Maintenance of Fire Hose - Code of Practice
2000 Edition

Overview of Scope and Relevant Specifications

Scope: This code outlines specifications for firefighting hoses, referencing associated standards covering various hose types:

Performance Criteria (Clause 4.1.2.1)

• Minimum Proof Pressure: 21 kgf/cm², matching Type A hoses
• Abrasion Resistance: Twice the resistance of Type A hoses
• Heat Resistance: 1.5 times greater than Type A hoses
• Recommended Use Cases: Industrial sites like refineries, chemical plants, and tall buildings

Inspection and Documentation (Clause 7.2)

• Each hose segment receives a unique identification number for traceability.
• Records encompass inventory, usage logs, maintenance tests, repairs, and reasons for discarding.
• Enables cost-efficiency monitoring and service life assessment.

Comparative Table of Hose Qualities

For formulas and detailed testing methods, refer to the cited IS standards (IS 636, IS 4927, IS 8423).

flowchart LR
    S[Scope of IS 14851] --> R[References IS 636, 4927, 8423]
    S --> P[Performance Criteria]
    P --> PP[Proof Pressure: 21 kgf/cm²]
    P --> AR[Abrasion Resistance: 2x Type A]
    P --> HR[Heat Resistance: 1.5x Type A]
    S --> I[Inspection & Records]
    I --> ID[Assign Hose ID]
    I --> LR[Maintain Usage & Service Records]

Referenced Indian Standards Overview

Inspection Documentation (Clause 7.2)

• Unique ID assigned to each hose length for tracking.
• Documentation includes:
  • Hose stock details
  • Usage by firefighting units
  • Service testing and repairs
  • Grounds for condemnation
• Supports economic maintenance and replacement planning.

Additional Information

• All publications are copyrighted by BIS; reproduction requires authorization.
• Standards are periodically revised to maintain relevance.
• Coordination with international standards such as ASTM C 39-86 is acknowledged.

flowchart LR
    D[Hose Delivery] --> ID[Assign Unique ID]
    ID --> U[Record Usage & Tests]
    U --> C{Condition Assessment}
    C -->|Good| S[Continue Service]
    C -->|Fail| R[Remove & Record]

General Specifications as per IS 14851

• Proof Pressure: Not less than 21 kgf/cm², equivalent to Type A hoses.
• Abrasion Resistance: Double the resistance compared to Type A quality.
• Heat Resistance: 1.5 times the durability of Type A hoses.
• Intended Application: Recommended for demanding environments such as:
  • Petroleum refineries
  • Chemical manufacturing plants
  • High-rise urban structures

Associated Standards

Notes:

• Aligns with ASTM C 39-86 for concrete compressive strength specimen testing.
• Ensures international compatibility and quality.

flowchart LR
    TA[Type A Hose] --> P21[Proof Pressure = 21 kgf/cm²]
    P21 --> AR[2x Abrasion Resistance]
    P21 --> HR[1.5x Heat Resistance]
    P21 --> U[Applicable Use Cases]
    U --> R1[Refineries]
    U --> R2[Chemical Plants]
    U --> R3[High-rise Buildings]

Fire Hose Types Referenced in IS 14851

Fire Hose Categories (According to Referenced Standards)

Critical Specifications:

• Pressure Rating: Designed to endure pressures commonly between 8 to 20 bar.
• Flexibility: Must allow ease of deployment and handling.
• Durability: Resistant to abrasion, chemical exposure, and weathering.

Hose Selection Criteria:

• Choose hose type based on intended operational conditions.
• Adhere to proper handling and maintenance to extend service life.

Maintenance Summary:

• Inspect regularly for leaks and wear.
• Clean and dry after firefighting use.
• Store properly to avoid damage and deformation.

Typical Hose Pressure Loss Formula:

[ P = \frac{4Q^2}{\pi^2 d^4 C_d^2} ] Where:

• (P) denotes pressure loss in Pascals
• (Q) is the volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• (d) is hose internal diameter (meters)
• (C_d) is the discharge coefficient (dimensionless)

flowchart LR
    WaterSource --> Hose[Fire Hose]
    Hose --> Nozzle[Nozzle]
    Nozzle --> Fire[Fire Stream]
    Hose -.-> Maintenance[Inspection & Maintenance]
    Hose -.-> Handling[Proper Handling]

Key Handling Procedures for Fire Hoses as per IS 14851

Though detailed formulas are not provided in Clause 5, the following are emphasized:

• Minimum Proof Pressure: Controlled percolating hoses require at least 21 kgf/cm² (Clause 4.2.2.1).
• Service Testing: Each hose length must undergo regular integrity tests.
• Controlled Percolation Mechanism: Inner coatings develop microscopic holes under pressure to permit limited water seepage, avoiding hose rupture.

Relevant Standards for Handling and Maintenance

Recommended Handling Practices

• Prevent hose kinks and sharp bends to preserve integrity.
• Store hoses in dry, shaded areas away from UV exposure.
• Conduct periodic pressure tests at or exceeding 21 kgf/cm².
• Routinely inspect for signs of wear, damage, and controlled percolation holes.

flowchart LR
    Hose --> PressureApplied{Pressure Level}
    PressureApplied -->|< 21 kgf/cm²| NoPercolation[No Water Leakage]
    PressureApplied -->|≥ 21 kgf/cm²| ControlledPercolation[Controlled Water Seepage]
    ControlledPercolation --> PreventBursting[Prevents Hose Rupture]

Post-Fire Usage Maintenance Guidelines per IS 14851

Importance of Proper Maintenance

• Fire hoses must be robust, flexible, and dependable to transport water at high pressures.
• Effective maintenance maximizes service life and prevents operational failures.

