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Hosemaster: Advanced Fire Hose Maintenance

Fire hose maintenance is one of the most demanding post-operation tasks. Hoses must be washed, pressure-tested, and dried before the next emergency call. Besides, dirt and carcinogens on fire hoses and other equipment pose significant health risks. Hosemaster™ offers an advanced and automated solution to fire hose maintenance. 

Before the hose can be ready for the next emergency, it needs to undergo a series of essential processes from pressure testing to washing and drying. This complex maintenance routine is crucial not just for operational readiness but also for ensuring the health and safety of the firefighters. 

The dirt and carcinogens that accumulate on fire hoses during operations are a major health concern. Ideally, these contaminants should be contained at the scene of the fire, rather than being brought back to the station. Fire hoses, due to their extensive contact with contaminated firefighting water, often carry the largest concentration of harmful particles. 

Traditionally, washing a fire hose by hand could achieve the desired cleanliness but at a significant cost to the operator. Manual washing exposes the firefighter to harmful contaminants repeatedly, as they must handle the hose multiple times during the cleaning process.  

This is where the Hosemaster™ system makes a significant difference. With the necessary protective gear in place, the operator can safely load the hose into the machine, minimizing direct exposure to hazardous substances. 

The Challenge of Drying and Testing 

Large fire hoses can take weeks to dry thoroughly and finding punctures in a 40-meter hose can be a time-consuming task. Moreover, testing a hose for punctures brings another set of challenges. It’s crucial to remember that fire hoses, even though they don’t have an official expiration date, should be regularly inspected for safety. Using a 20-year-old hose in a high-risk environment without certainty about its condition can be a serious safety hazard.  

There is also no standard for patching hoses. Hoses that have already been patched should be inspected with particular care to ensure that the old patch does not leak or tear during use. The fibers of the hose stretch under pressure, and the patched area is never as elastic as the intact hose material. That is why a patched hose is no longer the same as an intact one, and at some point, the patched hose just should be declared unfit for use. 

Fire hoses come in various types, each with specific maintenance requirements. However, the fundamental role of the hose remains the same across the board: ensuring water reaches the fire. Especially in long-distance water transfers, the condition and durability of the hoses are paramount.  

The condition of hose couplings should also be checked during every maintenance cycle, and any damaged parts should be replaced. Additionally, gaskets in hoses should be replaced periodically because dirt wears them down.  

Hose bindings are rarely given attention, but regardless of whether the hose is bound with thread or a collar, the binding should be inspected during every maintenance. 

The Hosemaster™ Solution 

To tackle these challenges, Hosemaster™ offers an innovative solution. It is an advanced machine that automatically washes, dries and pressure-tests fire hoses and ensures that any weak spots or leaks are immediately identified. By applying pressure within a controlled environment, the Hosemaster™ highlights the need for repairs or replacements, which, in turn, ensures the longevity and reliability of the equipment. 

The machine accommodates both textile and nitrile rubber hoses, ranging from 25 mm (about 0.98 in) to 110 mm (about 4.33 in) in diameter, with customizable pressure settings up to 30 bars. 

Hosemaster™ offers significant savings in labor and energy, while improving the work environment through better ergonomics and health considerations. With its advanced water recycling system, real-time monitoring, and low power consumption, Hosemaster™ is a state-of-the-art solution in fire hose maintenance. 

The Hosemaster™ washes and tests both textile and nitrile rubber hoses from 25 mm (0.98 in) to 110 mm (4.33 in).

Portability and Field Use: The Hosemaster Mobile 

For those who need flexibility, the Hosemaster Mobile Unit brings the same advanced fire hose maintenance to the field.  

Lightweight and easily transportable, this unit is designed for effective hose maintenance under various conditions. Whether in remote locations or at the fire station, the Hosemaster Mobile ensures that hoses are maintained to the highest standards, reducing secondary exposure to harmful substances. 

The mobile unit is mounted on a hook lift flatbed and is ready for immediate use upon arrival. Its protective container allows for easy access to the machine, making it a reliable tool in the field. 

Download all Hosemaster brochures at Hosemaster.fi

Case Study: Practical Application in New Zealand 

The Hosemaster™ unit has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world settings, such as in New Zealand. Representatives of Esteri Group installed the latest maintenance unit there, ensuring that local fire services benefit from advanced hose care technology. The feedback from New Zealand’s firefighters highlights the significant improvements in ergonomics and health safety, emphasizing the importance in daily operations.  

New Zealanders have been satisfied with the investment in Hosemaster™. Units are now preventing health hazards to rescuers, with ergonomic benefits and reduced exposure to carcinogens being significant reliefs for workers. Additionally, the eco-friendly aspects of Hosemaster™ align with New Zealand’s serious focus on environmental conservation, such as water consumption.  

Charlie Lott, the procurement director responsible for national equipment acquisitions in New Zealand, has been very convinced and happy about Hosemaster™.

A Holistic Approach to Maintenance 

Hosemaster™ represents a holistic approach to fire hose maintenance, combining advanced technology with a commitment to firefighter health and safety.  

In addition to its ergonomic and environmental benefits, the Hosemaster™ system is an essential component in ensuring the readiness and reliability of fire and rescue operations. It is a welcomed example of how proactive and preventive fire equipment maintenance should be approached.  

Hosemaster™ is used in all Nordic countries and in Europe, it can be found, for example, at Schiphol Airport. 

This article was originally published by IFSJ International Fire and Safety Journal (Issue 39, September 2024)

See the e-magazine article here

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For more detailed information, go to: www.hosemaster.fi 

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