Hose Practices (7th Edition)
Chapter 2-Care, Maintenance, & Testing
Test Review
- Hose being run over by a vehicle is the most common cause of damage to inner linings of hose.
- When hose is loaded dirty, mechanical damage can occur.
- Hose should be cleaned with a broom and water stream.
- When hose must be advanced through a window, the glass should be removed completely and sash opened if possible.
- Tools should not be carried on top of hosebeds.
- When dragging over pavement, hose should be flat, folded in half, and both couplings carried.
- If a vehicle must cross a hose, it is best that it is charged and at a place away from couplings.
- Hose should be removed from hose towers as soon as it is dry.
- Contact with hot objects can promote cracking and dry hose linings.
- A musty smell indicates mildew.
- Chemicals in solid, liquid, or gaseous form can harm hose.
- Rough handling causes the most damage to fire hose.
- When hose dryers or towers are unavailable, hose should be dried on edge out of sunlight with adequate ventilation.
- Couplings and hose jackets should be inspected after use and before placing hose back in service.
- The maximum test length for service testing of hose is 300 feet.
- Hose/rope straps should be attached to test lengths in case of failure.
- Nozzles should be held above the level of the pump when charging test lengths to promote air purging.
- Service test pressure for hose under 3 inches is 300 psi for 5 minutes. *DISCREPANCY*(Fire Streams states "3" or smaller hose is 250 psi")
- Service test pressure for hose over 3 inches is 200 psi for 5 minutes. *DISCREPANCY*(Fire Streams states "3 1/2" or larger hose is 185 psi")
- Prior to a hose test, the test length should be charged with 50 psi.
- When service testing hose, the maximum allowable movement for newly coupled hose is 1/8 inch.
- Unlined hose can be pressure tested.
- Each section of hose should be marked with an identification number.
- Collar method attached couplings may require an allen wrench for repairs.
- Expansion ring method couplings may require expanders for repairs.
- Screw-In expander method couplings may require a vise and key for repairs.
- Tension ring method couplings may require a tool kit for repairs.
- The maximum amount of suction loss when service testing hard suction hose is 10 inches in 10 minutes.
- Using hose rollers (preferred) or rolled salvage covers can prevent damage to hose dragged over windowsills.
- A hose bridge allows vehicles to drive over hose without damaging it.
- Chafing blocks prevent abrasion damage due to excessive pumper vibration.
- Hose must be rotated a minimum of 4 times per year in hose beds if not used.
- To avoid water hammer, avoid sudden increases in pressure and avoid opening or closing valves too quickly.
- Mildew can be removed from hose with a mild soap solution, then dried completely to prevent further formation.
- A small amount of water flowing through a nozzle will keep a hose from freezing during freezing temperatures.
- Battery acid can be removed from hose using a baking soda and water solution.
- Dirt-encrusted couplings should be washed in warm, soapy water, threads cleaned with a stiff brush, and swivel worked back and forth in solution.
- Fire hose should be service tested once a year.
- Breaking frozen couplings can be accomplished by putting near apparatus exhaust or pouring hot water over a towel-wrapped coupling.
- Pressure testing of hose is recommended after being frozen, exposed to chemicals, or when couplings are replaced.
- Lined, fabric-jacket hose can be damaged by mechanical action, exposure to heat/cold, mold or mildew, or chemical contact.
- Hose frozen in ice can be melted with a steam-generating device or carefully chopped away.
- Drying hose completely, keeping it in a well-ventilated area, and using water-repellant covers reduces chances of mildew formation.
- Expanders are either Hand-hydraulic, Power, or Manually operated.
- Vacuum testing of hard suction hose is designed to reveal loose linings and leaks.