The Potsdam Fire Department has been busy the last few weeks making sure their equipment has its annual tests and the apparatus has its annual service.

Per NFPA 1962, all hose lines being used within the fire department must be hose tested annually. All firehose being used for attack must be hose tested to a minimum of 300psi. This is to ensure that the hose is safe for interior and exterior operations as it is a vital tool for firefighter’s life safety.

Ground ladder testing is another annual requirement of NFPA 1932. There are 3 main components of testing ground ladders; physical inspection, bend test, and hardware test. These three components encompass all aspects of the ladder, from the heat sensor to the butt spurs.
• Physical inspection-The ladders are put through a 22 point hands on inspection to ensure the ground ladder is safe for operation.
• Bend test- a certified calibrated dynometer is used on all bend tests and accurately measure any deviation in the ladder to make sure it is within the correct tolerances.
• Hardware test-All roof hooks and hardware are weight tested to ensure they are strong enough for their allowed weight rating.

The Potsdam Fire Department is pleased to announce that all our ladders passed the annual testing with flying colors, all our trucks are up to date with service and out the 18,115 feet of hose we have on the trucks and on the rack for spare, only 6 lengths of hose failed our annual hose testing because of leaks in the jacket of the hose.

With the ever changing annual testing that fire departments are required to perform, we would like to thank our tax payers for insuring that the Potsdam Fire Department can keep up with the expense of annual maintenance on our equipment and making sure our volunteers go home safe to their families after every call!