Chapter 21: Maintenance and Testing Responsibilities

Question 1

What are three of the items that firefighters should check when maintaining power plants and electrical generators?

Answer 1

1. Check the spark plugs for damage, corrosion, carbon accumulation, or cracks in the porcelain. Spark plug wire has a tight connection.
2. Check the carburetor and identify signs of fuel leaks.
3. Check the fuel level, quality of fuel and oil level.

Question 2

What are 3 general guidelines for maintaining power rescue tools?

Answer 2

1. Review the manufacturer’s service manual for specific directions.
2. Inspect power tools at the beginning of each work shift and make sure they start.
3. Make sure all parts are easily accessible.
4. Battery is fully charged.
5. Keep pneumatic air cylinders fully charged.
6. Check all fluid levels.
7. Use only the recommended types of lubricants, hydraulic fluids and fuel grades.
8. inspect saw, chisel, & cutter blades regularly. Replace blades if worn or damaged.
9. Check all electrical components, cords & portable receptacles, for cuts or damage.
10. Make sure all protective guards are functional and in place.
11. Inspect hydraulic supply hoses for damage.
12. Ensure hydraulic hose couplings are clean and functional.
13. Inspect pneumatic supply hoses for damage
14. Ensure pneumatic hose couplings are clean and functional.

Question 3

When inspecting electrical cords, what characteristics should be noted?

Answer 3

Damaged insulation, exposed wiring, and missing or bent prongs.

Question 4

What type of location should be used to service test fire hose?

Answer 4

• In a paved area with room to lay the hose in straight lines, free of kinks, bends or twists.
• Protected from vehicular traffic.
• Must be well lit.
• Smooth and free from rocks or debris.

Question 5

What equipment or tools are needed to service test fire hose?

Answer 5

1. Hose-testing machine, portable pump, or fire department pumper equipped with pressure gauges calibrated within the past 12 months.
2. Hose-test gate valve.
3. Belt tie-in or rope hose tool.
4. Means of recording the hose numbers and test results.
5. Tags to identify sections that fail.
6. Nozzles with shutoff valves or a test cap with a bleeder valve.
7. Means of marking each length with the year of the test to easily identify which lengths have been tested and which have not, without looking in the hose records.

Question 6

What are some general guidelines for effective service testing of fire hose?

Answer 6

1. Keep the hose testing area dry when filling and discharging air from the hose.
2. Laying large-diameter hose flat on the ground before charging to prevent unnecessary wear on the edges.
3. Stand away from the discharge valve connection when charging.
4. When using a fire department pumper, connect the hose to discharges on the side of the apparatus opposite the pump panel.
5. Close all valves slowly to prevent water hammer in the hose and pump.
6. Test lengths of hose should not exceed 300 feet.
7. Stand or walk near pressurized hose only as necessary.

Question 7

What information should fire hose service testing records include?

Answer 7

1. Information on the date of purchase
2. Name of manufacturer.
3. Date and results of periodic testing.
4. Remarks concerning testing.
5. Date and type of repairs performed.
6. Unusual features.
7. Causes of failure if any.

Question 8

What will ensure that equipment is fully operational?

Answer 8

An established maintenance program.

Question 9

Before performing any maintenance, what should you do?

Answer 9

Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual and the safety data sheet (SDS) of any solvent used.

Question 10

What should you avoid with a power plant/generator?

Answer 10

Avoid starting while under a load (lighting or other equipment turned on and plugged in)

Do not run the power plant/generator for a long period of time without a load.

Question 11

Where should you start and operate all gas or diesel powered equipment?

Answer 11

In a well-ventilated area

Question 12

Who typically inspects and maintains apparatus electrical systems and apparatus-mounted lights and generators?

Answer 12

The driver/operator

Question 13

When are service tests performed for fire hose?

Answer 13

Annually, after repairs have been made, and after a vehicle has run over the hose

Question 14

All personnel operating in the area of the pressurized hose should at least wear what?

Answer 14

A helmet as a safety precaution

Question 15

Proper maintenance and testing can….

Answer 15

… extend operational life expectancy, maintain operational capacity, and reduce replacement cost to the department.

Question 16

Who can perform repair work on a generator?

Answer 16

Qualified personnel or a licensed electrician

Question 17

Before performing a service test on fire hose, you should…

Answer 17

… examine the hose for excessive wear, damage to the jacket or coupling, and defective or missing gaskets.

Question 18

How do you perform a service test on fire hose when using a fire department pumper?

Answer 18

1. Connect hose to discharges on the side of the apparatus opposite the pump panel.
2. Close all valves slowly to prevent water hammer in the hose and pump.
3. Stand away from the discharge valve connection when charging.
4. ?

Question 19

What are the indicators for fire hose removal from service?

Answer 19

• Leaks
• Hose rupturing/bursting
• Couplings loosening from the hose
• Couplings separating from the hose

Question 20

(T/F) Some damage to a fire hose may not require its removal from service

Answer 20

True. If a coupling has loosened or a leak occurs close to a coupling, the hose may be cut to remove the damaged location and a new coupling attached; also called Recoupling.