Fire Hoses and Appliances
Firefighter II Module A
McHenry County College
Firefighter II Class
Spring Semester 2002
FIRE HOSES and APPLIANCES
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See list of objectives given to you prior to
class.
Identify is classroom
Demonstrate is “hands-on”
REFRRENCES
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
IFSTA Essentials, 4th Edition, Chapter 12
Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, copyright
2000, Chapter10
Fire Hoses and Appliances
Identify the
construction features
of hose
2-7.1
Material from which hose is made:
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Cotton
Nylon
Rayon vinyl
Poly-mired vinyl
Polyester
Construction methods:
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Braided
Wrapped
Woven jacket
Poly-mired covered
Fire Hoses and Appliances
Identify the types of
fire hose.
2-7.2
Types of fire hose
 Booster
–
–
Braided
¾ inch and 1 inch
 Attack
–
–
Line
Woven-jacket or poly-mired covered
1 ½ inch, 1 ¾ inch, 2 inch, 2 ½ inch, and 3 inch
 Supply
–
–
Line
Line
Woven-jacket, poly-mired cover, rubber
2 ½ inch, 3 inch, 4 inch, 5inch, 6 inch
Intake Line
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
Woven jacket, poly-mired, or wrapped
Hard suction and/or soft suction
Also know as soft or hard sleeve
Fire Hoses and Appliances
Identify the types of
fire hose damages
and their preventions.
2-7.3
Mechanical Damage
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Worn spots
Rips
Abrasions
Cracked inner lining
Crushed or damaged couplings
Mechanical Damage Prevention

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Avoid laying or pulling hoses over sharp corners.
Provide warning devices to divert traffic.
Prevent vehicles from running over hoses and
couplings.
Close nozzles slowly.
Change the bends in the hose when re-bedding.
Provide chaffing blocks
Avoid excessive pump pressures on hose lines.
Thermal Damage
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Charring
Melting
Drying out of rubber lining
Thermal Damage Prevention
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Protect hose excessive heat/fire.
Do not allow hose to remain in heated area after drying.
Use a moderate temperature for drying
Keep outer jacket dry.
Run water through hose that has not been used for some
time.
Avoid drying hose on hot pavement and/or direct sunlight
Prevent hose from being laid to close or form coming in
contact with vehicle exhaust.
Use hose bed covers to shield hose from elements.
Freezing temperatures(snow and ice) also damage hose.
Mildew/Mold Damage(Organic)
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Decay
Mold
Mildew
Deterioration
Chemical Damage
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Exposure to petroleum products
Exposure to run off
Exposure to alkali and acids
Exposure to chemical materials and vapors
Organic Damage Prevention
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All wet hose should be removed from
apparatus, and replaced with good, dry hose.
Hose should be removed, inspected, swept,
and reloaded every thirty days if not used.
Exercise hose every thirty days.
Run water through all hose every 90 days.
Chemical Damage Prevention
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Thoroughly scrub all traces of acid contacts with
baking soda and water.
Periodically remove hose from the apparatus, wash it,
and run water through it.
Properly test hose if any suspicion of damage.
Avoid laying hose in the gutter.
Properly dispose of hose that has been exposed to
hazardous materials and cannot be decontaminated.
General Care and Maintenance of
Hose

Brush of loose dirt and such
–
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broom
Washing hose
–
Several different ways
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Wash with warm water and a mild soap
Commercial or generic hose washers
Rinse hose with water in different are than
washed
General Care and Maintenance of
Hose

Drying hose
–
–
–
Rubber jacket hose can be re-bedded wet, woven
jacket and such cannot!
Use commercial hose dryer
Hang in hose tower
General Care and Maintenance of
Hose

