©Copyright Task Force Tips LLC 2002 - 2020
LKF-100 January 22, 2020 Rev20
10
7.0 USE OF NOZZLES
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL FIRE DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY TO DETERMINE PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES
AND SUITABILITY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT.
Many factors contribute to the extinguishment of a
fi
re. Among the most important is delivering water at a
fl
ow rate su
ffi
cient to absorb
heat faster than it is being generated. The
fl
ow rate depends largely on the pump discharge pressure and hose friction loss. It can be
calculated using a hydraulic equation such as:
PDP = NP+FL+DL+EL
PDP = Pump discharge pressure in PSI
NP = Nozzle pressure in PSI
FL = Hose friction loss in PSI
DL = Device loss in PSI
EL = Elevation loss in PSI
This Safety Manual is not intended as a substitute for proper training in
the use of rescue systems as taught from credible sources such as the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Fire Service
Training Association (IFSTA), or sources approved by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ).
8.0 APPROVALS
Many nozzle con
fi
gurations carry the FM Approval rating, NFPA certi
fi
cation, and/or EN certi
fi
cation.
6.0 USE WITH FOAM
The nozzle may be used with foam solutions. Refer to
fi
re service training for the proper use of foam.
WARNING
For Class B
fi
res, lack of foam or interruption in the foam stream can cause a break in the foam
blanket and greatly increase the risk of injury or death. Follow procedures established by the AHJ
for the speci
fi
c fuel and conditions.
WARNING
Improper use of foam or using the wrong type of foam can result in illness, injury, or damage to
the environment. Follow foam manufacturer’s instructions and
fi
re service training as directed by
the AHJ.
WARNING
Use of compressed air foam (CAF) with hand held nozzles can cause sudden surges in nozzle
reaction force resulting in risk of injury or death from loss of footing or hose whipping. Be prepared
for sudden changes in nozzle reaction caused by:
• Slug loading (Loss of foam concentrate sends slugs of air and water into the nozzle)
• Sudden release of built-up pressure in the hose when opening a nozzle
6.1 FOAM ASPIRATING ATTACHMENTS
Multi-expansion or low expansion aspirating attachments may be used with nozzles to increase the expansion ratio. These foam
tubes attach and detach quickly from the nozzle. As expansion ratio is increased, the reach of the nozzle will decrease due to the
greater amount of bubbles in the stream and their ability to penetrate the air. Generally, the straight stream reach with foam is
approximately 10% less than with water only. Actual results will vary based on brand of foam, hardness of water, temperature, etc.
For speci
fi
c information, see LIA-025 (MANUAL: Foam Attachments for TFT Nozzles).
