Learning Objective: Recognize the mainte-nance procedures and practices associated with hose and hose assembly maintenance.

Maintenance of hose and hose assemblies at the organizational level is limited to contamination control, preventive maintenance, removal, installation, or replacement. Proper maintenance practices can minimize the problems that might occur with regard to hose and hose assemblies.

Do not use hose or hose assemblies as foot or hand holds. Do not lay hose or hose assemblies where they may be stepped on or run over by vehicles. Do not lay objects on hose or hose assemblies. Turn the swivel nut when loosening or tightening fittings. Hold the socket only to prevent the hose assembly from turning. Perform all necessary turnoff or shut-down procedures as outlined in the applicable maintenance instruction manuals (MIMs) or technical directives before removing any hose or hose assembly. Cover open ends of hose, hose assemblies, and fittings with protective closures. Make sure hose, hose assemblies, and connection points are cleaned before installing.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE 

Preventive maintenance consists of periodic inspection and correction of hose and hose assembly faults. In this process, you must check for leaks, wear, and deterioration. Special attention must be paid to hose or hose assemblies and clamps.

Checking For Leaks 

Hose or hose assemblies should be replaced when leaks are found to be caused by damage to any part of a hose or hose assembly; poor seating or damaged threads of the socket or nipple assembly, which causes the fitting to leak; or excessive torque. If a leak appears in the swivel nut area, check that the swivel nut is properly torqued. If necessary, disconnect fitting and check for contamination or damage. If the leak persists after cleaning, and the swivel nut is properly torqued, replace the hose assembly.

Check hose and hose assemblies for signs of wear and deterioration. Replace any hose or hose assembly when a chafe guard appears worn or shows signs of cracking; when a firesleeve is worn through, torn, cut, or oil soaked; when hose or hose assembly has weather protective coatings or sleevings that are worn, cracked, or torn, thus exposing the hose or hose assemblies to corrosion.