Pierce Pumper Manual

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Part No. PM-P-OM260-0319
Operation & Maintenance Manual
Pierce Pumper

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. TO THE OWNER
To the Owner and Operator
1-1 WHO SHOULD USE, SERVICE AND MAINTAIN THIS VEHICLE ........................................................................... 1-1
1-2 WHAT TO DO IF YOU LACK KNOWLEDGE ...................................................................................................... 1-1
1-3 RESPONSIBILITY ........................................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-4 DAILY CHECKS ............................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1-5 CUSTOM PRODUCTS ..................................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-6 PROFESSIONAL, TRAINING, AND STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS ....................................................................... 1-3
1-7 KEEPING YOUR KNOWLEDGE REFRESHED AND UP-TO-DATE ......................................................................... 1-3
Safety
1-8 CAUTIONS, WARNINGS AND DANGERS .......................................................................................................... 1-4
1-8.1 SAFETY WARNING LABELS ............................................................................................................... 1-4
1-8.2 HIGH PRESSURE WATER STREAM ................................................................................................... 1-5
1-8.3 INTAKE AND DISCHARGE CAP REMOVAL ........................................................................................... 1-6
1-8.4 HOSE TESTING ...............................................................................................................................1-6
1-9 SAFETY DEFECT REPORTING ........................................................................................................................ 1-7
CHAPTER 2. BEFORE PLACING IN SERVICE
Pump Chart and Intake Relief Valve
2-1 CREATE A PUMP CHART ...............................................................................................................................2-1
2-2 CHECK ADJUSTMENT OF INTAKE RELIEF VALVE ............................................................................................ 2-1
CHAPTER 3. OPERATION
Before Fire Fighting Operations
3-1 APPROACHING THE APPARATUS ................................................................................................................... 3-1
3-1.1 STEPPING AND WALKING SURFACES ................................................................................................ 3-1
3-1.2 COMPARTMENT DOORS ................................................................................................................... 3-2
3-1.3 HOSE BED COVERS ........................................................................................................................ 3-2
3-1.4 FOLDING STEPS OR PLATFORMS ...................................................................................................... 3-2
3-2 HOSE ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
3-2.1 HOSE STORAGE .............................................................................................................................. 3-3
3-2.2 HOSE RESTRAINT ............................................................................................................................ 3-3
3-2.3 HOSE CHUTES ................................................................................................................................ 3-3
3-2.4 HOSE BEDS .................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3-2.5 HOSE DEPLOYMENT ........................................................................................................................ 3-4
3-2.6 HOSE CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 3-5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3-3 POSITIONING THE APPARATUS ...................................................................................................................... 3-6
3-3.1 FIRE SCENE POSITIONING ............................................................................................................... 3-6
3-3.2 POSITIONING ON ROADS .................................................................................................................. 3-6
3-3.3 LIGHTING ........................................................................................................................................ 3-6
3-3.4 CHOCK THE WHEELS ....................................................................................................................... 3-6
Pump Engagement and Disengagement
3-4 DRIVELINE DRIVEN PUMP .............................................................................................................................. 3-7
3-4.1 PUMP ENGAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 3-7
3-4.2 MANUAL PUMP SHIFT OVERRIDE (OPTIONAL)................................................................................. 3-11
3-4.3 PUMP DISENGAGEMENT (DRIVELINE DRIVEN PUMP) ....................................................................... 3-13
3-5 PTO-DRIVEN PUMP .................................................................................................................................... 3-15
3-5.1 TO ENGAGE THE PUMP—STATIONARY OPERATION ........................................................................ 3-15
3-5.2 ENGAGING PTO-DRIVEN PUMP WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVING (OPTIONAL).......................................... 3-16
3-5.3 DISENGAGING THE PUMP - PTO DRIVEN PUMP (STATIONARY OPERATION) ..................................... 3-17
3-5.4 DISENGAGING THE PUMP - PTO DRIVEN PUMP (PUMP AND ROLL OPERATION) ............................... 3-17
Supply and Discharge Water and Foam
3-6 SUPPLY WATER TO PUMP ........................................................................................................................... 3-18
3-7 DISCHARGING FOAM ................................................................................................................................... 3-21
3-8 DISCHARGING WATER ................................................................................................................................. 3-21
3-8.1 DISCHARGE AND DRAIN/BLEEDER VALVES ..................................................................................... 3-21
3-8.2 CONNECTING ATTACK LINE HOSE .................................................................................................. 3-22
3-8.3 CHARGING LINE ............................................................................................................................ 3-23
3-9 OPERATING FROM A STATIC (DRAFT) WATER SUPPLY ................................................................................. 3-24
3-9.1 SUPPLY WATER TO PUMP FROM OPEN OR DRAFT SUPPLY ............................................................. 3-24
3-10 CHANGING FROM TANK TO EXTERNAL PRESSURIZED WATER SUPPLY (WITH GATED INTAKE VALVE) ............ 3-25
3-11 CHANGING FROM TANK TO PRESSURIZED WATER SUPPLY (WITHOUT GATED INTAKE VALVE) ...................... 3-28
3-12 REFILLING THE TANK .................................................................................................................................. 3-30
3-13 PUMP PRIMING PROBLEM SOLUTIONS ......................................................................................................... 3-30
3-13.1 CONTROL VALVES THAT LEAK ....................................................................................................... 3-30
Pump Pressure Control and Systems Monitoring
3-14 PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ........................................................................................................................ 3-31
3-14.1 ENGINE SPEED AND PUMP PRESSURE ........................................................................................... 3-31
3-14.2 DETERMINING DISCHARGE PRESSURE ............................................................................................ 3-31
3-14.3 PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL - WITHOUT PRESSURE GOVERNOR ...................................................... 3-32
3-14.4 PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL WITH PRESSURE GOVERNOR (PUMPING) ............................................. 3-34
3-14.5 PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL WITH PRESSURE GOVERNOR (NOT PUMPING) ..................................... 3-35
3-14.6 CONTROLLING ENGINE SPEED WITH MULTIPLE CONTROLS .............................................................. 3-35

