Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Handbook
OG 4020 Hand Signals for Water Supply, Attack Line Flow
Issued By: OPERATIONS (S. Shaffner)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher
Date of Issue: 1997/02/12
Revision Date: 2009/02/26
PURPOSE:
To provide a standardized procedure for the use of hand signals to communicate water supply and attack line flow requirements.
OBJECTIVE:
Standardized hand signals will be used to communicate water supply and attack line flow requirements.
SCOPE:
This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.
PROCEDURE:
When operating at any situation where water is being used, the following procedures should be followed:
1. Charge Line
Circle with one arm in front of body.
(See Fig. 1)
2. Shut Down
Extend both arms downward at an angle of 45 degrees, cross arms in front of body, swing back and forth.
(See Fig. 2)
3. Increase Pressure
Extended arms horizontally from the shoulders, palm up, raise arms to 45 degree angle.
Repeat until signal answered.
(See Fig. 3)
Note: Such signals received by the operator will mean a pressure increase of approximately 10 lbs. psi at the nozzle. If higher pressure is required, the signal should be repeated.
4. Decrease Pressure
Extended arms horizontally from shoulders, palms down. Lower arms to 45 degree angle. Repeat until signal is answered. (See Fig. 4)
Note: Such signals received by the operator will indicate a decrease in pressure of approximately 10 psi. pressure at nozzle. If lower pressure is required, the signal should be repeated.
OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:
This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the hand signals used for water supply and attack line flow.