More info on that manifold that failed in Lambertville NJ

Read report from Snap-tite Hose, Inc.

You might remember the story about the exploding manifold pictured above. It failed at a fire in Lambertville, NJ on March 28 slightly injuring two firefighters.

The IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section has been looking into the incident and talking with the manufacturer Snap-tite Hose, Inc. The company reports it has looked closely at the damaged manifold and tested it. It has issued the report above, passed on by FirefighterCloseCalls.com. The report comes to the following conclusion:

It is apparent from the evidence provided that the cause of this failure was a severe over-pressure condition, such as water hammer. Fire Department personnel state that they were careful not to create any conditions that might result in water hammer. The actions of the water authority should be closely examined as they did admit that they had caused an overpressure in the system. Improper operation of a valve in their system could have set up a water hammer condition which travelled through the hydrant and to the manifold.
For more information on water hammer there are many articles on the web. Two comprehensive articles can be found at http://www.pump-zone.com/pumps/pumps/the-causes-of-water-hammer-part-one.html and http://www.pump-zone.com/valves/valves/water-hammer-part-two-causes-and-variables.html.