Fire Hydrants Flashcards
Identify and explain the three (3) types of mains
- Trunk Mains - supply water from large bodies of water or the original water source, such as dams, lakes and town reservoirs - Up to 3m in diameter
- Distribution/ Secondary Mains - draws water from larger bodies of water to subdivided or residential areas - Can be up to 450mm in diameter
- Service Mains - Feed of distribution mains to supply individual streets and structures - generally 75 - 150mm in diameter
What are the two (2) factors that must be considered when using mains water?
- Pressure - can be determine using pressure gauge
2. Flow - quantity of water delivered by main ie. how many litres per min?
List the two (2) uses of a hydrant
- To supply water to the appliance
2. To supply water to the branch via a hose
List the four (4) main types of above ground hydrants:
- ‘L’ type hydrant
- Pillar hydrant
- Millcock
- Rural standpipe
List three (3) primary sources of water supply
- Fire Appliance/Pump
- Reticulated water supply (water mains) - pressurised
- Static water supply (lakes, rivers, dams) - non-pressurised
Hydrant locations/intervals
- In city shopping centers, or dense business and industrial districts = 50 to 100 meters apart
- In residential and suburban shopping districts = 150 to 200 meters apart
- in rural reticulated districts = 200 meters apart
Describe three (3) things that should be done when operating a hydrant
- Before connecting to the hose - open the valve slowly to avoid water hammer and flush the hydrant
- After flushing the hydrant, turn off the valve and connect the hose. The valve is then re-opened as required to deliver water
When turning of the supply - reduce the water slowly until the rate of discharge is equivalent to a household tap. Failure to observe this may result in damage to the water main or hydrant due to water hammer or a a seal not being achieved at the hydrant
List two (2) types of hydrant indicators and provide a brief description of each:
- Metal indicator - may be nailed to a timber poles
2. Vinyl indicator - may be glued or adhered to a concrete pole or wall
Outline the twelve (12) step process for shipping a standpipe to a ground ball hydrant
- Wear the correct PPE/PPC
- Lift the cover plate and check for any dangers such as snakes or spiders.
- Check inside the hydrant for any obstructions
- Use the cleaning tool to remove any obstructions
- Put one hand on the spindle handle and one hand on the bottom boss
- Place the standpipe over one knee while kneeling on the other and check washers
- Place standpipe in the the ground ball
- Turn clockwise to engage wing nuts
- Lift standpipe up to make sure it’s locked in place
- Use one hand to hold the standpipe spindle and rotate shipping handle clockwise until engaged
- Kneel and harden joint with both hands
- Flush Hydrant, turn off valve and connect the hose
Identify the basic procedure for inspecting and testing hydrants
- Ensure the hydrant marking is readily visible
- With below ground hydrants, ensure the lid of the hydrant box is accessible
- Check the hydrant box and clear debris if necessary
- Slowly open and flush hydrant. On completion, slowly close hydrant
Name the Division A standpipe sections
- Operating handle
- Spindle
- Head piece
- 65mm Storz coupling
- 65mm Storz blank cap
- Top boss
- Shipping handles
- 65mm diameter alloy barrel
- Male thread
- Bottom boss
- Wing nuts
- Collar
- Washer
- Cup valve
Name the Division B standpipe sections
- Spindle handle
- Stuffing box
- Head
- Blank Cap
- Collar
- Shipping handles
- Barrel
- Spindle
- Spindle Thread
- Lugs
- Foot
- Bell
- Washer
