A_NFPA-1962.pdf

NFPA 1962

Standard for the Care, Use, and Service Testing of Fire Hose Including Couplings and Nozzles

1998 Edition

National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, PO Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 An International Codes and Standards Organization

Copyright National Fire Protection Association, Inc.

One Batterymarch Park Quincy, Massachusetts 02269

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1962–1 Copyright © 1998 NFPA, All Rights Reserved

NFPA 1962

Standard for the

Care, Use, and Service Testing of Fire Hose Including Couplings and Nozzles

1998 Edition

This edition of NFPA 1962, Standard for the Care, Use, and Service Testing of Fire Hose Including Couplings and Nozzles, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fire Hose and acted on by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., at its Fall Meeting held November 17–19, 1997, in Kansas City, MO. It was issued by the Standards Council on January 16, 1998, with an effective date of February 6, 1998, and supersedes all previous editions.

Changes other than editorial are indicated by a vertical rule in the margin of the pages on which they appear. These lines are included as an aid to the user in identifying changes from the previous edition.

This edition of NFPA 1962 was approved as an American National Standard on February 6, 1998.

Origin and Development of NFPA 1962

NFPA originally developed a Recommended Practice for the care, maintenance, and use of fire hose in 1936 through its Committee on Field Practices. This document was designated NFPA 198 and was revised extensively through the years. In 1954, the Fire Hose Committee assumed the responsibility for the document.

In 1979, NFPA 1962 was issued as a new standard. The standard was completely rewritten but still contained portions of NFPA 198. The requirements were carefully developed to ensure a reasonable level of reliability for fire hose that is in service.

The 1993 edition added requirements for service testing hose before it is placed in service to ensure that there is no damage during shipment or while in storage. That edition recog-nized that 6-in. (150-mm) supply hose can only be used to 135 psi (930 kPa) working pressure and 150 psi (1035 kPa) service pressure. The term rack and reel hose was changed to occupant-use hose to be consistent with NFPA 1961. The increased use of hose testing machines was rec-ognized in the test procedure section. The test requirements for booster and suction hose were revised by incorporating the information in the standard rather than referring to a dif-ferent standard.

This 1998 edition adds requirements that booster and suction hose be tested within 90 days prior to being placed in service and defines a separate test procedure when using a hose test-ing machine from the procedure when using a stationary fire pump or pumper as the pres-sure source. It also requires that unlined fire hose be replaced with lined fire hose when the unlined fire hose comes due for testing.

1962–2 CARE, USE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF FIRE HOSE INCLUDING COUPLINGS AND NOZZLES

Technical Committee on Fire Hose

John W. Stacey, Chair Bellevue Fire Dept., NE [E]

Rep. Int’l Assn. of Fire Chiefs

Frank T. Blackburn, PWSS Co. Ltd, CA [SE] Peter C. Bol, Snap-Tite Hose, Inc., PA [M] Robert Ely, San Diego, CA [SE] Thomas G. Farruggia, Illinois Fire Extinguisher Co. Inc., IL

Rep. Nat’l Assn. of Fire Equipment Distributors Inc. [IM] Philip W. Johnson, Factory Mutual Research Corp., RI [I] Paul Robert Kaveler, Union Electric Co., MO [U]

Rep. Edison Electric Inst.

Gregory Kozey, Kochek Co. Inc., CT [M] Allen Leach, Jaffrey Fire Protection Co., NH [M] Larry Linton, Washington Township Volunteer Fire Dept., IN [L]

William E. Patterson, Angus Fire-AFAC, NC [M] Rep. Fire Equipment Mfrs. Assn.

William J. Patterson, Federal Emergency Mgmt. Agency, CA

[SE]

David J. Pritchard, Apex, NC [SE] Mark Saner, Akron Brass, OH [M] Sherman Stark, North American Fire Hose, CO [M] Ralph D. Taylor, USDA Forest Service, CA [U] Leon M. Walker, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT] Halbert C. Weill, Jr., Hazards, Inc., NC [SE]

Alternates

George E. Laverick, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT] (Alt. to L. M. Walker)

David A. Lord, Niedner Ltd, PQ, Canada [M] (Alt. to W. E. Patterson)

Carl E. Peterson, NFPA Staff Liaison

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the back of this document.

NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of the Association or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the size and design of fire hose connections, and the performance, maintenance, and selection of all types of fire hose, couplings, nozzles, and accessory equipment.

