The purpose of the qualification process is to determine if a manufacturer’s product conforms to USDA Forest Service specifications. For example, the qualification of pumps includes a visual inspection, a priming test, a drafting test, an engine test, an endurance performance test, a spark arrester test, and a sound test. Testing and evaluation is conducted by the government at the expense of the contractor. Once a product is determined to meet the minimum specification requirements, the product is assigned a Qualified Products List (QPL) number and is added to the QPL.

A woven hose that does not incorporate a tube. Designed to seep, and manufactured of linen yarn. Normally used as emergency hose, but used in wildland fires due to its resistance to hot spots that would burn through other types of hose.

The wetting and close up period of a dry unlined hose.

The twisting of a hose when hydrostatic pressure is applied. The twisting is either left or right as observed in the direction of flow.

A textile yarn spun and twisted from staple-length fiber, either natural or synthetic.

A self-contained unit including an auxiliary engine driven pump, piping, a tank, and hose storage that is designed to be placed on a truck chassis, utility bed, flat bed, or trailer. Such units can typically be attached and removed from the vehicle with a minimum amount of time and effort.

The pressure applied to a hose during periodic testing to determine if the hose can remain in service.

The height hose lifts from its original flat position once hydrostatic pressure is applied.

A substance or chemical agent which reduces the flammability of combustibles.

The maximum “operating pressure” of a component or system. Also known as “working pressure” in Forest Service specifications.