care, maintenance and use of fi re hose 1969 handbook/nfpa 198... · 2012. 2. 12. · introduction...

NFPA No.

1 9 8

4M-6-69-FP

Printed in U.S.A.

CARE, M A I N T E N A N C E

A N D USE OF

FI RE HOSE 1 9 6 9

$1.00

Cop!lr~oht ~ l!~Gfl

NATIONAl FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION International

60 Batterymarch Street, Boston, Mass. 02110

Licensed to U.S. Dept. of Labor, MSHA, Dist. 3, Morgantown, WV. Only one paper copy may be printed. Networking not permitted.

Official NFPA D e f i n i t i o n s

Adopted Jan. 23, 1964. Wilere variances to these definitions are found, efforts to eliminate such conflicts are m process.

StIALL is in t ended to indicate r equ i rement s .

StiOULD is in t ended to indica te r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s or tha t which is adv i sed bu t no t required.

APPROVED means accep tab le to the a u t h o r i t y hav ing jurisdict ion. T h e Nat iona l Fire Pro tec t ion Association does not approve , inspect or cer t i fy an y instal lat ions, procedure~, e q u i p m e n t or ma te r i a l s nor does it a pp rove or eva lua t e tes t ing laboratories. In de ter ln in ing the acceptab i l i ty of ins ta l la t ions or procedures, e q u i p m e n t or mater ia ls , the au t ho r i t y h a v i n g jur isdict ion m a y base accep tance oil compl iance wi th N F P A or o ther app rop r i a t e s t andards . In the absence of such s tandards , said a u t h o r i t y m a y require evidence of proper instal lat ion, p rocedure or use. Th e au tho r i t y h a v i n g jurisdict ion m a y also refer to the l istings or label ing prac t ices of na t iona l ly recognized tes t ing laborator ies ,* i.e., l abora tor ies qualified an d equipped to conduc t the necessary tests, in a position to de t e rmine compl iance wi th ap- p ropr ia te s t anda rds for the cu r ren t product ion of listed i tems, an d the sa t i s fac tory pe r fo rmance of such e q u i p m e n t or mater iMs in ac tua l usage.

*Among the laboratories nationally recognized by the authorities having Jurisdiction in the United States and Canada are the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., the Factory MutuM Engineering Division, the American Gas Association Laboratories, the Underwriters' Labora- tories of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association Testing Laboratories, and the Canadian Gas Association Approvals Division.

LISTED: E q u i p m e n t or ma te r i a l s inc luded in a list publ ished by a na t iona l ly recognized tes t ing l abo ra to ry t ha t ma in t a in s periodic inspect ion of p roduc t ion of l isted e q u i p m e n t or mater ia ls , and whose l ist ing s ta tes e i ther t h a t the e q u i p m e n t or ma te r i a l mee t s na t ional ly recognized s t a nda rds or has been tes ted and found sui table for use in a specified m a n n e r .

LABEI.ED: E q u i p m e n t or ma te r i a l s to which has been a t t a e h e d a label of a na t iona l ly recognized tes t ing l a b o r a t o r y t h a t ma in t a in s periodic inspect ion of product ion of labeled e q u i p m e n t or mater ia ls , and by whose label ing is ind ica ted compl iance with na t iona l ly recognized s t a nda rds or the conduc t of tes ts to d e t e rmin e sui table usage in a specified ma nne r .

A1:TItOnlTY H~VlN~ JVEISDICTION: T h e organizat ion, office or indiv idual re- sponsible for " a p p r o v i n g " equ ipmen t , an instal la t ion, or a procedure .

S t a t e m e n t o n NFPA P r o c e d u r e s This material has been developed in the interest of safety to life and property under the

published procedures of the National Fire Protection Association. These procedures are designed to assure the appointment of technically competent Committees having balanced representation from those vitally interested and active in the areas with which the Committees are concerned, These procedures provide that all Committee recommendations shall be published prior t,o action on them by the Association itself and that following this publication these recommendations shall be presented for adoption to the Annual Meeting of the Association where anyone in attendance, member or not, may present his views. While these procedures assure the highest degree of care, neither tiie National Fire Protection Association, its members, nor those participating in its activities accepts any liability resulting from compliance or non- compliance with the provisions given herein, for any restrictions imposed on materiMs or processes, or for the completeness of ttle text.

C o p y r i g h t and R e p u b l i s h i n g R i g h t s This publ ica t ion is copyr igh ted © by the Nat iona l Fire Pro tec t ion Asso-

ciation. Permiss ion is g r an t e d to republ ish in full the ma te r i a l herein in laws, ordinances, regulat ions, a d m i n i s t r a t i v e orders or s imilar d o c u m e n t s issued by public author i t ies . All o thers desiring permission to reproduce this mate r ia l in whole or in p a r t shall consul t the Nat iona l Fire Pro tec t ion Associat ion.


198-1

Standard for

Care of Fire Hose

(Including Couplings and Nozzles)

NFPA No. 1 9 8 - - 1969

This edi t ion supersedes all previous edit ions of No. 198 and is a comple te revision of the 1958 edit ion. I t was officially adop ted at the 1969 N F P A Annua l Mee t ing held in New York, N. Y., M a y 12-16.

The first edi t ion of this s t andard was p repared by the N F P A Commi t t ee on Field Pract ice and was adop ted by the Association in 1936. No changes were necessary for a number of years but in 1954 the N F P A established a new Commi t t ee on Fire Hose. In 1957 the Commi t t ee on Fire Hose submit ted a comple te ly revised text which was adop ted by the Association. Some edi tor ia l changes and addi t ions were adop ted at the 1958 Annua l Meet ing.

Committee on Fire Hose

Rod A. P o r t e r , Chairman, Winne tka Fire Depar tment , Winnetka , Ill. 60093

W a r r e n Y. K i m b a I I , t Secretary, 60 Ba t t e rymarch St., Boston, Mass . 02110

J . W a r d B u s h , Caterpi l lar Trac to r Co. N. J . C y p h e r s , Rubber Manufac ture rs Assn. E. N. D a v i s . Underwri ters ' Laboratories, Inc. D o n a l d L. D r u m m , American Insurance

Assn. R o b e r t Ely, San Diego, Calif. Raymond A. G a l l a g h e r , Rubber Manu-

facturers ' Assn. G. E. G u n d e r s e n , Factor:,- Mutua l Engi-

neering Assn. M e r l e S. L o w d e n , U. S. I )epar tment of

Agriculture.

D. G. Mees , Mounta in States Inspect ion Bureau.

C h i e f J a m e s M o h e r , Milwaukee ]:ire I)e- pa r tmen t .

W m . S. M u r r a y , J r . , Goodall Rubber Co. K. E. R e a r i c k , Fire Hose Couplin~ & Ac-

cessories Research Inst i tute .

Alternate.

C l a r e n c e M e l s l o h n , Rubber Manufac ture rs Assn. (Alternate to N. J. ( 'yphers and Raymond A. Gallagher.)

tNonvo t ing .

SCOeE: This commit tee deals with selection, performance and maintenance for all types of fire hose, including hose couplings, nozzles and accessory equipment . The commit tee reports to the Association through tile Commi t t ee on Fire D e p a r t m e n t Equipment .


1 9 8 - 2 CALVE OF F I R E H O S E

Contents Chapter Page 1. I n t r o d u c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 8 - 4

2. W o v e n - J a c k e t e d , R u b b e r - L i n e d Hose . . . . . . . 1 9 8 - 6

3. R u b b e r Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 8 -1 4

4. U n l i n e d Fi re Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198-15

5. P u m p e r S u p p l y Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198-18

6. Washit~g, D r y i n g , a n d S to r age . . . . . . . . . . 198 -23

7. Nozzles , Coup l ings , a n d Gaske t s . . . . . . . . . . 198 -32

8. M i s c e l l a n e o u s In fo rma t io r l . . . . . . . . . . . 198 -35

80. M i l d e w T r e a t m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 -35

81. Hose R e c o r d s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 8 -3 6

82. Serv ice Tes t for Fi re Hose . . . . . . . . . . 198-38

83. T y p i c a l Hose L o a d s oil Fi re T r u c k s . . . . . . 1 9 8 -4 2

Def in i t ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 -48


FOREWORD 198-3

Standard for

Care of Fire Hose

(Including Couplings and Nozzles)

NFPA No. 1 9 8 - 1969

FOREWORD

The suggested care of general classes of fire hose used for- various fire protect ion purposes is described in this text. Each of these classes of hose is designed and const ructed to provide rel iable service when given p roper care and when employed for the purpose and in the m a n n e r for which it is specifically designed. Employ- ment of a type of hose for a class of service for which it is not app ro - pr ia te may lead to d a m a g e and p rema tu re failure of the hose. Wi th proper care, hose used in the inanner for which it was designed should provide a long and rel iable service life. Per iodic tests are suggested to indicate whether hose is in a satisfactory condit ion. Hose which is neglected or imprope r ly cared for m a y not be expected to give long and rel iable service no ma t t e r how excellent the original p roduc t may have been.