8 Edition

CONTENTS 1962–3

Contents

Chapter 1 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 4 1-1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 4 1-2 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 4 1-3 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 4 1-4 Units of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 5

Chapter 2 Care and Use of Fire Hose. . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 5 2-1 Attack Hose, Supply Hose, and Forestry

Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 5 2-2 Relay-Supply Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 6 2-3 Occupant-Use Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 6 2-4 Booster and Suction Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 6 2-5 Inspecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 6 2-6 Cleaning and Drying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 6 2-7 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 7

Chapter 3 Hose Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 7 3-1 Attack Hose, Supply Hose, and

Occupant-Use Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 7 3-2 Forestry Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 7

Chapter 4 Nozzles, Couplings, and Gaskets . . . . . . 1962– 7

4-1 Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 7 4-2 Couplings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 7 4-3 Gaskets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 8

Chapter 5 Service Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 8 5-1 Service Test Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 8 5-2 Service Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 9 5-3 Unlined Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 9 5-4 Booster and Hard Suction Hose . . . . . . . . 1962– 9 5-5 Service Test Using a Hose Testing

Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962– 9 5-6 Service Test Using a Stationary Pump or a

Pump on a Fire Department Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962–10

Chapter 6 Referenced Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962–10

Appendix A Explanatory Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962–11

Appendix B Referenced Publications . . . . . . . . . . . 1962–15

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962–16 1998 Edition

1962–4 CARE, USE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF FIRE HOSE INCLUDING COUPLINGS AND NOZZLES

NFPA 1962

Standard for the

Care, Use, and Service Testing of Fire Hose Including Couplings and Nozzles

1998 Edition

NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter des-ignating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Appendix A.

Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 6 and Appendix B.

Chapter 1 Administration

1-1 Scope. This standard shall apply to the care of all types of fire hose, coupling assemblies, and nozzles while in service, in use, and after use, including record keeping, inspecting, and service testing.

1-2 Purpose.

1-2.1 The purpose of this standard is to provide a reasonable level of safety for users of fire hose and a reasonable degree of assurance that the hose, coupling assemblies, and nozzles will perform as designed.

1-2.2 Unless otherwise noted, it is intended that the provi-sions of this standard be applied to equipment or installations that were existing or approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of the standard.

1-3 Definitions.

Approved.* Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic-tion.

Attack Hose. Hose designed for use by trained fire fighters and fire brigade members to combat fires beyond the incipi-ent stage. The hose is designed to convey water to handline nozzles, distributor nozzles, master stream appliances, porta-ble hydrants, manifolds, standpipe and sprinkler systems, and pumps used by fire departments.

Authority Having Jurisdiction.* The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, an installa-tion, or a procedure.

Booster Hose. A hose having a rubber tube, a braided or spiraled reinforcement, and an outer protective cover. The hose is manufactured in sizes up to 11/2 in. (38 mm) and is intended for use on fire apparatus.

Braided Reinforcement. A hose reinforcement consisting of one or more layers of interlaced spiraled strands of yarn or wire, with a layer of rubber between each braid.

Coating. A protective material that impregnates or satu-rates the yarn of the jacket so the outside of the jacket is rela-tively smooth.

Covered Hose. A hose with a jacket covered and lined with a continuous synthetic rubber or plastic. The cover is usually thicker than a coating.

Fire Hose. A flexible conduit constructed with one or more reinforcements (jackets), with or without a coating or cover-ing but with an approved nonpermeable lining, or with an inner reinforcement between a protective cover and an approved nonpermeable lining.

Fold. A transverse bend (fold) occurring where the hose is lengthwise doubled over on itself, as on a pin rack.

Forestry Hose. A hose designed to meet specialized requirements for fighting wildland fires.

Hard Suction Hose. A hose used for drafting water from static supplies (lakes, rivers, wells, etc.). It can also be used for supplying pumps on fire apparatus from hydrants if designed for that purpose. The hose contains a semirigid or rigid rein-forcement designed to prevent collapse of the hose under vac-uum.

In Service. Hose ready for use and kept in hose houses, on racks or reels, or on fire apparatus, but not including hose in storage where it is not readily available to be put into service at an incident.

In Storage. Hose that is not readily available for use because it is not at the scene of an incident and not loaded on a vehicle that can transport it to the scene.

In Use. Hose being used during fire suppression or during training.

Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an orga-nization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains peri-odic inspection of production of labeled equipment or mate-rials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.

Large-Diameter Hose. A hose of 31/2 -in. (90-mm) size or larger. Supply hose is designed to be used at operating pres-sures not exceeding 185 psi (1275 kPa). Attack hose is designed for use at operating pressures up to at least 275 psi (1896 kPa).

Listed.* Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the author-ity having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of prod-ucts or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic eval-uation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

Multiple Jacket. A construction consisting of a combina-tion of two separately woven jackets (double jacket) or two or more jackets interwoven.

Occupant-Use Hose. Fire hose designed to be used by the building’s occupants to fight incipient fires prior to the arrival of trained fire fighters or fire brigade members.