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3-15 MONITORING INTAKE PRESSURE ................................................................................................................. 3-36
3-16 ENGINE STATUS DISPLAY ........................................................................................................................... 3-37
Two-Stage Pump
3-17 TWO-STAGE PUMP OPERATION (OPTIONAL)................................................................................................ 3-39
3-17.1 SELECT EITHER VOLUME OR PRESSURE MODE .............................................................................. 3-39
3-17.2 MODE SELECTION WITH PRESSURIZED SOURCES ........................................................................... 3-39
3-17.3 PRIMING A TWO-STAGE PUMP ....................................................................................................... 3-40
After Operation
3-18 ENDING WATER FLOW OPERATION ............................................................................................................. 3-41
3-18.1 SHUTTING OFF WATER FLOW ........................................................................................................ 3-41
3-19 SECURING PUMP SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................... 3-41
CHAPTER 4. MAINTENANCE
General Maintenance
4-1 ANNUAL TESTING ......................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4-2 INSPECTION, CLEANING, AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................. 4-1
4-2.1 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................ 4-1
Pump Maintenance
4-3 DRAINING THE PUMPING SYSTEM .................................................................................................................. 4-2
4-4 FLUSHING THE DRAIN VALVES ...................................................................................................................... 4-3
4-4.1 FORWARD FLUSHING ....................................................................................................................... 4-3
4-4.2 BACK FLUSHING .............................................................................................................................. 4-4
4-5 FLUSHING AND DRAINING THE PUMP ............................................................................................................. 4-4
4-6 PUMP STORAGE ........................................................................................................................................... 4-5
4-7 PRIMER PUMP LUBRICATION ......................................................................................................................... 4-5
4-8 MANUAL PUMP SHIFT ................................................................................................................................... 4-6
4-9 INTAKE & DISCHARGE RELIEF VALVE DRAINS (OPTIONAL)............................................................................ 4-6
4-10 MASTER GAUGE PORTS ................................................................................................................................ 4-6

