HORRY COUNTY FIRE / RESCUE DEPARTMENT PROUD * PREPARED * PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE SOP 715 HYDRANT AND WATER POINT INSPECTIONS

Transcription

1 HORRY COUNTY FIRE / RESCUE DEPARTMENT PROUD * PREPARED * PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE APPROVED BY GARRY B. ALDERMAN, FIRE CHIEF: DATE: SOP 715 HYDRANT AND WATER POINT INSPECTIONS PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD The purpose of annual hydrant/water point inspections is to insure a good operating condition when needed for emergency operations. The inspections also provide personnel the opportunity to familiarize themselves with areas and locations, as well as a degree of confidence in knowing that the inspections have been done to an established standard. SECTION 1 POLICY 1.01 Each station shall maintain a complete record of all hydrants and static water sources located within an assigned area. Records shall be updated as new hydrants/water points are installed/repaired, and at the time of the required inspections All Hydrant/Water Point Inspection Forms are to be completed for EACH hydrant/water point and a copy is to be forwarded to Administration Each station shall be responsible to conduct inspections of all hydrants and water points twice annually within their 1 st due area. Between the dates of January 1 st and April 30 th each year, each hydrant and water point is to be inspected and flow tested (if allowed by the Water Authority). Between the dates of September 1 st and December 31 st each hydrant and water point is to be inspected according to Sections 2.01, 2.03, 2.05, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 4.02, 4.03, and 4.05 of this policy (no flow test). Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-1

2 2.01 VISUAL INSPECTION SECTION 2 PRESSURIZED HYDRANTS 1. Check for obstructions by high grass, weeds, or shrubs. Spray weed kill on any high weeds (not on lawn or landscaping) 2. Check for obstructed or blocked discharge fittings. 3. Ensure proper hydrant height (outlets at least 12 from ground). 4. Ensure proper clearance around circumference of hydrant (36 minimum). 5. Ensure that the main stem nut is in place and ensure proper operation of nut. 6. Ensure bonnet is securely attached to housing 7. Inspect flange bolts and remove any rust. 8. Ensure that all set screws are in place on outlets. 9. Ensure all caps are connected to chains. 10. Ensure free operation of chains. Remove rust or excess paint. 11. Remove all caps and ensure ease of removal. Check all threads by using fittings carried on the apparatus. Lubricate all threads with food grade lubricant only unless otherwise specified by the Water Authority having jurisdiction. DO NOT use any petroleum based lubricants. 12. Check for stones or obstructions inside hydrant. Remove if possible. (If obstructions cannot be removed, the hydrant is to be placed OUT OF SERVICE). 13. Check condition of all gaskets OPERATION 1. Slowly open main stem valve until water begins to flow. Allow hydrant to flush for at least 1 minute or until water is clear. 2. Check for any housing leaks 3. Insure proper hydrant drainage as follows: Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-2

3 2.03 MAINTENANCE a. Tighten and check all caps. b. Stand behind the hydrant where there are no fittings. c. Open the hydrant slowly to fully open. d. Close the hydrant slowly to fully closed. (Do not over tighten) e. Remove the 4-½ inch steamer cap to visually determine that the hydrant is draining. NOTE If the hydrant is not completely closed, place the cap back on and reopen the hydrant. This may wash out any debris that might have lodged in the foot valve. NOTE Depending on soil conditions, hydrants will drain at different rates, some taking as long as an hour. If the drain field is flooded, it may take much longer. You may have to return to check at a later time. NOTE If you only open the hydrant several turns you will open the hydrant bleed system. This will flood the drain field installed around the hydrant causing undermining of the soil. 1. Frozen caps a. Attempt to loosen cap with a hydrant wrench using some form of leverage, then tap the wrench with a small maul or hammer. b. Repeat procedure several times. If the cap fails to loosen, note it on the Hydrant Repair Form. 2. Frozen chains a. Using a small maul or hammer, strike the chain at the cap until it becomes loose. b. When the chain is loose, lubricate it with food grade lubricant only. 3. Improper Drainage a. Since soil conditions may effect drain time, it may be necessary to return at a later time. Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-3

