HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04c] Hose Testing
Fire Board Agenda Item 4 - C
MEETING DATE: August 2nd, 2017
AGENDA ITEM: Hose Testing
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Each year, ALL of our fire hose needs to be tested. Like all other
departments in the area, we have been doing this in house for as long as I can remember. Some other
departments have since gone to hiring this out to a specialized company. Our department has talked
about doing this and has come up with why we feel we should look into this. One is it takes up a good
night during the summer where we could be doing some other drill, two is nobody really likes doing it so
we get members who will call in saying they can’t make drill that night, three is if we hire it out, that
company is now responsible if something happens with a hose. It takes us around 4 – hours to test all of
our hose which cost the department about $1,940.00. I have a quote from Fire Catt to come in and do
all our hose from a range of $3,306.00 - $3,762.00 depending on if we sign a contract or not.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: It would add on up to $ 3,762.00 to the fire maintenance budget line.
ATTACHMENTS: Fire Catt Quote
REQUESTED ACTION: Get the Fire Boards approval to hire out annual hose testing.
Electronic Delivery
July 5, 2017
Jeff Taufen
Fire Chief
St. Joseph Fire Department
th
323 4 Avenue (PO Box 4)
St. Joseph, MN 56374
Chief Taufen:
Per your request, we are pleased to submit this proposal for your annual fire hose and
ground ladder testing.
Background
FireCatt is proud to have revolutionized the fire hose testing industry. FireCatt is the sole
source supplier and owner of a patented method that incorporates computerized testing
technology and a software program designed to incorporate the testing standards and
guidelines of NFPA 1962.
FireCatt is now testing over 7 million feet of fire hose per year in 39 States. We have been
testing fire hose for more than 10 years. Customers that have come to trust FireCatt’s
precision testing service include: fire departments; oil refineries; nuclear power plants; and
industrial operations.
We trust you will take the time to understand the value FireCatt creates by using the best
technology, people and processes available to provide your critical annual services testing.
FireCatt will save you manpower time, reduce liability and injuries, and create repeatable,
valid test results with advanced technology and professional service.
Our testing team is structured with a team leader, an assistant leader and four hose
technicians, all formally trained by FireCatt. We believe in a professionally run hose testing
process starting with pre-test planning, meticulous attention to detail during the testing
process and documented repacking of your equipment to the standard you require.
Who Is the FireCatt Customer?
FireCatt customers are the leaders within the fire service. They don’t settle for “good enough”
when it comes to the safety of their people and equipment. They want the most accurate
testing option available, while receiving the most professional service. They want the most
reliable and defensible third party validation. They want peace of mind, and that’s what
FireCatt delivers.
3250 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 544, Troy, MI 48084 Phone: 248-643-7200 Fax: 248-566-3064 www.firecatt.com
FASTEST, SAFEST, MOST ACCURATE precision service testing company in the Nation
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FireCatt will provide annual service pressure testing per the NFPA 1962, 2013 Edition
Standard for Hose and NFPA 1932, 2010 Edition Standard for Ladders using patented
technology test equipment designed for safety, accuracy and efficiency.
Sole Source FireCatt Specifications:
□ Electronic and computerized pressure transducers shall be used to monitor and
regulate pressures.
□ Software controls the entire test process to ensure NFPA 1962 Standard is followed.
One item to note is that during pressurization, hose will only be pressurized at 15 psi
per second. Our system will meet this standard each and every test, ensuring that the
fire hose will not be subjected to a shock pressure which can lead to shorter hose life
expectancy.
□ Air actuated and computerized valves shall be used to eliminate manual control of all
valves at high pressure and provide emergency automated shut-off/shut-down
capability. The use of manual valves that are less than 100% repeatable and expose
personnel to unnecessary risk will not be permitted.
□ Pressure release at the end of each test shall be accomplished through air actuated
and computer controlled valves operated remotely. This will eliminate the need to
release pressure at the end of each hose and eliminate the risk associated with
exposing personnel to potential catastrophic failure while hose is fully pressurized.
□ Hydrant pressure shall be monitored through the use of electronic and computerized
pressure transducers. Hydrant pressure will be regulated to meet the NFPA
requirement of 45 PSI at the beginning of the test.
□ An amber warning beacon shall be illuminated at all times when the hose is
pressurizing or at high pressure.
□ Ten manifolds shall be used each with their own computerized pressure transducer
and valve so that ten separate pressures can be tested simultaneously.
□ Up to 3,000 feet of hose shall be tested per test cycle.
□ Multiple diameter hoses shall be tested simultaneously.
□ Air relief valves shall be used at the end of each hose lay per manifold.
□ Computerized digital pressure readouts shall be used in order to eliminate subjective
“needle bounce” of analog gauges.
□ Computerized timing of tests shall be used to eliminate subjective timing devices such
as manual stop watches prone to operator error.
□ Heavy Duty Bar Code labels will be used on each hose for ease of Identification and
Inventory Control.
NFPA Fire Hose Testing Standards
1. Each length of hose will be assigned an Identification Number using a barcode label
on each coupling. That I.D. number shall also be recorded on the hose jacket at each
end of the hose using a permanent ink marker.
2. Each length of hose will be inspected, both the outer jacket and inner liner.
3. All couplings and threads will be inspected.
4. All gaskets will be inspected, defective gaskets will be replaced at no extra cost.
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5. FireCatt will supply hose manufacturer approved lubricant for coupling lubrication.
