PORTABLE PUMP EXERCISE

 

AIM

 

To ensure that members are competent to operate portable pumps and deliver water using the portable pump. To ensure that members can deploy and recover canvas hose in the bush.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

At the end of the training session members will be able to:

a)     Locate a portable pump in an area that provides an adequate and accessible supply of water.

b)     Demonstrate the placement of a suction hose and the priming of the pump.

c)      Demonstrate delivery of water through 2 lengths of canvas hose.

d)     Demonstrate the rapid deployment of canvas hose in the bush.

e)     Demonstrate the rapid recovery of hose using footballing flaking or figure 8 method of hose rolling in a non cleared bush location.

f)        Demonstrate the use of hand signals.

 

At the end of the training session crew leaders will have demonstrated:

a)     Effective tasking and deployment of the crew.

b)     The location of a portable pump in an area that provides an adequate and accessible supply of water.

c)      The use of hand signals.

d)     Sound leadership skills including assisting in the deployment and recovery of equipment when the crew leader is not required to undertake other duties (i.e. not just standing and instructing the crew).

 

 

METHOD

 

Theory

 

·        Explain the necessity for tight seals on suction hoses.

·        Explain how and where to locate portable pumps to ensure a continuous and plentiful supply of water (eg in creeks and pools).

·        Explain what to avoid when placing suction hoses into creeks.

·        Explain the effects on water pressure of using 38mm v 25mm hoses and the effects of using more than one line from the pump (effects of friction).

·        Explain the principles of bowling out hoses and sorting out kinks prior to water delivery

·        Explain the rationale for footballing flaking or figure 8   wet canvas hose and in the bush.

·         Demonstrate hand signals and revise their meaning and use.

 

Practical

 

Under the direction of the crew leader members should locate, prime and operate the portable pump and deliver water through 38mm canvas, which should be bowled out through scrub as in a fire situation.

 

Members should deliver water through one line (two lengths long) of hose from the portable pump.

 

Members should take turns recovering the wet canvas hose to increase their speed and ability to undertake this type of role.

 

A debrief should be held after each member has a turn in operating the pump to discuss any issues or problems which may have occurred. The laying and rolling of the hoses should also be reviewed at this time.

 

All communication during the exercise should be (where practical) by use of hand signals.

 

Practical Note

 

Members should take turns operating the portable pump and laying hose to ensure that all members of the crew are competent at all tasks. If an experienced crew is undertaking the exercise the trainer may create some problems in the delivery process (such as loosening suction hose coupling) to test the members abilities to rectify unforseen problems.

 

Performance Criteria

 

·        Water will be delivered from a line of 2 lengths within a period of 120 seconds from the time that the pump is positioned ready for primming.

·        All water on, water off, pack up and related orders will be given by hand signal during the exercise.

·        Used wet hose will be recovered in such a manner that it can be readily bowled out again. (footballing flaking or figure 8 are all acceptable)