Psi. Pounds per square inch shown in this document as gauge pressure.

Relay-Supply Hose. A single-jacket fire hose of 3-in. (90-

mm) diameter or larger used to move large volumes of water at low pressure and manufactured prior to January 1987 to meet the requirements of the 1979 and prior editions of NFPA 1961, Standard for Fire Hose.

Service Test. Hydrostatic test conducted by users on all in-service hose to determine suitability for continued service.

CARE AND USE OF FIRE HOSE 1962–5

Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

Single Jacket. A construction consisting of one woven jacket.

Soft Suction Hose. Collapsible hose used to supply pump-ers from hydrants.

Spiral Reinforcement. A hose reinforcement consisting of pairs of layers of yarn spiraled with no interlacing between the individual layers. The layers of yarn in each pair are spirally wound in opposite directions. A layer of rubber separates each pair of spiraled layers.

Unlined Hose. A hose consisting of only a woven jacket that is usually of linen yarns and is of such quality that the yarn swells when wet, tending to seal the hose.

Water Hammer.* The surge of pressure caused when a high-velocity flow of water is abruptly shut off. The pressure exerted by the flowing water against the closed system can be seven or more times that of the static pressure.

1-4 Units of Measurement.

1-4.1* Metric units of measurement in this standard are in accordance with the modernized metric system known as the International System of Units (SI). The liter, a unit that is out-side of but recognized by SI, is commonly used in interna-tional fire protection. The SI units used in this standard are listed in Table 1-4.1 with their conversion factors.

1-4.2 In this standard, U.S. values for measurements are fol-lowed by an equivalent in SI units. The U.S. value shall be regarded as the requirement because the SI equivalent value can be approximate. However, as all 21/2 -in. hose shall have an internal waterway of 2 9/16 in., as specified in NFPA 1961, Stan-dard on Fire Hose, the SI unit value for 2 9/16 in. (65 mm) is required.

Chapter 2 Care and Use of Fire Hose

2-1 Attack Hose, Supply Hose, and Forestry Hose.

2-1.1* Hose shall be inspected and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 within 90 days prior to being placed in service for the first time and at least annually thereafter.

2-1.2* Hose carried on fire apparatus shall be loaded in such a way that air can circulate under the hose load to eliminate or reduce the growth of mildew in the hose jackets and rust and corrosion in the hose compartment. Only clean, dry hose shall be placed into service. Wet hose accelerates mildew growth and rusting; therefore, hose shall be thoroughly dried before being placed in service.

2-1.3* Hose shall be removed from the apparatus and reloaded so that the folds occur at different positions with suf-ficient frequency to prevent damage and permanent folds set-ting in the rubber lining.

2-1.4* Large-diameter hose used to supply a pumper from a hydrant shall be repacked in a different position after each use to avoid folds and strains occurring at the same location.

2-1.5 Large-diameter hose used to supply a pumper from a hydrant shall be protected from chafing with chafing blocks or similar protection where it comes in contact with pavement or curbing. When connecting a pumper to a hydrant, the hose shall be bent slightly to avoid kinks when the water is turned on.

2-1.6 Large-Diameter Supply Hose.

2-1.6.1 Large-diameter hose marked SUPPLY HOSE shall not be used at operating pressures exceeding 185 psi (1275 kPa) when supplying fire department pumpers from hydrants;

when relaying water from pumper to pumper; and when directly supplying attack lines, master stream appliances, por-table hydrants, manifolds, and standpipe and sprinkler sys-tems.

Exception: Six-inch (152-mm) supply hose shall not be used at oper-ating pressures exceeding 135 psi (930 kPa).

2-1.6.2* A pressure and volume relief device with adequate capabilities and a maximum setting, not to exceed the service test pressure of the hose being used, shall be used on the dis-charge side of the pump when large-diameter supply hose is being used to supply attack lines, manifolds, and standpipe and sprinkler systems. Rapid closing or opening valves shall not be used with large-diameter supply hose.

2-1.6.3 Where large-diameter hose marked SUPPLY HOSE is used in relay between fire department pumpers, the suction of each receiving pumper shall be equipped with a relief valve.

The maximum pressure setting of the relief valve(s) shall be not more than 10 psi (69 kPa) over the static pressure of the water source to which it is connected or not more than 10 psi (69 kPa) over the discharge pressure of a supply pumper in a relay. In no event shall it exceed the working pressure of the hose used with the system.

2-1.7* Hose, while in use, shall be positioned to minimize mechanical damage and heat exposure; nozzles and valves shall be opened and closed slowly to prevent pressure surges and water hammer that can burst the hose and in turn cause injury to people or damage to the pump. Care shall be taken to prevent the hose from chafing.

