4/2 Hydrants PDF

4/2 HYDRANTS 1 4/2 HYDRANTS 4/2-01.01 ROUTINE OPERATIONS/HYDRANTS -01. IDENTIFICATION.01 GENERAL Various types of hydrants are in use by this Department. These hydrants are equ...

4/2 HYDRANTS 1 4/2 HYDRANTS 4/2-01.01 ROUTINE OPERATIONS/HYDRANTS -01. IDENTIFICATION.01 GENERAL Various types of hydrants are in use by this Department. These hydrants are equipped with 2-1/2" outlets, 4" outlets, or a combination of both. The outlets conform to National Standard Thread specifications..17 CATEGORIES Hydrants shall be identified on reports and records as follows: S.F.H. - Single fire hydrant 2-1/2" S.F.H. and 4" S.F.H. D.F.H. - Double fire hydrant 2-1/2" x 4" D.F.H. and 4" x 4" D.F.H. S.S.F.H. - Subsurface fire hydrant B.U.F.H. - Built-up fire hydrant 2-1/2” B.U. or 4” B.U. A built-up fire hydrant is an assembled unit of 4" or 6" pipe surmounted by an angle valve with a 2-1/2" or 4" outlet..51 SYMBOLS The following designations shall be used on Department maps to indicate type of hydrant, number and size of outlets and diameter of supply main..68 PAINTING Station Commanders shall determine that hydrants with a static pressure over 200 psi have tops painted red. Initial painting of tops shall be done by station members..69 HYDRANT REFLECTORS In the hill-side areas of the City, the blue reflectors are located on the street pavement to indicate all hydrant locations, while in the flatland areas the reflectors shall be used to indicate only mid-block hydrant locations, or hydrant locations that are obstructed from view. Private hydrant locations shall be identified in the same manner dependent upon the need and with the approval of the individual responsible for the property. The installation and replacement of hydrant reflectors shall be done by station personnel. Hydrant reflectors and adhesive material are available through Supply and Maintenance Division. 4/2 HYDRANTS 2.85 DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINES Station hydrant district boundary lines will be the center line of streets, rivers and/or flood control channels dividing stations' first-in districts. Any change in district boundary lines due to annexation, detachment, change in first-in district, etc., stations will make needed corrections of their respective hydrant records and forward either F-225 Red Letterhead, or new F-95 Fire Hydrant Record (2 copies), whichever is more appropriate, to the Construction Services – Hydrant/Access Unit. -17. USE.01 GENERAL Fire Department personnel shall use fire hydrants only in performance of their duties, such as use at fires, drilling, testing, or refilling apparatus water tanks..12 OPERATION Hydrants shall be opened and closed slowly to avoid water hammer. Hydrant valves are not designed to regulate the volume of flow. Normally, they shall be fully opened or fully closed. On rare occasions, the hydrant stem has dislodged from the hydrant barrel, inflicting serious injury. Therefore, while operating the hydrant valve, members shall not position themselves in front of the stem being turned. After use, hydrant valves shall be closed sufficiently tight to shut off the flow of water, and the outlet cap replaced..24 FLUSHING Members shall not open a fire hydrant for the purpose of flushing or trying to clean out a main. This is a function of the Department of Water and Power..36 HYDRANTS, INOPERATIVE OR USED ILLEGALLY During non-emergency situations when a hydrant is found to be inoperative because of damage, obstruction, or is being used illegally, report the situation at once to the Construction Services – Hydrant/Access Unit by telephone. If the Construction Services – Hydrant/Access Unit cannot be contacted, make the report to Metro..48 OUT OF SERVICE NOTIFICATION Station Commanders when notified that a hydrant or main is out of service, shall enter such notice in the Station Journal and notify the officers concerned on the opposite platoon when they report for duty..60 OUT OF SERVICE OVER 72 HOURS Unless a different period of time has been specified, hydrants reported out of service, which have not been restored to service within 72 hours, shall be reported to the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit and to the Battalion Commander by telephone. If the Construction Services – Hydrant/Access Unit cannot be contacted, Metro shall be notified. 4/2 HYDRANTS 3.72 WATER USE PERMITS All permits for the use of water by the public will be issued by the Department of Water and Power. Any inquiries or requests for permits for such use will be referred to the Department of Water and Power's Water Engineering and Technical Services Office..84 INFORMATION REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC Members receiving requests from the public for information concerning any part of the water system will not attempt to furnish this information, but will refer the inquirer to the nearest office of the Department of Water and Power. Written communications received should be forwarded through channels to the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit for reply. No member shall, unless specifically authorized, make any recommendation or commitments regarding the installations, removal, relocation or costs of hydrants on public or private property. Persons desiring information of this type should be referred to the Construction Services – Hydrant/Access Unit. Any information requested by members concerning water mains or the use, location, installation or relocation, and testing (public and private) of hydrants shall be directed to the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit..90 DRILLS Chief Officers or Station Commanders contemplating training activities requiring large GPM flows