Ch 2 Apparatus inspection and maintenance Flashcards
What are proactive measures that can ensure that a piece of fire apparatus is maintained to the highest state of readiness? p29
Preventive maintenance programs and routine maintenance checks
What is NFPA 1002? p29
Standard for fire apparatus driver/operator professional qualifications
What is the definition of maintenance? p29
Keeping an apparatus in a state of usefulness or readiness
What is the definition of repair? p29
To restore that which has become in operable
Preventive maintenance helps to ensure reliability, reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, and reduces out of service time. p29
What is the goal of preventive maintenance? p29
To eliminate unexpected and catastrophic failures that may endanger firefighters and the General public
What is NFPA 1071? p29
Standard for emergency vehicle technician professional qualifications
Provides a basis to train and certify fire apparatus mechanics and fire department maintenance officers
What should a systematic apparatus maintenance program include? p30
SOP‘s that specify maintenance procedures, when they are performed, and who is responsible for conducting the maintenance.
Should also specify a method for reporting, correcting, and documenting all activities
What is a Guideline for documenting, reporting, and following up on the status of a repair? p31
Inspection of apparatus results in finding a system in need of repair
The driver documents the defective system as per local policy such as a written or computerized document
The driver notifies the remediated supervisor of the defect and documentation
The status of the repair is followed up in a reasonable amount of time based on the nature of the problem
Apparatus maintenance inspection records are important documents to may serve several functions. p31
Can be useful for any warranty claim or in the event of an accident
Driver/operators must be trained in the recording system used by their department and understand the importance of accurate and timely record keeping. p32
The cleanliness of apparatus and equipment carried on board is an important aspect of any inspection and maintenance program. p32
Diesel fuel residue is problematic because it sticks to anything that it touches, leaving a gummy residue. p32
Fire apparatus should be kept clean underneath as well as on top. p32
Oil, moisture, dirt, and grime should not be permitted to collect on the undercarriage so that mechanical defects are more obvious.
What are some adverse effects to overcleaning of fire apparatus? p33
Steam cleaning or high-pressure water spray may remove lubrication from the chassis, engine, pump and under body.
During the first six months after an apparatus is received the vehicle should be washed frequently using cold water to harden the paint and keep it from spotting. p33
Recommended vehicle washing instructions
Use a garden hose without a nozzle to apply water to the apparatus
Rinse as much loose dirt as possible from the vehicle before applying soap
Never remove dirt by dry rubbing
Wash the apparatus before dirt, grit, and road salt can dry on the surface.
Do not wash with extremely hot water or while the surface of the vehicle is hot.
Wash the vehicle from top down
Dry the apparatus with a clean chamois that is frequently rinsed in clean water.
To clean automotive glass, use warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaner
Shop towels are generally not acceptable because they may contain metal shavings in the cloth
Do not use putty knives, steel wool, or any abrasive tool to remove deposits from the glass
Steps to clean the interior of an apparatus. P35
Sweep or vacuum large loose dirt particles
Use warm soapy water to clean surfaces
Avoid using solvent such as lacquer thinner, acetone, laundry soap, bleach, and naphtha
Ventilate the cab when using cleaning agents
Take care when using liquids around the vehicles electrical system
Keep compartments, hinges, slide tracks, and seals clean and free of debris
Wait until the app ride is six months old to apply waxing products to the apparatus. P35
Drivers should follow a systematic procedure based on Department SOP’s, NFPA standards, and manufacture recommendations for inspecting apparatus. P36
Taking a systematic approach helps ensure that all required items are checked each time and inspection is completed
What is a circle or walk around method? p36
An inspection method in which the driver starts at one point of the apparatus and continues in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction inspecting the entire apparatus
What is an operational readiness inspection? p36
Inspecting an apparatus and equipment on the apparatus to ensure that all equipment is in place, clean, and ready for service.
What is a pre-trip Road worthiness inspection? P 36
A visual inspection of an apparatus to ensure the major components of the chassis are present and in proper working condition
What is a functional check? P 36
An inspection where a certain system or component of an apparatus is operated to ensure that it is functioning properly.