Examples of the selection of p roper types of hose include use of rubber -covered hose in locations where hose may be subjected to con taminan t s such as chemicals and oils, use of l ight-weight , large d iamete r hose for p u m p e r relays where large volumes of wate r must be moved over considerable distances at modera t e p u m p pressures, use of rubber - l ined woven- jacketed hose by fire d e p a r t - ments and industries where hose must be used f requent ly to move water efficiently at effective pressures to provide good streams for fire fighting, use of both l ined and unl ined hose designed for forest fire service, and the provision of unl ined fire hose for one-t ime, first-aid fire protect ion in bui ldings where there may be need for hose s t ream equ ipmen t for immed ia t e use by occupants while awai t ing the arr ival of fire fighting crews equ ipped to app ly larger capac i ty and higher pressure hose streams should these be needed. The care of each of these types of hose, as well as other s tandard types, is deta i led in this S tandard .


1 9 8 - 4 CARE OF FIRE HOSE

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1 0 . General

101. Fire hose provides the means for conducting water from the source to the fire. To be reliable, it should be of the best material and workmanship. It should always be in good order and cared for properly. It should not be used except in emergencies, for other than fire fighting purposes and with the approval of fire officials. *

102. The need for proper care of hose is most evident when it fails. It is then too late for preventative maintenance.

103. Burst hose, and the subsequent replacement, means loss of time in attacking a fire and may result in the fire getting beyond control. A burst hose may be the cause of serious injury to fire fighters and other persons.

*See S tandard No. 196, Fire Hose.

(United States Forest Service Photo)

Fig. 106A. Typica l fo res t ry service pumper s h o w i n g types of fire hose car- r ied. Four 10 - foo t lengths of hard suct ion hose for drafting wate r are carried in upper compar tments . A lso s h o w n are compar tmen ts for IY2- inch and I - i n ch w o v e n - j a c k e t e d rubber - l ined fire hose. A lso shown are hose reels equ ipped w i t h rubber -covered ~ - i n c h fire hose equ ipped w i th fo res t ry t ype nozzles.


INTRODUCTION 198-5

Fig. 106B. Fire depa r tmen t pumpers may carry severa l t housand feet of fire hose of va r ious sizes and types. Left to r ight : 20 feet oF large hard suct ion hose for d ra f t ing , t w o compar tmen ts w i t h |Y2-inch w o v e n - j a c k e t e d , rubber - l ined hose preconnected to pump w i th nozzles a t tached; one c o m p a r t m e n t w i t h 2Y2-inch w o v e n - j a c k e t e d , rubber - l i ned hose w i t h donu t role on top; one compar tmen t w i t h 3- inch w o v e n - j a c k e t e d , rubber - l i ned hose w i t h d o n u t rol l and hyd ran t wrench on top; one compar tmen t w i t h 2Y=-inch w o v e n - jacketed, rubber - l ined hose preconnected to pump w i th nozz le a t tached. On top of the appara tus is a reel of rubber -covered , rubber - l i ned hose fo r smal l s t ream service. A t center, b e l o w the hose body , is a rol l of large d i - ameter w o v e n - j a c k e t e d , rubber - l l ned " so f t suc t i on " hose used for s u p p l y i n g the pump f rom hydran ts . The suct ion hose stra iner is s h o w n near the hose reel.

104. To assure the maximum reliability of fire hose under fire conditions, the following procedures should be followed: (1) Pur- chase a grade of hose designed for the intended service, (2) provide systematic inspection including tests, and (3) give adequate maintenance.


1 9 8 - 6 C A R E O F F I R E H O S E

105. Some fire departments number each length of hose and have a book or card record kept of the date of purchase, name of maker, date of periodical testing and pressures. The record may include remarks as to testing, repairs, unusual features, causes of failure, and data on couplings, such as the number of times a coupling has been expanded or repaired.* In public fire departments, this record should also include the company to which hose is assigned and the final disposition of hose taken out of service. (For details, see Chapter 8.)

106. Basic types of hose ordinarily employed for fire protection purposes include: (1) woven-jacketed, rubber-lined, (2) rubber (rubber-lined, cotton or other fiber reinforcement, and rubber covered), (3) coated with synthetic material, (4) unlined hose, and (5) reinforced suction. Each of these types is discussed in detail in the following chapters.

CHAPTER 2. Woven-Jacketed, Rubber-Lined Hose

20. Types of Construction

201. The term "woven-jacketed, rubber-l ined fire hose" is applied to the following types of hose in sizes of from 1-inch through 6-inch internal diameters:

a. All cotton yarn in the warp and filler of one or more jackets. b. Synthetic fiber yarn in the filler of one or more jackets. c. Synthetic fiber yarn in the warp and filler of one or more

jackets. d. Rubber-covered, woven-jacketed, rubber-l ined hose. e. Jackets coated with a non-cont inuous coating. f. Jackets coated and lined with a homogenous synthetic.

21. Care of Woven-Jacketed, Rubber-Lined Hose

211. Where hose is installed at yard hydrants, such as at indus- trial plants, for fire protection, it should be kept in well-ventilated hose houses. Hot locations should be avoided, if possible. The hose should be so stored that it may be run out easily when required, and there should be sufficient space to hold the hose and equipment. Typical hose houses are shown in Fig. 211A-E.

*In recoupling hose it is well to consider that a coupling which has been in service before may have a weakened tailpiece.


WOVEN-JACKETED, RUBBER-LINED HOSE 198-7

Fig. 2 1 1 A . Hose house of f ive-sided design for insta l la t ion over a yard hydrant.

Fig. 211B. Hose house of compact dimensions for installation over a yard hydrant.

H o s e shou ld be s to red in t he houses in such a w a y t h a t a i r c a n c i r cu l a t e a n d excess ive h e a t m u s t be avo ided . I n a reas w h e r e r o d e n t s m a y be a p r o b l e m , a w r a p p e d r u b b e r - c o v e r e d hose shou ld be c o n s i d e r e d for r o d e n t res is tance .

NOTE 1: For details of hose houses see NFPA Standard No. 24 (1969). NoTE 2: Common materials used to construct hose houses are wood,

steel and aluminum. Manufacturers have been thanked for the photo- graphs shown in this text, but they are not identified because nearly all major fire appliance distributors can furnish hose houses in designs similar in purpose to those shown.


198-8 C A R E O F F I R E H O S E

212. Care must be taken so tha t gasoline, grease, harmful chemicals and acids do not come in contac t wi th hose. Where such exposure is l ikely to occur hose resistant to these agents should be employed. I f o ther hose does come in contac t with any of the above mater ia ls , the hose should be washed with soap and thorough ly rinsed with wate r a l though t h s m a y reduce mi ldew resistant t rea t - ment. Do not store hose until thoroughly dry. Dry ing must be done carefully by hang ing the hose, p lac ing it on a rack, or p lac ing it in a special ly designed d ry ing cabinet . Hose should not be dr ied in the sun on concrete roadways or sidewalks. Jus t as soon as the hose is thorough ly d ry it should be removed from exposure to the weather . Overexposure , especial ly in or by the sun can be damag ing . Hose should not be left in hot d ry ing towers or cabinets after d ry ing has been comple ted .

Fig. 211¢. Hose house for use where a supp ly of hose is stored in a hose cart.

Fig. 211D. Hose house o f c o m - pact dimensions for instal lat ion over a yard hydrant. House is shown closed. Top l i f ts up and doors on front side open for complete accessibility.



Fig. 211E. This type hose house can be instal led on legs as i l - l u s t r a t e d , or instal led on a w a l l near, but not directly over, a yard hydrant .

In order to prevent damage and permanent set to the rubber tub- ing, general fire department practice is to remove fire hose from apparatus once a month or at least once quarterly and reload it in a different position. Water is run through the hose once in three months, and the hose is dried before being replaced on the truck. This same procedure is recommended whether the hose is on trucks, reels, or in hose houses. When the hose is removed for wetting of the lining, it should be replaced by spare hose, so that the required amount will always be available for fire fighting purposes.

