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HomeMy WebLinkAbout410.005 - Fire Hydrant Flushing ProceduresEffective Date: May 2025 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer Current Revision Date: 5/20/2025 Section 410.005 Next Revision Date: 5/20/2028 Page 1 of 5 Fresno City Fire Department 400 Prevention Manual SECTION 410.005 FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING PROCEDURES PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or Department) requirements related to fire hydrant flushing within the City of Fresno (COF) and contract service areas. APPLICATION This policy applies to all fire hydrants located within the COF or contract service areas that are flushed by Department staff members who are assigned to the Fire Prevention Division (FPD). OPERATIONAL POLICY Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse service delivery area, and the need to ensure Department members flush fire hydrants in an approved, and safe manner, the Department has determined that the following flushing procedures shall be followed. These requirements apply to all fire hydrant flushing regardless of whether the fire hydrant is public or private, or the particular installation conditions (i.e. during tract inspections, etc.): 1. Prior to flushing any fire hydrant, FPD members shall protect themselves from hazards like vehicular traffic, water exposure, debris, and potential slips or falls using issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Essential FFD issued PPE includes: FFD issued safety glasses or goggles, FFD issued gloves, and FFD approved safety shoes. 2. Additional PPE and/or equipment may be needed depending on the specific conditions and tasks involved. 3. Standard PPE for Fire Hydrant Flushing: I. FFD issued safety glasses or goggles: To protect eyes from water and debris splashing. Effective Date: May 2025 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer Current Revision Date: 5/20/2025 Section 410.005 Next Revision Date: 5/20/2028 Page 2 of 5 II. FFD issued gloves: To protect hands from water, potential chemical contamination, and debris. III. FFD approved safety shoes: Safety toe shoes or boots to prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. Additional PPE Equipment: 4. FFD issued hard hat: May be necessary if there are overhead hazards or potential for falling debris. 5. Water-Resistant Clothing: To protect from prolonged exposure to water and potential cold. 6. High-Visibility Clothing: To ensure safety and visibility, especially if working in areas with traffic. 7. Hearing Protection: If noise levels are high, especially during operation of pumps or equipment. Additional Items That May Be Needed (Incl. Consumables): 1. FFD Issued fire hydrant wrench. 2. FFD traffic safety cones (these can be obtained at the FPE Section). 3. FFD issued spray lubricant. 4. FFD issued weighted rubber mallet. Important Safety Measures During Fire Hydrant Flushing Operations: 1. Prior to flushing the fire hydrant, FPD members shall don their required PPE. This shall include, but is not limited to, the following items: I. FFD issued safety glasses or goggles (or equivalent) II. FFD issued gloves Effective Date: May 2025 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer Current Revision Date: 5/20/2025 Section 410.005 Next Revision Date: 5/20/2028 Page 3 of 5 III. Any other necessary PPE. 2. Once the appropriate PPE is in place, inspect the fire hydrant and each of the installed components for damage. The surrounding area shall also be inspected for hazards and to confirm that there is sufficient drainage capacity to dissipate the water from the fire hydrant during flushing operations. 3. FPD members shall not flush a fire hydrant if it is unsafe to do so or if there is not sufficient drainage capacity for the water flow from the fire hydrant. If there are hazards that cannot be mitigated using equipment, personnel, or the troubleshooting guide below, a member shall notify a Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector (SVFPI) for direction. 4. After the visual inspection, and only if it is safe to do so, the member shall check each outlet and the operating nut for tightness using the FFD issued fire hydrant wrench. After each outlet and the operating nut is checked, members shall remove the cap from the largest diameter opening of the fire hydrant, being sure to position themselves away from the opening. NOTE: For new fire hydrant installations, flushing must occur out of the large diameter connection. If this is unable to be accomplished, members shall contact a SVFPI for direction. 5. Once the cap is removed, inspect the interior of the fire hydrant barrel for debris, broken components, etc. 6. If the fire hydrant barrel is free of debris or broken components, etc. slowly open the fire hydrant using the operating nut. It is imperative that the fire hydrant is opened slowly to prevent surges and water hammer from occurring. 7. The fire hydrant shall be fully opened and allowed to discharge until a flow required to produce velocity of 10 ft./sec. is achieved, and until the water is verified to be clear of debris. 8. Once the flushing is complete, slowly close the operating nut of the fire hydrant until it is fully closed. 9. Once the fire hydrant is fully closed, lubricate the seal on the interior of the cap and install it on the fire hydrant. Remove every cap on the fire hydrant and lubricate the seal on each cap, then reinstall the cap. Do not overtighten the cap, the cap should be tightened until it is “snug” then an additional 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Effective Date: May 2025 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer Current Revision Date: 5/20/2025 Section 410.005 Next Revision Date: 5/20/2028 Page 4 of 5 10. Check the area for any debris or unsafe conditions and secure all equipment. Check for and be aware of any potential hazards which may have developed during the flushing procedure which could cause injury. 11. By using appropriate PPE and following established procedures, FPD members can safely and effectively flush fire hydrants. TROUBLESHOOTING In some cases, fire hydrant caps may be difficult to remove. If this condition is encountered, FPD members should complete the following procedure after first donning their PPE: 1. Lubricate the cap, spraying lubricant around the cap. 2. After the lubricant has been applied, wait approximately 30 seconds (+-) to allow the lubricant to penetrate and drip from the cap. Using the FFD issued hydrant wrench, first using a clockwise motion, try to tighten the cap 1/8 – 1/4 turn. Then, using a counterclockwise motion, attempt to loosen the cap. 3. If the cap is still not able to be removed, apply additional lubricant to the cap. After it has been applied, wait approximately 30 seconds (+-) to allow the lubricant to penetrate and drip from the cap. Using the FFD issued mallet, strike the cap on the top of the cap (vertically) with moderate force. Repeat the striking of the cap on the top, and on each side of the cap. Using the FFD issued hydrant wrench, first using a clockwise motion, try to tighten the cap 1/8 – 1/4 turn. Then using a counterclockwise motion, attempt to loosen the cap. 4. Repeat the above steps as necessary. 5. If a member determines that the cap is immovable, the member shall notify a SVFPI. If during any of the visual inspections a member determines that there are broken components, etc. FPD members should not flow the hydrant, and instead complete the following procedure: 1. Take down the hydrant information (including number if present), and report the issue using the FresGo app. Follow the directions provided by the FresGO app. 2. After submittal using FresGo, notify a SVFPI. Effective Date: May 2025 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer Current Revision Date: 5/20/2025 Section 410.005 Next Revision Date: 5/20/2028 Page 5 of 5 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE This section intentionally left blank. PROCESS This section intentionally left blank. INFORMATION This section intentionally left blank. DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS-REFERENCES This section intentionally left blank.