This document discusses the need to replace unlined linen fire hose installations with lined fire hose. It notes that unlined linen hose does not meet OSHA or NFPA criteria due to excessive friction loss, physical deterioration, and inability to pass annual inspections and testing. The document recommends replacing all unlined linen hose with lined fire hose installed on listed semi-automatic storage devices, and inspecting, testing, and maintaining the lined hose installations in accordance with NFPA standards.

1. FIRE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION Executive Director: THOMAS ASSOCIATES, INC.
1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115‐2851 • Telephone: 216‐241‐7333 • Fax: 216‐241‐0105
E‐Mail: fema@femalifesafety.org • www.femalifesafety.org • www.rackhosetraining.com • www.firesystemstraining.org
RACK AND REEL FIRE HOSE INSURE DEPENDABILITY
• Replace all existing unlined linen hose installations with lined fire hose, per OSHA
1910.158.
Unlined Linen Fire Hose - Reasons to Replace
Unlined linen hose does not meet OSHA 1910.158 criteria.
• Too much friction loss.
• Subject to excessive physical deterioration.
• Last legal installation, 1981.
Unlined linen hose does not meet NFPA 14 recommendation for all installations to be
equipped with lined fire hose.
Unlined linen hose is no longer dependable.
• Severely affected by mildew and rot.
• Incapable of annual testing.
Unlined linen hose cannot meet NFPA 25 recommendations for inspections, testing,
and maintenance.
• Replace all unlined linen fire hose installations with an approved lined fire hose and
listed semi-automatic storage device.
• Inspect, test, and maintain lined fire hose installations in accordance with NFPA
Pamphlet 25.
• Insure that lined fire hose is installed on a listed semi-automatic storage device per
UL 47.
• Provide Instructions and training to facilitate ease of operation by designated
employees or occupants, per OSHA 1910.158.
Prepared by the members of
FEMA’s Fire Hose / Interior Equipment Divisions
Visit FEMA’s website at www.femalifesafety.org for a list of members.