213. Hose carried on fire apparatus should be loaded in such a way that air can circulate and preferably should be packed on edge. This will help to prevent mildew where cotton is employed in hose iackets. Hose stored on a reel should be removed periodically and rereeled so the sag will occur in a different place.

Where hose is used in damp, high humidity locations, it should be treated to resist mildew.

NoT~: For standpipe design requirements, see Standard for Standpipe and Hose Systems, NFPA No. 14.

214. Fire hose is subjected frequently to severe shocks and strains, pressure surges, and mechanical injury (see Figures 214A-B). The vibrations from a fire pump sometimes cause chafing of the hose near the pump. Care must be taken to lay hose so that injury will not result from contact with sharp or rough objects. Mechanical injury is caused by vehicles being driven over hose lines. Where it is necessary for vehicles to cross, hose bridges should be used. It is


1 9 8 - 1 0 C A R E O F F I R E H O S E

desirable to de tour traffic a t fires. Avoid lay ing hose near the curb or in gut ters where acids, oils, or harmful agents de t r imen ta l to hose are l ikely to be present.

Open and close shutoff nozzles and valves g radua l ly to prevent very high pressure surges which m a y d a m a g e the hose and pos- sibly cause injury to people. W h e n hoist ing hose, mechanica l in- j u r y can be avoided and the task made easier by use of hose rollers.

In fire d e p a r t m e n t opera t ions there are a var ie ty of si tuations where hose is used to re lay water from a p u m p at a hyd ra n t or o ther water source to a p u m p near a fire. Such relays requi re special precaut ions to prevent pressure surges which can burs t hose (or m a y d a m a g e a p u m p seriously). Ord ina r i l y the au toma t i c pressure governor or rel ief valve regu la t ing the discharge pressure of p u m p e r does not afford adequa te protect ion agains t d a m a g e to hose from


Fig. 2 1 4 A . Fire hose is subject to much hard usage as s h o w n in th is f i re on A n g e l e s N a t i o n a l Forest in C a l i f o r n i a . Here a l i ne of 1Y2- inch f o r e s t r y hose has been stretched up o h i l l s i de in an a rea of rough burned snags . In forest and brush fires care must be taken t h a t f i re does not burn the hose b e h i n d a n o z z l e b e i n g advanced along the fire perimeter.


WOVEN-JACKETED~ RUBBER-LINED HOSE 198-11

Fig. 214B. At structural fires, fire hose is exposed not only to heat f rom fires but burning embers, broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects.

pressure surges on the inlet or "suction side" of a pump. I f not provided as a par t of the pumping apparatus, some form of relay relief valve should be at tached to the inlet of the pump near the fire to which the relay hose line is to be attached. The lower the setting of the relay relief valve, the greater the protection afforded to the hose supplying the relay. A relief valve setting of 10 psi on the intake side of the receiving p u m p has been found to give max imum protection at m a x i m um flow through the hose. When shutting down the relay operation always shut down first at the pumper nearest the fire.

In all p u m p operations, it is preferable to reduce pressure at the pump, where convenient to do so, before shutting nozzles as this avoids pressure surges which m a y occur even where the governor or relief valve is functioning properly to protect the discharge side of a pump. Sudden closing of nozzles can result in pressure surges or shock waves which are unpredictable and can be extremely damaging.

215. After use at a fire, hose must be drained, cleaned and dried before it is placed in storage or back in service. Drying can be done in a tower, drying rack, or hose drying cabinet (see Chapter 6).

I f the hose appears to be in doubtful condition, it should be tested hydrostatically and replaced if necessary. I f the hose has had pro- longed or severe use at a fire, it should be inspected and tested.

216. In cold climates care should be taken to prevent water f rom


1 9 8 - 1 2 C A ~ E OF F I R E HOSE

freezing inside the hose. Once water is tu rned on, some wate r should be left runn ing th rough the hose until the line is no longer needed. Dur ing freezing weather , it is common pract ice to place the nozzle out of a window and by "c r ack ing" the valve, keep wate r moving th rough the hose while overhaul is in process. W h e n the line is no longer needed, it should be uncoupled and dra ined . Avoid sharp ly bend ing any hose in or on which has ice formed. Frozen hose can be d a m a g e d by a sharp bend.

Use care: in chopp ing hose from ice after a fire. S team is useful in removing ice from hose. After frozen hose has been dr ied , it should be tested.

217. M u c h single- jacketed hose is used for forest and indust r ia l fire protect ion. Lined hose may be more susceptible than unl ined hose to d a m a g e from hot embers. If hose is used in a fire, care must be taken to keep the j acke t from contac t with burn ing objects.

218. Lined hose should be tested carefully at least once a year, by means of a power or hand pump. I t is common pract ice to use a p u m p e r for service testing.

Test pressures app l ied should be not less than 150 pounds per square inch for s ingle- jacketed hose and 250 psi for double- jacke ted hose. W h e n making such hydros ta t ic tests, remove all a i r f rom the hose before the nozzle is closed (see Chap t e r 8).

Before hose is tested, a pencil mark should be put a round the hose at the back. of the coupling. This provides a method for de te rmin ing whether there is movemen t of the coupling.

The test pressure should be held for a t least three minutes, and preferably for five minutes. Some types of defects will not show up unless pressure is ma in t a ined for a sufficient interval .

Hose taken out of service for testing should be rep laced p r o m p t l y to ma in ta in protect ion.

Coupl ings should be examined. T h e swivel should be spun in a pail of soapy water . In no case should oil or grease be appl ied . Coupl ings which are r e -expanded several t imes m a y reach a point where they will not hold when pressure is appl ied . Overexpans ion causes the coupl ing bowl or tai lpiece to become weak. I t is preferable to use new couplings when recoupl ing hose. (See Section 71).

219. Hose covers protect hose loads from weather damage . Where covers are provided, care must be taken to pe rmi t free circu- la t ion of air under the cover to reduce the danger of mildew.

22. Synthet ic Fiber Yarn in the Fi l ler Thread of One or More Jackets

221. This type of hose has cot ton yarn in the wa rp or longi tud ina l



threads, hence should receive the same care as suggested in Sec- t ion 21.

222. In a t t ach ing couplings, care must be taken to have the hose fit p roper ly in the bowl of the coupling. The outside d i ame te r of the hose must mate with the in ternal d ianmter of the bowl of the coupling. The expansion r ing must be of the proper size and length for the coupl ing used.

23. Synthetic Fiber Yarn in the Warp and Filler Threads of One or More Jackets

231. This class of hose is made ent i rely of synthet ic mater ia ls both in the jacke t and lining, and is not affected by mildew, but should receive essentially the same care as suggested in Section 21. Hose of this construct ion does not have the abras ion nor heat resistance of hose made with na tu ra l fibers.

232. Hose having only polyester or nylon threads in its construc- t ion is not affected by mildew. Since it does pick up water it must be c leaned and dr ied after use to protect hose beds against corrosion.

233. Polyester and nylon threads are resistant to oils, grease, many chemicals and some acids. The jackets should be protec ted from contac t with burn ing objects and heat.

234. As with other types of hose mechanica l injury can be caused by cuts from contac t with sharp or pointed objects, pul l ing a round corners, or abras ive mater ia l s e m b e d d e d in the jackets.

24. Rubber-Covered, Woven-Jacketed, Rubber-Lined Hose

241. This type of hose has a wrapped rubbe r cover over the woven jacke t of the convent iona l s ingle-jacketed hose. This type of hose is p r inc ipa l ly used by indus t ry and other locat ions where there are high abras ion problems.

242. Unless the cover is specifically compounded to resist sunlight, the hose should be protec ted from the direct rays of the sun when not in use.

243. If rubber -covered hose is to be used in locations where it will come in contac t wi th oil, grease or chemicals, the cover should be designed for this service.


198-14 ( ' A R E OF F I R E H O S E

CHAPTER 3. RUBBER HOSE

30. General

301. R u b b e r hose is made in two types of construct ion, w ra ppe d and bra ided . In wrapped construct ion, plies of canvas or duck, impregnated with rubber , are wrapped a round a rubbe r l ining and covered with a rubbe r cover. In b ra ided construct ion, ya rn is b ra ided over a rubbe r lining. Each layer of yarn is separa ted by a rubbe r layer or backing, and the whole carcass ( re inforcement and tube) encased in a r ubbe r cover.

302. Chemical , booster and high pressure fog hoses and ha rd suction hose are in this category.

31. Care

311. T h e life of r ubbe r hose depends largely upon the care given the rubbe r cover. Where hose is stored outside in t empera tu res exceeding 110 ° F. it is advisable to bui ld a small shed over the hose for shade. Fire extinguishers equ ipped with r u b b e r hose which are s tored outside should receive s imilar protect ion.

