INSTRUCT-O-GRAMTHE HANDS ON TRAINING GUIDE

FOR THE FIRE INSTRUCTOR

VOLUME XI, ISSUE 9 HOSE OPERATIONS SEPTEMBER 1990

HOSE OPERATIONSINSTRUCTOR TASK

To use hose lines within a structure to attack fire,assist in rescue, cover exposures and gain control ofthe overall fire situation.

Estimated Time: .. ...6 hours

INTRODUCTION

Advancing hose lines into a building quickly is a mostimportant fireground operation. Lines may be takenin by stairway, ladders, ropes, aerial devices andother methods. Efficient operation is a must if controlof the fire is to be attained quickly.

OUTLINE

1. Advancing dry and charged lines into a buildingby inside and outside stairways.

2. Advancing line by ground and aerial ladders,towers and platforms.

3. Advancing lines by rope, pike pole and shepherdhook.

4. Using lines from a standpipe system.5. Operating hand lines from ground ladders, aerial

ladders and other aerial devices.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

I. NFPA Standard 1001, Firefighter I

A. 3-13.1 The firefighter, given the necessaryequipment and operating as an individualand as a member of a team, shall advancedry hose lines of two different sizes, both ofwhich shall be 1 1/2 inch or larger, from apumper:

1. into a structure2. up a ladder into an upper floor window3. up an inside stairway to an upper floor4. up an outside stairway to an upper floor5. down an inside stairway to a lower floor6. down an outside stairway to a lower floor7. to an upper floor by hoisting

B. 3-13.4 same as 3-13.3 but with charged lines

C. 3-13.11 The firefighter shall work from aladder with a charged line which shall be 1 1/2 inch or larger.

D. 3-13.12The firefighter shall demonstrate thetechniques of carrying hose into a building tobe connected to a standpipe, and of advanc-ing a hose line from a standpipe.

II. The firefighter shall have a thorough knowledgeof methods used to advance hose lines with theequipment of the department and how thesemethods are applied on the fireground.

ISSN: 0739-4551

IOG '90 — SEPTEMBER

INSTRUCTOR OUTLINE

1. PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this lesson to have the student

handle hose lines of various sizes and to advance

these lines, dry and charged, into a building through

several different methods. It is to prepare the student

to pass the test of Firefighter I, Hose, Nozzles and

Appliances section of NFPA Standard 1001, and to

give the student an overview of the different means

of attack at a building fire.

Students in this session should already have had

basic hose and appliance lessons. However, at this

point a review of properly removing attack lines from

the apparatus and advancing them to the building

should be done prior to those operations requiring

entrance into the building. This action may save lost

time during the remainder of the class and permit

smooth efficient operations.

2. OUTLINE/PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

A review of the outline and performance objectives

indicates that several different operations must be

done with dry and charged lines. In many cases not

all of the operations will be required, such as an

absence of aerial apparatus, standpipes, etc. The

instructor should concentrate on those evolutions

most likely required of the department(s) involved.

In any case, lines should be advanced for specific

assignments:

1. Fire attack

2. Over the fire (where required by the building

involved)

3. Protect exposures — interior and exterior

4. To protect those trapped in a building

5. Back-up (supplemental) lines

Point out that initial attack lines and the streams they

throw may be of any size available due to the fire

encountered. One size hose line is not used for initial

attack on all fires.

Note that back-up lines are used in the same general

area as the initial attack lines and the key here is that

they are always larger in gpm discharge. They are

brought to position and charged so that they are

instantly ready to gain fire control or cover a retreat

from a building. For example, two 1 1/2" or 1 3/4"

lines should be backed up by a 21 /2" line, preferably

with a 1 1/4-inch tip, the largest handline stream. If

control of the fire is not accomplished quickly by the

smaller lines, additional lines of the same size will

also be ineffective. It is reach and volume that are

needed.

Where the training situation permits, use ladders,

rope, (with hose roller) pike poles, shepherd hooks

and aerial devices to advance lines up into a struc-

ture. Explain that when lines are advanced through

any of these methods, only one section of hose is

needed for every four or five floors; stairway ad-

vance requires one section for each floor.

Where truck companies are present, assign stu-

dents to those units and have them raise ladders for

the hose lines, venting, search, etc.

Rotate students through the various operations indi-

vidually or by groups as is best dictated by the

existing conditions.

3. GENERAL PROCEDURES

_ As always, it is important to consider the building

being used, the number of students present, appa-

ratus and assistance available and overall safety

and control.

In the first session, attempt to involve all the students

in all the operations. Remember, they should ad-

vance two different sizes of both dry and charged

lines. In the later session, attempt to operate with the

manpower usually available to the department(s)

represented.

Set up to advance lines for a specific fire situation.

Point out that control of stairways and corridors is of

extreme importance to control the spread of fire,

protect the occupants and effect rescue. Indicate

where the lines are to go for the problem presented.

