10-94 Spray Cap Hydrant Locking System

Question 1

A spray cap installed on a open hydrant reduces the water discharge from 1000 gallons per minute to how many gallons per minute?

Answer 1

1.5
An open fire hydrant discharges approximately 1,000 gallons of water per minute where as
a spray cap discharges 25 gallons.

Question 2

When a person enters quarters requesting a Spray Cap, the House Watch shall?

Answer 2

3.1.1
A. Ascertain that the requesting party is over 18 years old.
B. Require that a Spray Cap Form, be completed.
C. Evaluate the completed form. If satisfactory, provide a spray cap, wrench and permit/instruction sheet.
D. It is important to emphasize that the hydrant should only be partially turned on, just enough to get an adequate spray stream.

Question 3

In areas equipped with Custodian Locking Devices, when a person enters quarters requesting a Spray Cap the House Watch shall?

Answer 3

3.2.1
A. Ascertain that the requesting party is over 18 years old.
B. Require that a Spray Cap Form be completed.
C. Explain that the hydrant is equipped with a Custodian Locking Device, which requires the Fire Department to turn the hydrant on/off.
D. Consult with the Officer on duty and notify the applicant approximately when the company will be able to turn on the hydrant. This should usually be scheduled within the hour.
E. Provide Unit telephone number to the applicant for future use and give a copy of Permit/Instruction Sheet.
F. Officer on duty should schedule to turn off hydrant during 6x9 Tour and remove spray cap.
H. Units shall maintain a file on Spray Cap Location Request for use by covering officers, etc.

Question 4

After the initial request is received and approved, if a unit receives many requests to turn on hydrants with spray caps, the Company Commander may want to set up what policy?

Answer 4

3.2.1 G.
After the initial request is received and approved, if a unit receives many requests to turn on hydrants with spray caps, the Company Commander may want to set up a policy where the unit goes out and places spray caps on all the hydrants for the day with applications on file. This would eliminate many individual trips to turn on hydrants. This decision should be based on weather conditions (hot and humid).

Question 5

The Police Department may request the Fire Department to install and turn on locked hydrants in sensitive locations. These request usually come via?

Answer 5

4.1

These requests will usually come via the Dispatcher. Officer on duty shall give these requests a top priority.

Question 6

There are many Community Sponsored Gardens throughout the City that use fire hydrants for water.
When Units are requested to turn on these hydrants they should take what action?

Answer 6

5.1
Units are not to turn on these hydrants, but they shall inform the requesting party to contact:
Operation Green Thumb
49 Chambers Street
Room 1020
New York, New York 10007
Telephone No.: (212) 788-8059

Question 7

Units shall carry some spray caps on the apparatus. When shutting down open fire
hydrants, the officer shall encourage a responsible adult to come to the firehouse to request a spray cap. If a tense situation develops, the Officer should consider taking what actions?

Answer 7

7.1
The Officer should consider placing a spray cap on the hydrant. If tension escalates, call for Police assistance. Units shall fill out Request Form for Spray Caps for record keeping purposes.

Question 8

Under what circumstances should a custodian wrench be given or loaned to the public?

Answer 8

7.1.1

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A CUSTODIAN WRENCH BE GIVEN OR LOANED TO THE PUBLIC.

Question 9

Private contractors, Public Agencies and other Community Groups may need to use a locked hydrant on a daily basis. Officers on duty shall refer these requests to who?

Answer 9

6.1
Officers on duty shall refer these requests to the Department of Environmental protection attention:
Mr. Frank Oliveri
59-17 Junction Boulevard
Corona, New York 11368
Telephone No. (718) 595-4179