Is it permissible to drive over charged hose couplings?

Is it permissible to drive over charged hose couplings?

• A. Yes, if it is part of emergency response.
• B. No, never drive over couplings.
• C. Only if the engine is idling.
• D. Only when there is no tailboard.

Answer: (B)

Never drive over a charged hose coupling. When water is pressurized in a line, the hose and its fittings become vulnerable to damage if compressed or pinched by a vehicle wheel. Driving over it can crush the hose, deform or rupture the coupling, or cause the hose to whip unexpectedly, sending a dangerous spray of water and placing firefighters at risk. There is no safe exception for emergency response, engine idling, or tailboard status—the risk remains. The safer practice is to reroute or reposition the apparatus to avoid crossing a charged hose.

Never drive over a charged hose coupling. When water is pressurized in a line, the hose and its fittings become vulnerable to damage if compressed or pinched by a vehicle wheel. Driving over it can crush the hose, deform or rupture the coupling, or cause the hose to whip unexpectedly, sending a dangerous spray of water and placing firefighters at risk. There is no safe exception for emergency response, engine idling, or tailboard status—the risk remains. The safer practice is to reroute or reposition the apparatus to avoid crossing a charged hose.