HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 604.01 NEW 4-2013_Hydrant MaintenanceSOG 604.01 - Fire Hydrant Maintenance
Effective: 4/5/2013
Revised:
Replaces:
I. Guiding Philosophy
Delivering a sufficient supply of water in an efficient manner is the cornerstone of
effective fire suppression. We routinely conduct fire hydrant maintenance so that problems with
our water distribution system can be identified and reported before an emergency occurs, and so
that firefighter's familiarization with hydrant locations and their operation is improved. Through
proactive maintenance efforts and knowledge of the current status of our water delivery
infrastructure, we can be confident in our ability to provide adequate water supplies when
needed.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide standards for keeping the community's hydrant
and water supplies infrastructure in a state of routine readiness by defining the appropriate
upkeep, documentation and coordinated communications to be utilized when conducting the fire
hydrant maintenance activities.
III. Goals
The goals of this policy are to:
A. Outline the annual schedule for conducting fire hydrant maintenance and the
associated implementation responsibilities.
B. Communicate safety considerations for personnel conducting maintenance or
testing operations.
C. Establish the procedures used to perform fire hydrant maintenance.
D. Outline the procedure used to document hydrant maintenance and to report fire
hydrants out -of -service.
IV. Definitions
A. Breakable Flange — A part that bolts to a mating flange at a joint between the
hydrant upper and lower barrels, which is located immediately above the ground
line. It is designed to break if stressed severely, should a vehicle strike the
hydrant. (Also called breakaway flange, breaking ring or traffic flange.)
B. Lubrication — Process of greasing the caps on fire hydrants. Caps should be
lubricated as needed using food grade grease supplied by the Water Department.
[Note: f ly f)odrade grease is to be used to hi ricaie ire hydrants!
C. Hydrant Inspection Report — Worksheet generated by Firehouse that indicates
the hydrant locations and numbers in a given sector, that is used to collect
information while performing hydrant maintenance in the field.
D. Weed Maintenance — Cutting weeds and brush away from fire hydrants to allow
full view of the fire hydrant from the road.
V. Hvdrant Maintenance Schedule & Proaram Implementation Responsibilities
A. The annual maintenance schedule for fire hydrants should conform to the
following cycles:
1. May 1-31: External Inspection, Flushing & Weed Maintenance
2. July 1-31: Weed Maintenance Only
3. September 1-31: External Inspection & Flushing Only
B. Pre -Maintenance Cycle Responsibilities:
1. Station Captains are responsible for ensuring recommended inventory is
on hand before the first day of the month that scheduled hydrant
maintenance will be performed.
a. The Supply Unit should be notified a minimum of two weeks
before a scheduled maintenance cycle begins if there are inventory
shortages at fire stations.
b. The recommended hydrant maintenance inventory should include:
1) Six (6) cases of blue paint
2) Six (6) cases of green paint
3) Six (6) cases of silver paint
4) One (1) case each of red and orange paint
5) Two (2) containers of food -grade grease and application
brush
6) Wire Brush
7) Functioning weed trimmer
8) Adequate trimmer line and fuel
9) Safety glasses and hearing protection for all personnel
performing maintenance.
c. The recommended inventory may be adjusted to conform to the
specific needs of the assigned sectors (Example: Need additional
orange or red paint due to larger number of these hydrants in a
sector).
2. The Fire Department Public Information Offlicer will issue a press release
two days prior to the beginning of each hydrant maintenance cycle that
includes hydrant flushing.
3. The LydrantMaintenance & TestinProgram Manama will insure that:
a. Reminders are posted on the fire calendar and/or Firehouse to
initiate each hydrant maintenance cycle.
b. Insure Hydrant Inspection Report worksheets and summary sheets
are available for all sectors use prior to the beginning of each
maintenance cycle.
c. Should exceptions to the annual scheduling cycles be required,
communicate the adjusted cycle dates and deadlines and other
pertinent information to all personnel.
SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 2 of 8
C. Maintenance. Documentation & Communications Resbonsibilities
1. Station Captains will insure that:
a. Hydrant maintenance begins on the first shift of the month and is
completed by the established deadline. (Scheduling adjustments
must be communicated through the chain of command and
approved by the Deputy Chiefs.
b. Maintenance worksheets are stored in a location that is accessible
to shift personnel until the documentation has been completed and
turned in.
c. Maintenance records are accurately and completely entered in
Firehouse.
d. All maintenance worksheets are accurate, complete, and delivered
to the Communications Group Supervisor once maintenance has
been completed.
2. The Communications Group Supervisor will:
a. Provide status and/or completion reports to the Deputy Chiefs and
Hydrant Maintenance & Testing Program Manager concerning the
progress of hydrant maintenance on each shift during each
maintenance cycle, and any follow-up actions that may be
required.
b. Compile a list of maintenance issues.
c. Email the list to the Water Department.
d. Insure that worksheets, summary sheets and related documentation
are filed appropriately.
e. Insure Firehouse hydrant maintenance & test records (work orders)
are marked complete when the Water Department has completed
repairs.
f. New or replacement hydrants.
1) Maps new hydrant installation and assigns hydrant number.
2) Communicates with Deputy Chief to initiate flow
estimation or flow test, as applicable.
3) Notifies all personnel when hydrant is placed in service.
4) Insures Firehouse hydrant module records are
initiated/updated.
The _H drantMaintenance & Testing Program ManyZer will:
a. Audit Firehouse hydrant maintenance records after each cycle to
insure that all hydrants have been serviced and associated
documentation has been properly entered in Firehouse.
b. Insure hydrant maintenance deficiencies and/or data entry errors
are corrected in a timely manner after each scheduled maintenance
cycle.
c. Coordinate with the Communications Group Supervisor and
Operations Section personnel to insure:
1) Out -of -service hydrants listings are kept current and
distributed in a timely manner.
2) Hydrant repair/replacement status is efficiently and
accurately tracked in Firehouse.
SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 3 of 8
4. The Deputy Chiefs will follow up as necessary to insure hydrant
maintenance is completed properly and within the established timelines.
VI. Safety Considerations
A. Personnel are at great risk when operating in or around moving traffic. They
should therefore maintain an acute situational awareness when operating in this
high risk environment, and take appropriate safety precautions.
B. Apparatus should be positioned to protect personnel from oncoming traffic when
servicing hydrants in or near the roadway.
C. Personnel should exit curb -side or non -traffic side of the apparatus whenever
possible.
D. If hydrant maintenance or testing involves personnel working within the roadway,
reflective vests or bunker coats should be worn.
E. When handling caps or applying grease, personnel should be mindful of sharp
edges, metal burs, or other edges which may cause cuts or injuries.
VII. Hvdrant Inspection. Flushina & Maintenance Procedures
A. External Hydrant Inspection: The following items should be checked and
documented when inspecting a hydrant:
1. Accuracy of hydrant location and number (hydrant tag is attached)
2. Physical damage and/or defects to the hydrant
3. Obstructions on or around the hydrant (weeds, plants, etc.)
4. Hydrant outlets are facing the proper direction
5. Minimum 12" clearance exists between the lowest outlet and ground level
6. Chains—Remove if still attached.
7. Condition of paint—Remove loose paint and repaint, if necessary.
NOTE: DO " i"
at1hesio gf'colo -coaled rellecl&e talye on, bonnet and
relyla,ce as necessary.
8. All caps—for damaged threads.
9. Breakable Flange—for damage.
B. Weed Maintenance & Obstructions:
1. Remove all standing vegetation from the area around the hydrant as
follows:
a. Hearing protection and safety glasses must be worn by personnel
in the immediate area where a weed trimmer is being operated.
b. Beginning directly behind the hydrant, remove vegetation in a "V"
pattern, ending with at least a ten foot width at the street.
c. Check to insure the hydrant is visible from the roadway, clearing
additional vegetation as necessary.
SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 4 of 8
2. Consideration should be given where plants have been placed around
hydrants in error by property owners.
a. Where this is encountered, note the problem on the inspection
worksheet.
b. When you return to the station, notify the department's
PIO/Investigators via email of the exact location and issues
encountered (copy the email to your District and Deputy Chief
AND the Hydrant Maintenance & Testing Program Manager.)
c. A PIO/Investigator will attempt to contact the property owner to
explain the situation prior to plants or obstructions being removed.
C. Hydrant Flushing Procedure:
1. Check hydrant caps and outlets for rust.
a. Remove rust with a wire brush.
b. If a hydrant cap is stuck, tap the outer edges of the cap using the
handle of the hydrant wrench, then attempt to remove the caps.
1) If this fails on the steamer cap place the hydrant out of
service.
2) If this fails on the 21/2" caps, report this on the worksheet.
c. Never kick or stand on a hydrant wrench in an attempt to muscle
a hydrant cap off.
2. Visually check the hydrant cap threads and outlet threads for rust, damage
and proper lubrication.
a. If threads are rusty, clean threads lightly with a wire brush, being
careful not to damage the threads.
b. Lubricate the cap threads and outlet threads with food -grade
grease.
3. Replace the steamer cap and one of the 21/2" caps Hand -tighten and then
give each cap a'/4 turn with a hydrant wrench
4. Place the hydrant wrench on the stem nut and open approximately one
turn (counter -clockwise) to fill the hydrant barrel with water.
NOTE: Open and close hydrants slowly to prevent damage to the
fire hydrant and water main. As a general rule, open
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hydrants at Axl,. Ilif�,l�����������
5. Observe overall operation of the hydrant and look for leaks.
6. With the 21/2" outlet cap removed, open the hydrant to FULLY OPEN
the valve will come to a solid stopping point.
a. DO NOT try to open the hydrant past this point as damage may
occur.
b. If the hydrant is not fully opened, water will flow out of the drain
or weep holes, causing damage to the drain field around the
hydrant. Water may come up the sides of the hydrant or nearest
valve box.
7. Flow the hydrant until the water becomes clear and there are no foreign
objects flowing from the hydrant (such as rocks). Be sure to control the
direction of the flow so that damage is not done to anything in the water's
path.
SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 5 of 8
8. Close the hydrant SLOWLY (about one turn per second), to avoid creating
a water hammer that could possibly damage the water main.
9. Leave the cap off or loose to allow the hydrant to drain. Closing cap
tightly before hydrant is drained will cause water to remain in the hydrant
barrel. In the winter this water could freeze, causing the hydrant barrel to
split or damaging internal parts of the hydrant.
10. If the hydrant fails to drain:
a. Replace all caps and tighten.
b. Open the hydrant two (2) to three (3) turns to attempt to flush the
drains.
c. Leave in the OPEN position for 5 to 10 minutes.
d. Close the hydrant and remove one of the caps to check for
drainage.
e. If hydrant still does not drain, record the information on the
hydrant maintenance worksheet.
11. When hydrant has drained, place a small amount of food -grade grease on
the threads and replace the cap. Hand -tighten and then give the cap a'/4
turn with a hydrant wrench
12. If the hydrant fails to shut off, DO NOT force the hydrant closed.
a. Attempt to flush the obstruction by opening the hydrant again. It
may take 3 or 4 attempts to flush an obstruction.
b. If not successful, report the fire hydrant out -of -service to the Fire -
EMS Communications Center.
D. Hydrant Painting & Reflective Tape
1. Painting is necessary on NON-EPDXY COATED (OLDER) hydrants if
paint has begun to dull, fade or chip.
a. Prep the hydrant by removing loose or peeling paint with a wire
brush.
b. Take precautions to insure that overspray will not affect nearby
obj ects.
c. Spray the barrel bonnet the appropriate color code, according to
now.
d. Spray the body of the hydrant silver.
