Pre-connected handlines made more convenient
Dispatches
Fire departments should be aware that with a minimal expense they can more conveniently use their 1 1/2-inch or 1 3/4-inch cross-lay pre-connect handlines.
In 1972 the Bartlett and Countryside Fire Protection District, Bartlett, IL, took delivery of its first pumper using cross-lay pre-connect lines, At that time, cross-lay preconnect handlines were just coming on the scene as standard operating procedure, and their use was a new experience. Apparatus manufacturers had just started building the compartments for bedding that type of hose lay.
Our pumper had extremely narrow transverse compartments. It was difficult to couple or uncouple the 1 1/2inch hose from the swivel connection at the base of the compartment.
We solved this by using small lengths of hose, six to eight feet long (depending on the distance from the ground to the cross-lay compartment swivel connection).
With this short length, the hose never has to be disconnected at the base of the compartment. It can be disconnected easily at the first coupling, next to the pumper, and drained by gravity. Also, additional length(s) of hose can be added easily and quickly right next to the pumper,
It is a great help if either the jacket for this short length of hose or the male coupling is painted a distinguishable color so that the pump operator can observe when all the pre-connect line has been removed from the compartment so it can be changed.
Because each pumper is a different height, a different length of hose is needed for each one. It is advisable to use a flexible tape and measure from the swivel to within six inches from the ground. By making the short hose this length, it prevents the male coupling from hitting the ground or damaging the paint on the side of the pumper,
Photo courtesy of the Bartlett & Countryside Fire Protection District