312. Special care should be given chemical , booster and high pressure hose. Kinks should be avoided. Care must be taken in rol l ing this hose on the reel to avoid undue twist. Hose should not be forced between side of reel and f rame of appara tus . R e p e a t e d j a m m i n g can cause d a m a g e to the re inforcement and possible failure.

313. To prevent chafing of the cover, metal rollers should be pro- v ided at all points where the hose, in use, comes in contac t with edges of the body of the appara tus .

314. Periodic examina t ion of booster hose should be made for defects such as chafing and cracking of the cover and exposed b ra id or duck. These condi t ions can let water into the carcass and cause mi ldew or rot on the cot ton or rayon reinforcement . Hydros ta t ic test ing should be per formed annual ly .

315. Hose which has the bra id or duck exposed should not be used. T h e defective section should be cut out and the length recoupled.

316. H igh pressure hose, used at pressures in excess of 400 psi, should receive cri t ical examina t ion for de te r io ra t ion dur ing the annua l hydros ta t ic testing. Coupl ings should be checked for any movement on the hose.


UNLINED FIRE HOSE 1 9 8 - 1 5

317. Unless the cover of a rubber hose is specifically compounded of a synthetic rubber which resists oils, grease and gasoline, care should be taken that none of these materials come in contact with the hose.

318. Some fire depar tments carry a 50-foot length of booster hose or good quali ty garden hose for use a~ a nuisance line for minor fires.

CHAPTER 4. UNLINED FIRE HOSE

A. Interior Bu i ld ing Use*

40. General

401. Unl ined fire hose is designed for fire first aid protection purposes only. It should never be wet except for use at a fire, after which it should be discarded. This makes it uneconomical for most industr ial uses. This type of hose consists of a single thick- ness of woven fire hose usually of flax " l inen" fiber, wtthout lining.

402. This hose is usually stored on a rack or reel and used in connections with standpipes inside buildings. Warm, dry air does not affect it, but moisture can cause rapid deteriorat ion unless the hose has been treated to resist rot and mildew.

403. Unl ined fire hose depends upon the expansion of the yarn in fabric when wet to hold water. There is some seepage unti l the fabric becomes saturated.

41. Care

411. Unl ined fire hose will not withstand frequent service.

412. Valves must be kept in good condi t ion so there will be no leakage. Hose must be kept away from condensat ion on the standpipe. The hose end attached to the s tandpipe should be periodically tested by slightly twisting the hose at the valve connection and giving a sharp pull.

413. Hose which has been stored on a rack or reel should be given a very careful examinat ion at least once a year. If a hydro- static test appears to be desirable, a 3-foot section may be cut from the hose for testing and the remain ing hose recoupled.

*Lined hose may also be used for interior fire protection and has advantages of lower friction loss at a given flow, causes less water damage, and can be reused after service.


198 -16 CARE OF FIRE HOSE

414. Hose should be stored in dry rooms where air will circulate around it. I t should never be stored in contact with damp floors or walls.

415. Unlined fire hose yarns are highly absorptive, but will lose their effectiveness if impregnated with liquids other than water. Hose must not be permitted to come in contact with oil or grease or with any corrosive chemicals.

416. When couplings and racks are polished, care should be exercised to keep polish from coming in contact with the hose. Where enclosed in suitable cabinets, no polishing should be necessary.

B. Forest Fire Fight ing Use

42. General

421. Forest fire fighting services are large users of unlined fire hose (see Fig. 421A-B). While dry, this hose is light and flexible. When wet, this type has high strength characteristics and is abrasion and fire resistant. Unlined forest fire hose is stiff while wet.

NOTE: Lightweight lined forest fire hose, described in Sections 22 and 23, is widely used and has the advantage not only of requiring lower pump pressures for a given flow but water reaches the nozzle considerably faster than with unlined hose. However, unlined hose has the advantages of less bulk, lightness in weight, and resistance to burning when charged.

~ t ~ ~ ' ~ ~ ~¢ i ~

(Ontario Department of /.ands and Forests Photo)

Fig. 4 2 1 A . Unlined 1V2-inch for - est fire hose carried in a knapsack. Frequently such hose is attached to a portable fire pump and the man wearing the knapsack lays out the hose as the line is being charged.


UNLINED FIRE HOSE 1 9 8 - 1 7

Fig. 421B. A method of laying forestry hose from a back rack. A back harness is also available for carrying two 100- foo t rolls of 1V2-inch hose.


422. Friction loss may be relatively unimportant when small capacity nozzles are used with forestry hose. An advantage of the unlined hose is that water seepage through the hose tends to protect it a.gainst hot objects which it may contact in forest fire fighting serwce.

423. With long lines of hose and low capacity pumps excessive seepage can cause delay in getting water to the nozzle.

43. Care

431. Unlined fire hose in forest fire service should be treated to inhibit mildew in order to obtain maximum service, since it is very susceptible to mildew and rot if left even slightly damp. It must be cleaned and dried thoroughly after use. In the absence of a hose washing machine, dirty hose should be washed with a scrubbing brush using water and mild soap followed by thorough rinsing.

432. In the absence of hose drying cabinets or racks, drying may be accomplished by hanging the hose so that all water drains out. When thoroughly dry, hose should be stored in cool, dry rooms and arranged so that air will circulate around it. It should not be stored in contact with damp floors or walls.

433. When transporting unlined fire hose in vehicles, care must be taken to keep hose from chafing or rubbing. When using the hose, protect the length connected to the pump at the point of con-


1 9 8 - 1 8 C A R E OF F I R E H O S E

tact with the ground. Vibrations at this point can cause fabric abrasions which may result in hose failures.

434. The same testing procedure as outlined in the section on " In te r ior Building Use" should be employed. Hose should be replaced after ten years of service.

CHAPTER 5. PUMPER SUPPLY HOSE

50. G e n e r a l

501. Various types and sizes of hose are used to supply pumps with water for fire fighting. These fall into two general classes. Where water pressures are above atmospheric a flexible hose is commonly used. This may be generally similar in construction to hose used in discharging water from pumps. Such hose may be termed "soft suction" a l though it is not a suction hose (see Par. 51). Where a p u m p is drafting water, a suction hose must be used which will not collapse when pressure in the hose is less than that of the atmosphere. Such hose is termed "ha rd suction" (see Par. 52). A type of suction hose is available which will resist collapse when internal pressure is below atmospheric but which is more flexible than the normal hard suction hose required for supplying large flows to pumpers at relatively high suction lifts.

502. When a supply hose (or a hard suction hose) is connected from a p u m p inlet to a hydran t outlet, the pumper should be so located and supported that the hose does not form a suspension placing an undue strain on the hose near the couplings. This can result in loose couplings or failure of the hose.

503. Foreign objects of any type including items of equipment should not be carried inserted in the ends of supply hose for the convenience of the pump operator or firemen. Such objects may damage the lining of the hose and small objects may remain in the hose and obstruct the flow of water.

51. Pumper Supply Hose ("Soft Suction")

511. Most fire depar tment pumpers are equipped with a short length of large diameter fire hose for supplying the p u m p from a hydrant . S tandard sizes are 4-, 41~-, 5-, and 6-inch internal diameter. The length provided should be sufficient to reach a round such obstructions as automobiles parked too close to hydrants or over snowbanks, but not so long as to result in unnecessary friction


PUMPER SUPPLY HOSE 1 9 8 - 1 9

loss where max imum flows are required from hydrants discharging at low residual pressures. A common practice is to cut three pieces of large hose from a 50-foot length.

In addition to this short length of large supply hose, many fire depar tment pumpers have a hose compar tment loaded with addi- tional large diameter hose which may be used in supplying sub- stantial volumes of water to a pump operat ing at a greater distance from a hydrant . Sizes commonly used are 3-, 3V2-, and 4-inch I.D. Normal ly such hose is furnished in 50-foot lengths but some fire departments prefer to use 100-foot lengths.

512. Generally, hose used for pumper supply (other than hard suction hose) is of woven-jacketed, rubber-lined construction and should have the same basic care as suggested in Chapter 2. In some cases, where intended for use at relatively low supply pressures, the hose may be of lightweight, thin-walled design and may be pro- tected by a thin rubber coating. Care must be taken not to subject relay supply hose ]to working pressures greater than those for which the particular hose was designed. M a n y fire departments use 400 psi or 600 psi proof pressure 3- or 3½- inch discharge hose where long pumper supply lines are required al though hose of lower proof pressures may be satisfactory for this service.

