EQ - Portable Tanks (Porta Tank)

Best Practices
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Portable water tanks, or “porta-tanks,” are essential for fire departments operating in rural areas or where water supply is limited. Here’s a breakdown of best practices for their use:

Table of Contents:

  1. Tank Selection & Placement
  2. Tanker Operations
  3. Drafting Operations
  4. Maintenance & Care
  5. Training & Drills
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1. Tank Selection and Placement:

  • Appropriate Size:
    • Choose tank sizes that match the department’s needs and the capacity of their tanker trucks.
    • Consider the potential for large-scale fires and the required water volume.
  • Strategic Placement:
    • Place tanks on level, stable ground to prevent tipping.
    • Position tanks for easy access by tanker trucks and attack engines.
    • Consider traffic flow and potential hazards when selecting a location.
  • Tank types:
    • Familiarization with the departments tanks, whether they are frame tanks, or folding tanks, is very important.
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2. Tanker Operations:

  • Efficient Water Transfer:
    • Establish a smooth and efficient system for transferring water from tankers to the porta-tank.
    • Use appropriate dump valves and connections.
    • Practice rapid water dumping techniques.
  • Continuous Water Supply:
    • Implement a shuttle system to ensure a continuous flow of water to the fire scene.
    • Coordinate tanker arrivals and departures to minimize delays.
  • Driver Training:
    • Tanker drivers should receive specialized training in safe driving practices, especially when carrying large volumes of water.
    • Training should include backing into tight spaces and operating in challenging terrain.
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3. Drafting Operations:

  • Proper Drafting Techniques:
    • Use low-level strainers to prevent debris from entering the pump.
    • Ensure suction hoses are fully submerged.
    • Monitor water levels and make adjustments as needed.
  • Jet Siphons:
    • Utilize jet siphons to transfer water between multiple porta-tanks, maximizing water volume and efficiency.
  • Pump operations:
    • Proper pump operation is vital. Make sure that the pump is properly primed, and that all firefighters operating the pumps are properly trained.
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4. Maintenance and Care:

  • Regular Cleaning:
    • Clean porta-tanks after each use to prevent the buildup of debris and contaminants.
    • Inspect tanks for damage and make necessary repairs.
  • Proper Storage:
    • Store tanks in a clean, dry location to prevent damage.
    • Follow manufacturer guidelines for folding and storing tanks.
  • Inspections:
    • Regular inspection of the porta tanks is vital.
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5. Training and Drills:

  • Hands-on Training:
    • Conduct regular training drills to ensure firefighters are proficient in porta-tank operations.
    • Practice setting up and using porta-tanks in realistic scenarios.
  • Teamwork and Communication:
    • Emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication during porta-tank operations.
    • Establish clear roles and responsibilities.

Key Considerations:

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards:
    • Adhere to NFPA standards for water supply and portable water tanks.
  • Local Water Supply Conditions:
    • Adapt porta-tank operations to local water supply conditions and terrain.
  • Safety First:
    • Prioritize safety during all porta-tank operations.

By implementing these best practices, fire departments can effectively utilize porta-tanks to establish a reliable water supply in areas where hydrants are unavailable.