Practical tip: Proper handling and care of pressure hoses

Pressure hoses are made from extremely resilient and resistant materials. High compressive strength, extreme resistance to UV light and ozone as well as full rot-resistance provide the polyester hoses with a virtually unlimited service life. This is only true, of course, if the pressure hoses are handled properly. A few things need to be noted with regard to use, cleaning, and storage.

Tips for handling and care

• Wind them up without kinks or twists
• Do not loop them on the ground or pull them over sharp edges
• Under no circumstances pull on hoses that are filled with water but not pressurized
• Never place them in pieces of broken glass, debris, or the embers of a fire
• Avoid contamination with corrosive or adhesive materials
• Cross roads at right angles and use hose bridges or hose overpasses
• Do not interrupt the flow of water in case of heavy frost
• Never roll-up or bend frozen hoses with force
• Do not throw hose couplings and protect them against contamination
• Place the hoses in the vehicle, so that abrasion is prevented during the trip
• Fire department hoses are suitable for water with a temperature of up to +80 °C

Tips for cleaning, drying, and storing

• After use, clean with water and a soft brush or a slack cleaner
• Soak heavily contaminated hoses beforehand
• Do not clean hoses with a high pressure cleaner
• Never brush hoses when dry
• Pressurize the hoses and mark damage
• After cleaning, dry immediately and carry out any repairs necessary
• Store hoses in the fire house or vehicle in a dry state only
• The hose store should be dry, well ventilated, free of frost, and protected against direct sunlight
• Avoid contact with cement or concrete

(Extract from the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV) guidelines on the handling of pressure hoses)