The value of equipment checks

One of the equipment checks that I find great value in is the abbreviated pump test. I say abbreviated because it does not take long to perform but verifies many items.

I like to start by pulling the fire apparatus outside of the fire hall and installing the wheel chocks. Next, I make sure there is water in the pump by opening the Tank to Pump valve. Now the pump is ready to be activated (I am not a fan of running a dry pump for any length of time). Once the pump is activated, I verify that all the indicator lights for the pump are functioning. If the pump is not primed, I activate the primer and once pressure is achieved - I open the Tank Fill valve so that the water in the pump can circulate and remain cool. At this stage, a pump could run all day without overheating in the summer or freezing in the winter. Next, I set the governor or the mechanical relief valve (standard levels are 1000 RPM or 90 PSI). I then open and close the Tank Fill valve to exercise the governor and mechanical relief valve. If the governor is set in RPM - the pump pressure will fluctuate and if it is set in PSI - the RPM will fluctuate to maintain the requested PSI. With the mechanical relief valve - the orange light will open and close showing that the relief valve responds and is not seized. Once I am satisfied that everything is functioning well - I return to idle, disengage the pump and drain the pump completely if it is winter time.

Another item that can be verified during this period is all the emergency and scene lights. By doing a quick 360, the majority of the lights on the truck can be verified. The generator can also be started in order to power the 110-volt lights and get some running time.

The entire test may take as little as five (5) minutes but now you know that the chassis starts, the pump runs, the primer functions, the relief valve / governor are good and the lights are OK. This also is a good refresher for an operator who hasn't operated the truck in awhile and gets to do it in a non-pressure environment.

Filling Tankers efficiently

During a water shuttle operation, filling tankers as efficiently as possible is a must. Any savings in time can make a critical difference on scene.

ULC and NFPA require Tankers to have a direct tank fill on the rear of the body that can accept 880 USGPM. This can be achieved by using a 4" Gated valve, a 4" Fireman Friend (which is a one-way check valve) or dual 2.5" gated valves.  These options will offer the easiest way to fill your tanker with the least amount of restrictions.

Some departments will fill through the pump so they will be restricted by the size of the tank fill valve which can be as small as 2". In the wintertime, filling through the pump could lead to freezing issues and require draining the pump between each load costing valuable time.


If a tanker has a 2.5" direct tank fill and the fill site is using 4" hi vol or vice versa, you should have an adaptor to convert from one size to the next. This will allow various Tankers to use the water fill site. Adaptors may sacrifice flow therefore a dual 2.5" wye to 4" may be another beneficial piece of gear in your arsenal. If there is only a single 2.5" direct tank fill available, you may want to consider using a second 2.5" line and filling through the pump at the same time depending on the weather.

Please note that most tanks have a pressure and flow maximums allowed in order to protect the tank and the internal baffles. The flow should also be reduced as the tank reaches close to full. A rear water level gauge is a nice option in this situation.

Drafting operations

Drafting can be considered as a standard operation in certain departments or as a rarely utilized art form in some others.

The key element in drafting is eliminating the air in the pump system. Making sure all drains are closed and every inlet is capped tightly is essential. Also, a well maintained primer will make the task of drafting much easier. The primer is designed to remove air out of a pump so it will be more effective on a dry pump. If the pump and suctions are partially full of water, the primer will have to work harder in order to expel the water and air mixture out of the plumbing.

There are a few accessories that will make the task of drafting much easier. Lightweight suction hoses will allow the operator to see the water coming into the pump. The operator should always make sure that the suction hoses have a proper fitting gasket and that the suction hose is threaded on tightly. The slightest amount of air coming in by the suction hose threads will make it difficult to maintain prime.

Choosing the right strainer for the job is also another key component to drafting. A barrel strainer can be used when there is a lot of water and no chance of the strainer hitting the bottom. A floating strainer should be used in a pond or lake in order to keep the suction off the bottom where it could come in contact with sand. A low level strainer should be used in the portable tank in order to get out as much water as possible.

The shorter the height between the surface of the water and the center of the suction inlet, the easier the drafting operation will be. The maximum lift should be below 20’ high. The horizontal distance is not an issue so a porta tank can be placed in front or behind a fire apparatus. A suction elbow can make that operation easier by saving the suction hose from making a large loop by the operator.

How often does your department practice drafting operations?

Cold Weather Operations

   A common discussion in the Fire Service is running a “Dry” pump versus a “Wet” pump during the cold winter months. If a pump will be exposed to freezing weather conditions for a significant amount of time, running a dry pump would definitely be recommended. This practice reduces the possibility of pump components freezing and will identify if the tank to pump and tank fill valves are sealing properly. Caution - If these valves are leaking with the drain valve open, this could cause a situation where the booster tank may be low and the drain valve could freeze open rendering the pump inoperable. To completely drain your pump, please follow the simple steps that are typically printed on a label on the pump panel.

   Since moving water does not freeze, the fire pump should be engaged and water circulated while on scene. If operating from the apparatus booster tank, it would be recommended to operate the pump with the tank to pump fully open and the tank fill ¼ from closed. If operating from an external water supply, the operator should ensure that some water is being circulated through a discharge or tank fill valve. Care should be exercised to limit the amount of water spilling on scene. This could cause the area around the truck to become icy during a long emergency call.

   The pump house heat pan should be installed every fall and removed every summer. If your unit is equipped with an optional pump house heater, it should be used all the time during cold weather operations.

 

What precautions does your department make to the Fire Apparatus during the winter months?