Fire Hose Care “Dos & Don’ts”

Do:

After shutting off dumps & hydrants but before breaking loose any couplings, remove any normal twisting that occurs when hose is pressurized
Completely drain hose of water
Drag hose along its flat surface - abrasion distributed over a larger surface area
Reload only thoroughly dried hose
Load hose by laying it flat
Lay hose in hose bed by laying in alternating layers
- prevents chafing of the hose in the hose bed
- prevents folds from contacting roadway surfaces on deployment
Thoroughly drain & dry hose before storing
Walk at least 15 feet to the left side (facing the free end) of a hoseline being tested
Remove & reload hose in hose bed every six months
- folds occur in different locations along the hose
- prevents localized wear
- allows visual inspection of hose
Roll hose with male coupling inside roll to protect threads
- if male coupling must be on outside, use a protective cap over threads
Use hose bridge whenever necessary for vehicles to drive over any fire hose
Open & close valves slowly on Large Diameter Hose (LDH)

Drag hose along edge or fold – concentrates abrasion on outer jacket in the folded area
Drag hose with water in line – premature hose wear
- remember that water weighs approximately 8.3 pounds per gallon
Drag hose that is kinked over itself – concentrates & accelerates abrasion damage
Lay hose on edge with folds in contact with the hose bed
Use a pressure washer to clean fire hose
Walk on the right side (facing free end) or straddle fire hose being pressure tested
Store fire hose wrapped in plastic material or bags
Store fire hose with stretch wrap or any air-tight environment
Store hose in direct sunlight or in poorly-ventilated areas