will notify the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit at least 48 hours in advance. This will allow the Department of Water and Power to monitor the water main system. -34. TESTING.01 FREQUENCY A routine test of hydrants shall be made at least once a year. The maximum period of time between test periods shall be 12 months. The time for testing will be determined by Battalion Commanders..59 PROCEDURE The Standard Hydrant Testing procedure shall be as follows: A. Use the standard hydrant testing equipment. B. Connect the Department approved hydrant testing cap to the hydrant outlet. No other caps or testing devices shall be used. C. Fully open the hydrant valve slowly. On rare occasions, the hydrant stem has dislodged from the hydrant barrel inflicting serious injuries. Therefore, members shall not stand in line with the hydrant stem while operating the hydrant valve. NOTE: If the valve chatters or if water does not flow before the hydrant stem is operated three full turns, close globe valve and close the hydrant. Report to the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit by telephone upon return to quarters. D. Carefully remove all "verdigris" from the hydrant stem. No abrasive material is to be used on hydrant stems; do not apply any lubrication. E. Close the hydrant valve slowly. F. Disconnect the test equipment from the hydrant. In case of a double outlet hydrant, both valves shall be tested. G. Packing nut of valve stem shall be tightened if necessary to stop leak. NOTE Do not tighten the packing nut on hydrants having an "O" ring as packing. This type of hydrant can be readily identified because the packing nut is screwed tight against the valve assembly and secured with a pin. 4/2 HYDRANTS 4 H. Clean hydrant nipple with a wire brush if necessary, then replace the cap tightly so that it cannot be removed by hand. Do not oil nipple thread. I. Fire/Life Safety Violation may be issued to the property owner or tenant to remove obstructing vegetation. Use Code Section 57.20.06. J. For repair of private hydrants, refer to Vol. 2, 4/2-70.01. K. Indicate with notes on the Form F-70 (Fire Hydrant Test Record) whether the hydrant is O.K. or what further attention may be necessary, such as: 1. Any condition that prevents normal and speedy operation of the hydrant. 2. Valve leaking. 3. Repacking of stem required. 4. Cap missing. 5. Obstructing vegetation..75 STATIC PRESSURE The most recent static pressures will be permanently maintained in the Hydrant Test Record Book. Stations will not be required to take a static pressure reading once the static pressure of the hydrant has been determined, unless notified to do so by the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit. -51. REPORTS AND RECORDS REQUIRED.01 ROUTINE HYDRANT REPORTS Except for new hydrant installations, only one officer at each level of command, regardless of platoon, need sign the following reports: A. Report Type Hydrant Test Reports Hydrant Repair Reports Changes to Private Hydrants Separate report required for each of above categories. F-225 Forward At completion of each testing period and as necessary. Battalion Commander, THROUGH CHANNELS Number of Copies One Routing Battalion Commander to Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit. Information Required 1. Hydrant Test Reports A. Date that hydrant test was completed. B. Number of City-owned hydrants tested. C. Number of hydrants tested that are owned by a private water company. D. Number of hydrants tested that are owned by private industry. 2. Hydrant Repair Report A. List of hydrants needing repair. 4/2 HYDRANTS 5 1) Include location, type of hydrant and repair needed. 2) Include hydrants that are unusually difficult to operate, describing degree, i.e., very difficult, moderate. B. Separate reports for Public Hydrants, Harbor Dept., Airport Dept., Parks Dept. and/or private water systems. 3. Changes to Private Hydrants A. Installations B. Removal C. Relocation B. New Hydrant Installation Request F-225 (See sample 9/7 F-225) Forward As necessary Bureau Commander, through channels Number of Copies Two Routing Original - Bureau Commander to Construction Services Unit Hydrant/Access Unit. Duplicate - Returned to point of origin with comments. Information Required 1. Provide specific reason for each hydrant location. 2. Signatures: A. All station level officers B. One Battalion Commander C. One Division Commander 3. Include previous requests (attach a photocopy) C. Obstructing Vegetation - Use an F-340, Fire/Life Safety Violation. Refer to Volume 2, 4/2-34.59I..33 RECORDS: A. Fire Hydrant Test Record, F-70 B. Fire Hydrant Record, F-95.88 HYDRANT INSTALLATIONS Form F-367, (Fire Hydrant Report), or F-366, (Report of Private Hydrant), will be forwarded by the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit to the station within whose hydrant district the installation or change of a hydrant occurs. This procedure will be used when hydrants are installed, relocated, removed or when size or number of outlets is changed. A. F-367 HYDRANT REPORT: On Form F-367, hydrant shall be listed by street intersection or other designation which will include street name. In each instance, the hydrant is connected to the "main" on the street which is first named in the hydrant location. Entries in the hydrant test book will be made showing the location exactly as it is shown on the Form F-367. B. F-366 REPORT OF PRIVATE HYDRANT: 4/2 HYDRANTS 6 1. One copy of the F-366 (Report of Private Hydrants) shall be filed in the hydrant test record book as a permanent record of private hydrants in the company district. 