with a cap, place sexless couplings on a storage rack in a way that prevents dirt from collecting in their ramp grooves.
Advancing Hose into a structure
Before doing this, alert for potential dangers such as backdraft, flashover, and collapse. Uncharged hose is advanced up until the point of entry. Safety includes: check fro and remove kinks and bends from the hoseline as it is advanced, bleed air from the hoseline as it is being charged and before entering the fire area, position the nozzle operator and all members of the hose team on the same side of the hose, check for heat using back of gloved hand before opening doors, stay low and avoid blocking ventilation openings, chock self-closing doors to prevent the door from closing and pinching the hoseline.
Hose Washing
Doing this depends on the type of hose. Hard rubber booster, hard intake, and rubber jacket collapsible hose require rinsing with clear water, occasionally mild soap if necessary. Woven-jacket fire hose should be brushed to remove dust and dirt, then wash with clear water and a stiff brush to remove the rest. If exposed to oil, wash the hose with mild soap or detergent using common scrub brushes or straw brooms. Rinse with clear water. Hose washing machines can make this much easier. Common washers can do hoses up to 3". Flow of water can be adjusted and movement of water propels the hose through the device. Higher pressure gives better results. Cabinet-type machines can wash, rinse, and drain hoses in station. It can only be operated by one person, is self propelled, and can be used with or without detergent.
Improvising a Standpipe
Building codes mandate the installation of standpipes in structures three stories and higher. However, older buildings and those less than 3 stories may not have standpipes or existing connections can be obstructed or out of service from construction, demolition, sabotage, or natural disasters. This can supply water to a building without a standpipe system. Two methods: stairway stretch and outside stretch. Stairway stretch: labor intensive, used in stairways that have an open shaft or stairwell in the center. An uncharged hose is suspended in the middle of the stairs rather than laying it on the stairs and around each corner. Carry hose rolls up the stairs and secure to hand rail and the end lowered to the point where another section is attached to it. Secure the hose to the hand rails for support and to reduce the chance it will pull down once charged. Consider diameter of the pressurized hose relative to space between handrail openings when advancing up the stairs uncharged. Outside Stretch: this can be used for lower floors of high-rise buildings. Supply hose can be hoisted up the exterior of the building to the desired floor using rope. Some of the hose can be extended into windows and secured to anchor points at an interval of about every 3 stories to reduce the chance of the hose falling.
Hard Intake Connections
Connecting a pumper to a hydrant with this type of hose requires coordination because it takes more people to connect this type of hose. The first aspect making it more difficult is the positioning of the pumper in relation to the hydrant because no hydrant is the same distance from the curb or road edge and the outlet may not face the street or road. Another aspect is that while most apparatus have pump intakes on both sides, others may come with one at the front or rear. It is good policy to stop the apparatus with the intake of choice just in front of the hydrant outlet. The hard intake hose may be connected to either the apparatus or the hydrant first when making connections.
Drop Forged Coupling
Coupling made of brass or other malleable metals. They are the strongest and most expensive.
Extruded Coupling
Coupling usually made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, allowing for their lightweight and high strength. Somewhat stronger than cast.
Loading Guidelines
Loading isn't an emergency operation but it must be done correctly to ensure efficiency and effective deployment for supply and attack ops. Guidelines include: check gasket and swivel before connecting couplings, keep flat sides of the hose in the same plane when two sections of hose are connected, tighten couplings hand tight, remove kinks and twists from the fire hose when it is bent to form a loop in the bed, make a short fold or reverse bend called a dutchman so that couplings are not too close to the front or rear of the hose bed and will not flip over when pulled out of the bed, load large diameter hose (3.5" or larger) with all couplings near the front of the bed, do not pac, hose too tightly which puts excess pressure on the folds of the hose and may cause couplings to snag when the hose plays out of the bed. Hose should be loose enough to allow a gloved hand to be easily inserted between folds. Dutchman changes the direction of a coupling and changes the location of a coupling. Reverse bends should not be used in the same layer because it can result in couplings becoming wedged in the bed.
Hydrant Connection
Local SOPs and resources dictate the method used for connecting hose to the hydrant in a forward lay. The simplest method is to take a wrench, the finish section of the hose, and a radio with him to make the connection. If a 4-way valve is used, it may be reconnected to the hose or stored in a bag near the finish section. Radios are needed to ensure that water arrives quickly at the pump intake. If no radio, audio or signaling must be in place. At a minimum, the driver and FF making the connection should establish a time for opening so that they can be sure that water will arrive after a hose clamp is placed on the hose but before the apparatus tank is empty. First task when starting a forward lay is for the hydrant catcher to remove enough hose to reach and wrap around the hydrant. After, take the end of the finish section and wrap it around the hydrant base. Then the FF signals the driver/operator that it is safe to proceed to the fire.
Soft Intake Connections
Not all hydrants have large steamer outlets that can accept this type of connection. Hydrants equipped with two 2.5" outlets required two 2.5 to 3" hoselines. These smaller hoses can be connected to a siamese at the pump. It is more efficient to connect a 4.5" or large intake hose to a hydrant with only 2.5" outlets. Such a connection is made by using a 4.5" hose or whatever size intake hose coupling is used and connecting it to a 2.5" reducer coupling.