513. Failures in the short length of large diameter pumper supply hose generally are caused by the fact that this hose is carried on the apparatus folded and either tied down or placed in a small compar t - ment. Where folds are always placed at the same points, they cause cracks to form in the lining as well as placing considerable stress on the warp threads. If limitations of space prevent folding the hose in such a manner that folds occur in different places, it should be carried in a roll on a step or running board. M a n y fire departments keep one end of this supply hose connected to the pump to speed the operation of getting water from a hydrant .

Where longer lines of supply hose are used, failure may occur due to dragging hose over rough pavements with the apparatus, use of pressures in excess of those for which the hose was designed, and failure to use relay relief valves when the hose is employed in pumper relays.

514. Mildew can attack cotton jackets of supply hose where employed, and care should be taken to dry such hose properly after use. This requires having a spare length for each pmnp. If specified, supply hose can be treated to resist mildew.

515. Chafing blocks should be used where supply hose comes in contact with pavement or curbing. Chafing is likely to occur at this point and result in premature hose failure.


198-20 CARE OF FIRE HOSE

Using Soft Suction

II Pum"':r I1 Pumper II ) Intake ~ Intake 0 Slight bend ~\\ !

,° hose-- \ ~Hyara.t ....... ~Hyarant

Method 1. Using side intake, slight bend in hose cuts d o w n tendency of soft suction to kink.

t'' eumper I ~ - Intake I I I ,

~) Hydrant

I ' ~Pumper I ' ' l . r ~ Intake

Hydrant Method 2. Using rear intake. Notice bend is not sharp. Be sure hose is not twis ted befo~re water is turned on. The same precaution can also be used on front end p u m p s

Fig. 516

516. \Vlten connecting a pumper t o a hydrant using a large supply hose' it is good practice to make sure that there is a slight bend in the hose before the water is turned on. This will tend to avoid kinks (see Fig. 516).

517. Test procedures for pumper supply hose (other than hard suction) arc the same as for woven-jacketed, rubber-lined hose. Normally, a service test pressure of 200 psi would be ample for the short lengths of large diameter pumper supply hose. Lightweight pumper supply hose should pass the service pressure tests for single- jacketed tire hose.

518. When long lines of large diameter hose are used between pumpers, then lightweight hose should be employed which may be of single jacketed construction. High psi test hose is impractical


PUMPER SUPPLY HOSE 198--21

~ P U M P LARGE DIAMETER n RELAY HOSE I I I I

RELAY RELIEF I l ER AT VALVE (SET AT PUMPER

SUCTION SOURCE I0 PSI) DISCHARGING AT F I RE

LARGE RELAY .SUPPLY ~ PUMPER SUPPLY

CONNECTION

SPRING LOADED RELAY RELIEF VALVE

Fig. 518. Using large d iamete r l i g h t w e i g h t supp ly hose.

for long lays due to its bulk and weight. Therefore, care must be used not to drag hose over rough pavements nor should the hose be subjected to over 150 psi pump pressure. In a relay supply operation such as this between pumpers, a relay relief valve or dump valve set to discharge at 10 psi should be used at the receiving pumper to protect the hose and pumper against water hammer. Many pumpers are not equipped with a relay relief valve. Under no circumstances should a hose of this construction be used for supplying high pressure discharge lines. Relay supply hose is designed for the purpose of moving large volumes of water at low pressures.

52. Hard Suction Hose

521. This type of hose has a rubber lining, plies of fabric reinforcement, and a rubber or rubberized fabric cover. It contains


1 9 8 - 2 2 C A R E O F F I R E H O S E

an added reinforcement to prevent the hose from col lapsing under vacuum. The hose should be capable of wi ths tanding a " v a c u u m " of 23 inches of mercury (11.3 pounds per square inch below a t - mospher ic pressure).

522. This type of hose must be used when draf t ing water . Com- mon sizes of ha rd suction hose are 1 ~ - , 2½- , 3-, 4-, 4 ~ - , 5- and 6- inch internal d iameter . The inside surface of the hose should be smooth to keep friction loss to a min imum. N F P A S tanda rd No. 19, Specif icat ions for Au tomot ive Fire Appara tus , gives the suction hose requi rements for draf t ing with fire d e p a r t m e n t pumpers . T h e 2 ½ - i n c h size is commonly used to supply por tab le fire d e p a r t m e n t pumps. O t h e r small capac i ty pumpers may use 1½- inch suction hose.

NOTE: The majority of fire departments no longer use hard suction hose when supplying pumps from hydrants due to the greater convenience of using lighter weight and more flexible hose. Where pumpers operate only from hydrants, hard suction hose may not be carried on the apparatus al- though suitable lengths must be available for conducting pump service tests from draft (see NFPA Standard No. 19).

523. At least two men should be used to connect ha rd suction hose larger than 2 ½ - i n c h in ternal d iameter , due to the weight and bulk of the hose, and care should be taken to avoid physical in jury to the men.

524. I f [lard suction hose is used for hyd ran t connections, the p u m p e r should be located so tha t the center pa r t of the hose is rest- ing on the ground or on some suitable support . I t is des i rable to use chafing blocks. Where hard suction hose is used when p u m p i n g from a hydran t , it may be car r ied a t t ached to a swivel connect ion a t t ached to a p u m p inlet.

525. A p p a r a t u s connected to a hyd ran t with hard suction hose should not be moved unless the hose is disconnected. This opera- t ion can place undue strain on couplings and cause the helix to rup tu re the carcass of the hose. In some cases the hose has been pul led from a coupl ing when the appa ra tu s has been moved with the hose connected.

526. H a r d suction hose should not be d ragged over sharp objects which m a y d a m a g e the cover or couplings.

527. Where hard suction hose is in tended for use in p u m p i n g from hydran ts it should be capab le of wi ths tanding an ini t ial hydro- static pressure test of 200 psi to assure ab i l i ty to wi ths tand pressure surges which m a y be encounte red when pumping .

528. H a r d suction hose should be subjected per iodical ly , and a t least once annual ly , to a d ry v a c u u m test. This can be done by


WASHING, DRYING, AND STORAGE 198-23

a t t ach ing the hose to a p u m p e r suction inlet and enclosing the other end with a t r ansparen t disk or seal. Used with a l ight this will indicate whether the in ternal l ining of the hose is being d rawn into the wa te rway by the reduced in ternal pressure resul t ing in obstruc- t ion to flow when the hose is in use (see Fig. 528).

Fig. 5 2 8 . Plast ic test disk for p u m p e r suct ion hose. O n e l ine goes to the p u m p e r v a c u u m and the other to a test g a g e . A c lear p last ic disk a t the other end used w i t h a l ight makes it poss ib le to observe if the in te rna l l in ing is d r a w n into the w a t e r w a y .

(San Diego Fire Department Photo)

529. Fire d e p a r t m e n t pumpers are requi red to develop at least 22 inches of vacuum, and suction hose must wi ths tand this wi thout col lapsing or having the hose l ining d rawn into the waterway. I t is impor tan t , also, tha t couplings be securely a t t ached and tha t there be no ai r leaks at the couplings or in the proper gaskets as specified in N F P A S t a n d a r d No. 194, Screw Threads and Gaskets for Fire Hose Couplings. Where couplings on suction hose must be t ight- ened, a r u b b e r mal le t should be used.

CHAPTER 6. WASHING, DRYING, AND STORAGE

Because washing, d ry ing and storage are very i m p o r t a n t in the care of fire hose, this chap te r gives i l lustrat ions to assist the user.

60. Washing 601. After use on a fire, it is impor t an t to wash fire hose to re-

move d i r t and other mate r ia l from the jackets. For this opera t ion use a scrub brush and mild soap and water . W h e n this me thod is used, care should be taken to scrub hose gently. Where hose is used f requent ly or the quan t i t y to wash is great , a mechanica l washer can be used.


1 9 8 - 2 4 CARE OF FIRE HOSE

602. There are commercial hose washing machines available (see Fig. 602A-B). However, many fire departments have constructed their own mechanical washers.

Fig. 602A. A commerc ia l type h o s e w a s h i n g machine.


Fig. 602B. A hose washing device for forestry hose. Soiled hose is d rawn through and washed w i t h w a t e r obta ined f rom the fire hose connect ion.

61. Dry ing

611. Several methods are suggested for accomplishing the hose drying operation. Hose should not be dried on hot pavements or


V~'ASHING, DRYING, AND STORAGE 198-25

under intense sunlight. However, hose may be washed and drained outside o[ fire stations where this is necessary.

