SAFETY CALLOUTS
Consider the below callouts when guiding a volunteer through the instructions

Hoses may be a trip hazard. Use trip guards and/or bollards/cones in thoroughfares and restrict access to pedestrians if required. 

Hose reels can retract quickly and cause injury. Please pull the hose out and retract the hose with two hands, directly in front of the reel being careful not to over extend the hose reel.

Use proper manual handling techniques (bend at the knees and avoid twisting) when handling hose.

KEY INFORMATION

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Notes

Kinked or crushed?

Hoses are regularly crushed by heavy objects which obstruct the flow of water. First check that there are no objects on the hose before using this guide.

VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN

Prior to completing work, please ensure the person(s) completing work feel comfortable and safe to commence work. 

INSTRUCTIONS

Unkinking a hose

May require:

• Disconnecting the hose from a tap

• Tap key

Step

Instruction

Photo

1

If connected to a tap, first turn off the tap and disconnect the hose.

2

If the hose is not fully extended, stand directly in front of the reel. 

Being careful to not over extend the hose, use two hands to pull the hose outward until you can see there is only one loop of the hose on the reel remaining. 

3

Grab the end of the hose and walk it away from the reel being careful to not tighten any kinks. 

4

When you can see the hose is kinking, rotate the end in your hand in the direction you can see is straightening the kink.

Repeat this process if there are multiple kinks.

5

Once the kinks have been removed, gather the hose directly in front of the reel.

6

Retract the hose slowly, guiding the hose onto the reel to ensure it does not bunch. Retract it to the desired length. 

If using a tap, reconnect to the tap now.