Ch 18. Stabilizing The Apparatus

Question 1

What should be placed under the stabilizers on every stabilizer set up and every time the aerial device is to be raised from the bed?

Answer 1

Stabilizer pads or Jack plates

Question 2

What is short jacking?

Answer 2

Short tracking is the action of not fully deploying the stabilizers. This lowers stability on the short jack side. The aerial device should not be operated over a short jacked side.

Question 3

How will the center of gravity be shifted when an apparatus is parked on a lateral grade?

Answer 3

If the apparatus is part on a lateral grade, the center of gravity will be shifted to the lower side

Question 4

What is a gravity circle?

Answer 4

Gravity circle is a theoretical safety zone that surrounds the center of gravity of an aerial apparatus

Question 5

Excessive loading on the aerial device will have what effect on the gravity circle?

Answer 5

Excessive loading of the aerial device will result in an expansion of the gravity circle

Question 6

What type of stabilizers extend down from the chassis?

Answer 6

Post type stabilizers, also called downrigger’s

Question 7

What type of stabilizers extend straight away from the truck and also have Jack’s that extend down to the ground?

Answer 7

Box stabilizers, also called each stabilizers. These are the most common type of stabilizers

Question 8

What type of stabilizers extend down and away from the chassis at an angle

Answer 8

A frame, scissor, or X stabilizers. These may also be called Fulcrum type stabilizers

Question 9

What system is activated to provide power to the hydraulic system?

Answer 9

The driver must activate the power take off, or PTO to supply power to the hydraulic pump

Question 10

The driver must ensure that the apparatus has been properly positioned before activating what system, thus supplying power to the hydraulic pump?

Answer 10

PTO

Question 11

If an apparatus is equipped with a pneumatic PTO, What psi range is required to for the PTO to be operated?

Answer 11

50-140 psi

Question 12

How specifically should wheel chocks be placed in relationship to the tires of an aerial apparatus to prevent them from becoming stuck under a tire when the apparatus is lowered?

Answer 12

The wheel chocks should be placed approximately 1 inch from the tires to provide extra space.

Question 13

A fire fighter used in the role of a ________ should assist the driver of the aerial apparatus to check for hazards when applying to stabilizers.

Answer 13

Spotter

Question 14

What is a stabilizer shoe?

Answer 14

A stabilizer shoe is a flat metal plate attached to the bottom of the aerial apparatus stabilizer to provide firm footing on the stabilizing surface.

Question 15

A selector valve transfers power between the stabilizing system in the aerial system. What position should the selector valve be in when deploying the stabilizers?

Answer 15

 The selector valve should be in the stabilizing or Outrigger, Jack, or leveling position

Question 16

Operating the stabilizing controls will automatically regulate the engine _______ speed.

Answer 16

Idle

Question 17

What is the typical size of a stabilizer pad

Answer 17

Stabilizer pads are usually 24 x 24” with a built-in handle

Question 18

How should stabilizers be deployed to prevent damage to the apparatus, wheels, axles, suspension or torque the box and chassis?

Answer 18

Stabilizers should be deployed in small steps in an alternating multi step side to side or front back pattern

Question 19

When stabilizing the aerial apparatus on uneven terrain, the truck can be uneven laterally or longitudinally. Of the two which is the easiest to correct?

Answer 19

Lateral unevenness is easier to correct

Question 20

Correction of lateral uneven this is possible on grades of up to what percent?

Answer 20

5% or approximately 3°

Question 21

When leveling an apparatus on a lateral grade, which side do most manufacturers recommend lowering first, the uphill side or the downhill side?

Answer 21

Most manufactures of area devices recommend lowering the stabilizers on the uphill side of the vehicle first

Question 22

When an apparatus is leveled on a lateral grade, it is preferable to operate the aerial device over which side?

Answer 22

It is preferable to operate the aerial device over the uphill side of the apparatus. If this is not possible, consider lessening the amount of extension and loading

Question 23

How should the aerial device be operated when the apparatus is positioned on a longitudinal grade?

Answer 23

When operating on a longitude or grade, operate the aerial device either directly over the front or rear of the apparatus depending on whether the apparatus stop short or pull past the objective

Question 24

On articulating areal devices positioned on a grade, how should the aerial device be operated when possible?

Answer 24

On longitudinal grades, operating articulating Ariel devices off the rear of the vehicle is preferable

Question 25

When stabilizing the aerial apparatus on icy conditions, why should sand or other friction enhancing products be used rather than salt?

Answer 25

Salt will cause the ice to melt, creating air gaps under the stabilizer pad and reducing friction

Question 26

Once the stabilizers are in place and secured, the interlock prevents the hydraulic fluid from:

Answer 26

Moving within the stabilization system

Question 27

When the driver operator is sure the vehicle is equipped with a hot shift PTO system it is acceptable to engage the system when:

Answer 27

The main transmission is a neutral