2. Epoxy -Coated (NEW) hydrants
a. NEVER paint epoxy -coated hydrants.
b. Color coding of the bonnet will be achieved using reflective tape.
c. Check tape for proper color code and adhesion.
d. Replace tape as necessary.
VIII. Hydrant Maintenance Documentation
A. The Hydrant Inspection Report (worksheet) includes check boxes to document
maintenance actions/issues routinely performed/encountered. A check should be
placed in the box that applies to the action performed or problem identified.
B. Any additional problems identified with a particular hydrant should be
documented in the Comments section of the worksheet for that hydrant.
SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 6 of 8
C. The Officer ID and date of inspection should be entered in the appropriate box for
each hydrant inspected.
D. The inspecting Officer is responsible for entering all hydrant inspection report
(worksheet) information accurately and completely in the Firehouse Hydrant
module.
E. The inspecting Officer will insure that all hydrants that have hydrant maintenance
issues are appropriately documented on the Hydrant Maintenance Summary List
and submitted with their sector's worksheets to the Communications Group
Supervisor.
IX. Reporting Fire Hydrants Out of Service
A. Officers must use discretion when reporting fire hydrants out of service.
1. If a hydrant is usable and requires minor maintenance it SHOULD NOT
be reported out of service.
2. If the Officer does not have confidence the hydrant will function correctly
the hydrant SHOULD be reported out of service.
B. Fire Hydrants should be reported out of service for the following major
maintenance issues:
1. Inadequate water flow (250 g.p.m. or less).
2. Unsafe to operate.
3. The hydrant is dry.
4. Steamer cap will not come off.
C. When a major issue is identified, hydrants should be put out of service
immediately by transmitting the information over BFR MAIN to Fire -EMS
Communications.
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SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 7 of 8
Appendix A - Firehouse Hydrant Maintenance Entry Instructions
All required information collected on Hydrant Inspection Reports (worksheets) will be entered into
Firehouse by the sector Officer or his/her designee. Use the following procedure to enter this data.
1) Open [FIREHOUSE ]...........Select [HYDRANT] icon .......... Select [Browse]......... Select [Run
Query]
2) Select the hydrant(s) that you will be documenting maintenance or testing.... Select [OK]
Lill® Remember, yon, ccm select nuulople hydrtmis by holding,down -',: trl> key and c licking on
ec h ql the hydremls yon, need to updcae.
3) Select [Activities] tab......... Select [Add] ...... Select button next to [Completed]
4) Enter Start Date, Start Time, End Date, End Time, Inspector, Station, Shift, and Unit.
Note: w °SART TIMI, AND 1:/'Vl D TIMI, bbl 'l,l )S lll,, MANl DATORY bectnise this records the
(.,mo
nwi q,1 iinte we spend c onchiciinl; hydrcmi m(.finiencmce.
5) When you tab out of the Unit field the Activity/Repair tab will appear (or just click on this tab.)
6) Check boxes next to
• Serviced............ If greased, cut etc.
• Inspected ........... If checked for leaks, drains, etc.
• Flushed.............If flowed water to flush debris
• Painted.............Only if the hydrant was painted.
7) If a problem exists with the hydrant, use the following procedure to document the problem.
• Record any hydrant problems by clicking the [++] box.
• Select the correct defect from the codes listing. If multiple defects exist, hold the <Ctrl> button
down and click on the selections.
• Select [OK]
8) If any additional comments need to be noted, go to [NOTES] tab.
• Select [APPEND]
• Type in the information.
• Select [OK]
• Select [Save] & then [Close]
9) Saving and going to the next record
• Select the [Basic] tab to return to the first tab of hydrant information.
• Select [Save]
• Select forward arrow button on the bottom left [>] (if you chose multiple hydrants).
• Enter information for next hydrant.
• Continue until information is entered for all assigned/inspected hydrants.
SOG 604.01 — Fire Hydrant Maintenance Page 8 of 8