2-1.8 When hose is in use during subfreezing weather, care shall be taken to prevent water from freezing inside the hose.

To help prevent freezing once the water is turned on, some water shall be left running through the hose until the line is no longer needed. When the line is no longer needed, it shall be uncoupled and drained before the water freezes.

2-1.9* Hose that has frozen during use shall be thawed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 before being put back in service or in storage.

2-1.10* After each use and before being placed in storage or back in service, the hose shall be drained, cleaned, dried, and inspected as specified in Sections 2-5 and 2-6.

Table 1-4.1 SI Conversions

Quantity U.S. Unit (Symbol)

SI Unit (Symbol)

Conversion Factor

Length inch (in.) millimeter (mm) 1 in. = 25.4 mm foot (ft) meter (m) 1 ft = 0.305 m

Volume gallon (gal) liter (L) 1 gal = 3.785 L Flow rate gallon per minute (gpm) liter per minute

(L/min) 1 gpm = 3.785

L/min Pressure pounds per sq inch (psi) kilopascal (kPa) 1 psi = 6.895 kPa

1962–6 CARE, USE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF FIRE HOSE INCLUDING COUPLINGS AND NOZZLES 2-2* Relay-Supply Hose. This section shall apply only to relay-supply hose manufactured to the requirements of the 1979 and prior editions of NFPA 1961, Standard for Fire Hose.

2-2.1 In-service hose shall be inspected and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 at least annually.

2-2.2 Hose carried on fire apparatus shall be loaded in such a way that air can circulate under the hose load to eliminate or reduce the growth of mildew in the hose jackets and rust and corrosion in the hose compartment. Only clean, dry hose shall be placed into service. Wet hose accelerates mildew growth and rusting and shall be thoroughly dried before being placed in service.

2-2.3 Hose shall be removed from the apparatus and reloaded so that the folds occur at different positions with sufficient fre-quency to prevent damage and permanent folds setting in the rubber lining.

2-2.4 Relay-supply hose used to supply a pumper from a hydrant shall be repacked in a different position after each use to avoid folds and strains occurring at the same location.

2-2.5 Relay-supply hose used to supply a pumper from a hydrant shall be protected from chafing with chafing blocks or similar protection where it comes in contact with pavement or curbing. When connecting a pumper to a hydrant, the hose shall be bent slightly to avoid kinks when the water is turned on.

2-2.6 Relay-supply hose shall not be used at operating pres-sures exceeding 185 psi (1275 kPa) when supplying fire department pumpers from hydrants; when relaying water from pumper to pumper; and when directly supplying attack lines, master stream appliances, portable hydrants, manifolds, and standpipe and sprinkler systems.

Exception: Six-inch (152-mm) relay-supply hose shall not be used at operating pressures exceeding 135 psi (930 kPa).

2-2.7* Fire departments shall establish operational proce-dures for relay-supply operations. Special precautions shall be used when relaying water from a pump at a water source to a pump near the fire ground or to other pumps in a relay in order to control pressure surges and water hammer. The pump receiving the relay shall be provided with a relay-relief valve on the inlet (suction) to which the relay-supply hose is attached. The maximum pressure setting of the relief valve(s) shall be not more than 10 psi (69 kPa) over the static pressure of the water source to which it is connected, and in no event shall it exceed the working pressure of the hose used within the system.

2-2.8 Care shall be taken to avoid dragging the hose. If the hose must be dragged, it shall be dragged flat.

2-2.9* Vehicles shall not be driven over relay-supply lines unless the hose is bridged.

2-2.10 When hose is in use during subfreezing weather, care shall be taken to prevent water from freezing inside the hose.

To help prevent freezing once the water is turned on, some water shall be left running through the hose until the line is no longer needed. When the line is no longer needed, it shall be uncoupled and drained before the water freezes.

2-2.11 Hose that has frozen during use shall be thawed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 before being put back in service or in storage.

2-2.12 After use and before being placed in storage or back in service, the hose shall be drained, cleaned, dried, and inspected as specified in Sections 2-5 and 2-6.

2-3* Occupant-Use Hose.

2-3.1 Occupant-use hose shall be service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 within the 90 days prior to being put in service.

2-3.2 In-service hose designed for occupant use only shall be removed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 at intervals not exceeding 5 years after installation and every 3 years thereafter.

2-3.3 In-service hose shall be unracked, unreeled, or unrolled and physically inspected as specified in Section 2-5 at least annually. Hose shall be reracked, rereeled, or rerolled so that any folds do not occur at the same position on the hose.