TABLE OF CONTENTS
iv / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 1-1
Chapter 1 TO THE OWNER
To the Owner and Operator
1-1. Who Should Use, Service and Maintain This Vehicle
This manual explains the operation of a Pierce® fire apparatus equipped with a water pump. The manual reviews
basic principles of operation, highlights common safety concerns and procedures, and gives recommendations for
using the pump.
This manual assumes that you are a pump operator and that:
• You have already been fully trained and certified to operate a pump.
• You have had formal education from a technical college or other fire fighter training institution.
• You understand, are proficient in, and meet all of the requirements set forth in NFPA 1002 Standard on Fire
Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications (latest edition).
• You already understand water pump operation.
All Pierce vehicles are delivered with a set of manuals for major components that your fire department selected.
If you need replacement manuals, or safety warning labels, contact Pierce customer service at 888-Y-PIERCE (888-
974-3723).
BEFORE operating the pumping system, you, the operator, must read, understand, and follow the instructions found
in:
• Pump manufacturer's operator and maintenance manuals.
• Operator and maintenance manuals for pumping components, such as valves, pressure controllers, flow
controls, manual overrides, foam systems, and primer pumps.
•IFSTA Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook (latest edition).
1-2. What To Do If You Lack Knowledge
Pump control systems require you to understand the function of each valve, each switch, each gauge, each
Emergency Stop, and each manual override.
Before your fire department allows you to operate this pump, you already must be educated, trained, and have
passed a test for pump logic and operations.
You also must know the principles of operation, so you can change operation when circumstances change.
Each valve, switch, or gauge has an important function. If you are uncertain about the function or don't know
something, inform your fire department's training officer.
You are always welcome to call Pierce Customer Service at 888-Y-PIERCE (888-974-3723) with questions.
You are the only person who knows what you don't know. You must speak up about the things you don't know, so
you can learn about them before someone is injured or killed because of your lack of knowledge.
You are responsible for learning how to operate the pumper under all conditions without having to read this manual
at a fire or other emergency.

TO THE OWNER
1-2 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-3. Responsibility
Study carefully this manual and the manuals for major components such as pump, engine, and other allied
equipment. Make sure that all operators and other users also completely understand their contents.
The warnings, cautions, and procedures listed in these manuals must be part of the fire department's safety
program.
As the operator of this vehicle and pumping equipment, you are responsible for:
• Understanding the function of each component of the pumping system.
• Understanding how to adjust each control to obtain the results you want.
• Maintaining control of the pumping system at all times.
• Remaining proficient in use, so at a fire you can operate and make successful changes in the operation quickly,
without having to read the operator's instructions or safety warning labels.
• Practicing proper manual override and emergency shutdown procedures, so you can respond immediately in
an emergency or during the failure of a component. Remember stress is high. Your failure to practice increases
the odds you will forget or do it wrong in the heat of the moment.
1-4. Daily Checks
At start of shift, follow your department's apparatus check.
It is critically important that you turn each control—valve, gate, or switch, etc.—ON and OFF or OPEN and CLOSED.
You want to make sure they work now. You don't want to find out at a fire.
ALWAYS check the controls you rarely use. That also reminds you of their location and their function.
If you find a control whose function you do not know, then right away find out what it does. Every control serves a
purpose. You must know the purpose and how to use the control.
Pierce Customer Service is always available to help you and answer your questions. Call 888-Y-PIERCE (888-974-
3723).
1-5. Custom Products
Your department developed specifications for this fire apparatus. It purchased a Pierce apparatus that is built to meet
those specifications. The information in this manual will be generic at times.
Due to the highly customized nature of each Pierce fire apparatus, the exact location of each component in the
pumper system will vary.
This manual describes basic controls. Not every apparatus will have all controls. Some will have extra controls, as
determined by each fire department's specification.
Pictures describe typical components or devices. Actual parts might vary from those pictured.
You must learn the location and function of all controls, switches, gauges, valves, inlets, and discharges.
Major inconsistencies between your vehicle and the information contained in this manual should be directed to your
Pierce Dealer or Sales Representative.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 1-3
TO THE OWNER
1-6. Professional, Training, and Standards Organizations
To keep up-to-date on knowledge and new standards that affect all facets of fire fighting, make sure that you check
these organizations' catalogues and websites each month:
National Fire Protection Association (for standards and requirements)
One Batterymarch Park
P.O. Box 9101
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
617-770-3000
www.nfpa.org
Make sure you read the latest editions.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
Customer Service
2600 American Drive
P.O. Box 2017
Appleton, WI, 54913
888-Y-PIERCE (888-974-3723)
www.piercemfg.com and www.pierceparts.com
International Fire Service Training Association (for textbooks and other training material)
Fire Protection Publications
Oklahoma State University
930 North Willis
Stillwater, OK 74079-8045
800-654-4055
www.ifsta.org
1-7. Keeping Your Knowledge Refreshed and Up-to-Date
This manual will be revised from time to time. Check the Pierce website, www.piercemfg.com, to stay current.
Also review the latest edition of the IFSTA (www.ifsta.org) manual Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook.
Remember, if there's anything you don't understand, call Pierce Customer Service at 888-Y-PIERCE (888-974-
3723).

