What safety steps should be followed when starting or stopping a fire pump?

• A. PPE, clear area, lockout, verify water source and intake, ensure no reverse flow, and slowly apply throttle to avoid surges.
• B. Only PPE
• C. Start immediately without checks
• D. Ignore water source verification

Answer: (C)

Starting or stopping a fire pump safely depends on executing a controlled, stepwise sequence that prevents injury, equipment damage, and hazardous pressure changes in the system. Begin by ensuring you have the right PPE and that the area around the pump is clear of people and obstacles. Implement lockout and tagout so the pump cannot be started while you are preparing or inspecting the equipment. Verify the water source and intake are ready: confirm the suction line is primed and free of obstructions, and that any required strainers or gates are in place with the correct settings, plus there is a clear discharge path. Check that there’s no path for reverse flow and that backflow prevention devices are correctly placed and functioning. When bringing the pump online, apply throttle gradually to raise speed and pressure slowly, allowing the system to respond without sudden surges that could cause water hammer or stress the piping and fittings. For a controlled shutdown, reduce speed smoothly and close valves in a measured sequence so pressure decays safely and the pump stops without shocks to the system. Throughout the process, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and site safety procedures, and stay alert for abnormal conditions such as leaks, unusual noises, or unexpected vibrations.