Hoffman Estates Fire Dept: Pump Maintenance SOP

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of opening all suction ports in step 3?

To clean the pressure relief valve screen

To allow water to flow into, through, and out of the pump (correct)

To test the operating difficulty of the discharge valves

To drain the pump completely

What should be done to the pressure relief valve screen during pump flushing?

It should be cleaned in toilet bowl cleaner and dried with compressed air (correct)

It should be cleaned with Gibbs lubricant

It should be inspected for obstructions only

It should be replaced with a new one

Why is it necessary to close the pump drain in step 5?

To prevent water from flowing back into the pump (correct)

To allow water to continue flowing out of the suction ports

To start the pump

To test the operating difficulty of the discharge valves

What is the purpose of operating the discharge valves in step 2 of pump discharge valve lubrication?

To test the operating difficulty of the valves Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the discharge valve ball during lubrication?

Approved Gibbs lubricant should be sprayed directly onto it Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to repeat step 4 of pump discharge valve lubrication until the valve operates in an acceptable fashion?

To ensure the valve operates with relative ease or noticeable improvement Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the pump flushing procedure?

Returning the apparatus to service Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of degreasing pump discharge/intake valve actuating levers?

To remove grease and debris that may affect valve operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for cleaning the discharge valve actuating lever/rod?

Fully extend the lever/rod, apply a light coating of Gibbs, and wipe it off. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of spraying Gibbs on the cable end of the 'Road to Pump'?

To dissipate water that may have entered during the Pump Back Flushing process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for using the undercarriage washer?

Locate the washer under the apparatus and slowly turn on the water supply. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Gibbs?

A spray cleaner/lubricant/protectant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cleaning the underside of department apparatus during cold weather months?

To prevent corrosion from forming. Signup and view all the answers

What is the undercarriage washer used for?

Cleaning the underside of all department apparatus. Signup and view all the answers

When is the quarterly maintenance for fire pump apparatus scheduled?

January, April, July, and October Signup and view all the answers

What type of cleaner should be used on the actuating levers and rods?

Only the proper/approved cleaner/degreaser Signup and view all the answers

How often should apparatus pump back flushing be completed?

Semi-annually Signup and view all the answers

What is required to be done during monthly cleaning in cold weather months?

Clean the underside with an undercarriage wash device Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with suction port screens during pump maintenance?

They must be inspected and replaced as necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using only approved lubricants on pump valves?

To maintain compatibility with pump materials Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken with discharge valves during the pump back flushing process?

All discharge valves should be opened Signup and view all the answers

What negative consequence could occur if improper cleaning agents are used during maintenance?

Damage to components of the apparatus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pump Maintenance Guidelines

The Hoffman Estates Fire Department has guidelines for pump maintenance, which includes monthly and quarterly preventative maintenance.

Quarterly Maintenance

Quarterly maintenance shall be performed in January, April, July, and October.
Pump valves shall be lubed with approved lubricant during quarterly maintenance.

Monthly Maintenance

Actuating levers/rods on pumping apparatus shall be cleaned using approved cleaner/degreaser during monthly cleaning.
The underside of apparatus shall be cleaned with the undercarriage wash device during cold weather months when village streets have been treated with ice melt-road salt.

Pump Back Flushing

Pump back flushing shall be completed semi-annually (March and September) to remove sediment and debris built up in the pump housing.
The procedure involves draining the fire pump, connecting a 3-inch supply line to a water source, and slowly opening the water source to allow water to flow into, through, and out of the pump.

Pump Discharge Valve Lubrication

Pump discharge valve lubrication shall be completed in conjunction with pump flushing.
The procedure involves draining the pump, operating the discharge valves, visualizing the discharge valve ball, and spraying approved lubricant onto the valve ball.

Degreasing Pump Discharge/Intake Valve Actuating Levers

Degreasing shall be completed during monthly apparatus cleaning.
The procedure involves fully extending the discharge valve actuating lever/rod, applying a light coating of Gibbs, wiping off the Gibbs, and repeating until clean.

Cleaning the Underside of Department Apparatus

Cleaning shall be completed during cold weather months and in conjunction with monthly cleaning.
The procedure involves attaching an undercarriage wash device to a station 1 ¾ houseline, locating the under wash device under the apparatus, and slowly turning on the water supply to rinse the underside of the apparatus.