2. Those private hydrants that are to be tested by field personnel (as indicated on the F-366) may be transcribed to Form F-95 in the hydrant test book in the proper sequence for testing. This does not relieve the station personnel of the responsibility for filing one copy of the F-366 as required in #1 above. C. When Station Commanders receive forms, they shall: 1. Check location, test, take the static pressure and, if necessary, paint the top red. 2. Make necessary changes in the Hydrant Book (Refer to A & B above) and on the maps which show hydrants. 3. Enter information in journal. 4. Cause all stations which normally respond to the area on "First Alarm" assignments to be notified of any changes. 5. Forward the completed form to the Battalion Commander. 6. Completed F-367 shall be forwarded to the Construction Services - Hydrant/Access Unit within 14 days of receipt. 7. If hydrant reflector is needed, stations personnel shall obtain and install the reflector. (as per 4/2-01.69) -70. PRIVATE HYDRANTS, REPAIRS OR PAINTING.01 GENERAL Private hydrants requiring repairs or painting are to be treated as follows: A. Station Occupancy - Issue a Fire/ Life Safety Violation. B. F.P.B. Occupancy - F-44 to F.P.B. -85. UNUSUAL HYDRANTS.01 EXTREMELY HIGH PRESSURE HYDRANTS There are hydrants in the Topanga Canyon-Fernwood Area (both above ground and sub-surface) which have extremely high pressures. These hydrants are identified with a red top and/or a high pressure sign attached to the hydrant. It is recommended that these hydrants not be used unless absolutely necessary. When it becomes necessary, the following procedures will apply: A. Before connecting to any red-top or sub-surface hydrant in the Topanga Canyon-Fernwood Area, use a reducing valve. B. Operate all valves on the hydrant, apparatus, and hose lines very slowly. C. Under conditions of extreme necessity, water may be utilized without a reducing valve by either: 1. Filling apparatus tank from the top and pumping from this source, or 2. Drafting through a broken connection. 4/2 HYDRANTS 7.50 HARD SUCTION HYDRANTS Those hydrants located in Station 86 and 91 hydrant district and shown on Department maps as "Hard Suction" hydrants are designed for drafting only. They are identified with signs stating to use hard suction only. -90. SHEARED FIRE HYDRANTS – SHUT-OFF PROCEDURES.01 IDENTIFICATION OF FIRE HYDRANT GATE VALVE The fire hydrant gate valve is normally found in direct line with the fire hydrant and perpendicular to the curb. A six-inch diameter cap (usually painted blue) covers the gate valve. Some gate valve locations are indicated by arrows etched on the adjacent curb. Of the 56,000 hydrants in the City, 80% will have the street shut off valve located within 15 feet of the hydrant. If the hydrant’s street valve cannot be found within a 15 foot radius, there is a good chance of impacting a wider area when shutting down valves. If the valve cannot be readily located or the gate valve is more than 15 feet from the hydrant, members are advised to call for a Department of Water and Power (DWP) Response Team..25 OPERATION OF GATE VALVE Remove gate valve cap. Place gate key on gate valve stem. Insert crowbar into gate key eyelet and turn in a CLOCKWISE direction to close the valve (YOUR INITIAL ATTEMPT SHOULD BEGIN WITH CLOCKWISE ROTATION). Close the gate valve slowly to reduce the possibility of water hammer. Two members applying moderate pressure to the gate key should be adequate when closing the valve. (Fire hydrant gate valves may require 18 to 26 full turns to complete a shut down.) If the gate valve will not turn in a clockwise direction, attempt to close the valve in a counterclockwise direction. Caution must be taken, as excessive force will cause damage or break the gate valve stem. NOTE Although approximately 98% of all fire hydrant gate valves close in a clockwise direction, Firefighters must recognize those instances when a counterclockwise rotation is necessary to close the valve. As the gate valve is operated, you will hear and feel the vibration of the valve as it closes. If there is no decrease in the amount of water flow, you may be operating the wrong valve or the valve may be broken. If it has been determined the wrong gate valve has been closed, return the valve to its original position. Always count the number of (full) turns when closing fire hydrant gate valves. NOTE Fire hydrant gate valves should only be operated to shut down sheared hydrants. For leaking fire hydrants, follow procedures described in the Manual of Operation, Volume 2, 4/2-34.59 (G)..50 COMMUNICATION WITH Metropolitan Fire Communications When notifying Metro of a sheared off fire hydrant, include the following information: 1. Fire hydrant location 2. State if fire hydrant has been shut off 3. The number of valves closed Metro will notify the DWP’s Water Operating Trouble Board and advise them of your actions. The DWP will then dispatch necessary resources to the location. 4/2 HYDRANTS 8.75 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS As in other emergency situations, placement of apparatus for the protection of members is paramount. To insure protection against injuries caused by debris being thrown into the air, the use of protective clothing is recommended (helmet, goggles, turnouts, or rain gear). The sheared off hydrant should be secured in a safe location. References http:/ / www. lafd. org/ prevention/ hydrants/ index. html Article Sources and Contributors 9 Article Sources and Contributors 4/2 HYDRANTS Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?oldid=13430 Contributors: Rshortle3323, Sjoseph Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors Image:hydrantsymbols.png Source: http://lafd.info/index.php?title=File:Hydrantsymbols.png License: unknown Contributors: Rshortle3323