Threaded Coupling Lugs
Pin lugs may be found in older couplings. Not as common because of their tendency to catch when hose is dragged over objects or deployed from the hose bed of a pumping apparatus. Booster fire hose usually has couplings with recessed lugs. These are shallow and prevent abrasion that would occur if the lugs protruded and was wound onto the reels. FFs can us spin lug spanner wrench to tighten or loosen these. Modern threaded couplings have rounded rocker lugs. These prevent the hose from catching on objects. On of the rocker lugs are scalloped with a shallow indentation to mark the higbee cut. Handles or extended lugs can be located on the swivels of large intake supply or suction hoses. FFs can grasp these handles to tighten the large coupling. They can also be struck with a large rubber mallet to loosen or tighten.
Hose Bed
Supply and attack hose is usually carried in open compartments called ______ ____ which vary in size location and shape and can be built for specific needs. Front of bed is closest to front of apparatus, rear of bed is closest to apparatus rear. Hose beds usually have aluminum slats in the bottom that allow air t circulate throughout the hose load to prevent mildew damage. These open compartments may be single or they may be divided or separated by panels. This allows the apparatus to have hose loaded that can be deployed as a single or double supply line or for both forward and reverse hose lays at the same time. Hose in split beds should be stored so that both beds may be connected when a long hose lay is required. Hose Loads come in three types; flat, accordion, and horseshoe. They may also have a finish which is an additional section connected to the load and arranged on top of the load and can be rapidly deployed for forward or reverse lays or as an attack line.
Hose Length
Supply and attack hoses are manufactured in 50 or 100 feet lengths for convenience and ease of handling. The traditional length of hose in North America is 50 feet per section. Modern hose may be carried in longer sections because of it's high-strength, light-weight synthetic materials.
NFPA 1961
The NFPA standard on fire hose. Determines the manufacturing of fire hose in a variety of sizes and lengths.
Deploying Preconnected Hoselines
The method to deploy this type of hose varies with the type of hose load. Speed and efficiency will increase with practice. Flat loads may deploy to either side or from the apparatus rear. To advance, grasp the hose loop in one hand and the nozzle in the other. Pull the hose from the compartment and walk toward the fire. Spread the hose and straighten it to remove any kings before the line is charged. Minuteman load is intended to be deployed without dragging the hose on the ground. Deployment occurs by unfolding the top of the stack carried on the shoulder as the FF advances to the fire. Advancing the triple layer load involves placing the nozzle and the fold of the first tie on the FF's shoulder and walking away from the apparatus to the fire.
Hose Handling
The techniques used to do this depend on how hose is loaded. However, to effectively attack and extinguish a fire, hoselines must be removed from the apparatus and advanced to the location of the fire in some method. Lines may be reconnected to a discharge outlet or simply placed in the hose bed unconnected.
Operating Large Hoselines
There are three methods to operate hoselines of 2.5, 3" and large hoselines. One FF: if a master stream is not available, one FF may be assigned to operate a large hose. They should use a hose strap or tool looped over the shoulder to reduce fatigue. This does not permit very much maneuvering of the nozzle. Two FF: with 2 ffs, they may need to anchor the hose to offset the nozzle reaction. Another method is to use hose straps or tools to anchor the hose. The operator will use this and then hold the nozzle with one hand and the hose behind the nozzle with the other. Leaning forward helps offset the reaction. The second FF helps anchor about 3' back. They may also use a hose strap or tool. Three FF: using 3 FFs is the same as using 2 except for positioning. Some prefer the first backup FF to be directly behind the nozzle man, the 3rd may be kneeling on the hose behind the 2nd man. Others prefer to all use straps and stand holding the hose. FFs must maintain situational awareness and not limit focus to what's in front of them.
Hose Load Finishes
These are added to the basic hose load to increate the versatility of the load. They are normally loaded to provide enough hose to connect the hoseline to a hydrant and to provide an attack hose at the fire scene. Two categories: finishes for forward lays and finishes for reverse lays. Forward finishes facilitate making a hydrant connection and are not as elaborate as reverse. Reverse finishes provide an adequate amount of hose at the scene for initial fire attack.
Preconnected Hoselines
These are primary lines most fire departments use for fire attack. They are connected to a discharge valve and placed in an area other than the main hose bed. They generally range from 50 to 250' in length. They can be carried in: longitudinal beds, raised trays, transverse beds, tailboard compartments, side compartments or bins, front bumper wells, or reels. Special loads for reconnects meet local requirements and can be developed based on individual experiences and apparatus configurations. Regardless of load type, preconnects must be fully deployed from the bed before charged. This may be referred to as clearing the bed and is the responsibility of the driver or FF pulling hose.
Operating Attack Hoselines
This must be done to extinguish a fire. However, it should be done quickly and effectively with a minimum amount of water while still protecting yourself and teammates. Interior structural fire: there should always be a minimum of two FFs on an attack hoseline. This team maneuvers the hoseline and directs the fire stream where it will be most effective. If operating alone, you must be able to maneuver the hoseline alone and direct the stream correctly. This may occur during overhaul, outdoor fires, trash fires, grass fires, and vehicle fires as well as washing down flammable liquid spills.