Storing
–
–
–
Should be stored rolled
On acceptable racks
Well ventilated room
Fire Hoses and Appliances
Identify the
construction features
of fire hose couplings.
2-7.4
Materials
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Brass alloy
Aluminum alloy
Magnesium
Types of Couplings
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Threaded
Storz (pronounced stortz)
Others
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Quarter turn
Oil filled rocker jug
Snap or Jones
Manufacturing Techniques of
Couplings
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Drop forged: hardest
Extruded: somewhat weaker than drop forged
Cast: weakest
Threaded Couplings
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Three piece
–
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Used on intake hoses
Five piece
–
Usually found on appliances and adapter fittings
Parts of Couplings
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Shank
Swivel
Higbee cut and Indicator
Lugs
Shank
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Also called tailpiece, bowl, or shell
Male has rocker lugs or pins
Female shank is smooth
Swivel
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Contains female threads
Permits coupling without turning hose
Has rockers/lugs/pins
Shanks is smooth
Higbee Cut and Indicator
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On both couplings
Special type thread designed to provide a
positive connection between couplings
Indicator is a shallow indention of one of the
lugs
Helps eliminate cross threading
Lugs
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Pin
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Rocker
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Not to common anymore, usually older hose
Tends to snag when hose is dragged
Rounded to prevent hang ups
Found on all modern hose
Usually two to three lugs
Recessed
–
Usually found on booster lines
Storz Couplings
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“Sexless”
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No distinct male and/or female coupling
Coupled by a 1/3 turn
Newer ones have locking components to
prevent water pressure spinning of hose
Grooved lugs
Insert rings built into the swivel
Care of Fire Hose Couplings
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All parts of couplings are susceptible to
damage
Male threads can be damaged if not protected
Female threads are not exposed, but the
swivel is subject to bending damage
Care of Fire Hose Couplings
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Avoid dropping and/or dragging
Do not permit vehicles to ride over them
Examine couplings when washing hose
Clean threads to remove tar, gravel, and oil
Inspect gasket, and replace if cracked or
creased
Remove the gasket and twist the swivel in
warm, soapy water.
Care of Fire Hose Couplings
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Swivel gaskets and expansion gaskets should be
tested after use and/or cleaning of the hose.
Swivel gasket- used to make the connection water
tight.
Expansion Ring Gasket- used at the end of the hose
where it is expanded into the shank of the coupling.
See pictures.
Pinch the gasket between together between the thumb
and index finger. This usually show any defects or
signs of determination.
Hose Rolls
Identify the uses of
hose rolls.
2-7.5
Straight Roll
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Placed in storage
Returned to quarters for washing
Loaded back on the apparatus
Donut Roll
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Situations when it is going to be deployed
directly from a roll for use.
Used when both ends to be together.
Twin Donut Roll
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Used for a compartment roll which may be
transported and used for high-rise operations.
Self-Locking Twin Donut
–
Same as above, except a carrying strap is formed.
Forward and Reverse Hose Lays
Identify the difference
between a forward
and a reverse hose
lay.
2-7.6
Hose Lays
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Forward Lay
Reverse Lay
Split Lay
Forward Hose Lay
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Also called a straight lay.
From the water source to the scene.
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Laid form the water source to the fire.(tagging the hydrant)
Hose bed set up with female coupling coming off first.
Primary advantage is that pumper is at fire scene so
hoses, tools, etc. can easily and quickly e obtained.
Operator also visual contact with crew and react better
to changing conditions.
Forward Hose Lay

Disadvantage
–
–
Longs lays are near impossible and smaller
diameter supply lines (21/2 and 3 inch) may need a
second pumper to boost pressure.
One firefighter must be left at the hydrant to secure
the water supply.
Reverse Hose Lays
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Hose is laid from the fire scene to the water
source.
The pumper must first stop at the scene, do a
size up and drop the supply line.
Should be loaded with the male coupling
coming off first.
Usually done with relay operations and/or
drafting operations.
Reverse Hose Lays

