Essentials of Fire Fighting 6 th Edition Firefighter I Chapter 15 — Fire Hose

VIDEO: Peter drinks from fire hose Time: 0.13 Chap –1

Basic fire hose characteristics. 15–2

Supply From hydrant/water supply to apparatus Attack Water or other agents at increased pressure Each type of fire hose transports water for on scene operations. 15–3

To be reliable fire hose must be constructed, used, and maintained appropriately. 15–4 Flexible Watertight Smooth rubber or neoprene lining Covered by durable jacket Common Construction Single-jacket Double-jacket Rubber single-jacket Hard-rubber or plastic noncollapsable Common Configurations

Hose size measurements in diameter refer to the internal diameter. 15–5

Hose size measurements in length refer to a manufactured section of hose 15–6 Used to connect pumper to hydrant or other water source Suction supply Used to connect main pumper intake to pumper connection on fire hydrant Soft sleeve hose Designed for drafting water from static water supplies or connecting to fire hydrantDesigned for drafting water from static water supplies or connecting to fire hydrant Hard suction

Designed to Form continuous hoseline Connect hoses to nozzles, hydrants Connect to pumper connections and FDCs National Standards NFPA ® 1963 Can share between departments Made of Durable, rustproof materials Various alloys Fire hose couplings are used to make connections to hose and equipment. 15–7

Threaded couplings have male and female parts. 15–8

Couplings have other parts including different cuts, sizes, and gaskets. 15–9

Lugs and handles help to tighten and loosen hose connections. 15–10

Nonthreaded couplings are connected with locks or cams. 15–11

VIDEO: Garden Hose vs Fire Hose Time: 1:47 Chap –12

Different causes of hose damage and prevention methods for intervention of damage. 15–13

Mechanical damage can occur in several ways to a fire hose. 15–14 Slices, rips, abrasions, crushed, cracked

Thermal damage Thermal damage can result from exposure to excessive temperatures. 15–15 Caused by excessive heat/cold, direct flame contact Can char, melt, weaken, dehydrate linings

Organic damage to fire hose can weaken the jacket and lead to ruptures. 15–16 Mildew and mold

Firefighters should know the methods to prevent organic damage. 15–17 Ensure hose is completely dry before storing Ventilate all areas where fire hose is kept Wash hose immediately whenever mildew is discovered Inspect, wash, and dry hose that has been used

VIDEO: Draining Fire Hose Time: 0:59 Chap –18

Petroleum products, paints, acids, alkalis Battery acid Runoff water from fire There are several types of chemical damage that may occur to fire hose. 15–19

Brass coupling Aluminum coupling Corrosion is a type of damage that weakens or destroys metal hose parts. 15–20 Highly resistant to corrosion Develops layer of corrosion that “seals” metal against further oxidation

Prevention Remove and replace hose loads periodically Reload loosely with new folds Remove from tower once dry Age deterioration is caused by leaving a hose in an apparatus for a long time. 15–21

Basic inspection, care and maintenance methods for fire hose. 15–22

Inspecting a fire hose requires following a schedule and reporting process if deficiencies are found. 15–23 Within 90 days before being placed in service for first time At least annually after first use After each use for visible soil or damage Should include check of couplings

Fire hose couplings can be damaged even though designed to be durable. 15–24 FemaleMale Male: Exposed when not connected; subject to denting Female: Swivel can be bent into oval shape

General Avoid dropping, dragging Do not drive over Inspect when washing Twist swivel in soapy water Clean threads Inspect, replace cracked, creased gasketsInspect, replace cracked, creased gaskets When caring for fire hose couplings you should follow these guidelines. 15–25 If coupling swivel difficult to spin Washing machine insufficient Submerge in warm, soapy water Clean male threads with brush Lubricate Replace damaged gaskets

Various uses for hose appliances and tools. 15–26

Valves Ball Gate Butterfly Clapper Valve Devices Wye Siamese Water thief LDH - thief and manifold Hydrant valve Fittings Adapters Reducers Intake strainers Attached to drafting end of hard suction when pumping Designed to keep debris from entering Preventing from resting on bottom Hose appliances include a variety of hardware used in conjunction with hose. 15–27

Spanner, hydrant wrench, rubber mallet Hose bridge/ramp Chafing block Hose strap, rope, chain LDH roller There are several types of hose tools that firefighters should know about. 15–28

Advancing a charged hoseline can be done using the working line drag. 15–29

VIDEO: Basic Hose Handling Time: 2:00 Chap –30

You should be alert for potential dangers when advancing hose into a structure. 15–31

Follow these safety guidelines for advancing hose into a structure. 15–32 Remove kinks and bends while advancing Bleed air from hoseline before entering Entire team on same side of hoseline Check for heat before opening doors Stay low and avoid blocking ventilation Chock self- closing doors

Advancing hoseline up and down a stairway can be very difficult. 15–33 Advance uncharged hose when possible

Advancing hose from a standpipe is easiest with preassembled hose. 15–34 Courtesy of Rick Montemorra, Mesa (AZ) FD

Advancing hose up a ladder is easier and safer with an uncharged line. 15–35 Uncharged Charged

Considerations that can impact operating attack hose lines. 15–36

One-firefighter Two-firefighter Methods to consider when operating small hoselines. 15–37 One-firefighter method — Only occurs when combating a small ground cover fire, rubbish or trash fire, vehicle fire, small structure fire, or during overhaul operations

Two-firefighters Methods to consider when operating small hoselines. 15–38 Nozzle operator: Holds nozzle with one hand and holds hose just behind nozzle with other hand Rests hoseline against waist and across hip Backup firefighter: Takes position on same side of hose about 3 feet (1 m) behind nozzle operator Holds hose with both hands and rests it against waist and across hip or braces it with leg Responsible for keeping hose straight behind nozzle operator

One-firefighterTwo-firefighter Operating large hoselines may also be accomplished with different methods. 15–39

Safest Method—Close valve to stop water flow Apply body weight to bends in hose Put kink in hose if possible There are several methods that can be used to control a loose hoseline. 15–40

VIDEO: Loose Hose Drill Time: 1:29 Chap –41

Fire hose is a basic tool used to carry water from its source to the point it is needed to extinguish a fire. Firefighters must know the types of hose their department uses, how it is constructed, the way hose can be damaged, and how to care for it. Summary 15–42 (Cont.)

Firefighters must know the differences between supply and attack hose, and how to deploy, advance and operate both kinds of hose. Summary 15–43