Spanner, Hydrant Wrench, and Rubber Mallet
These are the most common tools used to tighten or loosen hose couplings. The spanner can also be used as a wedge for prying, opening that fits gas utility valves, slot for pulling nails, and a flat surface for hammering. Hydrant wrenches are primarily used to remove discharge caps from fire hydrant outlets and to open hydrant valves. It is usually equipped with a pentagonal opening in its head that fits most standard hydrant operating nuts. The lever handle may be threaded to make it adjustable or the head and handle may be a ratchet type. The head may also be equipped with a spanner to her make or break coupling connections. Rubber mallets can be used to strike lugs to tighten or loosen intake hose couplings. This makes it easier for FFs to achieve a completely airtight connection with a good seal when setting up a drafting operation.
Fittings
These are used to connect hose of different diameters and thread types or to protect the couplings on standpipes and on apparatus intakes/outlets. Two types: Adapters: connects hose couplings with similar threads and the same inside diameter. Most common are double male and double female adapters. Allow two males or two female to be coupled and connected. More common now is one that allows a sexless coupling to connect to a threaded outlet on a hydrant. Reducers: used to connect a smaller-diameter hoseline to the end of a larger one. Using this limits the large hose to suppling one smaller line only. Other types include elbows that provide support for intake or discharge hose at the pumping apparatus. Hose caps to protect male discharge outlets. Hose plugs to cap female inlets on some FDCs and to prevent kinks in the attack line on standpipe outlets in stairway risers.
Couplings
These designed to connect hose sections to form a continuous hose line and to connect fire hoses to nozzles., hydrants, pumper connections, and FDC's. They are made of durable, rust-proof materials designed to couple and uncouple quickly with little effort. Materials used are generally alloys of brass, aluminum, or magnesium. Regulated by NFPA 1963. Threaded types must meet American National Fire Hose Connection Screw Threads (National Hose). Having nationally standard threading allows multiple different fire departments responding together to connect hose sections and supply sections from adjacent departments.
Hose Bridge or Ramp
These hose tools can help prevent damage to fire hose when vehicles must drive over them. They should be used wherever a hoseline is laid across a street or other area where it may be driven over. They can also be positioned over small spills to keep hoselines from being contaminated or used as chafing blocks.
Hose Strap, Hose Rope, and Hose Chain
These three hose tools are used to carry, pull, or handle charged hoselines. They provide a more secure means to handle pressurized hose when applying water. They may also be used to secure hose to ladders and other fixed objects.
NFPA 1901
This NFPA standard for automotive fire apparatus lists the minimum quantity of hose in various sizes to be carried on a standard pumper or engine. There must be a minimum of 800' of 2.5" or larger supply hose and 400' of 1.5, 1.75, or 2" attack hose.
Four Way Hydrant Valve
This allows a forward laid supply line to be immediately charged and allows a later-arriving upper to connect to the hydrant. The second pumper can supply additional lines and increase the pressure to the original line. This is usually preconnected to the end of the supply line allowing firefighters making the connection to secure the valve and the hose to the hydrant in one action. For a reverse lay, use of this is optional. If used, it may force the pumper to disconnect from the supply hose later in the incident and leave the hose connected to the hydrant. Disconnecting may be done when the demand for water diminishes to the point that the second pumper can be made available to respond to other incidents.
Operating Small Hoselines
This can be done by one or two FFs on hoselines ranging from 1.5, 1.75, and 2" hoses. One FF method: this occurs when combating small ground cover fire, rubbish fires, vehicle fires, small structure fires, or overhaul. Two FF method: this is the minimum amount of FFs required for handling any attack line during interior structural operations. The nozzle operator holds the nozzle with one hand and holds the hose just behind the nozzle with the other hand. The line then rests against the waist and across the hip. Holding nozzles equipped with a pistol grip is different required the pistol to be held in one hand and the operating bale in the other hand. The second FF takes position on the same side of the hose about 3' behind. They hold the hose with both hands and rests it against the waist and across the hip or braces with the leg. They are responsible for keeping the hose straight behind the nozzle operator. Either one or both FFs may apply a hose strap or tool to reduce the effects of nozzle reaction.
Threaded Coupling
This coupling design is one of the oldest and involves the casting or machining of a spiral tread into the face of two distinctly different couplings (male and female). Male is cut on the exterior surface. Female is cut on the interior surface of a free-turning ring called a swivel. This permits connecting two sections of hose without twisting the entire hose. A male and female coupling together is referred to as a set or three-piece coupling. The male is one piece, the female and swivel is the other two pieces. Fire hose threads are coarse which permits quick connections. Some are large with ball bearings under the swivel to ensure smooth connections. A gasket inside the base of the female coupling ensures a tight fit and reduces leaks. These are manufactured with either lugs or handles to aid in tightening/loosening the connections. FFs can use spanner wrenches to make connections and tighten/loosen couplings.
