A fire hose is a high-pressure hose that carries water or other fire retardant (such as foam ) to a fire to extinguish it. Outdoors, it attaches either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant . The usual working pressure of a firehose can vary between 8 and 20 bar while its bursting pressure can be up to 50 bar. 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.
Canvas/Fire/Water Discharge Hose
Fire hose, widely used in urban fire fighting, forest fire fighting, marine fire fighting and industrial fire fighting, is an indispensable and important product for fire fighting.
Fire hose reel, widely used in urban fire fighting, forest fire fighting, marine fire fighting and industrial fire fighting, is an indispensable and important product for fire fighting.
Agricultural hose,light and durable, easy to store, widely used in agricultural irrigation and drainage systems.
Fire hose should be stored in cool, dry and well ventilated conditions. When loaded on a fire appliance or vehicle it should be stowed in such a way that air circulation can take place and that excessive chaffing against the sides of vehicle lockers due to vibration is minimised.
Once a pressure test is carried out the external surface of the hose should be examined for cuts, gouges, scorch marks and abraded areas.
After contact with oil or chemicals, a mild detergent may be applied to the affected area using a stiff brush. Then the area should be washed down using copious quantities of clean water.
Care in Use
- Pressure testing – This should be performed at least every twelve months and after each occasion of operational use. Each hose should be visually inspected then hydrostatically tested at a pressure of 50% in excess of the intended working pressure or at 10 bar, whichever is the greater. Areas of leakage should be repaired, where possible, and retested.
- Avoid dragging hose over sharp objects or abrasive surfaces, especially when kinked.
- Ensure that hose is not in contact with hot flaming debris for extended periods of time.
- Protect the hose with a suitable bandage where it touches the ground after leaving a pump delivery outlet, to avoid abrasion damage due to vibration.
- Roll hose into coils rather than flaking.
- Never bend hose at an acute angle, particularly while it is under pressure.
- Where vehicular access is required hose ramps should be used to avoid vehicles running over the hose.
- Couplings or branchpipes must not be dropped onto the hose as the impact may puncture the hose lining.
Maintenance after Use
Type 3 covered hoses – after normal use, the hose may be wiped down with a damp cloth and stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place. Recoupled hose should always be subjected to examination and proof pressure testing to ensure coupling retention and to avoid detachment during use.
