Fire Hose Fully Explained With Easily By Lokesh Singh

Fire Service Hose

1-Definition:- Hose is a flexible pipe used to convey water from the source to the the source of Fire

2- Types of Hose:-

(a) Delivery hose:-This is connected to the discharge side of the pump this is subjected to a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure. These are available in the following type 1. Percolating/ unlined/ Canvas hose which are made of vegitable fibres 2. Non percolating hose made up of plastic material forming both lining well as the outer cover. These are no porous in nature. 3. Control percolating hose consisting of a jacket woven from vegitable fibres and having rubber / plastic lining.

(b) Suction hose:- These are connected to the suction side of the pump. These are subjected to either above or below the atmospheric pressure. These are of following types:

1. Partially embedded

2. Smooth Bor fully embedded.

(c) Hose Reel Hose:- These are made of reinforced rubber fitted with a swiveling joint bound over a reel. A squeeze nozzle is provided at one end.

3- Characteristics of Hose:- The main characteristics essential for a good fire fighting holes are:-

1. Flexibility:- Hose must be sufficiently flexible to 

• Enable it to be handled with ease. 
• Enable it to be made-up into a smooth and tight role. The crease at the edges should be uniform and regular so that the hose does not bulge on one side after wobbling repeatedly.

2. Durability:- 

• Hose must be a strong enough for it to be reliable during the use.
• The materials used in its construction must have a high resistance to abrasion and should be able to with stand the rough usage.
• A tough plastic outer cover will provide additional protection to the jacket and prolong its life.

3- Resistance to Rot:- Hoses  made of natural fibers are prone to be affected by rot or fungi. These must be treated with rot proofing agents such as zinc chloride, penta chloro phenyl laurate, 1.5% bi mass or penta chloro phenyl 1- hydroxyl isopropyl, etha (Max 2% by mass)

4- Material Used:-

5- Cause, Nature of Damage and Remedial Measures:-

6- Care and Maintenance of Hose:-

1. Store in a cool dry and well ventilated place.
2. Hoses should be cleaned And dried periodically.
3. Rubber lined hoses should be cleaned by passing water through them and dried on towers, periodically. This should not be exposed to hot dry air or sun rays for long periods.
4. How is it should be stored in long folds or in figure 8 position.
5. The folds should be changed periodically
6. Hoses contaminated with acids/ alkalies or oil should be cleaned and dried before storing.
7. Hoses should be drained by under-running and not be walking over them.

7- Cleaning Procedure:-

1. Normally the cleaning is done with water alone.
2. If the hose is contaminated with grease / oil add a little soda in water and clean.
3. If the hose is contaminated with thick grease / acid / oil use saw dust and fine sand to rub off the sticky substances.

8- Drying Procedure:-

• Natural:- In sheds constructed in such a way as to permit the entry of air as much as possible. But no rain should enter it. The hoses are hung  from towers / hooks at the roof of the shed with the help of pulleys.
• Mechanical:- In chamber of brick construction. Provision is made to accommodate 20 lengths of hoses. All the hoses are coupled to manifold through which warm air is blown. An exhaust fan is fitted to the chamber so that constant air is circulated.

9- Repairs:-

After use the hose should be inspected carefully to detect any damage and to repair the same for future use. Every damage Such as pin holes should be marked and the defective hoses should be rolled with male coupling inside for the sake of identification.
Generally the following repairs are carried out:-

1. Hose coverings and bandages:- leather gaiters and Canvas bandages are applied where the hoes appears to be weakned.
2. Darning :- pin holes are generally repaired by darning some strands of flex. A patch should be placed on the same.
3. Patching:- leaks in the hose are satisfactorily repaired by patching.

10- Hose Fittings:-

1. Definition:-

• Hose fittings are the equipment fitted to a fire hose.
• Hose fitting are used to connect hose to the source of water supply, to another hose and to connect the required type of nozzles / branches.

1. Grouping:- Broadly hose fittings are grouped as follows:

• Couplings
• Branches
• Nozzles
• Collecting heads and suction hose fittings
• Breechings 
• Adaptors
• Hose ramps
• Miscellaneous

Blog By Lokesh Singh