FIRE HOSE TESTING Per NFPA 1962
What happens first...
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 diagrammed as to how that engine is loaded with hose. The hose is removed, tested, rolled, 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! ​
Our Step-by-Step Process Includes:
1. Diagram Apparatus Hose 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 loaded and the location of all other hoses 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 and sorted based on service test pressures required by NFPA Standards.
3. Inspection
Inspection of hose is a continuing 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. will create a numbering system that's specific for your department.
5. Static Pressure Test
NHTS has designed and built equipment to safely test fire hose and that meet the NFPA standards. NFPA 1962 currently requires LDH to be tested at a minimum of 200psi and the Attack hose to be tested at a minimum of 300 psi.
Alternate pressures are available at the customer's request.
6. Roll and Reload
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!
F.A.Q.
What does it cost to have NHTS, Inc. test my Fire Department’s hose?
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Every department is unique, but generally it is based on quantity. Contact us for a free quote.
How long does it take to test one engine?
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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. Contact Us for more details for your specific needs.
The Benefits of Hiring NHTS:
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Reduced Liability
Annual hose testing is required by NFPA and OSHA. With hose testing properly completed, per NFPA standards, liability is reduced to the fire department, to the firefighters and to the community they protect. Not testing or not properly testing has the potential of both monetary and physical disaster to all involved.
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Third-party Testing
It is related to reduced liability but it is knowing that this task has been properly completed with no hidden agenda. The specialists of NHTS, Inc. know what needs to be done and what they are doing.
We do not sell hose.
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Test Result Documentation
Perhaps the most important aspect of our service is that it includes the documentation. You receive a personalized book includes various reports and an individual hose record for each hose tested.
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Reduced Engine Wear
Fire hose testing from an engine can cause overheating and pump damage. It may also void new equipment warranties and be a concern to insurance companies. NHTS, Inc. uses its own custom designed test equipment to test your fire hoses.
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Reduced Risk from Fire Hose Testing
Most attack hoses manufactured after July 1987 require 300 or 400 psi annual service testing (see NFPA 1962). These test pressures, without proper equipment, put testing personnel at risk.
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Tests Are Performed by Qualified Personnel
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Proper Testing Equipment
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Quality, Safe Workmanship
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Saves Time & Money
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Bundled Service Advantage
Bundled Services
Consider the advantages of testing both your fire hose and ground ladders together. Reducing out-of- service time is always a goal of fire departments. NHTS, Inc. can test both fire hose and ground ladders at the same time. Your engine will only be out of service once with very little additional time needed to do both without having two separate schedules. In addition, NHTS, Inc. will also reduce the rate per foot for Ground Ladder Testing when both are done together. Evaluate the time savings that completing ground ladder and hose testing together can provide for your department. Call us and ask about the positive response we are seeing from fire departments who have chosen to implement this program.