TO THE OWNER
1-4 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Safety
1-8. Cautions, Warnings and Dangers
1-8.1 Safety Warning Labels
Throughout this manual, you will find Caution, Warning and Danger signals. Walk around the apparatus. Find each
Safety Warning Label. Read the label. Identify and pay attention to the hazard it describes. Practice all the time to
avoid the hazard, so you develop a habit to avoid the hazard:
DANGER signals an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING signals a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION with the safety triangle signals a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, might
result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION used without the safety triangle symbol signals a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, might result in property damage.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 1-5
TO THE OWNER
1-8.2 High Pressure Water Stream
Some apparatus use Ultra High Pressure (UHP) streams of water or foam solution to fight fires. While this method
of fire fighting has many advantages over lower pressure approaches, it presents unique hazards and should be
used only by trained-safety conscious personnel. UHP water or foam solution is discharged at pressure over 1000
PSI. At this pressure, the discharge stream may be capable of puncturing human skin and thus entering the blood
stream. Fluid, even pure water, that is injected into human skin is extremely dangerous and must be treated by
qualified medical personnel immediately.
Never search for leaks with your hands or other body parts. High pressure hydraulic fluid at pressure as low as 100
PSI can penetrate skin. Use a piece of wood or cardboard to detect leaks, keeping hands and other body parts well
away from the potential source of the leak.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to a high pressure skin penetration, seek medical help immediately. The
high pressure injection of a fluid such as water, hydraulic oil, grease and paint constitutes a medical and surgical
emergency, requiring access to appropriate specialist surgical expertise as soon as possible. Often the injury
appears minor, but it is not. Fluids injected under the skin are highly toxic. The injury will lead to gangrene,
amputation, and death if not treated promptly.
Make sure the doctors are aware of the potential problems and get the recommended attention needed to treat the
injury.
Tighten all fluid connections before operating this equipment and check the hoses, nozzles, and couplings after
every use. A leak in a high pressure line can inject fluid into human skin just as it can when fluid comes from the
nozzle. Replace worn, damaged and/or loose parts immediately.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, turn-out gear, boots, and a mask with a face shield
should be worn whenever using UHP.
High Pressure Water Hazard.
High pressure water will injure and pierce skin.
Never place body parts in stream.
Never point stream at people.
Keep all hoses, nozzles, and couplings tight.
If water pierces skin seek treatment immediately.
Placing people or body parts in stream will injure or kill.

TO THE OWNER
1-6 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-8.3 Intake and Discharge Cap Removal
NOTE: One sign of trapped pressure is a cap that does not turn easily. If the cap is difficult to remove,
double check that the drain valve of bleeder valve is not plugged and that all the pressure is relieved
before proceeding.
Most fire apparatus include caps on the end of inlet and discharge pipes. These caps often have a control valve in
the pipe just behind them. If this valve is opened and then closed again while the plumbing is pressurized, this
pressure can be trapped between the valve and the cap even if the pump is not operating and all the gauges read
zero pressure.
NEVER attempt to remove any inlet or discharge cap on your aerial apparatus until you are certain there is no
trapped pressure. Open the bleeder valve or drain valve between the control valve and the cap to ensure that any
trapped pressure is released. Then remove the cap slowly and carefully. Do not stand in front of the cap. If you
remove a cap that has pressure trapped behind it the cap may fly off with great force, injuring yourself or others.
1-8.4 Hose Testing
NFPA 1962 “Standard for the Inspection, Care, and use of Fire Hose, Couplings, and Nozzles and the Service
Testing of Fire Hose” provides requirements and testing procedures for service testing fire hose.
ALWAYS OPEN Drain/Bleeder Valve BEFORE removing Inlet or Discharge cap.
Discharge lines can trap pressure if the valve is opened and left closed.
Discharge cap under pressure will blow off with explosive force.
Exploding cap may injure or kill.
Hose Testing Hazard. Do not use apparatus to test fire hose.
Due to a potential for catastrophic hose failure during service testing of fire hose, it is vital that safety
precautions be taken to prevent exposure of anyone to this danger. Fire pumps on fire department
apparatus are not designed for and should not be used for service testing of fire hoses. A hose testing
machine should be used for testing of fire hoses.
Failure to comply may result in serious personal injury and damage to equipment.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 1-7
TO THE OWNER
1-9. Safety Defect Reporting
If you believe your vehicle or any associated component might have a design defect that could result in failure or
injury, please report this information immediately to Pierce Manufacturing.
Additionally, should any information in this manual prove to be seriously inconsistent with your Pierce fire apparatus
also inform Pierce Customer Service.
Most service and support issues should be handled by the local Pierce dealer or sales representative. However, to
report any design defects or request support directly from Pierce contact:
Customer Service
Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
2600 American Drive, P.O. Box 2017
Appleton, WI, 54913
888-Y-PIERCE (888-974-3723)
www.piercemfg.com

