What is the proper location for positioning a sampson?

The correct answer, which states that the proper location for positioning a sampson is 20 feet behind the apparatus, but no closer than 5 feet from a coupling, aligns with standard safety practices during fire operations. This positioning ensures that there is ample space for the fire apparatus to operate effectively while maintaining a safe distance for personnel and equipment.

Positioning the sampson at 20 feet not only helps prevent interference with the operation of the fire apparatus but also affords the crew enough room to manage equipment and handle hose lines without obstruction. Additionally, stipulating that it should be no closer than 5 feet from a coupling serves to maximize accessibility and minimizes the risk of accidentally damaging the coupling or interfering with hose operations.

The rationale behind these distances revolves around safety, operational efficiency, and ensuring unimpeded access to critical firefighting tools and connections. This guideline allows for effective coordination among team members, reducing the likelihood of accidents during high-pressure situations.