Manual Override Of Safety Shut-Off Valve; Slow Close Valve Feature; Folding Legs; Carbide Spikes - Task Force Tips BLITZFIRE Series Instructions For Safe Operation And Maintenance

3.3.4 MANUAL OVERRIDE OF SAFETY SHUT-OFF VALVE

On sloping terrain it may be necessary to manually override the Safety Shut-Off Valve. The Safety Shut-Off Valve can be overridden
by holding the valve handle in an open position.
Do not tie or prop open the valve handle. Tampering with the valve handle will render the Safety
WARNING
Shut-Off inoperable and may result in injury or death.

3.3.5 SLOW CLOSE VALVE FEATURE

The Blitzfi re has a valve damping mechanism to slow valve closure as it approaches OFF to reduce the eff ects of water hammer. The
damping mechanism has a vane moving in dampening fl uid connected to the valve handle on the left side of the monitor.
Do not add or change dampening fl uid. Improper servicing may result in a malfunctioning safety
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shut-off valve. If service is needed on the slow close device, contact Task Force Tips service
department at 800-348-2686.
"Water Hammer" is present any time a valve is closed when water is fl owing. The eff ects of water
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hammer can be made worse with short hose lines, small hose lines, and high fl ows. All personnel
operating in the vicinity of charged hose lines should be especially cautious around any hose that
is providing high fl ows that might be shut off quickly in an emergency. The dampening device in
the Blitzfi re monitor reduces the eff ects of water hammer but DOES NOT ELIMINATE IT!

3.4 FOLDING LEGS

The Blilzfi re has two legs that fold for storage and unfold for operation. The legs are held in the folded and unfolded position by spring
detents. To fold or unfold the legs:
1. Grasp the spike end of one leg and pivot it to the folded or unfolded position.
2. Repeat for the other leg.
In the unfolded position the legs provide a stable base for operation of the monitor. Lack of
WARNING
stability can cause an out of control monitor resulting in injury or death. Do not operate as a
portable monitor with either one or both legs in the folded position.

3.4.1 CARBIDE SPIKES

The Blitzfi re monitor has 3 tungsten carbide tipped spikes on the legs and the base to resist sliding by digging into the surface the
monitor is sitting on. The amount of sliding force these spikes can withstand depends upon the amount of downward and sideways
force that is on the monitor and the hardness and texture of the surface the spikes are in contact with. At low elevation angles it is
diffi cult for these spikes to resist sliding. These spikes are essential to safe operation of the monitor and must be in contact with
the ground at all times. Set the monitor on an even surface so that all three spikes contact the ground. Replace any spike if the tip
diameter exceeds 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). Order replacement spike kit: XX482-KIT.
For stable operation the three spikes must maintain in contact with the ground. Do not place
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the Blitzfi re on top of debris, objects, or uneven terrain that would keep any of the spikes from
contacting the ground.
On hard slippery surfaces the spikes may provide little resistance to sliding. In these cases the
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monitor should be tied off or the legs hooked on stationary objects to keep the monitor in position.
Also, a person's weight applied to the monitor may help increase resistance to sliding.
Spikes must be sharp to provide resistance to sliding. Replace any spike if the tip diameter
CAUTION
exceeds 1/16 inch (1.6 mm).
Spikes are sharp and exposed. Use care around spikes to avoid injury and damage to clothing or
CAUTION
other property.

3.5 PIVOTING INLET

The Blitzfi re has a pivoting inlet so that diff erent size hoses can be used without lifting the spikes off the ground. The pivoting inlet
also allows the monitor to be positioned on porches, stair landings, and the like. The pivot moves up and down 20 degrees. The
Blitzfi re is equipped with three spikes to provide traction when fl owing from the ground. For the spikes to provide traction they must
remain in contact with the ground. Assure that the hose is not on top of anything that would cause the spikes to lift off the ground.
Figure 3.6a and 3.6b shows the inlet pivot.

3.6 OUTLET PIVOTS

Figure 3.6a and 3.6b shows the outlet pivot travel range. Push or pull on the nozzle to redirect the stream. The pivots are easy
to reposition under pressure and are good for rapid redirecting of the stream. However, if the pivot is rapidly bumped against its
travel limit, the Safety Shut-Off Valve may activate and shut off the monitor. The Blitzfi re has been designed to operate at very low
elevation angles to maximize usefulness for interior attack. As with any monitor, when the elevation angle is low the risk of sliding is
increased. This is because at low elevation angles the reaction force is more horizontal and less vertical.
©Copyright Task Force Tips, Inc. 2002-2015
7
LIX-630 July 2, 2015 Rev19