Different Methods of Rolling Fire Hose

Different methods of rolling fire hose is mandatory for you to know to ensure the ease of operation in case of a fire!

There are 5 methods, which are straight roll, donut roll, twin donut roll, self-locking donut roll and last is the horseshoe roll.

So, what are they? And how can they change the game during fire fighting conditions? Without further ado, let’s find the explanation down below!

Different Methods of Rolling Fire Hose

1. Straight Roll

Straight Roll Method is a technique of rolling up a fire hose by rolling up the hose in a straight line without folding or twisting the hose.

In this method, the hose is rolled from the male end (the end connected to the water source) to the other end, ensuring each roll is even and tight.

This is also the simplest method of storing or loading a hose into a fire truck. Here’s the detailed information on how to do it!

1. Before rolling up, make sure the hose is clean and free from water or dirt.
2. Grab the male end (the end connected to the water source) and place it in front of you.
3. Gently pull the hose and roll it inwards, making sure it is folded flat without folding or forming waves.
4. Each twist should be even and tight, avoiding bulges or irregularities. Make sure no part of the roll is higher or lower than the other.
5. When rolling, hold the rolled section with one hand to prevent it from unraveling.
6. When you are done rolling, make sure all the twists are close together and there are no gaps between them.
7. Use a rope or strap to secure the roll so that it stays neat and does not unravel during storage.

This method not only simplifies the storage process, but also maintains the reliability of the hose in emergency situations.

2. Donut Roll

This method is often used when the hose is installed directly from the reel. In this technique, the hose is folded in half, and the folded end is then rolled up towards the open end. 

The result is a reel that is easy to carry and quick to use, as the hose can be instantly unfolded into position when required. 

This method is highly efficient, allowing firefighters to access the hose immediately without having to remove the reel completely, thus saving time and effort in emergency situations.

Here’s the detailed guide on how to do it!

1. Start by forming a circle from the hose. Grab one end of the hose and bring it towards the other, forming a circle.
2. With one hand holding the circle you’ve made, use your other hand to roll up the hose from the loose end. Roll the hose in a circle outwards, making it look like a doughnut.
3. When rolling up, make sure that each roll is tight and does not overlap each other. This helps prevent the hose from tangling when it is time to use it again.
4. When you are done rolling, use a string or rubber to tie the roll to keep it neat.

Also Read: “What Are The Types of Fire Hoses?“

3. Self-Locking Donut Roll

This method is suitable when the hose needs to be carried over the shoulder, and is similar to the donut roll technique. 

However, this method has an additional hose loop at the beginning that acts as a carrying handle, making it easier for the user to carry. 

It also locks the hose in position, preventing it from accidentally slipping off. Here is the complete guide to doing it!

1. Grab one end of the hose and form a large loop, then hold it with one hand.
2. Make sure that each twist is tightly packed together and that none overlap. This will help keep the hose neat and prevent tangles.
3. When you are done reeling, take the last end of the hose and insert it into the hole in the center of the reel (loop). This will lock the hose reel and prevent it from unraveling.

4. Twin Donut Roll

The next one is the twin donut roll that is similar to the donut roll technique that we’ve mentioned earlier, but is specially designed for larger hoses. 

In the process, the flat-shaped hose is folded at both ends towards the center, and then the two folded ends are rolled towards each other. 

The result is two side-by-side rolls that create a compact shape, making it easy to carry and store.

5. Horseshoe Roll

The last one is the horseshoe roll that is most used for larger hoses or the hoses that need to be quickly deployed.

Here’s the guide on how to do it!

1. Hold one end of the hose and shape the hose into a large “U”. Make sure to keep the two ends of the hose separate.
2. Take one end of the hose and start rolling it towards the center of the “U”. Roll it up carefully, following the shape of the “U”.
3. When rolling, make sure that the rolls overlap each other, so that the roll stays neat and does not get tangled.
4. Once one end of the hose is rolled, take the other end of the hose and roll it in the same direction, following the shape of the previous rolls.
5. Once both ends of the hose are rolled, use a string or rubber to tie the reel so that it stays neat and does not open.

Also Read: “How to Roll Fire Hose Properly!“

So there you have it! The 5 methods of rolling fire hose for you to know!

Did you know that a fire hose also needs to be certified by the SNI certification before it’s being used?

Because of its crucial role in fire fighting equipment, fire hoses need to meet a certain standard that is applied in Indonesia to ensure its capability in extinguishing a fire.

That’s why the standard has been set and every fire hose that is used in either a building or fire truck needs to meet this standard.

The standard itself is clearly stated in SNI UL 19:2018.