[50420t]

Hi all, yet annother enthusiastic, but confused potential newbie I'm afraid. 

Having spent a good few of weeks reading as much info as possible on this and other other sites, I think it's about time to get typing.

Unsupprisingly, I'm struggling to decide which wfp setup to go with.  The concern I have is with van/trailer mounted systems.  Unless I'm being really stupid, I guess you will end up with hoses trailing from your van, to where your working.  Now I'm probably crying about nothing here, but I can't help thinking that surely at some point, someone is going to trip over them, break a leg and before you know it your wallet is considerably lighter.

Can anyone set my mind at ease, or is this a real problem that people just hope won't crop up?

Dan

[ICG]

As one who is having a Van mount system too, this has crossed my mind.

I think you need to be practical. Some people will fall over anything, if they walk around with their eyes closed. So, I would suggest that you use the normal bright yellow hose that normally comes with such kit, the yellow warning signs, anchored with a sand bag if necessary, and even those hose sleeves that road contractors use so wheelchairs & prams can pass over them safely. If sombody trips & tries to sue you, then you can prove you have acted reasonably toward a 3rd party. And, carry a disposable camera in your glove box to take a few pictures just to cover your ass.

[Rob_B]

if possible, buy a trolley system as well.

 I can use my wfp by hose from the car, or by trolley. If it meant I had to trail a hose over a footpath, especially for a length of time and where I couldn't see it, i'd get my trolley out.

I have a yellow hose etc. but at the end of the day, a footpath is a footpath which everybody is entitled to walk on. High visibility hoses and signs do show good intentions, but if somebody did trip, I think they would still have a case.

I am no expert, but better to be safe than sorry.

[Glen]

I can use my wfp by hose from the car, or by trolley.

Rob_B,

What sort of system do you have in your car?

[Rob_B]

I have an aquatec trolley system which I can attach to a hose and hose reel, and carry the water in 25 Litre water containers.
I draw water from 2 containers at the same time so I have 50 litres of water to use before I have to return to the car and change over.

I carry up to 200 litres which can last until dinner time doing upstairs and down with wfp. I then go home for dinner use the toilet then refill and go back out again.

Its a good system to start with and build on. Plus its a cheaper way to get into wfp. All I need when I get a van is a tank, but I will still use the trolley when necessary and fill the containers from the tank.

[WavieDavie]

I can't remember which stand it was on at Windex, but I think it was a truckmount carpet cleaning van which had a little plywood "bridge" assembly which went over the hose when it was on the pavement between van and house.

Here's something similar, but smaller, to give you an idea, and you'd need to cut away the bottom of the interior channel to save you having to feed the hose through. . .  http://www.viking-direct.co.uk/(3m0vaw451qlm5c45hut3w1ny)/catalogsku.aspx?id=typeb1-gy

Hope I've explained it OK and you get the idea.

[50420t]

Thanks Lads, didn't think I could be the only person to have thought about this.  I guess you've just gotta be sensible and use your noggin.  I don't suppose there is any really safe answer other than using a trolley?

As lots of people use van systems without problems, the risk must be very small, especially if you do take all the precautions suggested by Rob and WavieDavie. 

Still don't know which option I'll go for though, just too many choices.  Gonna have to take the plunge at some point, can't wait to get started!

[WavieDavie]

I'll need to visit the CC boards more often http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4138.from1097789148;topicseen#msg32664 - these gadgets are called hose ramps, not "a little plywood bridge assembly", and here's the link to a soopah-doopah one . . . http://www.seton.co.uk/perl/product.pl?productid=1131 and a soopah-doopah price too!
Another link . . . http://www.hydramaster.co.uk/ click on Accessories and scroll down to Wheelchair Friendly Safety Ramps - prices on application. If I need such an item, I'll be making a wooden one, I think.