Maintenance Procedures (Clause 6)

• After firefighting, hoses should be:
  • Thoroughly cleaned to eliminate soot, chemical residues, and debris.
  • Completely dried before storage to prevent mold and fabric degradation.
  • Inspected meticulously for cuts, abrasion, or fabric weakening.
  • Pressure tested periodically to detect leaks or weaknesses.

Pressure Surge Protection (Clause 5.3)

• Employ relief valves or pressure governors on pump discharge lines.
• For relay pumping setups, install a relay relief valve at the receiving pump inlet to control pressure spikes.
• A lower valve pressure setting provides enhanced protection.

Standard Pressure Test Formula:

[ P_{test} = 1.5 \times P_{working} ] Where:

• (P_{test}) is the pressure applied during testing.
• (P_{working}) is the hose’s maximum operating pressure.

Maintenance Schedule Summary

flowchart TD
    FireHoseUsed --> Cleaning
    Cleaning --> Drying
    Drying --> Inspection
    Inspection --> DamageFound{Is Damage Present?}
    DamageFound -- Yes --> RepairOrReplace
    DamageFound -- No --> PressureTesting
    PressureTesting --> Storage

Inspection and Record-Keeping Requirements (Clause 7.2)

• Records can be maintained locally at hose locations or centrally within facilities.
• A complete inventory must be maintained by fire services, including:
  • Unique identification numbers for each hose segment.
  • Detailed usage logs.
  • Records of service tests and repairs.
  • Reasons and dates for hose retirement.
• This documentation aids in evaluating cost-effectiveness, workload, and service conditions.

Recommended Record Fields

Benefits

• Enhances asset management and maintenance scheduling.
• Supports warranty claims and quality assurance.
• Assists budgeting and replacement planning.

flowchart TD
    Delivery --> AssignID
    AssignID --> RecordLocationUsage
    RecordLocationUsage --> ServiceTestsRepairs
    ServiceTestsRepairs --> ConditionCheck{Is Hose Usable?}
    ConditionCheck -- Yes --> ContinueUse
    ConditionCheck -- No --> RemoveAndRecord
    RemoveAndRecord --> AnalyzeData

Service Testing and Repair Guidelines per IS 14851

1. Service Testing (Clause 7.1)

• Conduct tests at least once annually or after any repairs or heavy use.
• Confirm hose structural integrity and operational performance.
• Follow specified pressure test procedures.

2. Record Maintenance (Clause 7.2)

• Assign a unique ID to each hose section upon delivery.
• Maintain detailed records covering inventory, usage, test results, repairs, and reasons for decommissioning.
• Records may be stored onsite or centrally.

3. Typical Pressure Test Values

Confirm exact test pressures with manufacturer or IS guidelines.

4. Repairs

• Must be followed by service testing.
• Only approved repair methods and materials are acceptable.

flowchart TD
    Delivery --> AssignID
    AssignID --> RecordInventory
    RecordInventory --> ServiceTest
    ServiceTest --> TestResult{Pass?}
    TestResult -- Yes --> ReturnToService
    TestResult -- No --> Repair
    Repair --> ServiceTest

Storage and Drying of Fire Hoses as per IS 14851

Drying Instructions (Clause 6.2)

• Remove all dirt and impurities before drying.
• Drying methods include:
  • Hanging vertically in hose towers.
  • Laying flat on drying racks with airflow.
  • Utilizing adequate drying cabinets.
• Once dried, roll hoses carefully and place on storage racks to avoid deformation.

Exceptions (Clause 6.3)

• Covered hoses (IS 636 Type B or oil-resistant) do not require drying due to protective coatings.

Summary Table for Drying and Storage

Process Flow

flowchart TD
    Clean --> DryingChoice
    DryingChoice -->|Hose Tower| HangVertically
    DryingChoice -->|Rack| LayFlat
    DryingChoice -->|Drying Cabinet| UseCabinets
    HangVertically & LayFlat & UseCabinets --> Roll
    Roll --> Store
    CoveredHose --> NoDryingNeeded

Safety and Operational Recommendations in IS 14851

While detailed formulas for safety are not provided, key practices include:

• Identification and Documentation:

  • Assign unique ID numbers to each hose length upon receipt.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of storage, use, maintenance, and removal reasons (Clause 7.2).
  • These records help optimize replacement timing and cost efficiency.

• Inspection and Maintenance:

  • Regularly check hoses for wear, leaks, and damage.
  • Store hoses on proper racks, reels, or enclosures to avoid damage.
  • Perform service tests in accordance with IS 636, IS 4927, and IS 8423.

• Handling and Storage Practices:

  • Prevent kinks, sharp bends, and exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
  • Ensure hoses are dried thoroughly after use to avoid mildew and deterioration.

Referenced Fire Hose Standards

Maintenance Record Summary (Clause 7.2)

flowchart LR
    Delivery --> AssignID
    AssignID --> RecordUsageLocation
    RecordUsageLocation --> Inspect
    Inspect --> ConditionCheck{Pass?}
    ConditionCheck -- Yes --> ContinueUse
    ConditionCheck -- No --> RepairOrRemove
    RepairOrRemove --> UpdateRecords