Disadvantages
–

Essential tools and equipment are located far from
the fire scene
This is also done when the initial engine
attacks the fire and the second engine lays a
supply to the initial attack engine.
Split Lays
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Two lines laid forward
Two lines laid reverse
Reverse lay followed by a forward lay
Two lines laid forward followed by one or two
lines laid reverse
Two lines laid reverse followed by the one or
two lines laid forward.
Precautions while Advancing Hose
Lines
Identify precautions
to be followed while
advancing hose lines
to a fire.
2-7.7
Advancing Hose Lines
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Safety!!!!!!!!! Be alert for potential dangers especially of
backdrafts, flashover, and potential or occurring
building collapse.
All firefighters should be on the same side of the hose.
Check door for heat!, before you open it.
Bleed excess air from hose line and check nozzle
pattern before entering.
STAY LOW!
Avoid blocking ventilation openings such as doors and
windows.
Loading Hose
Some General
Guidelines.
Hose Loading
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Check gaskets and swivels before connecting any
hose.
When two sections are connected keep flat sides on
same plane.
Hand tighten connections.
When the hose is bent to load, smooth the bend.
Avoid loading hose so that the coupling “turns”. Use a
“dutchmen” to prevent this.
For LDH load all couplings in the front of the bed.
Do not pack hose tightly.
Hose Rolls
Identify three (3)
types of hose rolls.
2-7.8
Straight Roll 2-7.8.1
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Lay hose out straight and flat on a clean surface.
Roll male coupling over onto hose to start the roll.
Form a coil that is open enough to allow the fingers to
be inserted.
Continue rolling the coupling over onto the hose,
forming an even roll.
As the roll increases in size, keep edges aligned.
Lay roll flat on ground when completed.
Using a foot, tamp any protruding coils down into the
roll.
Donut Roll
2 Methods
2-7.8.2
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Method One
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Lay section of hose flat and in a straight line.
Start the roll from a point 5 to 6 feet off center
towards the male coupling.
Roll towards female end.
Leave sufficient space at center loop to insert the
hand for carrying.
Near the completion of the roll, the male coupling is
enclosed within the roll as the hose is rolled over it.
Check to make sure the male coupling is inside the
roll with the female coupling about 3 feet ahead of it.
Donut Roll
2 Methods

Method 2
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Grasp coupling and carry to other end.
Check to make sure the looped section laying flat,
straight, and w/o twists.
Face coupling ends and start rolling 2 ½ feet from
bend towards male coupling.
Pull the female side back to relieve tension.
As roll approaches the male coupling, lay the roll flat
on the ground and bring the female end around the
male coupling to complete the roll.
Twin Donut Roll
2-7.8.3
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Place the male and female couplings together.
Lay the hose flat w/o twisting, to form two parallel lines
from the loop end to the couplings.
Fold the loop end over and upon the two lines to start
the roll.
Continue to roll both lines simultaneously towards the
coupling ends, forming a twin roll with a decreased
diameter.
Self-Locking Twin Donut Roll
2-7.8.4
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Place the male and female couplings together.
Lay the hose flat, w/o twisting, to form parallel lines
from the loop end to the couplings.
Move one side of the hose up over 2 ½ to 3 feet to the
opposite side w/o turning.
Adjust the size of this shoulder loop to the proper
length for carrying.
Facing the coupling ends, bring the back side of the
loop forward toward the couplings, and place it on top
of where the hose crosses forming a loop on each side
w/o twist.
Self-Locking Twin Donut Roll
2-7.8.4
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Start rolling towards the opposite ends, forming
two rolls side by side.
When rolls are completed, allow the couplings
to lie across the top of each roll, and adjust the
loops, one short and one long, by pulling only
one side of the loop through.
Place the long loop through the short loop, just
behind the couplings, and tighten snugly
forming a shoulder sling.
Coupling and Uncoupling
Procedures
Identify different
types of coupling and
uncoupling
techniques.
2-7.9
Coupling Hoses

Foot Tilt Method 2-7.9.1
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Stand facing the two couplings so that one foot is
near the male end.
Place the foot directly on the hose behind the male
coupling and apply pressure to tilt it upward.
Position feet apart apart for balance.
Grasp the female end by placing one behind the
coupling and the other hand on the coupling swivel.
Bring the two couplings together and turn the swivel
clockwise with the thumb to make the connection.
Coupling Hoses

Female Coupling 2-7.9.2
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Grasp female coupling with both hands.
Bring both couplings together.
Align them using the Higbee indicator.
Turn the female coupling counterclockwise until a
click is heard.
Turn the female coupling clockwise until tightened.
Uncoupling Hose
2-7.9.3
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Knee Press Method
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Grasp the hose behind the female coupling.
Stand the male coupling on end.
Set feet well apart for balance.
Place on knee upon the hose and shank of the
female coupling.
Snap the swivel quickly in a counterclockwise
direction as body weight is applied to loosen the
connection.
Uncoupling Hose
2-7.9.4

2 Firefighter Stiff Arm Method
–
–
Take a firm two-handed grip on your respective
coupling and press the coupling toward the other
firefighter, thereby compressing the gasket in the
coupling.
Keep arms stiff, and use the weight of both bodies
to turn each hose coupling counterclockwise, thus
loosening the connection.
Hose Carries
Identify different
types of hose carries.
2-7.10
Hose Carries