TO THE OWNER
1-8 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 2-1
Chapter 2 BEFORE PLACING IN SERVICE
Pump Chart and Intake Relief Valve
2-1. Create a Pump Chart
Use a Pump Chart to determine the pump discharge pressure that will provide desired nozzle pressure for various
hose lay configurations and combinations.
The IFSTA Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook tells how to develop a pump chart. Develop the chart for
all situations.
Make sure this chart is always available during pump operation.
2-2. Check Adjustment of Intake Relief Valve
Figure 2-1: Typical Intake Relief Valve (relief outlet pipe with threaded end shown on right)
POM0016, 0017, 0018
All pumps have a relief valve on the intake side (Figure 2-1). It prevents a pressure spike in intake water from
passing to hoses through the discharge side of the pump.
The intake relief valve is a pressure regulator. If intake pressure goes over the pressure setting, the valve opens and
allows water to flow out the relief outlet.
Some departments choose to connect a hose to the relief valve outlet to direct the water discharge away from the
apparatus. Pressure surges in this hose can occur without warning.

BEFORE PLACING IN SERVICE
2-2 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
To adjust this valve for desired pressure, the intake pressure to the pump must be higher than the normal static
pressure of the municipal water supply. The best method to adjust the valve is to use another pumper to supply water
at the desired pressure.
1. Increase inlet pressure until the master inlet pressure gauge reads the relief pressure you want.
2. With a wrench, slowly open the adjusting screw on the valve until water starts to flow from the valve outlet.
3. Slowly close the adjusting screw until the water stops flowing.
Read the valve manufacturer's documentation for complete instructions.
Secure unattended hoses.
Water discharged from hose will cause hose to whip violently.
Whipping hose can injure or kill.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 3-1
Chapter 3 OPERATION
Before Fire Fighting Operations
3-1. Approaching the Apparatus
3-1.1 Stepping and Walking Surfaces
All surfaces intended for stepping or walking are designed or treated with slip-resistant material your department
specified. NEVER step or walk on surfaces not designed for stepping or walking, such as:
• Chromed surfaces or objects
• Painted surfaces
• Hose rollers
• Compartment doors or hatches
• Valves
• Controls
• Inlet or Outlet Connections
ALWAYS be careful when climbing up or down to avoid a slip and fall, and potential injury to yourself
and others.
Enter and exit cabs slowly, deliberately, and carefully.
NEVER jump to ground. You can injure yourself.
ALWAYS maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down.
Keep contact with one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot.
Use steps, hand-holds, or sturdy features on the apparatus.
ONLY grasp or step on items appropriate for climbing on or firmly attached objects.
Keep steps and hand-holds in good repair, and free of grease, mud, dirt, fuel, ice, and snow.
Make sure all attaching bolts and hardware are tight, thus eliminating any movement of steps and hand-
holds.
NEVER step or climb on any vehicle surface unless it is slip-resistant and hand-holds are provided.
Replace slip-resistant material when worn.

