Fire Hose Ramp & Bridge: A Guide to Fire Hose Management

If you’re a firefighter, emergency responder, or construction site manager, you already know that at fire hazard scenes, passing vehicles/ pedestrians often drive over these hoses. That results in damage, leakage, or even failure of the hose during critical operations. To protect the hoses from vehicle impact and ensure uninterrupted water flow, you should use fire hose ramps & bridges.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fire hose ramps and bridges. Like what they are, how they work, and how they help you achieve effective fire hose management in high-risk environments.

What Is a Fire Hose Ramp & Bridge?

A fire hose ramp (often known as fire hose bridge). It is a safety device that is used to protect fire hoses. Typically, facilities place them (either temporarily or permanently) when they need to use hose across roads, driveways, or other areas with vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Working of Fire Hose Ramp and Bridge

Here’s how these ramps and bridges work: 

When you place ramps over hose, pipes, hoses, wires, cables, or lines, its strong body protects them from getting damaged, when heavy-weight traffic passes over them. Plus, the bright reflective strips over them enhance visibility and avoid pedestrians from tripping.

Difference Between Fire Hose Ramp and Bridge

Although both fire hose and bridge are the same (named interchangeable), and provide the same advantages. But they are different in characteristics. 

Fire Hose Ramp	Fire Hose Bridge
It is a low-profile incline device and typically made from durable materials. Such as rubber or heavy-duty plastic. Facilities often use them for shorter distances and allow for more direct vehicle passage.	On the other hand, it is often elevated (as a speed hump), has a more robust structure and supports heavier loads or longer hose lengths. They are commonly used in industrial or high-traffic environments.

Common Materials Used

Here are common materials that leading fire hose & bridge manufacturers use:

• Rubber: They are highly-flexible, impact-resistant, UV-and-weather resistant and easy-to-deploy and remove. Commonly used for temporary or short-term use or where there is a high need for quick deployment.
• Metal: Typically made with steel (extremely strong) or aluminum (lightweight) material. They are weather-resistant, anti-skid, and corrosion-resistant. Commonly used for both temporary and permanent needs (depending on the material type).
• Polyethylene (PE): They are lightweight, easy to handle, high-impact resistance and cost-effective. Plus, they can easily withstand outdoor environments and temperature changes. Commonly used for temporary setups, and outdoor use.
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): They are abrasion-resistant (won’t wear down easily), high-impact resistance, chemical-resistant and flexible (even in low temperatures). Commonly used in Industrial settings, heavy-duty hose protectors, and areas with chemical exposure.

Load Capacity of Fire Hose Bridge

Well, the load capacity varies depending on the bridge’s span width, design, material, surface grip, and even on the specific model and manufacturer. Below, we’ve explained standard load capacities for the fire hose bridge and ramp:

Bridge Type	Load Capacity Range	Common Use Case
Light-duty Plastic Bridge	1–2 tons	Pedestrian areas, small utility carts
Rubber Hose Ramp	5–10 tons	Light vehicles, emergency pickups
Aluminum Bridge	10–20 tons	Medium trucks, temporary fire scenes
Steel Hose Bridge	20–40+ tons	Fire trucks, industrial and heavy-duty
Custom Heavy-Duty Bridge	40+ tons	Construction zones, airports, factories

What is the Importance of Fire Hose Ramp & Bridge?

As we mentioned earlier, fire hose ramps and bridges are used to protect hoses/ pipes/ cables from damage and ensure a consistent water supply and pressure. Despite that, there are several other areas where these ramps play a huge role during emergencies. Here’s how:

• Enhance Firefighter Safety

A ramp or bridge reduces trip hazards and prevents sudden pressure drops. That way, firefighters can focus on saving lives and property, not on fixing broken hoses during a hazard situation.

• Comply with Safety Standards

Many regulations require fire departments or commercial facilities to use protective hose bridges to prevent road hazards and equipment damage during operations.

• Improve Traffic Flow in Emergency Situations

During emergencies, blocking off an entire road or managing vehicles isn’t possible. Here, hose ramps let emergency responders lay hoses across roads without halting vehicle movement. 