Shoulder Loads 2-7.10.1 (from flat or
horseshoe loads)
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–
–
–
Attach nozzle to end of hose.
Position carrier at tailboard facing in the direction of
travel.
Place the initial fold of hose over the carrier’s
shoulder so that the nozzle can be carried chest
high.
Bring the hose from behind over the shoulder so the
first fold ends at the knee and the rear fold ends at
the back of the knee.
Hose Carries
–
–
–
Complete the above procedure for each carrier until
the desired length of hose is loaded.
Uncouple the hose from the bed when desired
length is loaded.
Hand the coupling to the last carrier.
Hose Carries

Shoulder Loads 2-7.10.1(from flat or accordion
loads)
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–
–
–
–
Facing the hose bed, grasp the nozzle and the
number of folds needed to make the desired length.
Pull the folds about one-third of the way out of the
bed.
Twist the folds into an upright position.
Turn and pivot onto the folds placing them on top of
the shoulder.
Make sure the hose is flat with the nozzle and/or
coupling in front of the body.
Hose Carries

Hose Carry/Drag 2-7.10.2
–
–
–
Stand along side the hoseline and pick up the
nozzle or coupling.
Place the hoseline over your shoulder with the
coupling (nozzle) in front, rest it on chest.
Hold the coupling in place while pulling with your
shoulder, arm, and legs dragging hose to desired
location.
Hose Carries

Hose Drag/Carry 2-7.10.3
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–
–
–
–
–
Stand alongside hoseline and pick up the nozzle or
coupling.
Walk 25 feet.
Place the hoseline over your shoulder with the
coupling in front resting it on your chest.
Walk 25 feet.
Pick up hose with other hand.
Hold coupling in place while pulling with your
shoulders, arms, and legs dragging the hose to the
desired location.
Hose Loads and Finishes
Identify the different
types of loading hose
loads or finishes.
2-7.11.1
Accordion Load
2-7.11.1





Lay the first length of hose in the bed on edge against
the partition with the coupling at the rear of the bed.
At the front of the bed, fold the hose back on itself, and
lay it back to the rear next to the first length.
At the rear of the hose bed, fold the hose so that the
bend is even with the rear edge of the bed, and then
lay the hose back to the front.
Continue laying hose folds across the bed staggering
the fold so that every other bend is approximately two
inches shorter than the edge of the bed.
When another tier must be started, angle the hose
upward to the front of the bed.
Horseshoe Load
2-7.11.2





Place the female coupling in a front corner of the hose
bed with the hose on edge and against the wall
Make a fold at the rear even with the edge of the hose
bed
Lay the hose to the front and then around the perimeter
of the bed so that it comes back to the rear along the
opposite side
Make a fold at the rear in the same manner as Step #2.
Lay the hose back around the perimeter of the hose
bed inside the first length of hose.
Horseshoe Load
2-7.11.2



Lay succeeding lengths progressively inward
towards the center until the entire space is
filled
Stagger the folds so that every other bend is
approx. 2 inches inside adjacent bends
Start the second tier be extending the hose
from the last fold directly over the front corner
of the bed, laying it flat on the hose from the
first tier.
Flat Load
2-7.11.3
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
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
Lay the first length of hose flat in the bed against the
partition with the coupling to the rear of the bed
Fold the hose back on itself at the front of the hose bed
and lay it back to the rear of the bed on top of the
previous length
At the rear of the bed, fold the hose so that the bend is
even with the rear edge of the bed
Lay the hose back to the front of the bed, angling it to
make the front fold adjacent to the previous fold.
Continue with the second tier in the same manner
Make the fold so the second tier is 2 inches shorter
than the first tier.
Reverse Horseshoe Load
2-7.11.4
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
Connect the wye to the end of the supply hose at the
rear of the bed
Place the wye in the center of the bed with the two
male openings toward the rear
Connect one 1 ¾ hose to wye
Lay the hose on edge to the front of the bed and make
a fold
Lay the hose back to the rear alongside the first length
From a “U” at the edge of the bed, return the hose to
the front of the bed, make a fold.
Reverse Horseshoe Load
2-7.11.4
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