2-3.4* Hose stored on racks or reels shall be protected from the weather and any local environmental condition that can be harmful to the hose. Hose shall be protected from mechan-ical damage and exposure to heat. Enclosures for occupant-use hose shall be constructed and the hose stored in accor-dance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances.

2-3.5 In areas where rodents can pose a problem, the hose shall be visually inspected more frequently for rodent damage.

2-3.6 After each use and before being placed back in service, the hose shall be inspected as specified in Section 2-5, service-tested as specified in Chapter 5, and cleaned and dried as spec-ified in Section 2-6.

2-4 Booster and Suction Hose.

2-4.1 The hose shall be service-tested as specified in Section 5- 4 within 90 days prior to being placed in service for the first time and at least annually.

2-4.2* Hose shall be stored out of direct sunlight and as rec-ommended by the manufacturer. The hose shall not be stored kinked and, if stored on a reel, care shall be taken to avoid twisting the hose when rolling it onto the reel.

2-4.3 Hose that has the reinforcement exposed shall be removed from service and repaired or condemned. The defec-tive section shall be permitted to be cut out and the length recoupled and service-tested as specified in Section 5-4.

2-4.4 Foreign objects of any kind, including items of equip-ment, shall not be carried inside the hose.

2-5 Inspecting.

2-5.1 Physical inspection shall determine that the hose, cou-plings, and any nozzle have not been vandalized; are free of debris; and exhibit no evidence of mildew, rot, or damage by chemicals, burns, cuts, abrasion, and vermin.

2-5.2 If the hose fails the physical inspection, it shall be removed from service, repaired as necessary, and service-tested as specified in Chapter 5 or condemned.

2-5.3 The couplings shall be inspected as specified in 4-2.1.

2-5.4 Where nozzles are required on occupant-use hose, they shall be inspected as specified in 4-1.1, 4-1.2, and 4-1.3.

2-6 Cleaning and Drying.

2-6.1* After each use, all hose shall be cleaned. If the dirt can-not be thoroughly brushed from it or if it has come in contact with harmful materials, the hose shall be washed.

NOZZLES, COUPLINGS, AND GASKETS 1962–7

2-6.2 If, during use, the hose has been exposed to hazardous materials, it shall be decontaminated by the method approved for the contaminate.

2-6.3* All hose shall be drained and thoroughly dried before being placed in service or in storage. Covered hose shall be permitted to be wiped dry. Hose shall not be dried on hot pavements or under intense sunlight.

2-7 Storage.

2-7.1* Hose in storage shall be kept out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated location. Hose shall be stored only after it has been properly inspected, service-tested if required, cleaned, dried, and rolled.

2-7.2 Hose that is out of service for repair shall be properly tagged as specified in Chapter 3 and kept separated from any hose that is in storage and ready for service.

Chapter 3 Hose Records

3-1 Attack Hose, Supply Hose, and Occupant-Use Hose.

3-1.1* Accurate hose records shall be established and main-tained.

3-1.2* Each length of hose shall be assigned an identification number for use in recording its history throughout its service life. The identification number shall be stenciled on the jacket or cover using an ink or paint that is not harmful to the hose.

The identification number shall be permitted to be stamped on the bowl or swivel of the female coupling in a manner that prevents damage to the coupling.

3-1.3* Records of hose used by fire departments shall be kept as part of the department’s or individual company’s complete equipment inventory.

3-1.4 Records for hose on racks or reels or in enclosures shall be kept at the hose location or at a control location on the pre-mises where the hose is located.

3-1.5* The following information shall be included for each length of hose:

(a) Assigned identification number

(b) Manufacturer and part number

(c) Vendor

(d) Size (internal diameter of waterway)

(e) Length

(f) Type of hose

(g) Construction

(h) Date received and date put in service

(i) The date of each service test and the service test pressure

(j) Repairs and new length if shortened

(k) Actual damage

(l) Exposure to possible damage

(m) Reason removed from service

(n) Reason condemned

(o) Indication that the hose has been removed from service or condemned within the warranty period because of an in-warranty failure

3-1.6* Out-of-service hose shall be properly tagged with the reason for removal from service noted on the tag.

3-1.7 Personnel responsible for the repair and maintenance of fire hose shall ensure that a report of the work performed to repair each length is recorded on the permanent hose record.

3-2 Forestry Hose.

3-2.1* The authority having jurisdiction shall determine the records necessary to achieve an effective hose management program for forestry hose.

Chapter 4 Nozzles, Couplings, and Gaskets

4-1 Nozzles.

4-1.1 Nozzle valves attached to in-service hose shall be kept in the closed position.

