Pump Panel
What is the primary purpose of the apparatus fire pump?
To take water from a water source and deliver it at the required pressure and flow to the fire attack lines or other appliances.
What three major factors affect friction loss in a hose line?
Flow rate, hose diameter, and hose length.
What is one of the most important considerations when positioning an apparatus at a fire scene?
Position the apparatus where it can safely and effectively perform its assigned function without unnecessarily limiting access for other apparatus.
Why should an apparatus operator know hydrant locations in their first-due area?
To quickly establish a reliable water supply without wasting time locating a hydrant during a working incident.
Name five things an apparatus operator should check during a routine apparatus inspection.
Fuel, Oil, Coolant, Tires, Brakes, Lights, Hose, Tools/Equipment, SCBAs (Batteries)!!!!!, Water/Foam levels, Knox keys, etc...
When operating from the booster tank, what valve allows water from the tank to reach the pump?
The tank-to-pump valve.
What is the purpose of a hydrant supply line connected to the pump intake?
To provide a continuous water supply from the hydrant to the apparatus pump, allowing the pump to deliver the required flow and pressure to the attack lines.
When backing an apparatus, who should assist the driver whenever possible?
A spotter/guide.
What information should an operator know about a hydrant before relying on it for a working fire?
Its exact location, accessibility, type/configuration, known flow characteristics, potential problems, and any department-specific information about it.
Why are fluid-level checks important during apparatus inspections?
They help identify leaks, low fluid levels, potential mechanical problems, and conditions that could cause an apparatus or pump failure during an emergency.
What is the difference between intake pressure and discharge pressure?
Intake pressure is the pressure entering the pump; discharge pressure is the pressure leaving the pump and being supplied to the hose lines.
What is friction loss?
The loss of pressure caused by water moving through hose, appliances, fittings, and other restrictions.
Why should apparatus operators be extremely cautious around overhead power lines?
Apparatus, ladders, aerial devices, and hose streams can create electrical hazards and electrocution risks.
You arrive at your assigned hydrant and discover it is out of service. What should you already know?
The locations of alternate hydrants and water sources in the area and the best way to establish a supply from them.
Your pump is engaged, but you cannot establish pressure. Name several things you would investigate.
Pump not properly engaged, closed/incorrect valve, loss of prime, insufficient water supply, air in the pump, intake issue, tank-to-pump problem, mechanical issue. (Start process over)
You are pumping a handline at 150 PSI when the nozzle operator suddenly shuts the nozzle. What happens to discharge pressure, and what should the operator do?
Discharge pressure will increase, potentially causing a dangerous pressure spike. The operator should monitor the gauges and adjust the throttle/pump pressure as necessary while communicating with the crew.
You are supplying two 1¾-inch attack lines from the same discharge. One crew asks for more pressure. What should you consider before increasing pump pressure?
Consider current pump pressure, nozzle requirements, hose length, elevation, friction loss, other lines/appliances being supplied, intake pressure, and the capability of the crews/equipment.
You arrive first due to a commercial structure fire. Your position could prevent the truck company from accessing the building. What should you consider?
Fire conditions, building access, aerial positioning, hydrant/water supply, incoming apparatus, collapse zones, overhead hazards, traffic, and the assignments of other companies.
You are supplying an engine at a large commercial fire. The closest hydrant has limited flow. What district knowledge can help?
Knowledge of additional hydrants, larger water mains, alternate supply routes, water-system limitations, and potential relay/supply options.
During a fire, your pump begins losing pressure even though the throttle hasn't changed. The tank level is dropping rapidly. What should you investigate?
Check for increased water demand, an opened/broken line, a leaking discharge, pump problems, valve issues, supply problems, and whether the pump is actually receiving enough water.
You are pumping multiple attack lines when one line suddenly shuts down. Your discharge pressure spikes. What is the potential hazard, and how should the operator respond?
A sudden pressure increase can create dangerous nozzle reaction, hose movement, appliance stress, and water hammer. The operator should recognize the pressure change, stabilize the pump, and communicate with the attack crew.
Your attack crews report low nozzle pressure. The pump discharge pressure looks correct, but your intake pressure is dropping toward zero. What does this indicate, and what are your immediate priorities?
It indicates the pump is not receiving enough water and may be approaching cavitation. The operator should determine why the water supply is inadequate, check the hydrant/supply line, monitor the intake, communicate with command/supply personnel, and protect the attack crews from losing their water supply.
You arrive at a working fire on a narrow residential street. Cars are parked on both sides, occupants are evacuating, and another engine is approaching behind you. How should you position?
Position to maximize access and operational effectiveness, avoid blocking incoming apparatus, maintain a safe escape route, account for overhead/collapse hazards, allow hose deployment, and communicate your position/intentions with incoming companies.
Your normal hydrant is unavailable. Several alternate hydrants are nearby, but traffic, elevation, and hose-stretch distance will affect your options. How do you select the best hydrant?
Select the hydrant that provides the most reliable water supply while minimizing supply-line distance, elevation problems, traffic hazards, and operational complications, then communicate the plan to command and incoming companies.
During a pump operation, you notice the engine RPM is increasing but your discharge pressure is dropping, even though the attack lines are still flowing. What are some possible causes, and what should you check first?
Possible causes include loss of water supply, a partially closed intake valve, insufficient hydrant flow, an intake obstruction, pump cavitation, or an increase in water demand. First, verify your intake pressure and water supply, then check valve positions and the supply line. Communicate with the attack crews and water-supply personnel while troubleshooting.