JACKWIN’s Fire Hose Ramp and Bridge Advantages

Jackwin is the leading fire hose ramp & bridge supplier in China. Our fire hose ramps and bridges are ISO-certified and made with high-quality materials to tackle real-time firefighting and traffic control challenges. Here’s how they help:

Easy to Install:

One person can install them easily, no complicated tools needed. Just place, align, and you’re done. That way, during an emergency, your team wastes zero time in setup.

Protection from Damage:

We manufacture fire hose ramps and bridges with high-quality and heavy-duty material. They can easily bear 20-40 ton vehicle capacity. Plus, protect your fire hoses from crushing, bursting, or wear. Hence, saving you the cost of frequent ramp purchases.

Highly Visible for Smooth Traffic Flow:

Each ramp features bright yellow reflective markings/ noticeable. That helps both emergency vehicles and the public easily spot them. Plus, alert and guide them to prevent them from tripping or falling.

Consistent Water Supply:

Twisted hoses can cut water flow, and that’s a big problem during fires. Our ramps keep hoses laid straight and smooth to provide your team with uninterrupted water pressure.

Durable and Long-Lasting:

We manufacture ramps and bridges with recycled and new material for more durability. They are high impact-resistant, weather and UV resistant. Plus, JACKWIN’s ramps can take on both harsh environments and easily withstand high temperatures (from -40F to +130F).

Easy to Link: 

Our ramps and brdiges come with interlocking features. So whenever you need to increase the ramp or bridge width, you can easily link multiple pieces together (using bone connectors).

Anti-Slippery: 

Ramps and bridges have a textured surface that lets pedestrians and vehicles pass over easily without slipping.

Flame Retardant:

We manufacture fire hose ramps and bridges with flame-retardant material. So even if they expose to open flame, they won’t burn and firefighters keep operating without any safety concerns.

What is the Price of Fire Hose Ramps and Bridges?

Well, if we talk about fire hose ramps and bridges price, it varies depending on the material, width, size, manufacturer, and supplier. Even if you buy a single product or in bulk, the price for a single product also changes. But we’ll provide you with an estimate idea of the general price ranges in the market:

On average, a standard rubber fire hose ramp can cost you between $50 and $300 per piece. Heavy-duty models or bridge systems (with interlocking features) may cost you around $200 to $400 or more. But if you go for metal or composite material fire hose ramps and bridges, they may cost you between $500 and $1200. 

Apart from that, if you buy for industrial, municipal, or emergency use, the price may even increase/ decrease based on bulk quantity, customizations, and shipping factors. However, if you buy from a trusted supplier like Jackwin, you get durable, long-lasting and ISO-certified ramps and bridges at an unexpected wholesale price.

Compliance and Regulations

Compliance and regulations for fire hose ramps and bridges are basically rules that safety organizations like OSHA, NFPA, ANSI and ADA mandate and enforce that every facility is required to follow. Here are the compliances that they state:

1. You have to use ramps and bridges that must support the heavy load capacity of the vehicle and the fire hose. 
2. According to ANSI, you must install ramps with walking/ working or slip-resistant properties, especially at workplaces. 
3. According to ADA, you should choose ramps with a max slope of 1:12 (8.33%) for safe traversal and to prevent tripping chances. 
4. OSHA requires facilities to use ramps and bridges with high-visibility colors (red or yellow) or reflective tapes or strips for enhanced visibility. 
5. You should also ensure that the product must withstand weather, UV exposure and fire hose abrasion. Plus, they must have flame-retardant properties for safety in high-risk environments.
6. Additionally, facilities are also required to regularly inspect the ramps and bridge for wear, damage or shifting. And if you find something off, you must take immediate action. 