Nonthreaded coupling Advantages and Disadvantages
This coupling design provides the following: -Fire hose can be quickly connected, also requires spanner wrench to ensure connection -No risk of cross threading and damaging because no threads -Double-male or double-female adapters are not needed so the hose can be deployed from the bed regardless of hose load type However it provides these as well: -Hoses can become uncoupled, often suddenly and violently -Hydrants required an adapter to make the connection, increasing time required to connect -Dir and other large debris can become lodged inside the coupling's grooves, giving the impression that a tight seal has been made when it hasn't
Thermal Cold Damage
This damage occurs due to cold temps and when water on the inside or outside freezes. Use cold resistant hose for this. It should perform with the same reliability as regular hose. To prevent freezing: maintain water flow in intake hose by circulating water from a hydrant through the fire pump, discharging it through a drain-off hose that routes water down a gutter, or to a place away from the apparatus, immediately drain and roll hose that is no longer needed, tighten connections to prevent couplings from leaking, apply a manufacturer approved cold weather lube that contains antifreeze on the swivel and gasket. When freezing happens, you can remove by melting the ice with a steam generating device, chop the hose loose with axes, or leave it until the weather warms enough to melt. To do this: make all cuts well away from the hose when chopping it out of ice, avoid using exhaust manifold heat because it can be very hot and creates a carbon monoxide hazard, wait until the hose is thawed before folding, if the hose sections can be uncoupled, carefully load them onto a flatbed vehicle and transport to where they can be thawed and protected from damage, perform a service test before placing back into service.
Intake Strainer
This device is attached to the drafting end of a hard-suction hose when pumping from a static water source. They keep debris from entering the apparatus or portable pump which could damage the pump or pass it through and clog the nozzle. They must not rest on the bottom of static water source except when it is clean and hard such as a swimming pool. To prevent this, tie a rope to the eyelet on the strainer and the other to an apparatus or another anchor point. They also have floating types.
Straight Roll
This hose roll is the simplest of all those rolls. It is usually made by starting at the male coupling end and rolling toward the female end of the hose. When it is completed, the female end is exposed and the male end is protected in the center of the roll. It is commonly used for: transporting damaged or dirty hose to the station for repair, replacement, or cleaning, storing sections of hose in a storage rack or other location, carrying spare sections of hose in apparatus compartments, making hose loading easier. To indicated that a section of hose must be repaired or tested before being placed back ins service, some departments will use a variation of this such as rolling from the female to leave the male side exposed. Another method is to tie a knot in the exposed end or attach a tag indicating the type and location of damage which can also be used when the hose is going to be reloaded on the apparatus for a forward lay.
LDH Roller for Loading
This hose tool is a wider version of a traditional hose roller. It mounts temporarily on the tailboard of the pumper. With the hoseline between the wheels along the length of the apparatus, it drives along the hoseline, pulling the hose up over the roller and into the bed. This is one of the only times FFs are permitted to stand on the back of the apparatus while in motion. It can only go 5mph max.
Hose Roller
This hose tool protects hose from mechanical damage of dragon it over sharp corners like roof edges and windowsills. It consists of a metal frame with two or more rollers. The notch is placed over the damaging edge and the frame is secured with a rope or clamp. It can also be used for hoisting tools over similar edges.
Hose Appliance
This is any piece of hardware used in connection with fire hose for the purpose of controlling the flow of water and creating a variety of pathways for water through hose layouts. Common types include valves, valve devices, fittings and intake strainers.
High-Rise Pack
This is assembled to provide enough attack hose for FFs to operate from a standpipe connection and still be light enough for one person to carry. The packs may be located in a compartment or secured to the apparatus exterior. They may be carried in a roll or strapped together in an accordion fashion.
Service Testing Firehose
This is covered under NFPA 1962. This should be performed annually, after repairs, and after a vehicle has run over the hose. Before testing, examine the hose for excessive wear or damage to the jacket, coupling damage, defective or missing gaskets. If anything is found, tag for repair. If cannot repair, remove from service.
Advancing Hoseline
This is done once hoselines have been laid out from the attack pumper. This is more difficult when hoses must be deployed up or down stairways, from standpipes, up ladders, or into buildings. It is easier to do when the hose is uncharged but entering a burning building with an uncharged hoseline is very unsafe.
Flat Load
This is the easiest hose load. It is suitable for any size of supply hose and is the best way to load large diameter hose. It is laid so that it folds lie flat rather than on edge. Hose loaded this way is subjected to less wear from apparatus vibration during travel. A disadvantage is that the hose folds contain sharp bends at both ends of the bed, requiring the hose to be reloaded periodically to change the location of the bends. This load may be started on either side of a single hose bed. In a split bed, lay the first length against the partition with the coupling hanging far enough below the bed so that the coupling can be connected to the last coupling of the load on the opposite side and laid on top. This allows for easy disconnecting when the load must be divided to lay dual lines. Hanging the coupling is estimated on the anticipated height of the bed. Large diameter should be laid 12-18" from front of bed. Couplings should be laid in a manner that allows them to deploy without flipping over. This can be done with a short fold or reverse bend.
Extending a Section of Hose
This may be necessary during interior or exterior operations. This will required a hose clamp, spanner wrench, and the necessary number of hose rolls for the distance required.
Advancing Hose Up a Ladder
This method of advancing hose is done when standpipes, stairways or no other options are available This is easier and safer to do with an uncharged line. The FF heeling the ladder can also help feed the hose to those on the ladder. It may be advisable to drain the hose before advancing up the ladder if it is already charged. To avoid overloading the ladder, only one person should be allowed on each section. Rope hose tools or utility straps can be used for this advancement. The hose should be charged once it has reached the point from which the attack will be made. If operating from this place, make sure nozzle/hose is secured. Aerial platforms can be used as portable standpipes for advancing hose onto a floor.