OPERATION
3-2 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3-1.2 Compartment Doors
Always close swing-up or swing-out compartment doors. People can walk into doors left open at lower levels.
Personnel working on top of the apparatus can mistake an open horizontal door for a walking surface.
3-1.3 Hose Bed Covers
Some apparatus are equipped with aluminum hose bed covers. Always close after use. They protect hose from sun
and weather. Hose bed covers are heavy. They might require two or more people to open or close safely.
3-1.4 Folding Steps or Platforms
Before beginning pump operations, make sure that folding steps or platforms are DOWN and firmly engaged in their
weight-bearing position.
When operating the pump on an aerial apparatus, always stand with both feet on the operator's platform and off the
ground.
Your body will become an electrical path to ground if you stand with one foot on the platform and one on the ground,
or with both feet on the ground and your hands on the apparatus. If the aerial device contacts or comes close to high
voltage power lines, electricity can shoot through you. You can die.
NEVER step on open compartment doors.
They do not support your weight.
Falls can cause serious injury or death.
CLOSE hose covers after use.
Hose bed covers can cause serious injury if blown shut by wind.
Keep personnel clear of open hose bed covers during windy conditions.
High voltage electricity can travel down a water stream.
NEVER spray through electric wires.
High voltage can cause death or serious injury.
Keep OFF the ground when operating an aerial device.
ALWAYS stand with both feet on the pump operator's platform of an aerial device.
High voltage can jump gaps between wires and apparatus.
Electrical power will pass through people who stand on the ground and touch the apparatus.
Electrical power lines can cause death or serious injury.

© 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pierce Pumper / 3-3
OPERATION
3-2. Hose
3-2.1 Hose Storage
The hose is stored in:
• Body Compartments
• Bumper Compartments
• Cross-Lay Trays
• Speed-Lay Trays
• Hose Beds
•Reels
• Hose Chutes
Evaluate each way of storing hose. Determine the most efficient and safest way to pack hose for your fire
department's use.
3-2.2 Hose Restraint
This vehicle may be provided with a means to store water hose. Anytime hose is stored on this vehicle it must be
restrained to ensure that it does not fall out of its storage area while the vehicle is in motion. NFPA standards state
that “any hosestorageareashallbe equipped with apositivemeansto prevent unintentional deployment of the hose
from the top, sides, front, and rear of the hose storage area while the apparatus is underway in normal operations.”
Fire departments and manufacturers have developed various methods of preventing inadvertent deployment,
including fully enclosed hose bed covers, buckled straps, hook-and-loop straps, fabric covers, webbing mesh, wind
deflectors, and other material restraints or combination of restraints.
Operational methods vary between fire departments, and methods of restraining the hose may vary as a result.
Whether you use the hose restrain feature provided with your apparatus, or develop your own means, it is your
responsibility to ensure that whatever method you employ will adequately restrain the hose in those working
environment the apparatus will be exposed to. Always restrain the hose properly before placing the vehicle in
motion.
3-2.3 Hose Chutes
Some aerial apparatus have a hose “chute.” The chute guides the hose from the hose bed around the aerial
turntable, then out the back of the vehicle.
NEVER pack hose in the hose chute, because that can cause snagging and snarling.
Entanglement Hazard
Secure hose and other equipment before placing vehicle in motion.
Loose hose may drag behind vehicle and injure or kill.
Hose restraints (nets, doors, webbing, ropes, etc.) must be used to secure the hoses after repacking.
Failure to comply may result in hoses deploying while the vehicle is in motion, causing injury to
bystanders and/or damage to equipment.

OPERATION
3-4 / Pierce Pumper © 2019 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
To avoid creating a jam of tangled hose in the hose chute:
• Lay couplings so they are pulled out straight, without flipping around.
• Lay hose so that it never crosses over itself when paying out.
• Maintain vehicle speed of 5 MPH or less. At 5 MPH, seven feet of hose is pulled out each second. If you travel
more than 5 MPH, you are likely to cause a hose jam in the hose chute.
3-2.4 Hose Beds
Hose beds come in many shapes and sizes. Hose characteristics vary with the size, type, and age of the hose.
Experiment with different methods of packing a specific hose, bed, and chute combination to determine a packing
method that will lay out without snagging or snarling. Make sure you learn the maximum MPH at which hose can be
laid out.
3-2.5 Hose Deployment
If hose is to be laid from a moving apparatus, first test the packing method under controlled conditions to learn the
MPH at which hose will lay out smoothly, without snags or snarls.
Any operation where people are working around a moving vehicle is dangerous. All occupants must be seated and
belted while the vehicle is in motion. NEVER ride on rear steps or other areas outside the cab.
Pack hose carefully in any hose bed to minimize the risk of hose snags or snarls as it lays out.
Hose that snags or snarls during layout from a moving vehicle can fly about, causing serious injury or
death to bystanders.
NEVER ride on rear steps or other areas outside the cab.
Limit speed to 5 MPH when laying hose.
ALWAYS use a spotter when backing up.
Keep the spotter and all other people clear of the vehicle's path.
All occupants MUST be seated and belted while vehicle is in motion.