Lay the hose back inside the previously laid length I
the same manner as before
Continue the above step until the entire length of hose
is loaded
Wrap the male end of the hose once around the
horseshoe loops
Form a small loop by bringing the end back under the
loops and over the top
Attach the nozzle and place it inside the small loop
Pull the remaining slack hose back into the horseshoe
to tighten the loop
Straight Finish
2-7.11.5


Loosely flake the last two or three sections of
hose back and forth across the hose bed on
top of the hose load
Attach any appliances or tools necessary to the
hose
Minuteman Load
2-7.11.6


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


Connect first section to the discharge port
Lay the hose flat in the bed to the front, with the
remaining hose laid out to the front of the bed to be
loaded later. (If the discharge is in front, the hose is first
laid to the rear and then back to the front)
Couple remaining hose together and attach nozzle
Place the nozzle on top of the first length at the rear
Angle the hose to the opposite side of the bed
Make a fold and lay the hose back to the rear
Make a fold at the rear of the bed and angle the hose to
the other side to the front of the bed
Minuteman Load
2-7.11.6


Continue until all is loaded
Connect the male coupling of the first length to
the female coupling of the last section and lay
the remainder of the hose from the first section
in the bed, as before
Triple Layer Load
2-7.11.7







Connect the female coupling to the discharge
Extend the hose out in straight line
Pick up the hose at a point 2/3 of the distance from the
bed and carry it to the bed, laying the hose such that
three layers are formed
Using several people pick up the entire length of the three
layers of hose
Begin loading the hose by folding the hose over the three
layers and into the bed
Fold the layers over at the front of the bed and lay them
back to the rear top pf the previously laid hose
Continue loading the hose in this “S” fashion until the entire length is
Unloading Hose Loads and
Finishes
Identify different
types of unloading
hose loads or
finishes.
2-7.12
Pulling Pre Connected Wyed Hose
Lines 2-7.12.1






Grasp nozzle and small loop of one bundle and pull it
from the bed
Lay the bundle on the ground when it clears the
tailboard of the apparatus
Pull the opposite bundle the same way
Pull the wye and attached hose from the bed and lay it
on the ground near the tiers
Place one arm through the horseshoe loops of one
bundle and lay off one loop at a time to desired location
Repeat the process for the other bundle
Pulling Pre Connected Hose Line
Flat Load 2-7.12.2







Put one arm through the longer loop and grasp the
shorter loop with same hand
Grasp nozzle with the hand NOT used to grasp the
loops
Pull load from the bed using the pull loops
Walk toward the fire
When the hose pulls taunt, release the hand loop
When the shoulder loop becomes taunt, drop it to the
ground
Proceed towards the fire until the hose is fully
extended
Pulling a Pre Connected Hose Line
Minuteman Load 2-7.12.3






Grasp the nozzle and bottom loops(if provided)
Pull the load approx. 1/3 out of the bed
Face away from the apparatus and place the hose load
on your shoulder with the nozzle against the stomach
Walk away from the apparatus pulling the hose out of
the bed by the bottom loop
Permit the load to play off from the top while walking
towards the fire
Drop any remaining hose on the ground when desired
location is reached
Pulling a Pre Connected Hose Line
Triple Layer Load 2-7.12.4




Place the nozzle and fold of the first tier over the
shoulder while facing the desired direction of travel
Walk away from the apparatus, pulling the hose
completely off the bed
When the bed is cleared, drop the folded end from the
shoulder
Continue to advance the nozzle towards the desired
location
Lengthening Hose Line Using a
Hose Clamp
Identify the procedure
for lengthening a
hose line using a
hose clamp.
2-7.13
Lengthening Hose Line Using a
Hose Clamp







Bring additional sections of hose to the nozzle
end of the hose
Crack the nozzle open slightly
Apply hose clamp about 3 feet behind nozzle
Remove nozzle
Attach new section(s) of hose
Reattach nozzle
Slowly release clamp allowing water to flow to
nozzle
Lengthening Hose Line Using a
Break Apart Nozzle
Identify the procedure
for lengthening a
hose line using a
break apart nozzle.
2-7.14
Lengthening Hose Line Using a
Break Apart Nozzle




Bring additional sections of hose to the nozzle
end of the hose
Remove the tips ahead of the nozzle with the
nozzle in the OFF position
Attach hose and another nozzle
Slowly open break apart nozzle
Replacing Hose Using Two
Different Methods
Identify the procedures
for replacing a section of
hose using tow different
methods.
2-7.15
Replacing Hose Using Kink Method
2-7.15.1





