What is a common reason for hose failure during use?

A common reason for hose failure during use is worn-out couplings. Couplings are the fittings used to connect hoses to each other or to nozzles and other equipment. Over time, these couplings can experience wear and tear due to repeated use, exposure to heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress. If couplings are worn out, they may not create a reliable seal, which can lead to leaks or separation when under pressure, ultimately compromising the effectiveness and safety of firefighting efforts.

While overexposure to sunlight can deteriorate the hose material itself and incorrect storage methods can lead to damage over time, the immediate cause of failure in this context is more often related to the couplings. Using the wrong nozzle can also create issues but is less likely to directly cause hose failure compared to compromised couplings that may physically allow the hose to fail at the connection points.