We were performing hose testing at our station. We were using a 5” storz x 2.5”M adapter connected to a 2.5”F X 2.5” F Kochek coupling connected to 2.5” discharge on engine 901. As the pump pressure was approaching 195 psi. An Explorer approached and straddled the 5”. I told him he was in a bad place and needed to come around the other side of the truck. As he stepped around the truck (less than 10 seconds) the 2.5” Kochek fitting failed. The pump pressure was approaching 215 psi. and the discharge pressure was between 205 psi and 210 psi. The 5’ hose and fitting launched into the air with the end of the hose landing approximately 20 feet away. Prior to the hose testing, I held a short safety meeting using examples from firefighter close calls to demonstrate the dangers associated with failure of hose, appliance, and fittings. The Explorer was not present at the safety meeting.

Lessons Learned: Make sure everyone in the vicinity of hose test operations are aware of the dangers and are wearing proper PPE including helmets. It will be a good practice to appoint a safety officer to watch for late arrivals and ensure they make everyone aware of the hazards. Fittings and hose can violently fail without warning. Never walk over or straddle any hose being pressurized for testing. Inspect Kochek FXF fittings for signs of deflection by removing gaskets and looking for wrinkled or missing paint.