Field Manual: R&B Large Diameter Hose (LDH) Hydrant Strap

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Field Manual: R&B Large Diameter Hose (LDH) Hydrant Strap

Category: Anchor Lines & Ropes

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The R&B LDH Strap is a 3-inch nylon webbing anchor device rated at 22,550 lbs tensile strength that enables a single firefighter to rapidly secure 4-inch or 5-inch large diameter hose at a fire hydrant during forward lay water supply operations.

The strap is engineered for forward lay evolutions where speed and reliability determine whether a water supply is established before conditions deteriorate. A single operator, designated as the hydrant firefighter, deploys the strap to anchor the LDH supply line to the hydrant barrel while the apparatus advances toward the fire. The 60-inch webbing length accommodates various hydrant barrel types, and the zinc-plated adjuster cinches the assembly tight against vibration and movement in the hose bed during apparatus travel.

The hose retention and release system is designed for high-stress field conditions. The heavy-duty hook-and-loop closure secures the hose fold during pre-deployment staging and releases under high force during connection operations. An oversized pull tab allows positive grip and rapid release even when the operator is wearing bulky structural gloves, eliminating fine motor dependency at a critical moment in the operation.

Readiness and inspection protocols govern whether the strap remains in service. The webbing must be inspected each shift for cuts, fraying, melted fibers, and chemical contamination, as nylon is susceptible to degradation from acids and petroleum products. A strap subjected to an extreme shock load, significant UV fading, or any failed inspection criterion must be removed from service and destroyed to prevent inadvertent reuse.

Field Application Steps

1. ISOLATE TARGET HOSE: Identify the first fold of LDH in the hose bed. Confirm the strap will be placed behind the first coupling to ensure correct capture of the hose during the lay.

2. SECURE STRAP TO HOSE FOLD: Wrap the main body of the LDH Strap around the identified hose fold. Pass the free end of the webbing through the zinc-plated adjuster buckle.

3. CINCH DOWN: Pull the webbing through the adjuster until all slack is eliminated and the strap is seated tightly around the hose fold. There should be no looseness that could shift during apparatus movement.

4. FASTEN CLOSURE AND VERIFY PULL TAB: Press the hook-and-loop closure firmly over itself to lock the assembly. Confirm the oversized pull tab is fully exposed and accessible before mounting the apparatus.

5. STAGE ON APPARATUS TAILBOARD: Using the integrated webbing loop, hang the entire strap and hose fold assembly on a designated, non-load-bearing attachment point on the tailboard such as a grab handle. The assembly must be immediately accessible for dismount deployment.

6. DISMOUNT AND ACQUIRE AT HYDRANT: Upon apparatus arrival at the hydrant, dismount and pull the entire strap and hose assembly clear of the apparatus in one controlled motion.

7. ANCHOR TO HYDRANT BARREL: Loop the strap and hose bundle around the main barrel of the hydrant, positioning it below the outlet caps. Confirm the loop is seated securely and cannot slip off the top of the hydrant during payout.

8. ESTABLISH SAFETY ZONE: Place one foot firmly on the portion of hose lying on the ground. This prevents the hose from being drawn under the tires of the departing apparatus.

9. SIGNAL DRIVER TO ADVANCE: Deliver a clear, pre-determined verbal or visual signal to the driver/operator to proceed with the lay. The driver must accelerate smoothly to avoid dynamic shock loads that can exceed the strap's static tensile rating.

10. MONITOR HOSE PAYOUT: Remain in a safe position as the apparatus departs and confirm the hose pays out smoothly from the anchor point. Do not place any part of your body inside the strap loop or between the strap and the hydrant at any point.

11. RELEASE HOSE COUPLING: Once the lay is complete, grasp the oversized pull tab and pull forcefully to open the hook-and-loop closure. Unwrap the strap to free the LDH coupling for connection.

12. CONNECT, CHARGE, AND RECOVER: Remove the appropriate hydrant cap and connect the LDH supply line. Follow departmental protocol to charge the line, then retrieve the LDH strap from the hydrant and stow it appropriately for the next deployment.

Equip Yourself: R&B Large Diameter Hose (LDH) Strap – Hydrant Operation Assist

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.