4-1.2* All nozzles shall be inspected after each use and at least annually. The nozzle inspection shall include verification of the following:

(a) Waterway clear of obstructions

(b) No damage to tip

(c) Full operation of adjustments such as pattern selection and so forth

(d) Proper operation of shutoff valve, if so equipped

(e) No missing parts

(f) Thread gasket in good condition in accordance with 4-3.1

4-1.3 If the nozzle fails the inspection for any reason, it shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.

4-1.4 If, during use, there is an obstruction that cannot be removed by flushing the nozzle, the nozzle shall be taken from the hose line and the obstruction removed through the connec-tion end as soon as is practicable, since any further attempt to force the obstruction out through the tip can damage the noz-zle.

4-1.5 Care shall be taken to avoid dents or nicks in nozzle tips, as these can seriously affect the reach of the stream. To pre-vent mechanical damage, nozzles shall be handled with care.

They shall not be dropped or thrown.

4-1.6 Nozzle control valves shall be opened and closed slowly to eliminate unnecessary strain on the hose and couplings and reduce pressure surges.

4-1.7* After each use, all nozzles shall be thoroughly washed and inspected in accordance with 4-1.2 before being placed back in service.

4-2 Couplings.

4-2.1* Couplings shall be kept in serviceable condition. After each use, and during each hose service test, they shall be visu-ally inspected for the following:

(a) Damaged threads

(b) Corrosion

(c) Slippage on the hose

(d) Out-of-round

(e) Swivel not rotating freely

(f) Missing lugs

(g) Loose external collar

(h) Internal gasket in accordance with Section 4-3

(i) Other defects that impair operation

1962–8 CARE, USE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF FIRE HOSE INCLUDING COUPLINGS AND NOZZLES Defective couplings shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced. The internal gasket shall be inspected as specified in 4-2.8. A lubricant specified by the coupling manu-facturer shall be permitted to be used on coupling swivels and threads.

4-2.2* Care shall be taken not to drop the couplings on pave-ment or other hard surfaces that can cause damage to the swivel section or exposed threads.

4-2.3 Care shall be taken to prevent vehicles from driving over couplings.

4-2.4 Special care shall be taken where couplings of dissimilar metals are connected, as corrosion can occur due to this dif-ference and moisture tends to accelerate this corrosion.

Where couplings of dissimilar metals are left connected, they shall be disconnected and inspected at least quarterly. If cor-rosion exists, the couplings shall be cleaned and an anticorro-sive lubricant specified by the coupling manufacturer shall be applied to the threads. Anticorrosive lubricant shall be applied at the time of each service test.

4-2.5* When attaching new or used couplings, care shall be taken to have the hose fit properly in the bowl of the coupling.

The outside diameter of the hose shall fit snugly in the inter-nal diameter of the bowl of the coupling. The expansion ring shall be of the proper size and length for the coupling used. A new tail gasket shall be used.

4-2.6* When couplings are attached or reattached to hose, the hose shall be tested at its service test pressure in accor-dance with Chapter 5.

Warning: Retesting repaired or recoupled fire hose can be extremely dangerous. Extreme care shall be taken to prevent exposure of anyone to the hose during the test.

4-2.7 The date and nature of the repair or recoupling and the identity of the person performing the repair shall be recorded for each length of hose as specified in 3-1.5.

4-2.8 The socket head cap screws on shank-type couplings shall be checked at least annually to ensure they are torqued to the manufacturer’s specified tolerance.

4-3 Gaskets.

4-3.1* The thread gasket in couplings and nozzles shall be inspected for presence, tight fit, and lack of deterioration. If defective, it shall be replaced with a new gasket.

4-3.2* Gaskets shall not protrude into the waterway.

Chapter 5 Service Testing

Warning: Service testing of hose is undertaken to con-firm its suitability for continued use. Because there is a potential for catastrophic failure during these tests, it is vital that adequate safety precautions be taken.

5-1 Service Test Pressure.

5-1.1 Hose Manufactured Prior to July 1987.

5-1.1.1 The service test pressure for hose manufactured prior to July 1987 to meet the requirements of the 1979 and previ-ous editions of NFPA 1961, Standard for Fire Hose, shall be determined from Table 5-1.1.1 based on the type of hose and the acceptance or proof test pressure that is stenciled on each length of hose and reads “Tested to . . . PSI.”

5-1.1.2 The acceptance or proof test pressure that is stenciled on hose manufactured prior to July 1987 shall not be used for the service test pressure.

5-1.2 Hose Manufactured July 1987 and After.

5-1.2.1 The service test pressure for hose manufactured in July 1987 and after to meet the requirements of the 1987 and subse-quent editions of NFPA 1961, Standard on Fire Hose, is stenciled on each length of hose and reads “Service Test to . . . PSI per

NFPA 1962.”

