Support to service hose rolls out
A video developed by Fire Equipment Maintenance (FEM) with the support of Geelong West brigade supports members to correctly mark, package and record damage to fire hoses ready for repair.
CFA requires regular inspections and maintenance for operational fire hose to help identify issues before they lead to serious problems, ensuring that they remain effective and safe to use.
Hose can get damaged in several ways, which can compromise its effectiveness and safety, including abrasion, heat, chemical exposure, mechanical damage, improper storage and general wear and tear.
Geelong West is one of a number of brigades across the state who provide hose and coupling repair for their district as a service as part of their Fire Equipment Maintenance offering. These brigades have formal arrangements with their districts to undertake hose repair work.
Members are trained to expertly repair and test hose faults to ensure this vital life-saving equipment is returned to brigades for use as fast as possible.
With the brigade repairing about five to six lengths each week, Geelong West FEM Officer Harry Williams said ensuring hose were properly tested and marked before they are sent in allows members to make repairs quickly and efficiently.
“It’s really important that holes or defects are highlighted with tape either side and that any markings are made on the tape rather than on the hose; using graph pencils or permanent marker directly on the hose can affect the bonding process when applying patches,” Harry explained.
“Once the defect or hole is marked, hose should be provided clean, decontaminated if needed, and dry to ensure the repair can be completed faster and more smoothly and the hose returned in good time.”
ACFO District 7 Brendan Lawson thanked Harry and members of Geelong West brigade for their initiative in developing the video.
“CFA’s FEM team has created contemporary and standardised processes, procedures and e-learning modules to support the ongoing test and repair of operational service hose which, as we know is a firefighter's lifeline,” Brendan said.
“Geelong West members provide significant support to brigades across District 7, and this video is a great initiative to support the process and get damaged frontline equipment back in operation quickly and effectively.”
To learn more about marking damaged hose for repair watch the video below.
A SOP and associated Work Instructions are available to provide clear and correct guidance to brigades on the testing, repair and maintenance of hoses.
The Work Instructions include QR codes that link brigade members directly to supporting instructional videos.
If you have questions or for further information, please contact the FEM Hotline for support on 1300 363 661.