4 b. If hydrant still fails to drain after some time has passes, so note on the hydrant complaint form. 4. Documentation 2.04 FLOW TEST a. Hydrant discrepancies shall be noted on the Hydrant Repair Form and forwarded to the Battalion Chief. b. All Out of Service hydrants are to be placed in the Station Logbook, Station Status Board, and Pass On Log. c. Out of Service Hydrants are to be re-checked monthly to track progress of repair. Flow testing of hydrants will not be performed until permission is received from the Water Authority having jurisdiction. The Battalion Chief will notify crews when such permission is received. 1. Attach Pitot Gauge to 2 ½ discharge. Ensure all other caps are securely in place. 2. Locate next hydrant in-line from hydrant being tested. a. Attach pressure gauge to 2 ½ discharge. b. Ensure all other caps are securely in place. c. Slowly open the main stem valve until it is completely open (approximately 20 turns). d. Open the bleeder on the test gauge and bleed off all air until a steady stream of water flows through the bleeder. e. Close the bleeder valve 3. Using the diffuser/elbow, slowly open the main stem valve on the hydrant being flow tested until it is completely open (approximately 20 turns). a. If obstructions or landscaping will interfere with proper flow testing, or if damage will be caused to surroundings by flow testing, the owner is to be notified prior to initiating the test. If he/she removes the obstructions voluntarily or gives permission to continue the test, proceed with the flow test. b. If he/she refuses to remove the obstructions, the test is to be terminated, it is to be noted on the Hydrant Repair Form, and forwarded to the Battalion Chief. Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-4

5 c. At NO TIME shall a flow test be conducted if it will create a hazardous condition to traffic, persons, or wildlife. Such conditions are to be noted on the Hydrant Repair Form and forwarded to the Battalion Chief. 4. Ensure proper water flow 2.05 MARKERS a. Record the flow pressure and residual pressure on the Hydrant Maintenance Form. 1. Each hydrant is to be marked using a blue reflective highway marker. 2. The highway marker is to be secured using authorized adhesive a. The marker is to be placed in the center of the right most lane of traffic closest to the hydrant. This location is to be in-line with the hydrant s actual position. b. When placing markers, all personnel must wear reflective vests or turnout coats to ensure visibility. In addition, at least one person must be designated for traffic control and placed at least 500 back from where the marker placement is taking place. 3. On un-paved roads, alternative marking procedures are to be utilized. Note any such occurrences on the Hydrant Repair Form so that appropriate arrangements can be made WATER POINT AGEEMENTS SECTION 3 STATIC WATER SOURCES 1. All natural sources of water (ponds, lakes, etc.) that are to be used as potential water points for fire department operations are to first have an agreement signed by the landowner. 2. Once a source is located and an agreement is signed, it is to be forwarded to Administration where it will be kept on file VISUAL INSPECTION 1. Ensure that the source has an adequate means of accessibility for a fire department pumper and/or tanker b. The lift and distance from the pump intake to the surface of the water shall not exceed 20 feet total. Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-5

6 c. The ground at the access point is to be solid and stable enough to support the weight of the apparatus. d. The water source shall have clear access for all operations from the apparatus access area. e. The water source shall be of sufficient size to ensure uninterrupted firefighting operations at any single structure within half the distance to the next water source/hydrant. 2. Check for obstructions by high grass, weeds, or shrubs 3. Check the water level to ensure proper flow using a barrel strainer MARKERS 1. All static water sources WITH SIGNED AGREEMENTS shall be marked by an approved blue road sign. a. The sign is to be placed on the nearest public roadway no more than 25 feet from the access way. b. The sign is to be placed on the shoulder of the roadway adjacent to the lane of travel with an arrow pointing to the water point access point. 2. When placing signs, all personnel must wear reflective vests or turnout coats to ensure visibility. In addition, at least one person must be designated for traffic control and placed at least 500 back from where the sign placement is taking place APPLICABILITY SECTION 4 DRY HYDRANTS 1. Dry hydrants are only to be used when any item in Section 3.02 cannot be satisfied by other means. 2. Installation will have to be coordinated through Administration depending on available resources. This will be accomplished on a case-by-case basis. 3. Only existing dry hydrants are covered by this policy. Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-6