Obtain sufficient slack in the hose line to from a
loop
Bed the hose over itself
Apply body weight to the bends in the hose
while placing one knee directly upon one of the
bends
Have someone else replace the section with
two sections of hose
Slowly release the pressure on the bend
Replacing Hose Using Hose Clamp
2-7.15.2



Apply hose clamp approx. 3 feet behind the
couplings
Replace burst section of hose with two good
sections of hose
Release the clamp
Identify the use of hose and
appliances on a pumper as
required to be carried by NFPA
1901
2-7.16
Definitions


Appliance- A device other than a coupling that
is used with the hose and through which water
must pass
Tool- A device that makes handling of hose
and appliances easier. Some devices help
protect hose against unnecessary wear and
damage.
Appliances
Valve Devices


Wye Appliance- divides one hose line into two or more
lines. Wye appliances are gated and may be controlled at
the gate.
Siamese Appliance- takes two or more hose lines and
makes one hoseline or device. May or may not have a
clapper. Usually used to overcome problems
encountered due to friction loss in hose lays which need
to carry a large flow or cover a long distance. Also used
to supply ladder pipes that do not have permanent
waterway.
Appliances
Valve Devices




Ball-used in pumper discharges and gated wyes. They
are open when in line with the hose. Also used in the
pumps themselves.
Gate-used to control the flow of water from a hydrant
Butterfly-used on LDH intakes. A quarter turn handle
Clapper-used in Siamese's to allow only one intake
hose to be connected and charged before additional
hoses are added. It is flat hinged disk.
Appliances
Valve Devices


Water Thief- A variation of the wye. It has one
(1) 2 ½ inch inlet and one (1) 2 ½ inch outlet
and two (2) 1 ¾ outlets.
Hydrant Valves- Used when the hose lay id
made from from the water supply source to the
fire scene. It allows for the initial supply to be
charged and by using valves allows other lines
to be connected w/o shutting down the hydrant.
Fittings







Adapter
Reducer
Double Male
Double Female
Elbows
Hose Caps- male couplings- 2 ½ “ discharge on pump
panel
Hose Plugs- female couplings- 2 ½” intakes on pump
panel
Intake Device


Hose strainers
Two types
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–

Barrel
Low level high volume
Most commonly used in drafting operations
TOOLS
Tools



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


Hoist (hose roller)
Jacket
Clamp
Spanner, hydrant wrench, rubber mallet
Bridge
Chaffing block
Strap, rope, chain
Hoist

Also called hose roller
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–
Hose can be damaged when dragged over sharp
corners or edges
The roller consists of a metal frame with a roller in
the middle that is either secured with rope or a “c”clamp
Hose Jacket





Placed over a section of hose that bursts or
develops an aneurysm (bulge)
It is applied at the point of rupture on the hose
line
Usually comes in 2 ½” and 3” sizes
It allows the line to be flowed at full pressures
It can also be used to connect hose with
mismatched or damaged screwed couplings
Hose Clamp

Used to stop the flow of water
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–
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To prevent hose in the hose bed to be charged
To allow replacement for burst sections
To allow extension of a hoseline w/o shutting down water supply
To allow advancement of a charged line upstairs
3 types



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Screw down
Press down
Hydraulic press
Keep at least 20 feet behind apparatus
Apply approx. 5 feet from the incoming water side
Stand to one side when applying or releasing the press down
hose clamp
Spanner, Hydrant Wrench, Rubber
Mallet

Spanner
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–
–
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–

Hydrant Wrench
–

For tightening and loosing hose connections
It has a wedge for prying
Openings that fit gas meters
Slot for pulling nails
Flat surface for hammering
Used to open a hydrant
Rubber Mallet
–
Used to strike lugs
Hose Bridge/Ramps


Helps to prevent injuries to hoses where they
cross streets where vehicular traffic cannot be
diverted
Also used over small spills to protect hoses
Chaffing Blocks


Used to prevent hoses from being abraded
from vibrating on cement, asphalt, curbs, etc.
during operations
Can be made from wood, leather, or old truck
tires
Hose Straps/Ropes/Chains