Once initial attack lines are in place have a back-up

line advanced. In this way two different size lines will

be handled, and proper firefighting procedure per-

formed. If the number of students and apparatus

permits, have the entire initial attack line/back-up

line operation run again before taking up the first

lines. This will keep the students involved, assist in

covering the operations required more quickly and

allow better instructor control.

Cover advancing a line by ladder prior to working it

into an operation.

w

Proper procedure for advancing a line over a ladder

into a window includes placing the ladder to the left

side of the window (space permitting) with not more

than one rung over the sill. This leaves space to the

right and above for the firefighter to move into the

building. The hose is carried on the right side so that

SEPTEMBER — IOG '90

it can be placed in the space at the sill. The nozzleman

has the hose come under the right arm and over the

left shoulder, nozzle down on butt. In this way full

body force can be exerted in carrying the hose, the

nozzle will not be beating on the body and, if the line

should become charged, it will merely raise up off of

the back and remain in place. If the nozzle is carried

in front, it may raise up and knock the firefighter off

the ladder.

The second firefighter places the first coupling in

front of the right shoulder on a soft spot, not on

bones. He climbs about twenty feet behind the

nozzleman, pacing movement with the nozzleman.

When the nozzleman reaches the window, he deter-

mines if it is safe to enter and, if so, he quickly grasps

the nozzle with the left hand, swings it forward and

places it over the sill to the right of the ladder. He/she

then enters and begins pulling in the slack. The

second firefighter continues to climb as the nozzleman

pulls in the slack. When the firefighter is at the top of

the ladder, he/she removes the coupling from his/her

shoulder and places it inside over the sill. The

second firefighter enters the window, fifty feet inside.

If a third firefighter is involved, the second pulls in the

slack as the nozzleman begins to move toward the

firefighting position. The third firefighter enters, 100

feet inside.

Point out that it may be necessary to knock out the

window (and storm window) with the ladder to effect

entry. If this proves difficult, it may be necessary to

first place the ladder beside the window and remove

it with tools, then place the ladder to advance the

hose line into the building.

Slack line should be flaked to the right of the ladder

up close to the building for most efficient operation

IOG '90 — SEPTEMBER

and ease of the firefighters. The ladder should be

secured at the tip or butted by a firefighter before

climbing with the line begins.

To advance a charged line by ladder, the ladder

movements may be the same as described above.

Charged lines, however, will require rope hose tools

or web straps to be used by firefighters, placed about

twenty-five feet apart. It is much more efficient to

shut down and drain the line, advance it and then

recharge it.

Advancing a line by rope can often be a quick,

effective method of getting a line into upper floors. A

hose roller should be used if it is available, though it

is not always necessary with the smaller lines. Here

again, the slack should be flaked out close up to the

building for easiest operation.

Also, if the building permits, advance line by rope

inside beside the stairway. Often, due to the design

of the stairway, there is an open chute-like area

down through the floors which is ideal for rope

advance as opposed to humping the line up the

stairs. A much quicker, more efficient operation can

be carried out using much less hose. Pike poles and

shepherd hooks can be similarly used in this in-

stance.

Advancing lines by pike pole or shepherd hook can

be very efficient up an outside fire escape, outside

stairway, open gangways, or any place firefighters

can quickly get over one another, pass the line and

go up again. It is not effective when it is necessary to

go into the building then force entrance through

apartments or offices to get out to the line.

Advancing a line up an aerial ladder is best done by

keeping the line straight to avoid hangups on aerial

equipment and having couplings and hose loops

drop through the ladder. The nozzle may be carried

as on a ground ladder, but others should use rope

hose tools. The line may be advanced into the

building or taken up to operate from the ladder when

a master stream is not required.

When operating a stream from a ground ladder do

not fasten the hose tight to a ladder rung. Instead,

have the rope hose tool hook on one rung, take up

the slack with turns on the second rung down and

have the hose suspended between the next two

rungs down. In this way most of the back pressure

will be absorbed by the rope, with less tendency to

pull back on the ladder.

For standpipe operations most departments have

some sort of bag, pack, or cart setup to get the

standpipe lines into position and stretch them from

the standpipe outlet to the fire. The hose should be

fixed to allow line to be taken to the outlet and

stretched toward the fire at the same time. If the

session is not conducted at a standpiped facility it

may be possible to set up a mock standpipe outlet

using a 2 1/2" adapter mount or 2 1/2" hose with a

gate valve attached. Have the students then stretch

the lines as required by their particular standpipe

hose setup.

Attempt to set up the supposed fire situation as

realistically as possible, taking into consideration the

building being used. Start from an apparatus still

position and cover all that is required. When this is

completed and you are satisfied with the perfor-

mance, it may be good to have the units respond in

with the usual manpower to certain problems pre-

sented to them. If available, have department offic-

ers command the units. Also, it may be possible to

work in real or artificial smoke.

