adminDEFINED as a type of flexible tube which carries water under pressure from a source of supply to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fires. Outdoors, it can be attached either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant.
Indoors it can be permanently attached to a building’s stand pipe or plumbing system. The usual working pressure of a fire hose can vary between 8 and 20 bars while its bursting pressure can be up to 80 bars.
After use, a fire hose is usually hung to dry because standing water that remains in a hose for a long time can deteriorate the material and render it unreliable or unusable. It offers outstanding performance with low maintenance and exceptional storage life.
Advantages of using fire hoses
Environmentally friendly.
It is water tight.
Very flexible.
Can fit on confined spaces.
Very portable.
PVC can be wiped down after an incident.
Can be connected to many appliances e, g hydrant; stand pipe; fire engines or permanently on buildings.
Rubber or nit-rile hoses can be wiped clean.
Cleaning it increases its life span.
The hoses can be coupled to each other and cover any distance required.
It has limited friction loss.
Can easily be drained after use.
If damaged can easily be replaced during operation.
Have smooth lining and durable covering.
Can be used indoors or outdoors regardless of weather conditions.
Disadvantages of using fire hoses
Hoses should not be stored in direct sunlight and excessive heat eg. very hot pavements.
Can develop mould or mildew growth if stored in shrink wrap.
Needs to be cleaned after every operation.
It is very costly.
If exposed to some chemicals, the inner liner can break.
It uses vast amounts of water.
When still in use it’s supposed to be rolled female couplings inside, when condemned it should be folded male couplings inside, female couplings out.
The smaller types of hoses e, g 38mm hoses are used for attack lines on the other hand the larger sizes are typically used for supply lines. One should always avoid laying or pulling hoses over sharp objects or rough corners. Avoid excessive pump pressure to increase its life span. Prevent vehicles from running over the hose by putting ramps.
Too much heat can damage the fabric covering or harden the rubber lining. How maneuverable the fire hose is made by the fire fighter, it is greatly dependent upon his or her ability and skills in using the fire hose, and in other words it should be used by well trained fire fighters for safety reasons.
For more information contact (020) 67400; 0773 020 048 or [email protected]
Online Reporter