Hose Testing
Services included
- Hose testing according to NFPA 1962
- Accurate recording of hose test results
- Hose labeling (if not already performed by department)
- Access to an electronic record, hard copies available upon request
- Gaskets will be inspected, and defective gaskets will be replaced
Our process
We require suitable space, a working hydrant, and any other applicable tools and fittings specific to your threading and size.
We will coordinate with one point of contact to first test auxiliary hose (to replace any failed hose) and then work from apparatus to apparatus.
Our full process and Standards of Testing will be detailed upon scheduling.
FDHC does not currently offer vacuum testing for rigid suction supply hose, but we will be happy to assist you in performing this with a pumper of yours.
FDHC does not perform drying of fire hose, but can hang the hose in a hose tower, place lengths of hose into a dryer, or place the hose in service according to your regulations and/or SOP.
Why should you test your hose?
- The public needs our equipment to work when they need us the most
- Peace of mind for incident commanders and fire chiefs, knowing your subordinates have equipment in good working order
- You need to budget how much failed hose to order
- Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Department of Labor and OSHA has adopted NFPA 1962 and will ask for these records if you ever get audited
- 29 CFR 1910.156(d) is the regulation that they will go off of
- States' Labor Departments are increasingly adopting NFPA 1962 and NFPA 1932
Why you should outsource
- Save money
- FDHC is less expensive than the national companies - we guarantee it
- Save time
- We are able to test 4,000 - 6,000 feet of hose per day, lessening the time your engines are out of service
- Decrease fatigue
- For volunteer departments: your firefighters are able to stay at home on valuable weekends or evenings
- For career departments: your employees are able to stay indoors, out of the elements, and ready to respond
- Decreased response times during testing
- Coordination with other departments/stations is not necessary
- No more shuffling of personnel from truck to truck when tones drop
- Your staff are free to work on their assigned tasks
Increased pump lifespan
We use our own dedicated hose tester, eliminating the need to run your pump at 300PSI and lessening the stress placed on your fire engines and trucks
A single stage, centrifugal pump running at 200 PSI in a "low or no" flow (no water or very little water running through) state can cause temperature inside the pump to increase by around 36°F every minute. This greatly increases the potential for cavitation inside of the pump housing, causing damage to the pump and increasing future risk to personnel.
Reduce liability
Having a third party eliminates the risk of injuries to your employees including
- Falls due to tripping on hose
- Heat illnesses
- Overexertion
- Bursting hose