Also called rope hose tool
–
–
–
Used to carry and/or pull fire hose
Also provides a means to handle and secure
pressurized hoses
Especially to ladders
Advancing Uncharged Hose Lines
Identify the
procedures for
advancing uncharged
attack lines from a
pumper.
2-7.17
CAUTION!
An uncharged hose line should never be
advanced into a fire or through a door that is
hot to the touch. The line should be charged
and the nozzle person should bleed the air
from the nozzle and select the proper pattern
before ever entering the fire area.
Into a Structure
2-7.17.1





Select hose line, properly remove from rig, and deploy
toward entrance
Nozzle person and back up person on same side of
hose
Nozzle person at nozzle and back up person a few feet
back, if available the third person is midway between
end of first section of hose and coupling
Fell the door for heat. This can give an indication of
extreme heat build up, signifying the potential for a
flashover or backdraft
Stay low and do not block ventilation openings
Up a Ladder to Second Floor
Landing
2-7.17.2





Select hose line, properly remove from rig, and deploy
to base of ladder
If carrying a shoulder load lay it to the left side of the
ladder
Nozzle person takes nozzle and pulls it under left arm
pit, across the chest and over right shoulder, so nozzle
rests in the small of the back
Nozzle person, with both hands free, climbs the ladder
to the second floor landing
Nozzle person steps off ladder onto the building,
second firefighter drapes large loop of hose over
his/her shoulder and starts up the ladder.
Up a Ladder to Second Floor
Landing
2-7.17.2

The above process continues until an
adequate amount of hose has been advanced
Up an Inside Stairway to an Upper
Floor
2-7.17.3





Select hose line, properly remove from rig, and deploy
to the base of the stairs
Advance up stairway feeding hose off of a shoulder
load if used
Lay the hose on the stairs against the outside wall to
avoid sharp kinks and bends
Once desired landing is reached, excess hose can be
flaked up the stairs toward the floor, above the fire and
looped back down (use extreme caution when placing
FF’s above the fire floor w/o a charged line)
When the hose line is in place, nozzle person prepares
to advance the line
Up an Inside Stairway to an Upper
Floor
2-7.17.3

If possible FF’s should be placed at every turn
or point of resistance to assist deployment
Down an Inside Stairway to a Lower
Floor 2-7.17.5






Select hose line, properly remove from rig, and deploy
to the base of the stairs
Advance down stairway feeding hose off of a shoulder
load if used
Lay the hose on the stairs against the outside wall to
avoid sharp kinks and bends
Have all hose in place when reaching fire floor
When hose line is in place, nozzle person has line
charged, bleeds off air, checks pattern and prepares to
advance line
If possible FF’s should be placed at every turn or point
of resistance to assist deployment
Down an Outside Stairway to a
Lower Floor 2-7.17.6

See last slide
To an Upper Floor by Hoisting
2-7.17.7






See other slides, in addition
Lower rope of appropriate length from intended
destination
Have a hose roller, if available
Fold nozzle end of hose line back over the rest of the
hose until an overlap of four or five feet is formed
Tie a clove hitch w/ an overhand safety around the tip
of the nozzle and the hose it is folded against
Place a half hitch on the doubled hose about 12 inches
from the loop end
Advancement of Charged Hose
Lines
Identify the procedures for advancing charged
attack lines of two different sizes. From a pumper,
given the necessary equipment and operating as a
member of a team for the following evolutions
2-7-.18
Into a Structure
2-7.18.1

See uncharged hose line slide
Up a Ladder to a second Floor
Landing 2-7.18.2



See uncharged hose line, with these additions
Bleed nozzle at base of ladder
CAUTION–
–
Charged hose lines should only be advanced up a
ladder when absolutely necessary!
And the ladder is secured by rope hose tools or
ladder straps
Up an Inside Stairway to an Upper
Floor 2-7.18.3

See uncharged hose line slide
Up an Outside Stairway to an Upper
Floor 2-7.18.4

Same
Down an Inside Stairway to a Lower
Floor 2-7.18.5

Same
Down an Outside Stairway to a
Lower Floor 2-7.18.6

Same
To an Upper Floor by Hoisting
2-7.18.7

Only change is
–
–
Tied around the tip of the nozzle about one foot
below the coupling and the nozzle
Tie a half hitch w/ through the nozzle bale and
around the nozzle itself in a manner that allows the
rope to hold the nozzle shut while it is being hoisted
Operating Charged Attack Line
from a Ground Ladder
2-7.19
CAUTION

