We all know that there are different types of general hoses such as Industrial hose, Garden hose, Sir hose etc., but did you know that there are also a variety of types?
If you enter any fire hose you will see different sizes and styles. Each one has a function and fits a different role. Knowing the situation in which you will need to use a will ensure you choose the right one. In some situations a may need to be attached to indoor equipment. At other times a may be attached to a fire hydrant, and of course you can’t forget about the coming out of the fire engine!
Did you know that if you use too large you may potentially do more damage to walls that were not originally affected? Understanding the different types will help minimize water damage often left over after a fire.
Types of Fire Hoses:
Large Diameter: Also known as LDH, this typically measures between 2.5 and 5 inches in diameter. These can be extremely heavy to move and near impossible to bend around corners. This is not intended for every day fire fighting uses.
Main use for Large Diameter: When a fire engine needs to relocate water from a hydrant, Large Diameter will get the job done fast and accurately. The large diameter can carry high pressure water.
Small Diameter Fire Hose: A Small Diameter measures between 1 and 2.5 inches in diameter. The size of the small diameter makes them perfect for booster lines or attack lines.
Main use for Small Diameter Fire Hose: This is perfect for a couple of firefighters as they move through a buildings interior spaces, as they keep their flexibility when charged.
Booster: A Booster is a traditional hard rubber hose typically between ¾ and 1 ½ inches in diameter.
main use for Booster Fire Hose: A Booster is typically used for small fires or small brush fires.
Hard Suction: Hard suction is a stiff fold up that is typically 10-15 ft. sections that measures 5 inches in diameters. This is a sturdy that withstands vacuums, rather than pressure, abrasion and heat. These are reinforced so that they keep their round shape and don’t collapse when used.
Main use for Hard Suction: Hard Suction use a vacuum to draw water from a portable water tank, or any other sources of open body waters (if no fire hydrant is available).
Clean your fire hose, the right way!
It might not be Spring cleaning but it’s time to clean that fire hose! If you want to get the best bang for your buck when using it you want to make sure that it’s properly taken care of and part of that management is ensuring it’s cleanliness. The better you maintain your and all equipment, the less likely you will be to need to replace it.
What You’ll Need:
- Dirty hose
- Source of water
- A bucket with hot water
- Soap
- Sponge
- Soft Scrub brush
Directions on cleaning your fire hose:
1. Make sure that it is stretched out completely. You don’t want it crinkled up some place. Now that it is completely unrolled, use a garden hose to wet completely. If you’re using as a replacement to your normal home garden hose, find an alternative hose or water source and make sure that your fire hose is completely wet.
2. Fill your bucket with soap and hot water! This is important because you will need to apply this hot soapy water with a sponge to all areas of the fire hose. Depending on your size uses it’s very either to gather ash, soot, mood and items on the fire hose. Prepare for a good scrub.
3. Scrub, scrub and scrub again! Make sure not to use anything with hard bristles because you might damage the firehose but bring out a soft scrub brush for those areas that need special attention or may be difficult to clean.
4. Use your extra fire hose, Garden Hose or bucket of CLEAN water to rinse the fire hose completely. It is important to clean it properly with clean water because the soap residues constant presence may eventually cause wear on the fire hose. It’s unlikely to cause too much damage, but why risk? Wash and clean it completely with clean water. Problem solved.
5. You are almost done! All you need to do now is dry ! Preferably you would be able to do this in the sun. After one side is dried, make sure to flip it over and dry the other side! If you don’t have the time for a natural sun dry, then use clean micro-fabric cloths and dry dry dry your.
