Ch 2 Apparatus inspection and maintenance

Question 1

What are proactive measures that can ensure that a piece of fire apparatus is maintained to the highest state of readiness? p29

Answer 1

Preventive maintenance programs and routine maintenance checks

Question 2

What is NFPA 1002? p29

Answer 2

Standard for fire apparatus driver/operator professional qualifications

Question 3

What is the definition of maintenance? p29

Answer 3

Keeping an apparatus in a state of usefulness or readiness

Question 4

What is the definition of repair? p29

Answer 4

To restore that which has become in operable

Question 5

Preventive maintenance helps to ensure reliability, reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, and reduces out of service time. p29

Question 6

What is the goal of preventive maintenance? p29

Answer 6

To eliminate unexpected and catastrophic failures that may endanger firefighters and the General public

Question 7

What is NFPA 1071? p29

Answer 7

Standard for emergency vehicle technician professional qualifications

Provides a basis to train and certify fire apparatus mechanics and fire department maintenance officers

Question 8

What should a systematic apparatus maintenance program include? p30

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What is a Guideline for documenting, reporting, and following up on the status of a repair? p31

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Apparatus maintenance inspection records are important documents to may serve several functions. p31

Answer 10

Can be useful for any warranty claim or in the event of an accident

Question 11

Driver/operators must be trained in the recording system used by their department and understand the importance of accurate and timely record keeping. p32

Question 12

The cleanliness of apparatus and equipment carried on board is an important aspect of any inspection and maintenance program. p32

Question 13

Diesel fuel residue is problematic because it sticks to anything that it touches, leaving a gummy residue. p32

Question 14

Fire apparatus should be kept clean underneath as well as on top. p32

Answer 14

Oil, moisture, dirt, and grime should not be permitted to collect on the undercarriage so that mechanical defects are more obvious.

Question 15

What are some adverse effects to overcleaning of fire apparatus? p33

Answer 15

Steam cleaning or high-pressure water spray may remove lubrication from the chassis, engine, pump and under body.

Question 16

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

Question 17

Recommended vehicle washing instructions

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

To clean automotive glass, use warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaner

Answer 18

Shop towels are generally not acceptable because they may contain metal shavings in the cloth

Question 19

Do not use putty knives, steel wool, or any abrasive tool to remove deposits from the glass

Question 20

Steps to clean the interior of an apparatus. P35

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Wait until the app ride is six months old to apply waxing products to the apparatus. P35

Question 22

Drivers should follow a systematic procedure based on Department SOP’s, NFPA standards, and manufacture recommendations for inspecting apparatus. P36

Answer 22

Taking a systematic approach helps ensure that all required items are checked each time and inspection is completed

Question 23

What is a circle or walk around method? p36

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What is an operational readiness inspection? p36

Answer 24

Inspecting an apparatus and equipment on the apparatus to ensure that all equipment is in place, clean, and ready for service.

Question 25

What is a pre-trip Road worthiness inspection? P 36

Answer 25

A visual inspection of an apparatus to ensure the major components of the chassis are present and in proper working condition

Question 26

What is a functional check? P 36

Answer 26

An inspection where a certain system or component of an apparatus is operated to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Question 27

When approaching a vehicle to be inspected what should you observe? P 37

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Diesel exhaust make contain up to 100 harmful chemicals and compounds. P 37

Question 29

What is an exterior inspection? P 38

Answer 29

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

Question 30

It is never acceptable to mix radial tires with bias ply tires P 38

Answer 30

All tires should be the same size and weight ratings according to appropriate manufacture specifications

Question 31

What is gross axle weight rating? P 38

Answer 31

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

Question 32

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

Question 33

How often do tires have to be replaced? P39

Answer 33

As per NFPA 1911, every seven years, regardless of their condition.

Question 34

What is an interior inspection? P 40

Answer 34

Adjust the mirrors, seat, and seatbelts; start the engine; and check all dashboard instruments for correct readings

Question 35

What is a load management system? P 40

Answer 35

An electrical monitoring system that will shed electrical load in a predetermined order if the chassis voltage begins to drop below a predetermined level

Question 36

What is overload? P 40

Answer 36

Operation of equipment or a conductor in excess of it’s rated ampacity ; continuous overload may result in overheating that damages the equipment

Question 37

What is a load sequencer? P 40

Answer 37

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

Question 38

What is a load monitor? P 40

Answer 38

A device that “watches “an electrical system for added loads that may threaten to overload the system.

Question 39

What is load shedding? P 40

Answer 39

When an overload condition occurs, the load monitor will shut down less important electrical equipment to prevent the overload

Question 40

Drivers must be able to distinguish between load shedding and an electrical system malfunction. P 41

Question 41

What is steering wheel play? P 41

Answer 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

Question 42

What is curb weight? P 41

Answer 42

Curb weight is the weight of an empty fire apparatus fresh off the assembly line with no tools, water, equipment, or passengers

Question 43

What is gross vehicle weight rating? P 41

Answer 43

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

Question 44

 What is the maximum side to side variance in weight aspirin NFPA 1901 and 1911? P42

Answer 44

Should not exceed 7%

Question 45

What is a hydraulic braking system? P 42

Answer 45

The breaking system that uses a fluid in the closed system to pressurize wheel cylinders when activated.

Question 46

What are antilock braking systems? P 42

Answer 46

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

Question 47

What is an air actuated braking system? P 42

Answer 47

A system that uses compressed air to hold off a spring brake and applies air pressure to a service brake for vehicle stopping

Question 48

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

Answer 48

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

Question 49

What is NFPA 1911? P43

Answer 49

Standard for the inspection, maintenance, testing, and retirement of in-service automotive fire apparatus

Question 50

Most engine compartment checks (with the exception of transmission fluid levels) should not be conducted while the vehicle is running. P44

Answer 50

Driver should never solely rely on warning lights or gauges, all fluid levels should be inspected

Question 51

What is a diesel particulate filter (DPF)? P 45

Answer 51

A device designed to remove diesel particular matter or suit from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine

Question 52

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)

Answer 52

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

Question 53

What type of water is added to older vehicle batteries? P 46

Answer 53

Distilled water.

Question 54

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

Question 55

What are important considerations before attempting to jumpstart a vehicle? p47

Answer 55

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