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Fire Hose Testing

NHTS, Inc. has been testing Fire Hose since 1989. We currently unload, test, document, and re-load about 3 million feet of hose annually. NHTS, Inc. is the trusted source for Fire Hose Testing.

Here's How It Works

After receiving a signed Hose Testing Agreement, a test date is established by the customer and NHTS, Inc. On that date, NHTS, Inc. arrives with its crew and equipment, ready to go to work. The apparatus is diagramed as to how that engine is loaded with hose. The hose is removed, tested, reloaded and documented. Final hose records are shipped to the customer within 30 days of the test.

We do the entire job with our personnel and equipment! Here is a step-by-step...

1. Diagram Engine Load

Each department loads their engine differently. In fact, some departments have different loads on each engine. We record how each engine is loaded, how many feet are in each bed, how the cross lays are reloaded and the location of any other hose on the engine. This is a great place to mention that our personnel are trained to properly and responsibly handle your apparatus, so you don’t have to worry about who is behind the wheel of your engine.

2. Unload Engine

The engine is unloaded. The supply beds, pre-connects, house bundles & rolls are removed and staged for testing. The hose is inspected for flaws and sorted based on service test pressures required by NFPA Standards.

3. Inspection

Inspection of hose is a continued process during all phases of our service.

4. Hose Identification

Each hose must have an identification number and those numbers can vary as much as hose loads between departments. If a numbering system has already been established within the department, those numbers are used accordingly. If the department has no numbering system, NHTS, Inc. creates a system that can be used.

5. Pressure Test (using our equipment)

We use equipment designed and developed to meet NFPA Standards. This equipment is designed to handle the high pressures of hose testing (some hose is required to be tested at 300-400 psi), yet minimize risk to workers in the event of a burst by utilizing high pressure, low volume.

6. Roll and Reload (using our personnel)

All hose is rolled prior to reloading to eliminate any air or water for more efficient and professional looking loads. Upon reloading the hose, we refer to our hose load diagram to insure that the hose goes back the way we found it.

7. Documentation

Finally, we compile all the testing data and provide electronic documentation of all hose records. You will receive a Certificate of Completion, hard copy of Summary Reports and a CD of your entire inventory and test results.

When we finish testing your hose, you are in compliance with NFPA 1962 as it pertains to Annual Service Testing!

Common Questions (FAQ's)

Does the Fire Department need to help NHTS, Inc. with testing?
No, NHTS, Inc. provides the personnel and equipment to complete the testing.

How does NHTS, Inc. reload our Fire Department’s engines?
Since all Fire Departments load their hose in a unique way, NHTS diagrams your engines and loads the hose to your S.O.P.'s.

What does NHTS, Inc. do about rejects?
NHTS, Inc. tags all rejects informing your department of the problem and where the problem is located on the hose. We would then use tested rack hose to complete the reload of apparatus or inform you of the shortage.

Does NHTS, Inc. repair hose?
No, but we will do our best to put you in touch with someone who does.

Does all attack hose get service tested at 250 psi for 5 minutes?
No, in fact most attack hose manufactured after July 1987 require test pressures of 300 or 400 psi per NFPA Standards. (see NFPA 1962) Regardless, all hose is tested for 3 minutes.

How long does it take to test one engine?
Depending on how much hose your engine carries, the working area and the water supply, but generally, an average of two to two and a half hours.

Is it true that our department is to test brand new hose before putting it in service?
All hose is to be tested prior to being placed into service per NFPA 1962. It’s rare, but new hose has failed and it’s best to discover while testing than when it’s in demand.

What does it cost to have NHTS, Inc. test my Fire Department’s hose?
Every department is unique, but generally it is based on quantity. Contact us for a free quote.

Does my Fire Department’s location have anything to do with the cost?
It may. Currently we test in the Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California. Call for a quote.

Will NHTS, Inc. number our Fire Department’s hose if needed?
Yes, we do this as part of our service, at no extra cost.

Is hose testing annually required by OSHA?
Yes, OSHA requires annual testing as per NFPA 1962.

How long will it take to test all of our Fire Department’s hose?
We currently test between 12,000 to 15,000 feet per day. By totaling your inventory, you can calculate the amount of time needed to complete testing.

What does NHTS, Inc. need to complete hose testing at our department?
We need two things; Water (hydrant or pumping tender), an area to test (pavement 150' x 50' minimum with LDH). And in the event of multiple stations we need apparatus operators to rotate engines and such.