7 4.02 WATER POINT AGREEMENTS 1. All natural sources of water (ponds, lakes, etc.) that are to be used as potential water points for fire department operations are to first have an agreement signed by the landowner. 2. Once a source is located and an agreement is signed, it is to be forwarded to Administration where it will be kept on file VISUAL INSPECTION 1. Check for obstructions by high grass, weeds, or shrubs. Spray weed kill on any high weeds (not on lawn or landscaping) 2. Check for obstructed or blocked intake fitting. 3. Ensure proper intake height (outlets at least 12 from ground). 4. Ensure proper clearance around circumference of hydrant (36 minimum). 5. Inspect all joints 6. Remove any caps and ensure ease of removal. Check all threads by using fittings carried on the apparatus. Lubricate all threads with food grade lubricant only. 7. Check for stones or obstructions inside hydrant. Remove if possible. (If obstructions cannot be removed, the hydrant is to be placed OUT OF SERVICE). 8. Check condition of any gaskets OPERATION 1. Back flush a. Connect discharge to dry hydrant with appropriate suction hose and adapters b. Place pump in operation at engine idle c. Slowly open appropriate discharge valve allowing water to flow into dry hydrant. d. Check for signs of water flow at terminal end of dry hydrant in the water source. e. Continue process for approximately 30 seconds or until any restrictions are removed. Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-7

8 2. Connect intake of pump to the dry hydrant connection using appropriate suction hose and adapters. 3. Draft through dry hydrant and flow water through the deck gun at 150 p.s.i. back into the water source for approximately 1 minute. 4. Check for any housing leaks 5. Hydrant discrepancies shall be noted on the Hydrant Repair Form and forwarded to the Battalion Chief. 6. All Out of Service hydrants are to be placed in the Station Logbook, Station Status Board, and Pass On Log. 7. Out of Service Hydrants are to be re-checked monthly to track progress of repair MARKING All dry hydrants are to be marked in accordance with section 3.03 of this policy. SECTION 5 MAPPING 5.01 All hydrant/water points are to be documented in station map books Document nearest street valve to hydrant in station map book. SECTION 6 CODE ENFORCEMENT 6.01 Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Section of the International Fire Code The Horry County Code Enforcement Department has the responsibility for enforcement of the International Fire Code as it pertains to hydrants and accessibility All instances of noncompliance is to be reported on the Hydrant Repair Form and forwarded to the Battalion Chief 6.04 The Battalion Chief is to then forward the form to the Water Supply Coordinator, who will make the appropriate notifications UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE shall ANY Horry County Fire/Rescue member imply or impose any threat or penalty, including monetary, on any person or business while carrying out the duties described in this policy. Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-8

9 7.01 HYDRANT FLOW TEST KIT 1. Flow Conversion Chart 2. Pitot Barrel Guage 3. 3 ½ Static Pressure Gauge 4. Water Diffuser 5. Carrying case 7.01 TOOL KIT 1. Wire brush 2. Allen wrenches 3. Dead blow hammer 4. Tape measure 5. Measuring wheel 6. 2 Valve wrench (for street valve) 7. Tool box 7.02 MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES 1. 2 ½ gallon sprayer 2. Weed kill SECTION 7 TOOLS / SUPPLIES 3. Food grade lubricant or other lubricant as specified by Water Authority having jurisdiction 4. Hydrant/Water Point Maintenance Forms (blank) 5. Hydrant/Water Point Repair Forms (blank) 6. Water Point Agreement Forms (blank) Revised June 14, 2006 SOP 715-9