612. Tower drying has proved successful (see Fig. 612A-D).

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SECT. THI~LI HO3E D..~YIAIG TOWER

Fig. 612A


198-26 CARE OF F I R E HOSE

However, care must be taken to properly ventilate and control the temperature of the tower so hose will not be damaged by excessive heat. It is poor practice to suspend hose from couplings. Hose

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~,VASI-IIXG, DRYING, AND STORAGE 198-27

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PLAN A T H O J E TOWLCI~ L O F T M / D - F L O O R P L A N

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Fig 612C. Features of hose drying tower.


1 9 8 - 2 8 CA~E OF FIRE HOSE

Fig. 612D. Hose drying tower for forestry hose In California.


in fire department hose drying tower.

(Newton, Mass., Fire Department Photo)

Fig. 612E. Details of hose hanging blocks

(Newton, Mass., Fire Department Photos) Fig. 612F. Spools used for hanging hose in hose drying tower.

should be looped over hanging blocks which will not place sharp bends in the hose (see Fig. 612E-F).

613. Drying racks of various designs are in use. Figures 613A through 613C show racks: one a single deck, the others, rnultiple- deck racks. It should be noted that the multiple-deck rack is so constructed that water from hose on upper deck will not come in contact with that on the lower decks.



j ; e ~

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• .-.~.GRAVE£ p I T / ' - G" DL. tP LEVEL

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ELEVATION

Fig. 613A. Hose Drying Rack.

(Lower rack is shorter than upper rack so dr ippings from hose on upper rack cannot fall on hose below.) From: War Department Technical Manual T3,15-6.~7, January 19d6.

This is a s imple rack to construct. Wood is used throughout . 2 x 4's are used to make the frame, and l " x 4" slats running lengthwise comprise the dry ing surface. It is suggested tha t a regular floor sump or dra in be provided at lower end of rack in place of the gravel pit as shown. This rack can be instal led in a shorter space than the other racks shown.

? [t.'-O" $~;0"

HO~£ RACK- ELEVATION

I j 5 2 ' - 0 " "J "1 "1 "1 3 "1 21 "1 IIIHIflIIIHk II !] il iJ ii iJ

HO~E RACK- PLAN

Fig. 613B. Multiple-Deck Hose Drying Rack.

Rack is constructed of steel angle iron for the frame and wooden 2 x 4's for the drying surface. Carr iage bolts are used to bolt wooden slats to side angle irons. Note that rack is so constructed tha t water from hose on upper deck will not come in contact with that on the lower decks. Each deck is 52 feet long but staggered so that the overall length of this rack is 54 feet. A total overall space ot 60 feet should be used to allow adequa te working area at each end.



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Fig. 613C. Hose Drying Rock.

HO,~ R,4CK

PLAN DETAI,£

This is an effective arrangement for drying fire hose where ample space is available inside the fire station and is adjacent to the apparatus.

The rack facilitates the proper care of hose, which will prolong its life and thus reduce the cost of the one perishable par t of the equipment.

The cut shows a rack in three sections, three to four feet wide, and with slatted top so half a dozen lengths of hose may be dried at one time.

614. Mechanical driers are being used by many fire departments to dry hose and other equipment. In general, drying cabinets dry hose faster and more efficiently and occupy less space than hose drying racks. In some situations, it may be less expensive to provide the desired hose drying capacity in the form of cabinets than by building a hose drying tower. Where cabinets are to be used, it is important to provide adequate capacity to meet the needs of fire companies housed in the station. A single cabinet may have ca-



pacity for 500 feet of 2½-inch fire hose. A single fire station may require two or more cabinets. These should be vented to the outside to keep excess moisture out of the station. Manufacturer's instructions should be followed.

Fig. 614. Shown are types of mechanical hose driers commercially available.

62. Storage

621. It is important to store hose in a suitable rack after hose is properly dried, brushed, and rolled. Commercial racks are available but many fire departments have built their own to fit their particular need. They have been constructed mostly of wood or pipe. Figures 621A and 621B show storage racks used by fire departments.

Fig. 6 2 1 A


198-32 C A R E O F F I R E HO'~E

Fig. 621B. Hose Storage Racks

CHAPTER 7. NOZZLES, COUPLINGS, AND GASKETS*

70. Nozzles

701. All nozzles should be checked per iodica l ly and immedia t e ly after use.

702. If there is an obstruct ion that cannot be removed by fully opening the nozzle, the nozzle should be taken from the hose line and the obs t ruct ion removed th rough the female end, since any further a t t empt to force it out th rough the tip m a y damage the nozzle.

703. Care should be taken to avoid dents or nicks in nozzle tips, as this can seriously affect the reach of the s tream.

704. To prevent mechanica l damage , nozzles should be hand led with care. They should not be d ropped or thrown aside except in emergencies.

*See NFPA No. 194, Screw Threads and Gaskets for Fire Hose Couplings and Underwriters' Laboratories Inc., S~andard No. 236, Couplings for Rubber- Lined Fire Hose.


NOZZLES, COUPLINGS, AND GASKETS 198--33

705. Nozzle control valves should be opened and closed slowly. This will eliminate unnecessary strain on the hose and coupling and reduce pressure surges. Except in the case of small volume streams at low pressure, nozzles should be shut off when the nozzle is being moved to a new position at the fire.

706. Nozzles should be washed out and thoroughly checked for any defects before being placed back in service following use. Nozzles should be washed in solution of soap and hot water. Submerge the nozzle and work the sleeve or roller until a free movement is ob- tained and rinse in water. Lubricate the shutoff with silicone grease.

707. When using a nozzle, care should be taken not to twist or bend the handle of the shutoff. Either of these conditions may prevent the valve from opening fully, or may permit the valve to go past the full opening. In both instances, the waterway would not be fully open, and the result would be a broken stream.

708. Nozzle valves should work freely. If for any reason a valve sticks, the nozzle should be immediately taken out of service and repaired. It should never be necessary to hammer a shutoff valve to make it operate.

709. Cracked rubber-covered handles oil nozzles can be the source of accidents and should be replaced.

71. Couplings

711. Couplings should be kept in first-class condition, and each time after hose is used, the coupling threads should be examined. Couplings and fittings which have been standardized by use of sleeves, inserts or conversion adapters should be individually inspected. Any lengths of hose with defective or damaged couplings should be removed from service and repaired. In most cases a machinist with proper facilities can repair damaged threads. Couplings should be adjusted so that they function easily by hand.

712. Couplings should not be greased or oiled if found to be stuck. Ordinarily, they can be freed satisfactorily by immersion in warm soapy water.

713. A degree of skill and experience is required to properly at- tach couplings to hose. Unless a fire department uses a large amount of hose and has a mechanic skilled and experienced in attaching couplings, this work should be done by the manufacturer of the hose or a coupling supplier who has trained personnel. If improper pressure is applied when attaching hose to coupling using expansion rings, the coupling bowl may be damaged or the coupling may be insecurely attached resulting in the coupling pulling off when the hose is in use.



714. When " b r e a k i n g " the line after use, care should be taken not to d rop couplings on pavement or o ther ha rd surface. This can cause d a m a g e to the swivel section or exposed threads. O n some couplings such abuse can cause the swivel to go out of l ine at the section which a t taches to the bowl assembly, and as a result , the swivel will not turn.

715. If, for any reason, it is necessary to move appa ra tu s after lines are in opera t ion , care should be taken to avoid dr iv ing over couplings. This can cause coupl ings to go "ou t of r o und . " In this condi t ion, it m a y be difficult to break line after a fire is out. Cou- plings which are "ou t of r o u n d " should be repa i red by a person who is exper ienced in this opera t ion . In m a n y instances, it would be pref- e rable to a t t ach new couplings to the hose ra the r than to reuse coupl ings which have been "ou t of r o u n d " and repai red .

716. Examina t ion should be made to see tha t hose is f i rmly attached to the coupl ing so tha t the coupl ing and the hose do not come apar t .

72. Gaskets*

721. Infer ior gaskets create fire g round problems. H igh qua l i ty synthet ic gaskets are preferred by many fire depar tments .

722. W h e n coupl ings are examined , the gasket in the swivel should be checked. R u b b e r gaskets de te r iora te wi th age and will break away from the washer or gasket seat.

723. Care should be taken that the gasket does not p ro t rude into the waterway, pa r t i cu la r ly at the nozzle coupl ing as this can cause a ragged s t ream, thus reducing the effective reach of the nozzle.

724. Likewise it is i m p o r t a n t to use gaskets with an outside d i ame te r large enough to fit the gasket recess proper ly . A gasket which is too small can cause leaky coupl ings when pressure is appl ied .

*See NFPA Standard No. 194.


MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 198-35

CHAPTER 8. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

80. M i l d e w Treatment

801. klan}" different types of lnildcw treated fire hose arc avai l- able. However , proper dry ing of all hose is necessary since most t rea tments do not protect the cotton yarn comple te ly from mi ldew growth, but ra ther slow down the process thereby affording longer life to hose. Unless both the inner and outer jackets are t reated, mildew can form on the un t rea ted cot ton strands and cause damage .

802. Polyester filler threads are not affected by mildew, but in view of the fact that this type of hose lnay have cot ton wa rp threads, which can be a t tacked by mildew, care must be taken to dr}' polyester hose proper ly . A polyester filled, mi ldew t rea ted hose should give longer service with proper care.

803. A lni ldew t r ea tmen t which conforms to U.S. Forest Service Specif icat ion No. 182 for cot ton forestry hose, and No. 183 for l inen forestry hose, will give the m a x i m u m a m o u n t of mildew resistance that can be ob ta ined at the present t ime with cot ton hose .jackets.*

*The Canad ian s tandard for Unl ined Fire Hose for F(,restry Service differs as to tests for mildew t reatment .

Size I No.Identificati°nof Length ] F I R E D E P A R T M E N T H O S E R E C O R D

Kind [ Brand II Cost per foot I Date of Purchase

Manufacturer ] Vendor

] [ Length Tested

Guarantee

Out of Service

Date R e a s o n

...... iii 2.11.11.121

:i!ii

Couplings Remarks

Fig. 813. Typical Hose Record Form.


198-36 C A R E O F F I R E H O S E

81. H o s e R e c o r d s

811. Good hose records are necessary in order to keep accurate data on hose performance. These records take different forms.

812. Some departments use a book with pages numbered to cor- respond with numbers stamped on the bowl or swivel of the coupling. In this connection, it should be pointed out that coupling bowls may be knocked out of shape by improper number stamping. The proper procedure may be to insert a steel plug with rounded edges in the waterway of the coupling to the end of the expansion ring. Sharp steel numbering dies should be used, and one sharp

DENVER FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL HOSE TESTING

ENGINE CO.

2;,~" H o s e 1~,~" Hose

A m o u n t S e r l a l N o . ] C o n d e m n e d C a u s e

.............. iiii+iii+iiiiiiiiiiii + U if . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . .

................. II,IIIII.III.I-IIIIUU+-.-I+;I ..........

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

II+U...IIIIIIII.IIIIII-,,IIIIIIII-II+III+I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . .

A m o u n t Serial No. C o n d e m n e d Cause

............................... IIUI.I..III~IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

.................................. iiiiii+iiiiiii+iiiiiiiiiilr+iiiii+iii+ill

................................... iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

iiiiii..+/iiiiiiiiii+iii+ii+iiiiii.i+iiii.iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

.................................. iii.i.ii/i-iii.iii~iiiiiiiiiiiiii.iii

................................. ,iiiiiii..i+.ii.iiiiiiiiiilIiiiiii+iiiiii

R e m a r k s :

Fig. 814A. Hose Test Record.

C o n d e m n e d C o d e

A - - A c i d

B - B u r n s

C - C u t s

D - - Damaged O - O v e r a g e


MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 1 9 8 - 3 7

DENVER FIRE D E P A R T M E N T HOSE W O R K R E P O R T

Serial No. Cond. [ R e p l a c e m e n t R e m a r k s Date C o m p a n y ! Amoun t Size

....

•i

i

F i g . 8 1 4 B . Hose Report Form.

blow should be enough to mark the n u m b e r on the coupling. N u m - bers should be placed as near the swivel as possible on the female coupl ing, and as near the n ipple as possible on the male coupling.

813. One of the types of hose record cards employed is shown in F igure 813. The re are others which will be just as satisfactory provided they give all of the informat ion requi red for accura te records. M a n y depa r tmen t s keep accura te records as to age of hose, etc., bu t have no idea as to the cause of failure or reasons for con- demning a cer ta in length of hose. This in iormat ion is jus t as impor t an t as the age, vendor , fire c o m p a n y to which length of hose was assigned, etc.


198-38 C A H E O F F I R E H O S E

814. Figure 814A shows annual test record sheets from the Den- ver, Colorado, Fire Depar tmen t . This informat ion is la ter trans- ferred to the master hose record (Fig. 814B). Notice on the sheet headed " A n n u a l Hose Tes t ing" the code for reasons which cause hose to be' condenmed .

82. Serv ice Test for Fire Hose

821. Fire depa r tmen t s are expected to conduc t service tests of fire hose at least annua l ly and after repairs such as the a t t a c hme n t of new couplings. T h e r e c o m m e n d e d service test pressure for double- jacketed , rubber - l ined fire hose is 250 psi. A few fire depa r tmen t s have been known to a t t empt to employ test pressures of upward of 300 psi for the purpose of acceptance testing of new hose. This is not r ecommended unless the fire d e p a r t m e n t has a hose shop properly equ ipped and staffed for such acceptance testing. I t is recommended t]hat new fire hose be tested for compl iance with N F P A No. 196, S t a n d a r d for Fire Hose, by a recognized fire testing labora- tory equ ipped for this work.

822. T h e deve lopmen t of test pressures as high as 250 psi recommended for service testing introduces a serious acc ident potent ia l unless r e c o m m e n d e d procedures are followed. Jus t because couplings have blown off inf requent ly or hose unde r test has seldom burst is no reason to neglect safe test procedures.

823. The following test employ ing a fire d e p a r t m e n t p u m p e r can be used: (see Par. 824 for use of hose testing machine) :

1. Lay out hose to be tested in lines of convenient length. Make sure tha t lines are s t raight and wi thout kinks or twists. Record ident i fying numbers of lenoths to be tested.

2. Connect a fire d e p a r t m e n t p u m p e r at a sui table locat ion to provide the source of water and pressure for testing.

3. Connect lines to be tested to ga ted outlets of the pumper . A t t ach shutoff nozzles to the far end of the lines. Secure both ends of the hose line. Suppor t the line being tested with a bel t t ie-in or rope hose tool a t a point 10 to 15 inches from the but t coupled to the p u m p e r d ischarge port .

4. Secure the nozzle (or the hose di rec t ly back of it) to avoid possible wh ipp ing or o ther uncont ro l led react ion.

5. In a t t ach ing hose to the pumper , a hose test gate valve should be used which will prevent an excessive pressure surge should hose burst dur ing testing (see Fig. 823).

6. Wi th the test gate valve open and nozzle open, fill hose wi th water a t a pressure not exceeding 100 psi. After the line is charged


M I S C E L L A N E O U S I X F O R M A T I O N 198-39

Fig. 823. A hose test gate valve. T h e ~ - i n c h opening in the valve permits test pressure to be maintained after the hose has been f i l led and the valve closed, but will not pe rm i t a pressure surge should the hose burst while feinting.

(Milwaukee Fire Department Photo)

and all air has been exhausted from the hose, close the nozzle slowly and close the test gate valve at the pumper.

7. Check all couplings for leakage and tighten couplings with spanner wrench where necessary. Mark hose at each end of coupling with a crayon or pencil. This is to determine whether there is any coupling movement during the test.

8. With the test gate valve closed, raise the pressure slowly to 250 psi and hold the test pressure for five minutes. During this time, walk down the line and inspect for coupling leaks or pin holes. Never straddle a hose under pressure. Personnel should keep a distance of at least 15 feet from the hose except as necessary to inspect couplings.

9. After five (5) minutes, reduce pumper to idling speed, close hydrant, disengage pump and open drain valve on pumper to reduce pressure in line under test. When pressure drops below 100 psi, open nozzle slowly to finish relieving pressure, close gates, and disconnect lines.

10. Observe marks placed on hose at back of couplings. If couplings have moved during test, the length of hose should be sent to repair shop for removal of coupling and resetting. The identify- ing number of the length should be marked on the record card (see page 198-35). A tag or other distinguishing mark should be placed on the hose telling what the defect is.

Any burst lengths should also be tagged and taken out of service.


1 9 8 - 4 0 C A R E OF F I R E H O S E

11. Hose records should be marked to indicate condition of each length tested. Necessary repairs should be made.

12. After testing, hose should be properly drained and dried.

824. In forest fire service it is not unusual after a fire for a central cache or depot to receive several miles of small diameter hose for cleaning and storage (see Fig. 824A). Hose testers, varying from


Fig. 8 2 4 A . Several miles of forestry hose brought to a central depot, fol= lowing a fire, for cleaning, drying, testing and reroll ing ready for reuse.