Hose Inspection
This must occur within 90 days before being placed into service for the first time and at least annually thereafter according to NFPA 1962. Each time a hose is used, this must happen to ensure that it is free of visible soil or damage. Check couplings for ease of operation, deformations, or other visible damage. Conduct a post incident inspection allowing FFs to identify and mark damage on the hose and couplings. Report deficiencies including: evidence of dirt or debris on the hose jacket or couplings, damage to the jacket, coupling loosed from the hose, damage to female/male threads, obstructed operation of the swivel, absence of a well-fitting gasket in the swivel.
Age Deterioration
This occurs if a fire hose is left on an apparatus bed for a long time. The sharp folds in the hose can crack especially if the hose was packaged tightly. This can be prevented by removing and repacking hose every six months if they are not used. When reloading, pack it loosely and fold it in places where it previously wasn't. Use a flat fold. This can also happen if it is left hanging in a hose tower for excessive periods of time. The inner lining can become weakened at the point where it hangs over the support peg. Reinforced jacketed fabric hose may suffer separation of the rubber or plastic lining from the inner reinforcement, reducing the strength of the hose at the point of the separation. To prevent, remove the hose from the tower as soon as its dry.
Hose Drying
This should be done to hoses before they are stored. Methods depend on the type of hose. They should be dried in accordance with departmental Sops and manufacturer recommendations. Woven jacket hose must have this done before being reloaded onto an apparatus. Hard-rubber, hard intake, and synthetic jacket collapsible may be placed back on the apparatus while wet. Towers and racks must have adequate ventilation and protection so that fire hose is not exposed to excessive temps or direct sunlight. When using: remove hose as soon as dry to protect from sunlight, lash or tie coupling ends of hose together to prevent swinging in the wind, cover male threads with precut sections of tubing to provide protection, include racks to allow water to drain from hose, avoid placing hose sections too close together or allowing them to touch.
Straight Finish
This type for hose finish consists of the last section of hose arranged loosely back and forth across the top of the hose load. A hydrant wrench, gate valve, and any necessary adapters are usually strapped to the hose at or near the female coupling.
Nonthreaded Coupling
This type of coupling design is connected with locks or cams rather than screw threads. They are usually sexless although some can be female or male. Because they are sexless, they will all be identical. Two types of sexless couplings include quarter turn and storz. Quarter-turn: has two hook-like lugs on each coupling. Lugs extend past a raised lip or ring on the open end. When the couplings are joined, the lug of one slips over the ring of the opposite coupling and then rotates 90˚ to lock. A gasket on each coupling face completes the seal. Store: most commonly found on large-diameter hose. Joined and then rotated until locked in place to form the connection. The locking consists of grooved lugs and inset rings built into the face of each coupling swivel. When joined, lugs fit into recesses in the opposite coupling and slide into locking position with a one-third rotation.
Corrosion Damage
This type of damage is a chemical process in which a metal is attacked by some substance in its environment and converted to an unwanted compound that gradually weakens or destroys the metal. Couplings are the part of the hose that are susceptible to this. Although they are highly resistive to it, it may still happen. Brass: will darken and turn green when in contact with most organic material. Can form on exposed surfaces as well as on the interior of female swivels or inside surface of nozzles. Aluminum: developer a layer of this that in effect seals the metal against further oxidation.
Chemical Damage
This type of damage occurs from vapors or liquids that can damage the outer jacket or cause the rubber lining to separate from the inner jacket. This could be cause from: exposure to petroleum products, paints, acids, or alkalis, battery acid, runoff water from an incident containing foreign materials, sulfuric acid from water not drained completely from the hose. To prevent: avoid laying hose directly against curbs where oil, gasoline, and battery acid may accumulate or pool from parked vehicles, place the hose 2-4 feet away from the curb, move the hose onto a sidewalk, avoid exposing fire hose to hazardous material spills, avoide exposing to foam concentrate spills, scrub hose suspected of having contacted hazardous materials with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, remove hose periodically from the apparatus, wash with plain water, and dry, test hose properly if there is suspicion of damage, dispose of hose according to departmental SOPs of exposed to hazardous materials and cannot be decontaminated.
Mechanical Damage
This type of damage to a hose occurs when contact with an object or surface causes slices, rips, and abrasions on the exterior covering, crushed or damaged couplings, or cracked inner linings. To prevent: Avoid laying or pulling hose over rough, sharp edges or objects such as corners, cornices, parapets, and windowsills, protect hoses by using a hose roller or placing a salvage cover over edges, clear windowsills of broken glass fragments, provide traffic control to prevent vehicles from driving over hose, use hose ramps or bridges to protect hose from vehicles driving over it when traffic cannot be rerouted, open and close nozzles, valves, and hydrants slowly to limit excessive stress and prevent water hammer, provide chafing blocks to prevent abrasion to hose when it vibrates near the pumper, abide excessive pump pressure on homeliness, deploy hoselines away from debris or clear debris from path during overhaul, change position of folds when reloading into truck, clean hose before reloading to prevent abrasions.
Thermal Heat Damage
This type of damage to hose can result from exposure to excessive heat temps. This can char, melt, or weaken the outer jacket and dehydrate the rubber lining. Inner linings can also be dehydrated when the hose is hung to dry longer than necessary or in sunlight. Use mechanical dryers to eliminate this. To prevent: Protect hose from exposure to excessive heat or fire when possible, remove hose from any heated area as soon as dry, use moderate temps for mechanical drying, protect hose from exposure to excessive heat or fire when possible, remove hose from any heated area as soon as dry, use moderate temps for mechanical drying, keep outside of woven jacket fire hose dry when not using, run water through hose that has not been used for some time to keep liner soft, avoid laying fire hose on hot pavement to dry, roll dry hose in a straight roll to store, prevent hose from coming in contact with or being close to vehicle exhaust, use hose bed covers on apparatus to shield from the sun.
