pumping and feeding the aerial ladder
During training on 7/26-7/28, it was found that the average time it takes to dump the tank water on each engine was as recorded:
- Engine 1's average time was 4 minutes & 28 seconds. One must remember that E1's tank leaks, leaving the engineer and crew with less water than what the 750 gallon tank holds.
- Engine 2's average time was 3 minutes & 48 seconds. One must remember that E2's tank leaks, leaving the engineer and crew with less water than what the 750 gallon tank holds.
- Engine 3's average time was 2 minutes & 40 seconds. One must remember that E3's tank holds 500 gallons and does not leak. However, the smaller capacity tank does not allow for much time or error for the engineer when using the tank water and trying to hook up to a hydrant. Personnel should be cognizant of this and help the engineer hook up or the pipeman should try to conserve water as much as possible until a secure water source is achieved.
When feeding the aerial ladders on T1 and T2, a single or double tap via the hydrant to the engine can be achieved. As demonstrated in training, the double tap gave the engine more water to feed the truck and gave the engine more residual water. Remember the Water Main Atlas book indicated we were working off a 12" main (See below for more information).
Truck 1 was as recorded with a 1 1/2" tip via a single tap:
|
Truck 2 does not have a smooth bore master stream, instead it has a fog. Obviously, no tips need to be taken off as with T1. The manual for T2 requires 150 psi at the turn table. While it could not be found in T1's manual, it was calculated at approximately 150 psi. One must also remember to add elevation to this =5 psi per floor above the first story.
Truck 2 was as recorded with a Fog via a single tap:
|
Remember there is a Water Main Atlas book in the Engineer cabinet on all the engines. There is a pull out map in the front pocket. This map indicates the different water main sections. For instance, where we trained last week (54th & 16th St.) was indicated as Section 15. You must then navigate through the book to Map 15. Here you will find the mains all laid out and their different sizes. Since we were in an industrial area, the main we were using was a 12" main, across the street was an 8" main. Be aware that most residential mains are 6".
|
Remember the bigger the main, the more water you will get.
Also, the Water Main Atlas book is good to review and use during incidents. It will guide you in locating different mains so you are not tapping of the same main as another apparatus. Thus, if two apparatuses are operating off different mains you will obviously receive or should receive more water via the main you are on. |