When approaching a vehicle to be inspected what should you observe? P 37
Any problems that may be readily apparent from a distance such as body damage or a severe lean to one side
 The terrain in which the vehicle is parking
Fluid leaks such as water, coolant, oil, hydraulic fluid,or transmission fluid, which may indicate a serious mechanical problem
Diesel exhaust make contain up to 100 harmful chemicals and compounds. P 37
What is an exterior inspection? P 38
Driver should begin to walk around inspection at the driver side of the cab looking for any damage not previously noted. Involves checking items for condition, cleanliness, damage, defects, functionality, lakes, and presence of or missing items
It is never acceptable to mix radial tires with bias ply tires P 38
All tires should be the same size and weight ratings according to appropriate manufacture specifications
What is gross axle weight rating? P 38
The maximum amount of weight that an axle system can safely carry.
Too much or two little pressure with damaged tires and cause poor road handling characteristics as well as excessive fuel consumption
Drivers should check for proper tread depth, tread separation, camping, excessive wear on the side walls, cut, dry rotting, cracking tires, or objects in pills in the tire pro department policy. P 39
How often do tires have to be replaced? P39
As per NFPA 1911, every seven years, regardless of their condition.
What is an interior inspection? P 40
Adjust the mirrors, seat, and seatbelts; start the engine; and check all dashboard instruments for correct readings
What is a load management system? P 40
An electrical monitoring system that will shed electrical load in a predetermined order if the chassis voltage begins to drop below a predetermined level
What is overload? P 40
Operation of equipment or a conductor in excess of it’s rated ampacity ; continuous overload may result in overheating that damages the equipment
What is a load sequencer? P 40
Device in an electrical system that turns lights on at a specified interval, so that the start of the load for all of the devices does not occur at the same time
What is a load monitor? P 40
A device that “watches “an electrical system for added loads that may threaten to overload the system.
What is load shedding? P 40
When an overload condition occurs, the load monitor will shut down less important electrical equipment to prevent the overload
Drivers must be able to distinguish between load shedding and an electrical system malfunction. P 41
What is steering wheel play? P 41
The amount of travel between turning the wheel and when the steering system moves. Should be no more than approximately 10° in either direction
What is curb weight? P 41
Curb weight is the weight of an empty fire apparatus fresh off the assembly line with no tools, water, equipment, or passengers
What is gross vehicle weight rating? P 41
The maximum weight at which a vehicle can be safely operated on roadways in ideal conditions.
May also indicate the maximum weight for each axel on the apparatus, along with tire pressure recommendations
 What is the maximum side to side variance in weight aspirin NFPA 1901 and 1911? P42
Should not exceed 7%
What is a hydraulic braking system? P 42
The breaking system that uses a fluid in the closed system to pressurize wheel cylinders when activated.
What are antilock braking systems? P 42
An electronic system that monitors wheel spin. When breaking and a wheel are sensed to begin locking up, the brake on that wheel is temporarily released To prevent skidding
What is an air actuated braking system? P 42
A system that uses compressed air to hold off a spring brake and applies air pressure to a service brake for vehicle stopping
On apparatus with airbrakes, the air pressures must build up to a sufficient level with a defined period of time after starting the engine. P 42
It may be necessary to add an electric air compressor, or connect the apparatus to a compressed air system to maintain adequate air pressure when the apparatus is not in use. P 43
What is NFPA 1911? P43
Standard for the inspection, maintenance, testing, and retirement of in-service automotive fire apparatus
Most engine compartment checks (with the exception of transmission fluid levels) should not be conducted while the vehicle is running. P44
Driver should never solely rely on warning lights or gauges, all fluid levels should be inspected
What is a diesel particulate filter (DPF)? P 45
A device designed to remove diesel particular matter or suit from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine
In addition to a DPF system, engines produced after January 1, 2010, may be equipped with an exhaust after treatment system called selective catalyst reductant (SCR)
An SCR system uses diesel exhaust fluid to help further reduce emissions. DEF is injected into the gas to reduce in nitrogen oxide emissions from Diesel engines
What type of water is added to older vehicle batteries? P 46
Distilled water.
Most automotive batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid. Leaking acid is highly corrosive and hazardous if it gets on your skin or eyes. Batteries can give off hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive. P47
What are important considerations before attempting to jumpstart a vehicle? p47
Ensure that the vehicle being used as a power source has the same voltage electrical system as the apparatus being jumpstarted
Check manual before jumping or charging the system. Manual should specify which battery the cable should be connected to.
Be sure that all personnel in the area are wearing appropriate protective clothing including eye protection
