A fire hose is something that is used to fight fires. The hoses are made as high pressure devices that spray water when the fire hose nozzle is opened. They be outdoor or indoor hoses. Those found outside will be attached to either a firefighter's vehicle or a hydrant through which the water is obtained. Indoor hoses could be connected to the building's plumbing system.
Many years ago, primitive firefighting methods were used, such as water from buckets or hand-pumped pipes. In the 1870's, these methods were replaced by pipes similar to those seen today, only they were not as efficient, because they were not pressurized. Leather pipes were popular at first, but soon proved to be inefficient because their stitching simply came undone.
Leather was also soon discovered to be very heavy, and therefore people started to look for other materials that could be used. Some hoses were made of canvas, but they were not very durable, while others were constructed of different types of linen. Circular woven linen yarns with flax fibers proved to work well, and were waterproof. Other hoses that had a few layers of rubber as a lining were used as well, but they were just as heavy and awkward to use as the leather ones. However, their advantage was that they did not leak as much.
Hoses nowadays are manufactured from natural or synthetic materials. They will not rot, even if stored wet, and are lighter than the older versions. A number of varieties are made, for example, attack, forestry hoses, booster and suction hoses. All types have nozzles from which the water is sprayed. Although firefighters mainly use the spraying devices, it is useful to know how to operate them in case of an emergency situation.
You will need water, so the first thing to do is to switch on the water supply; should this be required. The pipe should unwind without a problem, so just hold onto the end and walk to the flames. The end is held in one hand, while your other hand will work the lever. The lever determines the quickness of the water spray. Stand feet apart in a stable position to anticipate the flow of water.
Pull the lever backwards so that the pipe is opened. Do this quite slowly so that the pressure of the water is not too great. Open it more if the stream is not strong enough.
As the water sprays move the water pipe in a figure of eight pattern, or a 'Z' pattern, and keep the main flow of water aimed at the lower part of the flames. Once the flames are extinguished, push the handle forward so that the water flow is cut-off. Do it quite slowly otherwise the pipe could jerk out of your hands.
A hose will not work efficiently if its fire hose nozzle is not operational. Like all parts of equipment, nozzles should be inspected often for damage, rust, stiffness or other problems. Ensuring that all firefighting equipment is in order could save your life if a blaze begins.
Many years ago, primitive firefighting methods were used, such as water from buckets or hand-pumped pipes. In the 1870's, these methods were replaced by pipes similar to those seen today, only they were not as efficient, because they were not pressurized. Leather pipes were popular at first, but soon proved to be inefficient because their stitching simply came undone.
Leather was also soon discovered to be very heavy, and therefore people started to look for other materials that could be used. Some hoses were made of canvas, but they were not very durable, while others were constructed of different types of linen. Circular woven linen yarns with flax fibers proved to work well, and were waterproof. Other hoses that had a few layers of rubber as a lining were used as well, but they were just as heavy and awkward to use as the leather ones. However, their advantage was that they did not leak as much.
Hoses nowadays are manufactured from natural or synthetic materials. They will not rot, even if stored wet, and are lighter than the older versions. A number of varieties are made, for example, attack, forestry hoses, booster and suction hoses. All types have nozzles from which the water is sprayed. Although firefighters mainly use the spraying devices, it is useful to know how to operate them in case of an emergency situation.
You will need water, so the first thing to do is to switch on the water supply; should this be required. The pipe should unwind without a problem, so just hold onto the end and walk to the flames. The end is held in one hand, while your other hand will work the lever. The lever determines the quickness of the water spray. Stand feet apart in a stable position to anticipate the flow of water.
Pull the lever backwards so that the pipe is opened. Do this quite slowly so that the pressure of the water is not too great. Open it more if the stream is not strong enough.
As the water sprays move the water pipe in a figure of eight pattern, or a 'Z' pattern, and keep the main flow of water aimed at the lower part of the flames. Once the flames are extinguished, push the handle forward so that the water flow is cut-off. Do it quite slowly otherwise the pipe could jerk out of your hands.
A hose will not work efficiently if its fire hose nozzle is not operational. Like all parts of equipment, nozzles should be inspected often for damage, rust, stiffness or other problems. Ensuring that all firefighting equipment is in order could save your life if a blaze begins.
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