What should be ensured about hoses attached to building piping?

• A. They must always be filled with water
• B. They should be manually controlled by local fire officials
• C. They can only be used with a valve opened
• D. They must be connected to fire hydrants only

Answer: (C)

Hoses attached to building piping must be used with a valve opened to ensure proper functionality and safety. When a hose is connected to a building's standpipe or fire protection system, the valve must be opened to allow water to flow through the hose, enabling effective firefighting efforts. If the valve is closed, no water would reach the nozzle, rendering the hose ineffective during an emergency.

This requirement is crucial for maintaining an efficient firefighting strategy, as it allows responders to utilize the water supply for suppressing fires. Furthermore, safety protocols dictate that hoses should be ready for immediate use, which includes ensuring that valves are operational and properly opened during an emergency response.

In contrast, the other options do not align with established fire safety practices. Hoses do not need to be continuously filled with water when not in use; they should rather be kept ready but not under pressure. Manual control by local fire officials is not feasible during emergencies, where rapid response is necessary. Additionally, while hoses may be connected to fire hydrants, they are primarily intended to be used within the confines of the building’s own fire protection system.