How should hoses be maintained to protect them from damage?

Maintaining hoses to protect them from damage involves ensuring they are as short as practical during use. This practice minimizes the likelihood of them getting snagged, crushed, or damaged during transport or operation. Longer hoses can create trip hazards and are more susceptible to kinking, which can lead to leaks or bursts. By keeping hoses shorter, you streamline handling and reduce potential points of failure, thus enhancing overall safety and efficiency during operations.

The other choices do not adequately address this concern. While flexibility and durability are important characteristics for hoses, they do not specifically highlight the importance of hose length in preventing damage during use. Ensuring hoses are maintained at the shortest usable length is a proactive measure to enhance safety and extend the life of the equipment.