5-1.2.2 New proof pressure tests for hoses shall only be con-ducted at the point of manufacture or at a facility properly equipped to perform these tests. Tests in the field shall not subject the hose to its proof test pressure.

5-1.3* After determining the correct service test pressure for each length of hose to be tested, the service test shall be con-ducted as specified in Section 5-2.

Table 5-1.1.1 Service Test Pressures for Hose Manufactured Prior to July 1987

Trade Size

in. (mm) Jackets

New Hose Rated

Acceptance Test Pressure psi (kPa)

Service Test

Pressure psi (kPa)

Lined industrial, standpipe, and fire department

11/2–21/2

(38–65)*

Single 300 (2070) 150 (1030)

11/2–41/2

(38–114) Single 400 (2760) 250 (1720)

11/2–21/2

(38–65) Single 500 (3450) 250 (1720)

11/2–4 (38–100)

Multiple 400 (2760) 250 (1720)

11/2–4 (38–100)

Multiple 600 (4140) 250 (1720)

Unlined standpipe

11/2 and 21/2

(38 and 65) Single 150 (1030)

Lined forestry

1 and 11/2

(25 and 38) Single 450 (3100) 250 (1720)

Unlined Forestry

1 and 11/2

(25 and 38) Single 450 (3100) 250 (1720)

Relay supply

31/2–5 (90–125)

Single 400 (2760) 200 (1380)

6 (150) Single 300 (2070) 150 (1030) Pumper Supply (soft suction)

4–6 (100–150)

*11/2–21/2-in. (38–65-mm) single-jacket hose with a new hose rated ac-ceptance test pressure of 300 psi (2070 kPa) shall not be maintained on fire apparatus for fire-fighting purposes.

Multiple 400 (2760) 200 (1380)

SERVICE TESTING 1962–9

5-2 Service Test Procedure.

5-2.1 Each length of hose to be service-tested shall be inspected as specified in Section 2-5. Any length of hose that fails the inspection shall be removed from the service test area and repaired as necessary or condemned.

5-2.2* Each length of hose to be tested simultaneously shall be of the same service test pressure and, collectively, shall be consid-ered the hose test layout. The total length of any hose line in the hose test layout to be service-tested shall not exceed 300 ft (91 m).

The hose test layout shall be straight, without kinks or twists.

Exception: Hose that has been repaired or recoupled shall be tested one length at a time.

5-2.3 All 31/2 -in. (89-mm) and larger diameter hose shall be service-tested while lying flat. A short length of smaller diame-ter hose with the same or higher proof pressure shall be used to connect the pressure source to the hose being tested.

5-2.4 A test location shall be selected that allows connection of the hose testing apparatus (pressure source) to an adequate water source.

5-2.5* A hose testing machine, a stationary pump, or a pump on a fire department apparatus shall be used as a pressure source. If a hose testing machine is used, the procedure defined in Section 5-5 shall be used. If a stationary pump or a pump on a fire department apparatus is used, the procedure defined in Section 5-6 shall be used.

5-2.6 At the conclusion of the test, the hose records specified in Chapter 3 shall be updated to indicate the results of the ser-vice test for each length of hose tested.

5-2.7* All hose failing the physical examination, bursting, leak-ing, or having couplings that fail because of slippage or leakage shall be tagged as required in 3-1.6, removed from service, and repaired or discarded. Hose that has been repaired shall be ser-vice-tested again before being placed back in service.

5-2.8 For leaking hose or for hose jackets failing the physical examination, a distinguishing mark noting the location of the defects shall be placed on the hose. For defective couplings, the couplings shall be cut from the hose.

5-2.9 After testing, all hose shall be thoroughly cleaned, drained, and dried as specified in Section 2-6 before being placed in service or storage.

5-3 Unlined Hose. Unlined fire hose shall be replaced with an approved lined fire hose when service testing is required.

5-4 Booster and Hard Suction Hose.

5-4.1* Booster hose shall be tested annually in accordance with Section 5-2 to 110 percent of its maximum working pres-sure. If a maximum working pressure cannot be determined for the hose, it shall be tested to 110 percent of the normal highest working pressure as used in the system.

5-4.2* Hard suction hose shall be dry-vacuum tested annually as follows:

(a) The hose shall be attached to a suction source.

(b) The free end shall be sealed with a transparent disk and connected to an accurate vacuum measuring instrument.

(c) A 22-in. (74.5-kPa) mercury vacuum shall be devel-oped. While holding the vacuum for 10 minutes, the lining of the hose shall be inspected through the transparent disk.

There shall be no collapsing of the lining into the waterway.

5-4.3* If hard suction hose is used under positive pressure, it shall also be service-tested to a water pressure of 165 psi (1138 kPa) using the procedures outlined in Section 5-2.