Organic Damage
This type of damage to hoses refers to mildew and mold which can rot natural fibers. If a natural fiber or cotton woven hose is stored wet, rot can weaken the jacket and lead to ruptures under pressure. Some hoses are made of rot resistant fibers such as Dacron. Rubber jacket hose is not subject to this type of damage. To prevent: remove all wet hose from an apparatus after a fire and replace with dry hose or dry the wet hose, inspect, wash, and dry hose that has been contaminated, remove, inspect, seep, and reload hose if it has not been unloaded from the apparatus during a period of six months, inspect and test hose annually and after possible damage or freezing, ensure that cotton or cotton blend hose is dry before storing, cover hose beds withe water repellent covers to keep loads dry during weather, inspect fire hose in storage periodically, remove and rotate hose periodically, ventilate areas where fire hose is kept, wash immediately whenever mildew is discovered. To do this, scrub the cover jacket with mild soap or bleach, rinse well, dry completely inspect the hose section within the next few days for any reappearance of mildew.
Supply Hose
This type of fire hose transports water from a fire hydrant or other water supply source to an apparatus equipped with a pump located at or neat the fire scene
Attack Hose
This type of fire hose transports water or other agents, at increased pressure, from the following sources: -From pump-equipped apparatus to a nozzle -From pump-equipped apparatus to a fire department connection mounted on a structure -From a building standpipe to the point the water is applied to the fire
Skid Load Finish
This type of hose finish consists of folding the last three sections into a compact bundle on top of the rest of the load. It begins by forming three or more pull loops that extend beyond the end of the hose load. The rest of the hose with nozzle is accordion-folded across the hose used to form the pull loops in the bed.
Reverse Horseshoe Finish
This type of hose finish is similar to the horseshoe load except that the bottom of the U portion is at the rear end of the hose bed. It is made of one or two 100' sections of hose each connected to one side of a gated wye. Any size attack hose can be used. 1.5, 1.75" hose requires a 2.5x1.5" wye. 2.5" hose requires a 2.5"x2.5" wye. A nozzle is also needed for each attack line. This can also be used for a preconnected line and can be loaded in two or three layers. With the nozzle extending to the rear, FFs can place the finish over one shoulder and extend the opposite arm through the loops of the layers to pull the hose from the bed for an arm carry. A second reconnected line can be located in the hose bed below where there is sufficient depth.
Hard Suction Hose
This type of hose is generally constructed in 10' sections and is designed for drafting water from static water supplies or connecting to a fire hydrant. Some are constructed of rubberized reinforced material while others are made of heavy-duty corrugated plastic. Ranges from 2.5" to 6" in diameter.
Soft Sleeve Hose
This type of hose is used to connect the main pumper intake to the pumper connection on the fire hydrant. It has two female or non threaded couplings. It is a minimum 15' in length. It is not rigid and cannot be used for drafting because it will collapse. It ranges in size from 2.5" to 6" in diameter. Also known as soft suction hose.
Suction Hose
This type of hose is used to connect the pumper to a hydrant or other water source. They are manufactured in minimum lengths specified in NFPA 1901. Also known as intake hose.
Combination Lay
This type of hose lay refers to any number of ways to lay multiple supply hose with a single engine. The hose must be loaded into the bed in two separate hose bed compartments. They can be laid in the following ways: two lines laid forward/reverse, forward lay followed by a reverse lay, reverse lay followed by a forward lay, two lines laid forward followed by 1/2 lines laid reverse, two lines laid reverse followed by 1/2 lines laid forward. Tasks for catching the hydrant or deploying the supply line are the same in each version of this type of lay. When two lines are laid at the same time, the hydrant catcher disconnects the hose at the crossover between the bends and pulls hose from both bed sides. Hose adapters will be needed when threaded couplings are used in any reverse hose lay. Sexless coupling hoses may be used in any direction.
Forward Lay
This type of hose lay requires the hose to be deployed from the water source to the incident such as from a hydrant to the fire. The first coupling to come off should be the female. This type of lay makes the apparatus stop at the hydrant so that the hose can be secured. The primary advantage is that a pumper can remain at the incident scene so its hose, equipment, and tools are readily available if needed. The pump operated also has visual contact with the fire operation and can better react to changes at the fire scene. If there is inadequate pressure or if a long length hose is laid, a second pumper may need to remain at the hydrant to increase pressure in the line. In this situation, the first pumper must have used a four-way hydrant valve if the transition from hydrant pressure to pump pressure is to be made without interrupting the flow of water in the supply hose. The FF making the hydrant connection must know: proper procedures for securing and connecting to the hydrant and the correct operation of the hydrant valve if using one.
