Fire Fighting Hoses

Firefighting without fire hoses is hardly imaginable. The selection of materials is just as important as the correct usage of the hoses. When using fire hoses, there are not only useful and relevant things to keep in mind, but also a few no-goes that are best to be avoided. Now, what is important when using fire hoses? Our experts at PARSCH will explain this in the following.

Who uses fire hoses?

The obvious answer is – any volunteer or professional fire department. In addition to them, industrial fire departments, marine firefighters, refinery firefighters, and even farmers for agricultural sprinkling are also among the users. However, fire hoses are also regularly used in the industrial sector. Furthermore, various fire hoses can be applied as drinking water hoses at large events, in the catering industry or in food production.

Avoidable mistakes when using fire hoses

To ensure that a high-quality fire hose always functions as intended when in actual use, no mistakes should be made when operating it. However, making mistakes is human, which is why one should always try to minimize these by obtaining detailed information and through constant practice.

For example, something can already go wrong during the roll-up procedure when preparing for deployment. One should not, for instance, tighten the rolled-up hose with the knee in place. The weight combined with the friction of the hard surface (pavement, asphalt) causes friction and abrasion. Consequently, the hose material is exposed to too much material strain. A gentler way to protect the material is to hold the center point with one hand and tighten the coupling ends with the other.

A definite no-go is to step on the hose with your body weight and work boot in order to flatten it as much as possible. Please also make sure that the edges are always offset by a few millimeters when rolled up. If the hose is wound too tightly, it can cause the material to leak at the kinked edges.