OPERATING A HOSE LINE FROM A
GROUND LADDER RREQUIRES THE
LADDER TO BE SECURELY TIED AND
HEELED.
Operating a Charged Hose Line
from a Ground Ladder





Hose brought to base of ladder where it is charged and
bled
Nozzle person and FF’s space themselves on the
ladder within reach of each other
Each FF ties into the ladder with a leg lock of ladder
belt
Using both hands the hose line is then pushed upward
from FF to FF
The nozzle person projects the nozzle through the
ladder rungs allowing for approx. I foot to be extended
beyond the rungs at the level, and secures ladder w/
straps or belt
Operating a Charged Hose Line
from a Ground Ladder


Secure the hose w/ ladder belt or rope hose
tool several rungs below the one on the nozzle
person is standing on
Once the hoseline, nozzle, and all FF’s are tied
in and secure the nozzle can be opened slowly
Carrying a 100-foot Attack Line into
a Building, Connecting it to a
Standpipe, and Advancing the Line
From the Standpipe
2-7.20
2-7.20





Carry 100 feet minimum of at least 1 ½ hoseline to one
floor below fire floor
Detach building hoseline or remove outlet cap
Check the connection for adapters and foreign objects
in the discharge
Connect the fire dept. hose to the standpipe
connection. It is good practice to connect a gated wye
to the connection before the attack line is connected
Advance the hoseline up to the fire floor: any extra
hose could be flaked up the stairs toward the above
the fire
2-7.20


When FF’s are in position to effect the attack,
the line is charged and the nozzle is bled
Check the door with the back of ungloved
hand, if appropriate open the door slowly and
in maintain control of the door and advance
line toward fire
Making Hydrant Connections
2-7.21
Valve Stem
Operating Nut
Discharge
Can be only
(2)-2 ½” or
(2)-2 ½ and
(1)-4”
Discharge Cap
3” or smaller Intake Line
2-7.21.1







Remove intake hose, hydrant wrench and other
necessary items from rig
Unroll the hose
Connect hose to pumper
Place hydrant wrench on hydrant valve stem operating
nut w/ handle pointing away from outlets
Remove appropriate caps
FULLY open and close the hydrant to make sure there
is water and nothing blocking discharge outlets
Connect the hose(s) to the hydrant, using adapters, if
need be
3” or smaller Intake Line
2-7.21.1


FULLY OPEN HYDRANT
Tighten connections that leak
4 ½ ” or Larger Soft Sleeve
2-7.21.2

Same as 3”
4 ½ ” or Larger Hard Intake
2-7.21.3

FF #1
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–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Make sure booster tank valve is closed
Remove pump intake cap
Assist with the removal of the hard suction from the pumper
Assist with the connection of the hard suction to the pumper
Assist with the connection of the hard suction to the hydrant
FULLY OPEN THE HYDRANT
Tighten any connections that leak
Note: Steps can be reversed depending on SOP’s
4 ½ ” or Larger Hard Intake
2-7.21.3

FF #2
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–
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–
–
–
Remove hydrant wrench and any adapters from pumper
Remove hydrant outlet cap
Place hydrant wrench on h.v.s.o.n. w/ handle facing away from
outlets
Open and close hydrant (FLUSH)
Place adapter on 4 1/2 “ outlet, if necessary
Assist with the removal of the hard suction from the pumper
Assist with the connection of the hard suction to the pumper
Assist with the connection of the hard suction to the hydrant
Note: Steps can be reversed depending on SOP’s
Hand Lay 300 feet of Supply Line
(2½” of Larger) from a Pumper to a
Water Source 2-7.22

Hoseline Drag
–
–
–
Stand alongside hose line and pick up nozzle or
coupling
Place hose line over shoulder with coupling (nozzle)
in front resting on your chest
Hold coupling in place while pulling with shoulders
2-7.22 Continued


Load
Shoulder
–
–
–
–
Stand with back to engine
2nd FF stacks hose back and fourth on shoulder
w/loops at waist length
Max 100 ft. per FF
Move forward 15 ft.
2-7.22 Continued

Unload
–
–
–
–
First to get loaded is last to unload
All walk toward objective
FF closest to hose bed begins to flake out hose
Once out of hose, net FF starts to drop. Repeat until
at objective or run out of hose
THE END