We are Top Rung, Inspection & Testing
We take care of our emergency responders.
HOSE TESTING
NFPA 1962 2013 regulates the procedures for testing fire hose, and at Top Rung we make sure that we are up to date on all regulations regarding these procedures.
PUMP TESTING
ENSURES COMPLIANCE WITH NFPA 1911 2012 – Utilizing our state-of-the-art Top Rung Draft Commander.
You test your pumps for the confidence in knowing that the apparatus is fully functional and prepared to work when needed. Additionally, a centrifugal fire pump is a mechanical device, like your car. The very moment it is put into service it is being worn out. By testing your apparatus annually,you have the ability of predicting your maintenance budget requirements 2 to 3 YEARS IN ADVANCE!
LADDER INSPECTION
Annual requirement of NFPA 1932 2010, Ground Ladder Testing.
The ladders are put through a hands-on inspection to ensure the ground ladder is safe for operation.
AERIALS
If your fire apparatus is equipped with an aerial device, the aerial device shall be inspected and tested as required by NFPA 1911. Top Rung will perform a thorough test and inspection of your aerial device from the top rung to the chassis.
OUR TEAM
Top Rung Inspection & Testing, a division of JLN Associates, provides NFPA-compliant fire equipment testing for fire departments throughout the Northeast. Founded and led by former Fire Chief John Nickerson, our company was built on firsthand knowledge of the demands placed on firefighters – and the equipment they depend on.
Our experienced team includes EVT-certified technicians and emergency responders who bring real-world fire service expertise to every inspection. We provide ground and aerial ladder testing, fire hose testing, and fire pump testing – all in one visit to reduce downtime and keep apparatus in service.
More than a testing company, we are fire service professionals committed to precision, accountability, and care. Because we understand what is at stake, we treat every piece of equipment as though our own lives depend on it; helping protect the firefighters who protect our communities.
OUR SERVICES
As a branch of JLN Associates, our quality standards in terms of service, knowledge and technical expertise, are enhanced by our foundation in safety.
HOSE
Fire hose testing includes:
– Removal of fire hose from apparatus or storage.
– Labeling and recording of all information for each length of hose.
– Inspection of all fire hose, nozzles, couplings and appliances in accordance with NFPA standards.
– Rolling and repacking of fire hose in the same place and manner as it was removed or as you would prefer.
The 2013 edition of NFPA 1962, Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances can be found here: NFPA.
LADDERS
Our ladder testing equipment and procedures are certified to meet the current NFPA-1932 requirements for ANNUAL ladder testing.
Testing includes:
– Visual inspection
– Hardness tester
– Horizontal bending test equipment per NFPA-1932,5-2
– Verification of heat sensor expiration dates
– Documentation provided with each test
NFPA-1932 provides the following frequency of ground ladder testing
– at least annually
– any time ladder is suspected of being unsafe
– after ladder is subjected to over loading or impact loading
– after heat exposure
– after any deficiencies have been repaired unless only repair was replacement of the lanyard
Annual inspections and test program uncovers many defects before they become major problems resulting in better safety and lower maintenance costs.
Thorough documentation with a final report is provided with every ladder test.
PUMPS
Performance testing of fire pumps, once commonly referred to as service testing, is a basic requirement under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus, that is in place to help ensure the heart of your fire truck, the fire pump, performs as designed so it can be reasonably expected to pump rated capacity every time it’s needed during an emergency on the fireground.
It is a yearly requirement and also required after major pump system repairs have been done. As most know and will appreciate, a fire scene is not the place to find out that your rig’s most important component will not deliver rated capacity or pressure when it is needed the most.
It is important to keep in mind that although performance testing can be done from a hydrant, it is easier to validate or confirm actual pump performance from draft, like our Top Rung Draft Commander. NFPA 1911 recommends the drafting method of testing for this reason. Refer to NFPA 1911 annex (A.18.3.2) for more information about this.
FOAM TESTING
Annually, all foam systems shall be thoroughly inspected and checked for proper operation in accordance with NFPA 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Emergency Vehicles,2017 Edition, Chapters 23 & 24. The inspection shall include performance evaluation of the foam concentrate or premix solution quality or both. The goal of this inspection and testing shall be to ensure that the system is in full operating condition and that it remains in that condition until the next inspection.
CAF Systems are also tested in accordance with NFPA 1911.