Horseshoe Load
This type of hose load is loaded on edge, and laid in a U-shaped configuration around the perimeter of the hose bed working toward the center. Each length is progressively laid from the outside of the bed toward the inside so that the last length is at the center. Primary advantage is that it has fewer sharp bends in the hose than the accordion or flat loads. In single hose beds, excess hose may be deployed because the hose is pulled alternately from one side of the bend and then the other creating a wavy lay. Folds for a shoulder carry cannot be pulled easily as they can with an accordion load. Two people are required to make the shoulder folds. Wear can develop on the edges because of its loading style. It does not work for large diameter hose because the hose remaining in the bed tends to fall flat as the hose is deployed which can cause tangles. In a single bed, this fold can start on either side. In a split bed, the first length should be laid with the coupling hanging far enough below the hose bed so that the coupling can be connected to the next one on the opposite side and laid on top of the load. This allows quick disconnection.
Combination Load
This type of hose load is used with split hose beds that are loaded with threaded-coupling hose. It permits the apparatus to make a forward lay from the water source to the fire followed by a reverse lay back to the water source. One half of the bed is loaded with the female coupling exposed and the other has the male exposed. The two beds are connected with a double female adapter. You can use a flat, accordion, or horseshoe load. Another version of this load is loading large diameter on one side of the bed and smaller diameter on the other side. This allows FFs to lay LDH if the pumper needs to work alone or smaller diameter hose as a supply line when the situation isn't as demanding. This gives the greatest number of choices when determining the best way to use limited resources.
Self-Locking Twin Donut Roll
This type of hose roll is a twin donut roll with a built-in carrying loop formed from the hose itself. The loop locks over the couplings to keep it intact for carrying. The length of the carrying loop can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the person carrying the hose.
Donut Roll
This type of hose roll is commonly used in situations where hose is likely to be deployed for use directly from a roll. Advantages are: the FF has control of both couplings, which protects them from damage, the hose rolls out easier with fewer twists or kinks, and holding both couplings enables a quicker connection to other couplings.
Twin Donut Roll
This type of hose roll usually works best on 1.5" and 1.75" hose but can also work on 2, 2.5 or 3" hose. The purpose of the roll is to create a compact roll that can easily be transported and carried for special applications such as high-rise or standpipe ops. If couplings are offset by 1' at the beginning, they can be coupled together after the roll is done or scraped. A hose strap is inserted into the center of the roll to carry the hose.
Chafing Block
This type of hose tool is used to protect fire hoses from vibrating and rubbing against surfaces that can cause abrasions. They are useful near pumpers due to vibrations caused by the pumper can cause abrasions where the hose contacts the ground. They are made of wood, leather or sections of old truck tires.
Hose Clamp
This type of hose tool is used to stop the flow of water in a hoseline for the following reasons: to prevent charge the hose bed during a forward lay from a hydrant, to allow replacement of a burst section of hose without stopping entire supply of water, to allow extension of a hoseline without stopping water supply, to allow extension of a charged hoseline. Types include: screw-down, press-down, and hydraulic press. Rules to follow include: apply it at least 20' behind the apparatus, apply it approximately 5' from the coupling on the supply side, center the hose evenly in the jaws to avoid pinching the hose, close and open it slowly to avoid water hammer, stand to one side when applying or releasing any type of clamp.
Hose Jacket
This type of hose tool is used when a hoseline ruptures but must remain charged to continue fire attack. It is installed at the point of rupture. It consists of a hinged two-piece metal cylinder with a rubber lining that seals the rupture to prevent leakage. A locking device clamps it closed when in use. They come in 2.5" and 3" sizes. It is efficient enough to allow the hose to remain operating at full pressure. It can also be used to connect hose with mismatched or damaged screw-thread couplings.
Reverse Lay
This type of lay is used when a pumper must first go to the fire location before laying a supply line. It is the most expedient way to lay hose if the apparatus that lays hose must stay at the water source such as when drafting or boosting hydrant pressure to the supply line. Hose beds should be loaded so male coupling comes off first. This is becoming standard for establishing a relay pumping operation when using 2.5 or 3" hose as a supply line. When using long lays, place a pumper at the hydrant to maintain constant pressure. This lay is the most direct way to supplement hydrant pressure and establish drafting ops. This type of lay can cause a delay in the initial fire attack because tools and equipment must be removed and placed at the fire scene before the pumper goes to the water source. It also causes the pumper to stay with the truck at the water source. Commonly, an attack pumper will go directly to the scene to start initial attack on the fire using its tank, the water supply pumper will lay the supply line from the attack pumper back to the water source. This lay is also used when the first pumper arrives at a fire and must work alone for an extended period of time. The hose will become an attack line and is often connected to a reducing wye so that two smaller hoses can be used to make a two-directional attack on the fire. FFs will assist pumpers in making hydrant connections following this type of lay. Soft or hard intake hose designed for hydrant ops may be used to connect to hydrants. a
Triple Layer Load
This type of preconnect load gets its name because the load begins with hose folded in three layers. The three folds are then laid into the bed in an S shape. It is designed to be pulled by 1 person. The layers in this load may be as long as 50' each. All of the hose must be removed from the bed before deploying the nozzle end which can be difficult or impossible if the space directly behind the bed is restricted. It can be used for all hose sizes but is normally preferred for 2 and 2.5" attack lines that may be too much for shoulder carries.
Minuteman Load
This type of preconnect load is designed to be pulled and advanced by one person. It can be carried on the shoulder, completely clear of the ground and deploys from the shoulder as the FF advances to the fire. It is well suited for a narrow hose bed. It can be awkward to carry when wearing an SCBA. If the load is in a single attack, it may also collapse on the shoulder if not held tightly in place.