6. All defective hose will be tagged and removed from service and the defect location on
the hose will be marked using permanent marker. The tag will be distinctive and state
the reason for removal from service, date, and hose I.D. number. This information will
also be contained within the test report.
7. FireCatt will supply “Never Seize” lubricant for lubricating all apparatus connection
points so as to reduce galvanic reaction associated with dissimilar metal contact.
8. FireCatt will accurately record all data that will be contained in the final report which
will include, Department I.D., Station or Apparatus I.D., FireCatt hose I.D., Fire
Department hose I.D., Manufacturer, Date of Manufacture, Date in Service, Size,
Length, Pressure, Pass/Fail, Reason for Failure, and Tread Type.
9. FireCatt will provide a hard copy of the Test Report within 1 week of test completion.
The Hose Test Report is documented on a per Department basis. If you require your
hose documentation broken down per apparatus or station, this service is available
and must be pre-arranged.
10. FireCatt will provide internet web access to your electronic test record and protect this
information using a unique login and password within 1 week of test completion.
Access to the test records will be for a minimum of 7 years from date of the most
recent test.
11. FireCatt will be licensed and insured to meet the State, City and Department
requirements.
Pricing
Option(s) Quantity Price TOTAL
in Feet per Foot
1 Fire Hose Testing $0.33 $3,762.00
11,400 (approximate)
FireCatt provides all Labor
$0.29 $3,306.00*
2 Fire Hose Testing $0.26 $2,964.00
11,400 (approximate)
Fire Department provides
labor to reload apparatus $0.23 $2,622.00*
only
3 Ground Ladder Testing $1.50 $0.00
N/A
FireCatt provides all Labor
Note: Hard suction hose, if utilized, is vacuum tested at the same price per foot as
supply and attack hose.
Option 1 - FireCatt will provide ALL labor to unload apparatus, lay out test, couple/uncouple,
roll hose and reload apparatus. The Fire Department will provide labor only to drive
apparatus to and from test site.
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Option 2 - FireCatt will provide labor to unload apparatus, lay out test, couple/uncouple, and
roll hose. The Fire Department will provide labor to reload apparatus. Note: If you choose
Option 2 we suggest utilizing two fire department crews/companies to reload. The crew
whose apparatus is being reloaded and the crew whose apparatus is next to be unloaded.
Option 3 - FireCatt will provide all labor to perform precision ground ladder testing via digital
load cell technology that will meet NFPA1932, 2010 edition standards. FireCatt incorporates
a load cell that is UL Certified to NFPA 1983, general use. There are no other charges! Heat
sensor labels are included in our per foot price.
Logistics:
Prior to testing FireCatt will work with your Department to formulate and tailor a logistics
plan that will work best for you. The following is an example of a typical logistics plan:
When FireCatt begins testing we will start with your rack/auxiliary hose then your reserve
apparatus(s). Your tested rack/auxiliary hose will be ready to replace any failed hose from
your apparatus(s). Once the reserve apparatus(s) are tested your company can take the
tested reserve to replace a front-line apparatus prior to testing. Thus, we eliminate any down
time in your Department for hose testing and we keep your companies in district. That way
the public that you serve will not see an increase in response time during hose testing.
The Department will be responsible to provide a suitable test a location 300’ in length x 100’
wide, a water supply via Fire Hydrant (preferably), stand pipe, or tender, a driver to move
your apparatus and a single point of contact.
Contract Term
Pricing in BLACK is for a 1 year contract. *Pricing in RED is for a 3-year contract and
represents over a 10% discount, and the price will remain the same - guaranteed for all 3
years.
Completion
Testing will take approximately 1 day(s) annually (weather, total feet, & test site dependent).
Summary of Benefits Received from Choosing FireCatt
Use the best technology the industry has to offer and fully trained technicians.
Longer life of hose due to ensuring NFPA 1962 is followed every test cycle.
Assurance hose is tested to prescribed pressures, if not, either false positives
results or premature stress and loss of hose life are the results (especially the
unnecessary cost of replacing LDH – Supply Lines)
Workers compensation injuries resulting from testing accidents, either immediate or
develops after, such as back / knee strain from re-loading hose (conveyor system
and turntables)
Reduction of any overtime hours used for testing and or training, freeing up man-
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hours from faster re-loading and the use of two mobile test labs.
Proven Professional Operation - experience in testing large departments.
I believe you would agree that the issues of safety, time, technology and tracking are the
most important to you and your department. Our patented method, and the unique features
listed above allow for the NFPA 1962 Standards to be met in the most “objective” manner
possible. In comparison, other testing companies will provide you with “subjective” test
results. We have designed our testing and reporting technology to meet the requirements
and future needs of the industry.
Our issued and pending patents are strong evidence of the exclusive nature of our solutions.
In short, we believe that no other company in the nation can match or exceed the accuracy or
safety of the fire hose testing services that FireCatt can provide to your department. We have
yet to encounter another hose testing company in the nation deploying a similar state-of-the-
art computerized testing technology.
We are pleased to offer our services to your department and believe the investment in
FireCatt generates the peace of mind for everyone that we are all creating the safest
environment for the firefighter and citizens of your community.
We look forward to creating a mutually beneficial and successful long term relationship, and
believe in 100% customer satisfaction. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to
contact us at any time.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Gorcyca-Trout
Lynn Gorcyca-Trout
Customer Representative
248-643-7200 x16 office
248-789-0072 mobile/direct