©Copyright Task Force Tips LLC 2016-2019
LIS-040 April 8, 2019 Rev02
3
1.0 MEANING OF SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
A safety related message is identified by a safety alert symbol and a signal word to indicate the level of risk involved with a particular
hazard. Per ANSI standard Z535.6-2011, the definitions of the four signal words are as follows:
DANGER
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
3.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
The TFT Vortex enhances the use of a smooth-bore nozzle. It is intended for installation behind a smooth-bore nozzle for use with
water or fire fighting foam solutions. Six short vanes in the bore of the Vortex reduce turbulence in straight stream. Twisting the Stream
Shaper from “STREAM” to “VORTEX” causes the vanes to pivot proportionally. This induces a gentle spin in the water to create a
uniformly dispersed Vortex stream pattern. The vanes are less obtrusive than a typical stream straightener, resulting in virtually no
friction loss regardless of which stream pattern is selected. The vanes also allow large debris to easily pass through the Vortex.
A 1 3/8” waterway is integrated into every Vortex 1.5” & 2.5” model. For lower flow rates, any smaller sized smooth-bore tip may be
attached to the 1.5” NH male threads.
2.0 SAFETY
DANGER
An inadequate supply of nozzle pressure and/or flow will cause an ineffective stream and can
result in injury, death, or loss of property. See flow graphs or call 800-348-2686 for assistance.
WARNING
The nozzle may be damaged if frozen while containing significant amounts of water. Such damage
may be difficult to detect visually and can lead to possible injury or death. Any time the nozzle is
subject to possible damage due to freezing, it must be tested by qualified personnel before being
considered safe for use.
WARNING
This equipment is intended for use by trained personnel for firefighting. Their use for other
purposes may involve hazards not addressed by this manual. Seek appropriate guidance and
training to reduce risk of injury.
WARNING
Failure to restrain nozzle reaction can cause firefighter injury from loss of footing and/or stream
protection. Nozzle reaction will vary as supply conditions change: such as opening or closing
other nozzles, hose line kinks, changes in pump settings, etc. Changes in spray pattern or
flushing will also affect nozzle reaction. The nozzle operator must always be prepared in the
event of these changes.
WARNING
If nozzle gets out of control or away from operator, retreat from nozzle immediately. Do not attempt
to regain control of nozzle while flowing water. Injury from whipping can occur.
WARNING
Water is a conductor of electricity. Application of water on high voltage equipment can cause
injury or death by electrocution. The amount of current that may be carried back to the nozzle will
depend on the following factors:
• Voltage of the line or equipment
• Distance from the nozzle to the line or equipment
• Size of the stream
• Whether the stream is solid or broken
• Purity of the water
1
1
The Fire Fighter and Electrical Equipment, The University of Michigan Extension Service, Fourth Printing 1983. Page 47
CAUTION
Fire streams are capable of injury and damage. Do not direct water stream to cause injury or
damage to persons or property.