Booster Hose Reels
This type of preconnected hose may be mounted in any of several placed on the apparatus according to specified needs and the apparatus design. Some are mounted above the pump panel and behind the cab. This provides booster hose that can be unrolled from either side of the apparatus. Others may be mounted on the front bumper or rear compartments. They can be manual or power operated. They should be wound onto the reel one layer at a time evenly.
Preconnected Flat Load
This type of reconnected load is adaptable for varying sizes of hose beds and is often used in transverse beds. It is similar to a flat load for larger supply hose except that exposed loops are provided for pulling the load from the bed. Loops should be placed at regular intervals within the load so that equal portions of the load are pulled from the bed. Number of loops and intervals depends on the size and total length of the hose.
Siamese Appliance
This valve device can be confused with wyes because they look similar however these combines multiple lines into one line. It permits multiple supply hoselines to be laid parallel to supply a pumper or high-output device. Usually consist of two female inlets with either a center clapper valve or two clapper valves and a single male outlet. Some may have three inlets. Commonly used when LDH is not available to overcome friction loss in exceptionally long hose lays or those that carry large flow. Also used to supply ladder pipes not equipped with a permanent waterway.
Hydrant Valve
This valve device comes in a variety of types and is available for use in supply line operations. They are used when a forward lay is made from a low-pressure hydrant to the fire scene. It has 4 main functions: allow additional hoselines to be laid to the hydrant, connect a supply pumper to the hydrant, boost the pressure in the original supply line without interrupting the flow of water in the line, allow the original supply line to be connected to the hydrant and charged before the arrival of another pumper at the hydrant.
Wye Appliance
This valve device is used to divide a single hoseline into two or more lines. They have a single female inlet and multiple male outlet connections. They can have valve controlled outlets called gated wyes which generally incorporate the use of ball valves. One of the most common has a 2.5" inlet that divides into two 1.5" outlets.
Large-Diameter Hose Appliance
This valve device is used when fire fighting ops required water to be distributed at various points along the main supply line. These can be used in these cases. When a large volume of water is needed near the end of a supply line, this can be used. It consists of one LDH inlet and three 2.5" valve controlled outlets. They are sometimes called portable hydrants, phantom pumpers, or large diameter distributors.
Water Thief Appliance
This valve device operates similar to wyes but they have an inlet and outlet of matching size combined with smaller outlets that "steal" water from the main line. Large volume types consist of an LDH inlet and outlet and two or more 2.5" valve controlled male outlets.
Ball Valve
This valve is used in pumper discharges and gated wyes. These are open when the handle is in line with the hose and closed with it is at a right angle to the hose. They are used in fire pump piping systems.
Clapper Valve
This valve is used in siamese appliances and fire department connections to allow water to flow in one direction only. These prevent water from flowing out of unused ports when one intake hose is connected and charged before the addition of more hose. It is a flat disk hinged at the top or one side which swings open and closed like a door.
Butterfly Valve
This valve is used on large pump intakes and incorporates a flat baffle that turns 90˚. Most are operated manually using a quarter-turn handle, but some are operated using an electric motor and can be controlled remotely. The baffle is in the center of the waterway and aligned with the flow when the valve is open.
Gate Valve
This valve is used to control the flow from a hydrant. They have a baffle that is lowered into the path of the water by turning a screw-type handle
Advancing a Charged Hoseline
To do this, the working line drag is one of the quickest and easiest ways to advance at ground level. Its use is limited by available personnel but can be adapted to certain situations.
Coupling Care
To exercise this, avoid dropping or dragging couplings, do not permit vehicles to drive over the hose or couplings, inspect couplings when the hose is washed and dried, remove the gasket and twist the swivel in warm, soapy water, clean threads to remove tar, dirt, gravel, and oil, inspect gasket and replace if cracked or creased. Connect female to male couplings to avoid exposing them to damage. Hose washing machines won't clean couplings sufficiently. Submerge the swivel in warm soapy water and move it back and forth to clean. Use a stiff brush to clean the male threads or a wire brush if necessary. Graphite or silicone lube can be used to maintain swivel spinning. Replace gaskets if they are hardened or inflexible.
Cast Coupling
Very weak coupling and only found on occupancy use hose. They often crack if reattachment of the hose is attempted.
Service Test Procedure
When conducting service tests, exercise care because pressurized hose can whip back and forth if a rupture occurs or a coupling pulls loose. To prevent, use a host test gate valve. They have a .25" hole in the gate that permits pressurizing the hose but does not allow water to surge through the hose if it fails. When using a FD pumper, connect hose to discharges on the side of the apparatus opposite the pump panel. Close valves slowly to prevent water hammers. Test lengths of hose should not exceed 300' because of its difficulty to purge air from hose that long. LDH should be laid flat on the ground to prevent wear on the edges. When charging, stand clear from discharge valve because of the hose tendency to twist when pressurized. Keep the hose testing area dry as possible when filling and discharging air from the hose. During testing, this air aids in detecting minor leaks around couplings.
Hose Diameter
When the size of a fire hose is given, it refers to the internal ______ _____________. It should not be less than the advertised or labeled size of the hose meaning the diameter or the hose is no less than its actual internal diameter. Some types of hose can expand beyond their actual internal diameter because of its elastic qualities. The performance of a particular hoseline depends on the materials and methods used in its construction.
