At a recent structure fire, 2 separate 2 ½” hand lines were put into operation using the new MAX-FLOW tips.  During firefighting operations, the gasket that is placed between the tip and the shut-off butt was sucked into the flow of water. One gasket was forced out the end of the line, the second gasket was found stuck in the tip. The result of the dislodged gasket was a steady spray of water coming from the joint where the tip screws onto the shut-off as well as a distorted water stream. No significant GPM loss was reported. Companies were in a defensive mode fighting the fire from the outside when all this occurred.

The same problem was also reported as happening with the smaller hand lines. (1 ½” and    1 ¾” tips) The difference being that the gasket gets stuck in the strainer of the tip instead of being forced out the end of the line. In these cases, severe restricted flow was reported.

 LESSONS LEARNED

 After various flow tests it has been determined that a loose tip was the cause of the gasket being sucked into the nozzle. To prevent this from happening it is critical we make sure the tip is screwed on TIGHT to the shut off. When the nozzle is attached to the hose tighten BOTH the nozzle and the tip before flowing water. With this reoccurring gasket problem, it reminds us to check ALL firefighting nozzles everyday for tightness and proper gasket placement.

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