HomeMy WebLinkAbout302.004 - Nozzle Inspection and Testing
Fresno City Fire Department
300 Training and Equipment Manual
SECTION 302.004 NOZZLE INSPECTION AND TESTING
PURPOSE
This policy is established to provide standard expectations and methods to be used
for the inspection and annual service testing of firefighting nozzles.
APPLICATION
This policy is intended for all Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) members
and support personnel that are involved in the inspection and annual service testing
of firefighting nozzles.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
All nozzles shall be inspected after use and tested annually consistent with NFPA
1962: Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of
Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances.
A record of each nozzle will be maintained from the time the nozzle is purchased until
it is discarded.
Each nozzle will be assigned an identification number for use in recording its history
throughout its service life.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Any nozzle suspected of damage or improper operation should be taken out of service
and tested.
PROCESS
Nozzle Visual Inspection Process:
• Check for damage to the threads prior to attaching nozzle to male
end of hose.
Effective Date: December 2022 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 12/20/2022 Section 302.004
Next Revision (1) Date: 12/20/2026 Page 1 of 4
• Visually inspect gasket to make sure it is present and not showing
signs of deterioration.
• Verify the waterway is clear of obstructions.
• Visually inspect the nozzle for any damage.
• Check for proper movement of the shutoff mechanisms.
Annual Nozzle Hydrostatic Test in Accordance with NFPA 1962:
1. Perform a visual inspection of the nozzle to be tested.
2. Connect the nozzle to the device/hose.
3. Deliver water at minimal pressure and bleed off all air from the
system.
4. Close the shutoff mechanism.
5. Increase the pressure in 50 psi increments and hold for 30 seconds
between each pressure change. Repeat this process until 300 psi or
1.5 times the manufacturer’s max operating pressure is reached.
Upon reaching the maximum pressure for the nozzle, hold the
pressure for 1 minute.
6. Inspect for any signs of leakage through the valve or shutoff
throughout the process.
Annual Nozzle Flow Test in Accordance with NFPA 1962:
1. Perform visual inspection of the nozzle to be tested.
2. Connect the nozzle to the device/hose. This should have a minimum
of a pressure gauge and flow meter.
3. Open the shutoff mechanism, deliver water to the nozzle, and bleed
the air until the nozzle reaches its minimum flow rate within +/-2%.
4. Record the base pressure which should read within 15 psi of the
rated pressure to continue.
Effective Date: December 2022 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 12/20/2022 Section 302.004
Next Revision (1) Date: 12/20/2026 Page 2 of 4
5. Increase gradually to the maximum rated flow and record the
pressure reading on the pressure gauge. The nozzle should
maintain the rated pressure within 15 psi throughout the adjustment
of the rated flow range.
Annual Appliance Hydrostatic Test in Accordance with NFPA 1962:
1. Attach the appliance to the appropriately sized hose/device.
2. Deliver water at a minimal pressure and bleed off air from the system.
Close the shutoff valves.
3. Place caps rated to at least 300 psi on all openings of the appliance.
4. Ensure that the shutoff mechanism is closed and increase the
pressure in 50 psi increments, holding for 30 seconds between each
pressure change. Repeat this process until 300 psi is reached, and
then hold the pressure for 1 minute.
Annual Appliance Shutoff Valve Testing in Accordance with NFPA 1962:
1. Attach the appliance to the appropriately sized hose/device.
2. Deliver water at minimal pressure and bleed off air from the system.
Close the shut off valves.
3. Place caps rated to at least 300 psi on all the openings of the
appliance.
4. With shut of valves in a closed position, increase pressure to the
manufacturer’s maximum rated pressure. Ensure that there are no
leaks.
5. Remove the caps and establish a water flow through the appliance
at 100 psi.
6. Close and reopen the valve twice to ensure the mechanism operates
smoothly and functions properly.
Effective Date: December 2022 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 12/20/2022 Section 302.004
Next Revision (1) Date: 12/20/2026 Page 3 of 4
INFORMATION
Nozzle Record Requirements per NFPA 1962 include the following items:
• Assigned ID number.
• Manufacturer.
• Product or model designation.
• Vendor.
• Warranty.
• Hose connection size.
• Maximum operating pressure.
• Flow rate or range.
• Date received and date put in service.
• Date of each service test and service test results.
• Damage and repairs, including who made the repairs and the cost of
the repair parts.
• Reason removed from service.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
NFPA 1962: Standard of the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and
Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances
Effective Date: December 2022 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 12/20/2022 Section 302.004
Next Revision (1) Date: 12/20/2026 Page 4 of 4