By Jim Glatts
It’s time for your pumper’s annual service test. You’ll have to place the apparatus out of service while a qualified technician performs the test at some location. You can return the pumper to service either after it successfully completes the test or after any defects discovered during the test are repaired.
The annual fire pump service test is an excellent training opportunity for your pump operators. Although a qualified technician must conduct the test, the pump operators assigned to the pumper being tested can help during the entire test process. First, they can inspect the apparatus’ operational status before the test (see NFPA 1002, Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications-1998, Section 2-2). Next, at the test site, they can connect hoses, nozzles, adapters, and appliances and then actually operate the pumper under the technician’s direction. Finally, after a successful test, they can restore the apparatus to service (this includes flushing the pump).
NFPA 1500, Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program-1997, calls for the annual fire pump service test, as does NFPA 1911, Service Tests of Fire Pump Systems on Fire Apparatus-1997, which also describes how to conduct the test. NFPA 1071, Standard for Emergency Vehicle Mechanical Technicians Professional Qualifications, identifies the qualifications of the technician responsible for the test, and NFPA 1002 defines the job performance requirements a firefighter should master in qualifying to drive and operate a pumper.
 The pump operator should assist in the pump test so he can familiarize himself with the pumper’s unique operational features. (Photo by author.) |
Operating an apparatus through a full fire pump service test allows a firefighter the opportunity to operate the pump and all accessories across the entire operating range of the pumping system and shows how much work is in-volved in operating a pumper at its de-sign capacity. During a service test, a pump operator will become very familiar with operating features unique to the pumper.
Go over NFPA Standards 1911 and 1002 (chapters 2 and 3) at the fire station as the test date approaches. Check the operational status of the pumper at the station. Conduct a vacuum test at the station, and make sure the pump passes. If it doesn’t, make the necessary repairs to the pump or accessories. There is nothing more frustrating than setting up to do the pump test and finding you cannot draft because of some leak in the pump system.
Follow personal safety precautions during the test, including wearing ear protection (the tests are very loud), work gloves, and work boots. When operating the pump, open and close valves and nozzles slowly; change the engine rpm slowly. Do not rush; be deliberate and methodical. Follow your standard operating procedures while working around charged hoselines and flowing nozzles.
At the test site, ask questions that will help you understand why you are connecting the respective hoses and appliances. Be aware of the friction loss and nozzle orifices associated with the various flows. Review the test sequence with the test technician and participating firefighters before you start the engine, as the test gets noisy very quickly.
There are six parts to the service test:
- The engine speed test ensures that the engine runs at the same governed speed as when it was new.
- The vacuum test ensures that the primer works and all valves, piping, and suction tubes do not leak.
- The pressure control test, which takes place during the flow tests, ensures safe pump discharge pressure at 250 psi, 150 psi, and 90 psi when valves are closed.
- The actual flow tests show the engine/ transmission/pump system can operate at half pump capacity at 250 psi, full capacity at 150 psi, and 70 percent capacity at 200 psi.
- The pump pressure gauge test checks all pump pressure gauges against the master calibrated gauge used by the test technician to ensure that all gauges are accurate.
- The tank-to-pump flow test shows how much water can flow from the booster tank into the pump.
Participate as the pump technician takes flow, pressure, rpm, and engine status readings during the testing; this will help you to understand what all the numbers mean and how they indicate whether the pumping system is in good condition. Read the flow-charts yourself after you take a pitot reading to see how to measure gpm. Recognize any problems that may develop and help troubleshoot them.
Participating in annual fire pump service testing gives the pump operator a valuable training opportunity in the full operation of a pumping system. A pump operator really gets to know an apparatus during a pump test. Completing the test also meets safety and maintenance requirements, so the test should be incorporated as part of a firefighter’s annual training. Finally, a successful fire pump service test helps to reassure your fellow firefighters, your community, and the Insurance Services Office that your equipment is in good working order.
Jim Glatts is president of FireOne in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, which specializes in water-based fire protection services. He is the former chief of the Upper Darby Township (PA) Fire Department.