5-5 Service Test Using a Hose Testing Machine. The follow-ing procedure shall be used when hose is service-tested using a hose testing machine.

5-5.1 Hose Testing Machine Integrity. The condition of the hose testing machine shall be thoroughly checked before com-mencing the service tests. This check shall be performed daily before each testing session and before using the hose testing machine each time it is transported to a new testing site.

5-5.1.1 The hose testing machine shall be carefully examined for damaged components that might fail during the test. If any damage is discovered, the hose testing machine shall not be used until the damaged component(s) is repaired or replaced.

5-5.1.2 A pressure leak integrity test shall be performed on the machine to determine whether the pressurized outlet side of the machine and its related components are leak free. The fire hose outlet connection(s) of the machine shall be capped or otherwise closed. Pressure shall be applied through the machine using the integral pump to a level that is 10 percent higher than the highest service test pressure needed for the hose to be tested. The pressure shall be held for 3 minutes with the pump turned off. If leaks are detected, the testing machine shall not be used until the leaking component(s) is repaired or replaced.

5-5.1.3 The test gauge that is used to read the test pressure shall have been calibrated within the previous year.

5-5.2 Conducting the Test.

5-5.2.1 The test layout shall be connected to the outlet side of the water supply valve on the hose testing machine. A test cap with a bleeder valve shall be attached to the far end of each hose line in the test layout. If a test cap is not available, a nozzle with a nontwist shutoff shall be permitted to be used.

5-5.2.2* With the test cap valve or the nozzle open, the pres-sure shall be raised gradually to 45 psi ± 5 psi (310 kPa ± 35 kPa). After the hose test layout is full of water, all the air in each hose line shall be exhausted by raising the discharge end of each hose line above the highest point in the system. The nozzle or test cap valve shall be closed slowly, then the outlet water supply valve shall be closed.

Warning: Care shall be taken to remove all air from the hose before the valve in the test cap or the nozzle is closed and the pressure raised. The development of test pressures introduces a serious accident potential if air remains in the system.

5-5.2.3* The hose directly in back of the test cap or the nozzle shall be secured to avoid possible whipping or other uncon-trolled reactions in the event of a hose burst.

5-5.2.4 With the hose at 45 psi ± 5 psi (310 kPa ± 35 kPa), it shall be checked for leakage at each coupling and the cou-plings tightened with a spanner wrench where necessary. Each hose shall then be marked at the end or back of each coupling to determine, after the hose has been drained, if the coupling has slipped during the test.

5-5.2.5 All personnel other than those persons required to perform the remainder of the procedure shall clear the area.

1962–10 CARE, USE, AND SERVICE TESTING OF FIRE HOSE INCLUDING COUPLINGS AND NOZZLES 5-5.2.6 The pressure shall be raised slowly at a rate not greater than 15 psi (103 kPa) per second until the service test pressure is attained and then maintained, by pressure boosts if neces-sary, for the duration of the stabilization period. The stabiliza-tion period shall be not less than 1 minute per 100 ft (30 m) of hose in the test layout.

5-5.2.7 After the stabilization period, the hose layout shall hold the service test pressure for 3 minutes without further pressure boosts.

5-5.2.8 While the hose test layout is at the service test pressure, it shall be inspected for leaks. If the inspecting personnel walk the test layout to inspect for leaks, they shall be at least 15 ft (4.5

m) to the left side of the nearest hose line in the test layout. The left side of the hose line shall be defined as that side that is to the left when facing the free end from the pressure source. Person-nel shall never stand in front of the free end of the hose; on the right side of the hose; closer than 15 ft (4.5 m) on the left side of the hose; or straddle a hose in the test layout during the test.

5-5.2.9 If the hose test layout does not hold the service test pressure for the 3-minute duration, the service test shall be ter-minated and the length(s) of hose that leaked shall have failed the test. The test layout shall be drained and the defective hose removed from the test layout. The service test shall be restarted beginning with 5-5.2.1.

5-5.2.10 After 3 minutes at the service test pressure, each test cap or nozzle shall be opened to drain the test layout.

5-5.2.11 The marks placed on the hose at the back of the cou-plings shall be observed for coupling slippage. If the coupling has slipped, the hose shall have failed the test.

5-6 Service Test Using a Stationary Pump or a Pump on a Fire Department Apparatus. The following procedure shall be used when hose is to be service-tested using a stationary pump or a pump on a fire department apparatus.

5-6.1 The test gauge that is used to read the test pressure shall have been calibrated within 30 days prior to the testing.

5-6.2* A hose test valve consisting of a fire department gate valve with a 1/4 -in. (6.4-mm) opening drilled through the gate and designed to withstand the service test pressures shall be used between the pump…