Hello all,
Does anyone what does the USCG and CFRs say about fire station spanner lanyard size and securement? My memory is hazy on this subject. I remember something about at least a 1/16th cable but that’s about it. I don’t remember required length, material required or much of the other minute details.
I still searching though.
R. M. Bohm
I’m not aware or any requirement for a lanyard or securement.
And you wouldn’t want one anyway, as you need the spanner not just for connecting the hose to the hydrant but also to connect two hoses which may not be near the hydrant.
I’ve never seen one connected.
Unlike lifesaving, there’s no subchapter in 46 for firefighting. So if there was such a requirement, it would depend on what type of vessel you’re on. Each has its own firefighting part in its respective subchapter (D for tankers, C for fishing, M for towboats, etc.).
Recommend looking at the USCG Inspection Book (CG 840) for your vessel. Under the Fire Protection Heading and Fire stations section. It should address the requirement for Nozzles and spanners with a CFR /SOLAS 74/78 II-2/4 citing requirement if one exists.
Thanks to all those whom have replied. This is a supply vessel. If my memory serves me, I remember we always had spanners attached with a lanyard so they wouldn’t disappear. and just a line wouldn’t always work. Just can’t remember the length.
R.
I copied the concern about not being able to use a spanner if attached and that is a valid concern. However, it can very well be lost if not securely attached.
I believe you’re referring to:
Common sense would dictate that it needs to be long enough to reach the manifold
the wrench is used for. Generally we make ours 1-1.5ft long but there is no specific length mentioned in the CFR’s.
I don’t think It has to necessarily be tied to or wired to the manifold either, but that certainly helps keep it where it belongs.
There is no specific provision other than it needs to be “securely stowed and readily available/accessible” that I know of.
I like you, had no luck finding an answer to your question.
I did an ECFR keyword search for spanner and lanyard with no luck .
I did a general search using the USCG Inspection Book (CG 840); all I found was the reference of Solas chapter II-2.
My last thought was a possible phone call to the safety inspection team.
Good luck on the search
That might open up a can of worms you don’t really want to open.
I’ve never had a USCG inspector comment on the lack of lanyard at a fire station.
I’ve seen them on stainless steel braided line(kinda like this: https://a.co/d/eJVChFH with eyes attached to the valve handle. I’ve also seen them in purpose designed holders attached to the bulkhead. I’ve also seen them loose but hanging of either the valve or the nozzle at the fire station. I’ve never seen them tied with natural or synthetic. The size requirement you might be thinking of could be for life rings, which is usually required to be not less than 3/8”, buoyant synthetic line.
We’ve always used lanyards. We cowboy loop them somewhere convenient in order that they can be removed easily and used anywhere along the hoseline.
Depends on your relationship with the inspection team.
A DPA, Port Captain/Engineer or Internal ISM Auditor should have pathways to ask questions regarding any issue.
Without any regulatory authority specifying a prescribed length, I would consider a chain lanyard on a spanner as an appropriate best management practice. Especially if it seems to drift off from the Fire Station.