Consultation should take place between all relevant agencies over the proposed route of the hose deployment, with consideration given to traffic management and the impact on the surrounding community.

The hose route should take into account:

• Topography
• Terrain
• Infrastructure that may be affected
• Distance
• Position of hose lines (left, right or centre lay)
• Single, Twin or multiple hose lines
• Weight of charged hose lines
• Traffic management requirements
• Drainage points
• Hose ramp points
• Discharge point
• Recovery of hose

Hose ramps should be used to protect hose lines if they are routed across vehicular access, including roads. Consideration should be given to the limited number of hose ramp sets on each HVP; there are three sets on each full HVP set.  Additional hose ramps can be requested through National Resilience Fire Control (NRFC) via the affected fire and rescue service control room. Traffic calming measures and marshalling should be put in place to reduce the risk of damage to the hose lines and the vehicles crossing them; early consideration should be given requesting the assistance of the police, local authority or Highway Agency to provide traffic management solutions. Hose ramp points will be suitably signed, coned and illuminated.