Key Features to Look For While Buying Fire Hose Ramp & Bridge

Below, we’ve summarized a list of all key features that each facility must consider while purchasing ramps or bridges (regardless of the usage location) to ensure everyone’s safety:

1. Load Capacity: Check how much weight the ramp can handle. If you’re going to use it in heavy vehicle traffic zones, you’ll need a high-capacity ramp. Such as Jackwin’s ramps that have a 30 to 40 load ton of capacity and won’t crack or shift under pressure.
2. Hose Compatibility: Always check the hose channel size. Make sure it fits the diameter of your fire hose snugly. If the channel is too tight, the hose might get pinched. If it’s too loose, it won’t stay in place.
3. Material Strength: Choose ramps made from high-impact rubber or durable polyurethane. These materials resist cracking, impact, and wear. Even these materials can withstand extreme heat or rough weather.
4. Visibility Features: Look for bright colors or reflective strips on the ramp. So during nighttime operations, these reflective strips help drivers and pedestrians spot them easily, as they will be cautious while passing over.
5. Interlocking Design: If you need longer coverage or use wider lanes, we suggest investing in Jackwin interlocking ramps. You can connect them smoothly and prevent any movement or separation during use.
6. Fire Retardant and Anti-Skid Feature: Since you have to work in fire hazards, it’s extremely critical that you must choose ramps and bridges that are made with fire-retardant material. Also, ramps with anti-skid capability so no one slips while passing over them.
7. Portability & Setup: As for fire emergencies, you need to fast-move and take quick action. So choose a ramp that’s easy to carry, set up, and remove. Many ramps also come with built-in handles for quick deployment.
8. Compliance with Safety Standards: Make sure the product meets fire and traffic safety regulations (like OSHA, ISO, NFPA, etc.). This ensures your setup is legally safe and functionally reliable.

How to Organize Fire Hoses and Cable by Fire Hose Ramp and Bridge (Fire Hose and Cable Management)?

Step 1: Identify the High-Traffic Zones

Firstly, check where hoses/cables cross roads, driveways, or high-traffic areas. Such as any sharp edges, heavy vehicle traffic, or uneven surfaces. Because these are the danger spots where proper organization is a must.

Step 2: Clean the Surface Area First

Before you place any ramp or bridge, make sure the ground is clean. So simply clear away any dust, oil, debris, or water. So that the ramp can sit flat and won’t slide or wobble (when vehicles pass over).

Step 3: Lay Down the Fire Hose or Cable

Next, straighten out the hose or cable along the chosen path. Make sure there are no sharp bends or twists. Because tangled or loosely hanging lines causes more pressure issues or damage during use.

Step 4: Position the Ramp or Bridge Over the Hose

Now, gently place the fire hose ramp or bridge on top of the hose or cable. Keep in mind that if you’re using multiple ramps for a longer setup, align them properly. So there are no gaps between units. 

Step 5: Test for Fit and Security

Once placed, double-check and ensure that the hose is centered. In addition, press down firmly to secure the ramp (some have rubber grips). After you’re done, do a quick test. For that, drive a cart or walk over it and check if it’s shifting. If it does move, reposition the ramp and try again (until it’s firm and flat).

Step 6: Mark the Area for Visibility

Even though ramps are usually bright-colored. But we still suggest you place warning signs (like cones, sign boards) or safety tape around the area. Especially if your workplace lighting is dim. This step helps improve visibility, alert people and prevent accidents.

Step 7: Inspect Regularly

Throughout the day or after every shift, you must give your hose and cable ramps a quick check. If you see that hose/ cable or ramp is shifted or twisted, fix them immediately. It only takes a few seconds, but prevents big problems.

Step 8: Remove & Store After Use

Once your work is done, carefully lift the ramp/bridge to avoid hose damage. You can also ask your team members for help. After removal, inspect the ramp/ bridge for cracks, warping, or wear. If the unit is in good condition, simply clean off dirt/debris and then store it in a dry, accessible location (for future use).

How to Manage Fire Hose and Cable in the Workplace? 

Well, managing the hose and cable at your worksite is very simple. Just keep the following points in your mind, and you’re good to go:

• Always Plan the Route Before Setup: 

Before you unroll hoses or cables, take a few minutes and then decide the route. We suggest you avoid walkways, door entrances, or high-traffic areas. Especially where people or machinery often pass. 

• Use Fire Hose Ramps or Cable Bridges to Cross Zones: 

As your hose or cable must cross a walkway, loading dock, or driveway. So you must use a fire hose ramp or bridge. These ramps will protect your hose from getting crushed under wheels. Plus, keep the area safe for passing by pedestrians and vehicles.

• Keep the Hose/Cable Straight and Tangle-Free: 

While laying down the hose or cable, make sure it stays flat and untwisted. Because any kink in the hose/ cable restricts water pressure or damages the internal wiring. Plus, tangled lines create an unnecessary mess and confusion during emergency use.

