Where firefighters come to talk training
Pre-connect attack hose help!
Guys,
We've just received our new engine and I'm kind of lost regarding what rear pre-connect hose load is best. More or less we've developed a hose load that works on all of our units. It's a hybrid minuteman with a nozzle holder near the tailboard. I developed the load and trained my firefighters how to deploy and load it.
The problem with the new engine and our pre-connect load is the NFPA safety upgrades. Apparently all hose must be kept inside the bed and covered. That's all well and good but deploying a pre-connected line has proved to be difficult! The rear hose bed is like 12 feet off the ground and there is a safety net. Essentially the firefighters have to climb two huge steps on the tailboard and unhook the safety net then grab the hose in the bed and deploy it. How the hell are we going to do that safely and timely? It's time consuming to take the net off and dangerous. Deploying hose by stepping on/off the tailboard is a ankle/knee nightmare?
What are you guys doing and what do you suggest?
I've been testing different loads and methods but nothing is that good. Currently the best one is a triple layer load with a rope to pull from the ground. This prevents the firefighter from ankle busting by deploying from the ground but doesn't help with the safety net time/safety issues.
Thanks guys.
Jason
We've just received our new engine and I'm kind of lost regarding what rear pre-connect hose load is best. More or less we've developed a hose load that works on all of our units. It's a hybrid minuteman with a nozzle holder near the tailboard. I developed the load and trained my firefighters how to deploy and load it.
The problem with the new engine and our pre-connect load is the NFPA safety upgrades. Apparently all hose must be kept inside the bed and covered. That's all well and good but deploying a pre-connected line has proved to be difficult! The rear hose bed is like 12 feet off the ground and there is a safety net. Essentially the firefighters have to climb two huge steps on the tailboard and unhook the safety net then grab the hose in the bed and deploy it. How the hell are we going to do that safely and timely? It's time consuming to take the net off and dangerous. Deploying hose by stepping on/off the tailboard is a ankle/knee nightmare?
What are you guys doing and what do you suggest?
I've been testing different loads and methods but nothing is that good. Currently the best one is a triple layer load with a rope to pull from the ground. This prevents the firefighter from ankle busting by deploying from the ground but doesn't help with the safety net time/safety issues.
Thanks guys.
Jason
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Josh Giustra on -
We have a engine that is too tall for most of out guys. Our engine is a 2002 so we don't have a net in the back but we have a big hose cover that is easily accessible to the bed Both out 1 3/4 and 2 1/2 is in the triple layer which is a great load for out dept. However i think we are going to do some moving around and add more 2 1/2 and make it a take and break and not have it pre connected. Also at FDIC this year in building an attack ready engine they showed us the minute man and they just tucked the tail in a fold so it was not sticking off the engine.
Hope this little input helps brother.
Stay safe,
Josh
-
Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on -
I don't think there is an easy answer for this. Shorter trucks with lower profile? One thing we have done on one of our trucks is attached a loop of webbing to the end of the load and secured the loop to the hand rail. We left one corner of the hose cover loose at that side. Our pre-connect is on the most outside part of the hose bed. If it needs to get pulled, the webbing is loosened from the hand rail and pulled off through the one corner. It works. But, you have to make sure there is ample room for it to get around the hose cover/netting. Hope this helps.
Jason
-
Permalink Reply by Jason Gennaro on -
Jason Hoevelmann said:I don't think there is an easy answer for this. Shorter trucks with lower profile? One thing we have done on one of our trucks is attached a loop of webbing to the end of the load and secured the loop to the hand rail. We left one corner of the hose cover loose at that side. Our pre-connect is on the most outside part of the hose bed. If it needs to get pulled, the webbing is loosened from the hand rail and pulled off through the one corner. It works. But, you have to make sure there is ample room for it to get around the hose cover/netting. Hope this helps.
Jason
Actually.....that does help!
I may try keeping one side of the safety net loose. That would prevent a firefighter from getting on the step above the tailboard to remove the net. Next week I'll try it and see how that works out. If it works I'll owe you one!
-
Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on
-
Good luck, let me know if works for you. Have a good weekend.
jason
BTW, great name : )
Jason Gennaro said:Jason Hoevelmann said:I don't think there is an easy answer for this. Shorter trucks with lower profile? One thing we have done on one of our trucks is attached a loop of webbing to the end of the load and secured the loop to the hand rail. We left one corner of the hose cover loose at that side. Our pre-connect is on the most outside part of the hose bed. If it needs to get pulled, the webbing is loosened from the hand rail and pulled off through the one corner. It works. But, you have to make sure there is ample room for it to get around the hose cover/netting. Hope this helps.
Jason
Actually.....that does help!
I may try keeping one side of the safety net loose. That would prevent a firefighter from getting on the step above the tailboard to remove the net. Next week I'll try it and see how that works out. If it works I'll owe you one!
-
Permalink Reply by Shawn Tibbitts on -
Hi Jason
We got rid of the safety net and developed a heavy duty tarp that is fixed on two sides but the ends come down and over the hose and have small sand bags in the end to hold them down. That way you only have to reach under and grab the nozzle and pull, instead of undoing snaps and other clasps. Does that meat NFPAs standard probably not but its a compromise, with safety and functionalism. And in our opinion this is safer day to day in avoiding injury than the safety you will see from why the nets are their in the first place.
Stay safe and good luck.
-
Permalink Reply by Todd McKee on -
We use the triple load, easy to pull off and less tangles
Todd McKee
-
Permalink Reply by Clint Stanton on -
Hey Jason,
We have been using the Cleveland Roll on our trucks and it's awesome. It's not really in reference to this discussion, but since you were on the topic, I thought I would share. Let me know if you try it.
http://firenewsonline.com/the-cleveland-roll.html
A Message From Bobby Halton
We are excited to have you participate in our discussions and interactive forums. Before you begin posting, please take a moment to read our policy page HERE.
Badge
Fire Engineering Features
NFPA 1403 Live-Fire Evolutions at Fire Service Training Centers
Live fire training is an essential part of a firefighter's education, but there are significant differences between training at gas-fired versus non-gas-fired structures. Mike Gurr takes a closer look.Fire Engineering University: Online Continuing Education for Firefighters
Fire Engineering University is changing the way fire service professionals approach continuing education. Our goal is to provide you with relevant, topical educational content that is easily accessible. For a full listing of courses with descriptions, credits, and fees, go to www.fireengineeringuniversity.com.New Vehicle Extrication: 2010 Lexus HS250h
The first compact hybrid luxury sedan, this hybrid only model contains several unique features, including numerous air bags. Jason Emery reviews considerations for vehicle rescue operations.© 2010 Created by fireeng