SEPTEMBER — IOG '90

,

»

After each operation review overall and individual

performances. Bring out any unsafe practices. At-

tempt to find out if everyone understood what they

were doing, what was going on around them at the

same time and the purpose of the various opera-

tions.

Before taking up, review the entire session, and

promote and askquestions especially in those areas

you think may be somewhat weak.

See to it that all equipment used is properly cleaned,

air bottles filled and units properly stowed.

INSTRUCTOR REFERENCES

IFSTA, Essentials of Firefighting, 200

Engine Company fireground Operations — Richman, Chapters 4, 6, 7

Firefighting Principles and Practices — Clark

About the AuthorHal Richman is a retired fire chief with over 30years in the fire service. He is the past presidentof ISFSI, the author of two books on firefighting,and a speaker at major national conferences. Hehas conducted operational seminars for officers,both in the U.S. and overseas. Hal has alsoperformed fire department evaluations for citygovernments, and has been head of the FireScience Program for five years.

Methods and techniques provided in the Instruct-O-Gramare suggested by the author. There are many othermethods and techniques which are equally successful andused in many municipalities throughout the world. The newInstruct-O-Gram is aimed at developing sound trainingprocedures for the recruit level. These procedures maydiffer from policy which is established by the chief of thedepartment and commonly posted as the "standard operat-ing procedure" (SOP). It is suggested that any difference inprocedures be brought to the attention of the chief of thedepartment.

© International Society of Fire Service Instructors

lOG '90 — SEPTEMBER

SUGGESTED LESSON PLAN

INSTRUCTOR NOTES I. ADVANCING INITIAL ATTACK LINES

A. By stairway/corridors

1. inside and outside

2. to upper floors

3. to lower floors

B. By ground ladder

1. proper positioning of hose and nozzle

2. proper carry of coupling(s)

C. By rope, pike pole, shepherd hook

1. outside/hose roller

2. inside

D. By aerial ladder

1. rope hose tools/hose straps

E. From aerial/platform pipes

F. From standpipe systems

1. on same floor

2. to upper floor

SEPTEMBER — IOG '90

INSTRUCTOR NOTES

u

II. ADVANCING BACK-UP (SUPPLEMENTAL) LINES

A. Larger gpm flow lines

B. Operations as above in I

III. OPERATING LINES/STREAMS FROM LADDERS

A. Ground ladders

1. leg lock/life belt

2. proper tie/rope hose tool

3. proper position related to window

B. Aerial ladders

1. life belt only

2. proper tie/rope hose tool

3. proper position related to window

TRAINING NOTICETIME: .

DATE:

LOCATION:

NOTES:

STUDENT TASK

To understand and perform the various methods ofadvancing hose lines into abuilding in order to attackfire, assist in rescue, protect exposures and gaincontrol of the overall fire situation.

ESTIMATED TIME 6 hours

INTRODUCTION

Advancing hose lines into a building to the properposition quickly is a most important fireground op-eration and one in which the new firefighter will beinvolved. Lines may be taken in by stairway, ladders,ropes, aerial devices and other methods. Efficientoperation is a must if control of the fire is to beaccomplished quickly.

OUTLINE

1. Advancing dry and charged lines into a buildingby inside and outside stairways.

2. Advancing line by ground ladders, aerial ladders,towers and platforms.

3. Advancing lines by rope, pike pole and shepherdhook.

4. Using lines from a standpipe system.5. Operating line from ground ladders, aerial ladders

and other aerial devices.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

I. NFPA Standard 1001, Firefighter I

A. 3-13.1 The firefighter, given the necessaryequipment and operating as an individual and asa member of a team, shall advance dry hoselines of two different sizes, both of which shall be1 1/2-inch or larger from a pumper:

1. into a structure2. up a ladder into and upper floor window

3. up and inside stairway to an upper floor4. up and outside stairway to an upper floor5. down and inside stairway to a lower floor6. down and outside stairway to a lower floor7. to an upper floor by hoisting

B. 3-14.1 same as 3-13.1, but with charged lines

C. 3-13.11 The firefighter shall work from a ladderwith a charged line which shall be 1 1/2-inch orlarger.

D. 3-13.12 The firefighter shall demonstrate thetechniques of carrying hose into a building to beconnected to a standpipe, and of advancing ahose line from a standpipe.

II. The firefighter shall have a thorough knowledgeof methods used to advance hose lines with theequipment of the department and of how thesemethods are applied on the fireground.

REFERENCES

IFSTA 200 - Essentials of Firefighting

Engine Company Fireground Operations- RichmanChapter4, "Rescue"; Chapters, "Initial Attack Lines";Chapter 7, "Backup Lines"

Firefighting Principles and Practices — Clark

REVIEW

Rope, tools and devices which may be used inadvancing hose lines.

Fire department equipment

SOP's and orders related to hose operations.

Fire department material