• Mark the Area for Visibility: 

Even if the ramp is brightly colored, it’s always better to use caution signs or bright floor tape. That way, even if people can’t notice the ramp or bridge, they definitely notice the warning signs and become cautious.

• Secure Loose Ends or Long Excess Hoses: 

If there’s a long section not in use, then take help from your team and coil the hose or cable neatly and secure it (using cable ties or hose reels). 

• Regularly Inspect for Damage or Misalignment: 

Every few hours, or during shift changes, do a quick check. Look for any cracks in the ramps, twisted hoses, or cables that have slipped out of place, because fixing a small issue at an early stage prevents you from bigger problems later.

Best Practices for Fire Hose Management

• You must inspect fire hose ramps and bridges at regular intervals. Either monthly or before any major use. During inspection, if you find weak spots or compromised fittings, repair/replace them immediately.
• When you store hoses, make sure you place them on reels, racks, or properly ventilated hose towers. But never leave them coiled on the ground or exposed to sunlight, water, or chemicals.
• After every use, you must drain out the water completely. And let the hose dry fully before you store them. Because moisture buildup can lead to mildew and internal decay. That can result in reduced pressure capacity over time.
• During active fire emergencies, always protect laid-out hoses on driveways with ramps and bridges. This prevents damage to the hose from vehicles and ensures consistent water flow.
• Ensure you test each hose section annually. For testing guidelines, you can follow NFPA or local guidelines on testing PSI ratings.
• Always label each hose with its size, length, and a unique ID. In addition, keep a log of inspection dates, repairs, and replacement history. This helps you do future tracking and compliance easily.
• In emergencies, you have to act quickly, So ensure hoses are always easy to access during emergencies. We suggest you mount them near exits or hydrants using quick-release mechanisms or reels. So there’s no delay when every second counts.

Top Applications of Fire Hose Ramp and Bridge

Application Area	Their Use
Emergency Firefighting	Firefighters use these ramps to pass hoses across roads without blocking vehicle access and uninterrupted operations.
Construction Sites	At these sites, facilities use them to prevent water hoses from getting damaged by heavy machinery.
Industrial Facilities	In these sites, there’s heavy machinery and vehicles move around. So these ramps help keep hoses safe in large plants where forklifts, trucks, or carts move around. Also helps in quick water transport during fire drills or system tests.
Airports & Military Bases	They ensure safety where speed and response time matter. These ramps help secure hose placement while allowing aircraft tugs or armored vehicles to move freely.
Warehouses & Logistics Centers	Protects hoses in high-traffic loading zones. Moreover, ramps ensure continuous fire protection system access. So that trucks and carts move in and out all day.
Residential Areas During Fire Rescue	When hoses run across driveways or roads during emergencies, ramps help avoid kinks, hose bursting, or damage from crossing vehicles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Fire hoses come in different diameters. So, always choose the right ramp that matches the hose size. If the channel is too small, it squeezes the hose and blocks water flow. If it’s too wide, the hose keeps shifting inside and even causes you trouble.
• Most facilities place ramps without checking surface stability. That way, the ramp keeps wobbling or sliding when vehicles pass. So, you must first check the base and place it on an even surface (in proper alignment).
• If you use low-load ramps for heavy-duty trucks or emergency vehicles, know that this is a big mistake you are making. So always check the rated capacity of ramps.
• Always choose ramps with yellow or bright strips. Because ramps without strips confuse the pedestrians and vehicles also cause them to trip.
• Sunlight, moisture, or extreme weather can wear down your ramp faster. So once the emergency or setup is done, you must clean and store the ramps properly.
• If you’re using multiple ramps and they aren’t linked securely, they can separate as soon as a vehicle crosses. So be careful while linking ramps.

Wrapping It Up:

To wrap up, you can see that the fire hose ramp and bridge are an important safety device for your hose and cables, as well as your workers and the public. You just need to choose the right ramp and bridge by considering key features and load capacity. If you are still unsure about which ramp or bridge suits best with your needs, contact the Jackwin team today. Our team will help you choose the correct product for your needs and provide it at an affordable rate.