Which piece of equipment is used to prevent pressurized hose from dangerously whipping back and forth if it ruptures?

• A. Hose test gate valve
• B. Breakaway coupling
• C. Swivel joint
• D. Pressure relief valve

Answer: (A)

When a pressurized hose fails, the sudden release of water can make the remaining hose whip violently, endangering anyone nearby. A swivel joint at the hose connection allows the hose to rotate freely, so movement and flow don’t translate into a rapid, uncontrolled back-and-forth motion along the entire length. This freedom to pivot dampens whipping and keeps the hose under better control during a rupture.

Breakaway couplings are about detaching under excessive pull to prevent the hose from being yanked loose, not specifically about limiting whip after a rupture. A hose test gate valve is used for isolating a hose during hydrostatic testing, not for active protection against whip. A pressure relief valve reduces excessive pressure to protect equipment, but it doesn’t prevent whipping once a rupture has occurred.