10 HORRY COUNTY FIRE / RESCUE DEPARTMENT PROUD * PREPARED * PROFESSIONAL HYDRANT/WATER POINT REPAIR FORM Water Authority: Box Card: Map Coordinates: Community Name: Street Address: Closest Intersection: Lift and distance exceeds 20 feet total (Static Water Sources Only). Water level too low (Static Water Sources Only). No access for apparatus, or access will not support apparatus. Gaskets missing or damaged. Obstructed (unable to remove). Improper Height or Clearance (36 minimum circumference) Improper hydrant height (outlets at least 12 from ground). Caps not connected to chain (unable to reattach) or chain is missing. Chain frozen by rust or paint (unable to free). Set screws not in place on outlets. Evidence that hydrant has been struck by a vehicle. Main stem nut in poor condition. Bonnet loose from housing. Stones or obstructions inside hydrant (unable to remove). (OUT OF SERVICE condition). No or Poor water flow (OUT OF SERVICE condition). Main stem nut does not operate (OUT OF SERVICE condition). Threads are damaged. Housing leaks. Flange bolts rusted or chipped. Other (list in Comments Section Comments: Company Officer (Print) Water Supply Coordinator Date Submitted Date Received Action Taken: Revised June 14, 2006 SOP

11 HORRY COUNTY FIRE / RESCUE DEPARTMENT PROUD * PREPARED * PROFESSIONAL HYDRANT/WATER INSPECTION FORM Water Source Type: Pressurized Hydrant Dry Hydrant Static Source Water Authority: Hydrant Number: Box Card: Map Coordinates: Street Address: Static Pressure Residual Pressure Flow Pressure Flow Rate (GPM) ITEM INSPECTED Accessibility/Stability Obstructions (Interior/Exterior) Distance to Water from Access Point Water Level Height and Clearance Main Stem Operation Flange Bolts and Set Screws Caps, Chains, and Bonnet Threads and Gaskets Housing and Joints Flush/Back Flush Hydrant Flow/Draft Tested Drainage Markers Added to Mapbook CONDITION (Ok, Missing, Inoperable) FINAL STATUS (Ok, Repaired, Reported for Repair) Revised June 14, 2006 SOP

12 Horry County Fire/Rescue 2560 North Main Street, Suite 2 Conway, South Carolina Phone: (843) Fax: (843) Web: Property Use Agreement I,, owner of the property and/or water supply point located at do hereby give Horry County Fire/Rescue and its designees permission to use my: Property/Land as an established helicopter landing zone for any and all emergencies deemed necessary by the Officer in Charge of such emergency and the right of ingress and egress for the purpose of operation of these facilities. Horry County will hold me harmless and indemnify me from any liability for damages to property or person arising from accidents or injuries to fire department personnel while said personnel are operating at the above-referenced landing zone. Source of water for any and all emergencies deemed necessary by the Officer in Charge of such emergency, to install a dry socket hydrant (if necessary) for the purpose of withdrawing said water, and the right of ingress and egress for the purpose of installation and operation of these facilities. It is agreed that, once installed, the hydrant and related appurtenances shall become the property of the undersigned landowner. If the property owner ever desires to have such hydrant and related facilities removed, he/she shall provide a minimum of 30 days written notice. Upon abandonment or removal, the affected property owner shall be notified. I also understand that this water source will be used for training fire department personnel. All maintenance and repairs to any installed device, such as a dry hydrant, will be the responsibility of Horry County Fire/Rescue. Horry County will hold me harmless and indemnify me from any liability for damages to property or person arising from accidents or injuries to fire department personnel while said personnel are operating at the above-referenced water point. Street Address: Phone Number: Land Owner s Signature: Date: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Tax Map ID #: Map Coordinates: Water Point #: LZ #: GPS Coordinates:. N. W Witness Signature: Date: Approved By Fire Chief: Date: Revised June 14, 2006 SOP