Use of Water and Water Chemical Mixes

Scope

This Operational Guideline is to be considered for the use of water and water/chemical mixes for firefighting.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• The hose stream pattern should be selected according to firefighting conditions. For example, use a straight stream pattern for a long striking attack, a fog pattern for close-quarters firefighting, etc.
• Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, recommended nozzle pressures are:
  • Standard branches – 500 kPa.
  • Fog branches – 700 kPa.
  • Foam branches – 700 kPa.
• As a “rule of thumb” in pumping operations, friction loss in typical RFS operations may be calculated using a figure of 100 kPa per 30 metre length of hose.
• Height loss/gain in pumping operations may be calculated by adding 10 kPa to the pump pressure for every metre the nozzle is above the pump or subtracting 10 kPa for every metre the nozzle is below the pump.
• Do not use hard suction hose when obtaining water from a hydrant system.
• Each line of hose used to supply water through a pump relay should not be expected to carry any more than:
  • 1000 litres per minute for 65 mm hose;
  • 500 litres per minute for 38mm hose; and
  • 250 litres per minute for 25mm hose.
• Avoid using firefighting chemicals (foam, retardants, etc.) in areas where run off will enter rivers, streams, or other waterways. If utilised, attempt to contain run off using bunding or diversion.
• Foam for flammable liquid firefighting (e.g., Class B Foam) shall be used in a 3% concentrate in water solution, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.
• Foam for bush, grass, structural and similar firefighting (e.g., Class A Foam) shall be used at 0.1 to 1% concentration depending on application requirements.

Special Considerations

• Class B Foams can cause permanent damage to eyes and eye protection must be worn.
• As soon as possible wash any part of the body contaminated by a firefighting chemical with clean water. Use all precautions specified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheets when decanting or handling open containers of firefighting chemical concentrates (if not specified, as a minimum use gloves and protective eyewear).
• Report the location and quantities of water, utilised for firefighting from private water sources, to FireCom.

Related Information

Nil.