M I S C E L L A N E O U S INFORMATION" 198-41

one-l ine to five-line capaci ty , are often used in such work (see Fig. 824B). T h e following steps are suggested:

1. Lay out all hose in lines of not more than three hund re d (300) feet long. Make sure tha t lines are reasonably s t ra ight wi thout kinks or twists. Record ident i fying numbers of lengths tested as requi red .

2. Connect hose tester to source of water .

3. Connect lines to be tested to as m a n y ga ted outlets as are avai lable . A t t ach shutoff type nozzles, or special b leeder valves, to far end of line. M a r k hose at end of each coupl ing with a c rayon or pencil. This is to de te rmine whether or not there is any coupl ing movemen t dur ing test.

4. Fill hose wi th water . H y d r a n t pressure th rough a hose tester is adequate . Make sure nozzle end is open dur ing the filling opera t ion to permi t all free a i r in the hose to escape. To insure tha t all air is dr iven out, the nozzle end of the hose should be e levated two or three feet above the rest of the hose, unt i l the s t ream is solid wi thout spur t ing air. Whi le still e levated, the nozzle, or valves,


Fig. 824B. Hose testing machine capable of testing five lines of 11/2-inch forestry hose simultaneously. The hose connection on the extreme right shows a special bleeder va lve for use on the end of each line under test.


198 42 CARE OF FIRE HOSE

should be closed slowly. If the location of the test is paved, the nozzle or valve can be operated by one man. If test ground is not paved, two men should be on the nozzle, or valve, during filling operation. If nozzle is left on the ground where no paving is present, it can dig a hole in the area. After all air is exhausted from the hose, close nozzle slowly and place on ground. Check all couplings for leakage. Tighten couplings with spanner wrench where necessary.

5. Raise the pump and hose to the test pressure gradually in not less than one-half minute. Pressurize the hose line to 250 psi for rubber-lined hose and hold for five (5) minutes. Observe lines under test for any obvious defects. During this part of the test, make sure personnel remains at a safe distance, as a burst line can cause the nozzle end to snap back.

6. After five (5) minutes, reduce pressure gradually following equipment instructions. When pressure drops below 100 psi, open nozzle end to finish relieving pressure. Close gates, and disconnect lines.

Observe marks placed on hose at back of couplings. If couplings have moved during test, that length should be set aside for resetting of coupling involved. A tag or other mark should be placed on hose indicating the defect. Burst lengths should be tagged or marked and taken out of service.

An examintion of all gaskets should be made when the line is broken after the test. Any worn or badly cracked gaskets should be replaced. If any coupling shows leakage after tightening with spanner wrench, a new gasket should be put into the swivel. If the test or visual examination shows a coupling to be defective, it should be replaced with a good coupling.

Threads on couplings should be checked to make sure they are not damaged.

7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until all hose carried is tested.

8. Tested hose should be rolled up and returned to drying facility. Clare should be taken to make sure this hose is properly drained and dried.

824. Tile apparatus should be loaded with previously dried hose and returned to service.

83. Typica l Hose Loads on Fire Trucks

831. Horseshoe or U-Load.


MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 198--43

I.'F

/" L , n e is fiolded over" t o 5 f a r f second layer

La~er5 5tar I" af aHernafe corners

F r o n f o f Hose Body

~ e a r

SJrarl load with male

t end here

Fig. 831A . Horseshoe or U-Load.

F r o n Jr o~" Hose Body ---S'rarf load

~t'~ wi fh male end here

Thts la5f encmclin~ line of hose comes up draclual I v toward ~roht fo 91-a r I" second lave r

' - -Bend ~'oe5 ~'o leFf on second laye r

Fig. 831B. Horseshoe or U-Load. ( C o n t i n u e d oT~ page 198-11.4)



Anothe r form of the horseshoe or U-load. It is s tar ted in the r ight corner of the bed. T h e hose is laid a round the inside of the bed and al ternate rear folds are m a d e shorter. T h e rear bends on the r ight ha l f of the bed should be about 2 inches shorter t h a n those on the left. T h e end of the first layer is led from the center a round the ends of the r ight half and tucked be tween the hose and r ight side of the bed. It is raised gradual ly unt i l reaching the r ight front corner. Here the second layer is begun by following the inside of the bed. Th i s t ime the rear bends on the left half of the bed are m a d e shorter to allow room for br inging the end of the second layer a round to s tar t the th i rd layer. A di~- advan tage of this load is tha t a kink may form at the rear corner when begin- n ing to pay out another layer. (See also Fig. 831A.)

Front o£ Hose Body /

Revers~ bend is m a d e so fhat coup- l i rl~ doe~ no f lnave I'0 t u rn a r o u n d when hose pay5 out

Les t l ine o£ h'ose at R e a r t h i s side i s b r o u ~ h f up _~'radually to S~rar-f s e c o n d layer in r e a r c o r n e r

,--S~art l o a d w i t h m a l e e n d h e r e

Fig. 832. Accordion Load.

T h e accordion load is ra ther s imple to place in the hose bed and is f requent ly used. However , all the bends are s h a r p ( t e n d i n g to c r a m p the rubber lining. Th i s load is s tar ted wi th the coupl ing in the r ight front corner of the bed and hose is folded back and forth parallel to the length of the bed. Every o ther bend at each of the hose beds is m a d e about 8 inches shorter t h a n the preceding one so the bends will be less sharp and paying out will be made easier. W h e n com- plet ing the layer at the side of the bed the length is g radua l ly raised f rom front to rear until at the rear it is on top of the first layer.



As each layer is completed the remaining space between hose and side of body becomes narrower than the length of the coupling, and if the hose is placed in this space so the coupling will have to turn around in paying out it will jam. To avoid this, a small reverse bend may be made so tile coupling will lie where it does not have to turn around to pay out. This device may also be used to avoid placing two couplings in different layers immediately opposite each other.

F r o n f of'

" - . T - S~art from ,.a--j of" regu la r hose

Ioa~l be low

CoupI i n . ~ _ r'~de on s~icl~-

A b o u t E Hand-hold Ivy r_ ~ar

Fig. 833. Skid Load-- Detail of Skid Load.

The skid load is placed on top of the regular load and made with about 125 feet of hose. The layer upon which the skid is placed should be level and free from protruding lugs. The skid load is started a little way back from the front of the hose bed. First, several cross folds are made to allow enough slack so load can be skidded off the truck. Then a pair of skids are made from the hose. The first skid is formed by laying the hose flat to the rear of the bed, giving it a half turn and bending the hose back on itself to form a handle about 8 inches in diameter. It overhangs the regular hose load. The second skid is made in a similar manner.

Next, beginning toward the front, make several cross folds on the skids to complete the load. There should be plenty of clearance on the sides, and couplings should ride on the skids so they will not be damaged or become snagged when the skid load is pulled off. The nozzle should be placed well back on top of the cross folds.



Fig. 834. Flat Load.

Hose in the r ight-hand compar tment is shown stowed on its side in a flat load rather than on edge as with the conventional accordion load in the left-hand compartment . Hose in a flat load tends to lay out easier but there is more danger of dropping a line accidentally if a fire fighter is not riding on the back step. Some fire chiefs believe that use of the flat load results in greater wear than where the hose is stored firmly on edge. Note that the hose in the two compartments is joined so that a continuous long line may be laid out. I f two shorter lines are wanted the coupling would be "broken" and hose laid from both compar tments .

. , -4ft -.,..,~._

r Male End

Fig. 8 3 5 A . Donut Roll.

H o w to make a d o n u t roll . To make the donut roll, place a section of hose flat on the g r o u n d T h e n carry the male end over on top of the hose about four feet from the swivel end. One man then rolls the loop end while a second man guides the slack hose to make the job of rolling easier. The center of the roll should not be made too tight because it is undesirable to cramp the rubber lining and a handhold should be left for carrying.



A high incidence of outside rubbish or dump fires can be expected during holiday periods or especially dry weather. Then it is common practice to make a special deck load of old hose not connected to the regular hose load. Donu t roils are very handy for this purpose. Several rolls can be carried connected together ready to be dropped off at a hydrant, saving good hose from unnecessary wear.

A donut roll may be easily unrolled in confined spaces. To unroll the donut roll inside a building, two men take couplings and walk in opposite directions. Normally, the man with the male coupling would go toward the nozzle end and the other man would go toward the hydrant.

To carry a donut roll, stand the roll on edge with couplings toward the rear. Place the hand in the center opening and lift the roll up and press it against the body with the forearm.

When a donut roll is used in making connection to a

care, maintenance and use of fi re hose 1969 handbook/nfpa 198... · 2012. 2. 12. · introduction...

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