What is the recommended action when a hose coupling is leaking?

Using a hose jacket is recommended when a hose coupling is leaking because it provides a temporary solution that can contain the leak and prevent water from spraying unintentionally. Hose jackets are designed to wrap around the leaking coupling, helping to minimize damage and maintain control over water flow until a more permanent repair can be made, such as replacing the coupling or the entire hose.

This approach allows firefighters to continue using the equipment in emergency situations where immediate replacement might not be feasible, thus ensuring operational readiness while addressing the issue. Other methods, like retightening, may not always fix the problem, and attempting to replace the coupling can be time-consuming and impractical in urgent scenarios. Additionally, continuing to use a leaking hose without any intervention can pose safety hazards and lead to greater issues down the line.