NFPA Fire Hose Testing Requirements Explained
Learn the NFPA 1962 requirements for annual fire hose testing, including inspections, pressure testing, documentation, and best practices to improve safety, compliance, and hose longevity.
Care & Handling: Protect & Maximize Your Hose Investment
Fire Hose Inspection And Testing Recommendations
Snap-tite Hose products are built to meet the highest quality specifications for superior performance and durability. The following everyday care and handling recommendations will help to ensure a long service life from your product.
- All hose should be kept out of direct sunlight in a well-ventilated location, and should be drained and thoroughly dried before storage.
- When rolling coiled hose, be sure male coupling is on the inside to avoid thread damage.
- Any hose stored in a hose bed should be loaded by laying the hose flat—never on its edge or fold. Lay the hose across the bed in alternating layers, rather than loading one row of hose all the way to the top of the hose bed.
- Hose should be removed and reloaded on the hose bed at least once every six months to allow for visual inspection.
- Avoid dragging hose along its edge or fold, as this causes excessive abrasion of the outer jacket.
- Never drive over the hose unless it is bridged and the vehicle has sufficient ground clearance to cross the bridged hose.
- Maximum advised operating/working pressure should not exceed 90% of the Service Test pressure, which is stenciled on the hose.
Fire Hose Inspection And Testing Recommendations
Snap-tite Hose products are engineered and built for optimum performance and longevity. Always refer to inspection and testing recommendations of NFPA 1962 to maximize safety in the field.
- All hose should be inspected regularly.
- Visually inspect hose and couplings under pressure.
- Be careful to maintain a safe distance from hose during inspection.
- Couplings should be closely examined.
- Check condition of bolts and maintain manufacturer’s recommended torque.
- If there is any sign of movement, the hose should be removed from service.
- Annual hydrostatic Service Test pressure testing is recommended for all in-service hose to determine suitability for continued use. Service Test pressure is to be 10% greater than the normal highest operating pressure at which the hose is expected to be used.
- Service Test pressure testing is recommended after the reattachment of couplings or if during visual inspection the hose shows signs of severe abrasion and cuts.
- Service Test pressure testing is recommended if the hose has been exposed to solvents/chemicals or extreme heat/freezing conditions.
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