WAC 296-305-06003   Testing fire service equipment.  (1) When testing fire hose, a restricted orifice disc having not more than a 25% opening, shall be installed on the pumper discharge port. Or in the alternative, the pumper discharge valve may be opened not more than 25% to insure a minimum volume of water in case of a bursting hose.

     (2) Safety nets shall be tested annually by dropping a weight of not less than 400 pounds from the highest point to be used above the net. The test weight object may consist of two tightly tied rolls of two and one-half inch hose, each 100 feet long, or any other object having similar weight and dimension.

     (a) The net suspension system shall be designed and constructed with a safety factor of four and as a minimum, shall withstand the test loading without permitting contact between the net and any surface or object below the net.

     (b) Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports.

     (c) Training requiring safety net protection shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested by the weight of three firefighters on the net.

     (d) Safety nets shall extend eight feet beyond the edge of the work surface.

     (e) The mesh size of nets shall not exceed six inches by six inches.

     (f) All nets shall meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot pounds minimum impact resistance as determined and certified by the manufacturer, and shall bear a label of proof test.

     (g) Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.

     (3) Life belts shall meet or exceed the strength requirements of ANSI. A10.14 - Requirements for Safety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines and Drop Lines for Industrial Use. Life belts shall be inspected after each use and not less than semi-annually in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

     (4) Rescue ropes shall be used for rescue purposes only.

     (5) Rescue ropes shall meet the following requirements:

     (a) Rescue ropes shall be constructed of rot-proof fiber with a melting point of not less than 400 degrees F;

     (b) They shall be of abrasion resistant construction;

     (c) They shall have a minimum breaking strength of not less than 9,000 pounds.

     (6) Rescue ropes shall be inspected after each use and not less than semi-annually in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

     (7) The method of testing a life line gun shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedure.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and[49.17].060 . 96-11-067, § 296-305-06003, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-06003, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06003, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06003, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]