Ch 2 Apparatus Inspection and Maintenance

Question 1

NFPA 1071

Answer 1

Standard for emergency vehicle technician professional qualifications

Question 2

NFPA 1002

Question 3

Maintenance definition

Answer 3

keeping apparatus in a state of usefulness and readiness
- done by driver

Question 4

Repair definition

Answer 4

restore/replace that has has become inoperable
- done by qualified mechanic

Question 5

Cleanliness

Answer 5

• Public relations
• Allows for proper inspection
• Ensures efficient operation
• Promotes vehicle life
  
  • Especially in areas that use road salt
• Over cleaning removes lubrication
  
  • Degreasing, power washing , or steam cleaning

Question 6

Washing (1st 6 months)

Answer 6

• First six months
• Cold water to harden paint and keep from spotting
• Garden hose w/o nozzle- stream no more than a foot from the hose
• Never remove dust/grit by dry rubbing
• Good auto shampoo
• Don’t wash while hot or with hot water
• Rinse first to prevent scratching while applying shampoo
• Wash off mud, insects, soot, tar, grease, etc. before they dry
• Only use approved solvents to remove tar or grease
• Use chamois to dry rinsing with cold water frequently
• Use pressure washer or garden hose with a nozzle after 6 months

Question 7

Glass care

Answer 7

• Warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaner
• No razors or other metal objects to remove debris
• No dry towels by themselves

Question 8

Interior Cleaning

Answer 8

• 1st sweep or vacuum loose dirt
• Only use commercial cleaning products or warm soapy water
• No Acetone, gas, bleach, laundry soap, etc.

Question 9

Waxing

Answer 9

• Many new apparatus don’t need it
• If so apply after first 6 months
• Wash and dry prior to application

Question 10

Circle or walk-around method

Answer 10

start at the driver’s door and go clockwise finishing back inside cab preforming functional check

Question 11

Approaching the vehicle:
Looking for…

Answer 11

• Fluids on ground
• Damage
• Leaning
• Chock vehicle whenever in park

Question 12

Left and Right Front Side

Answer 12

• Some use street side/curb side others use drivers side/ officers side
• Check cab doors and latches for tightness
• Inspect hand rails, handles, and steps for damage or function
• Inspect saddle tanks if present
• Wheel and tire inspection
  
  • Pressure
  • Damage to wheel or lugs
  • Splash guards
  • Check for leaks
• Behind wheel:
• Check suspension
  
  • U- bolts
  • Leaf springs
  • Shock absorbers
  • Shackles
  • Hangers
• Lastly check rear of cab
  
  • SCBA
  • Portable fire extinguishers
  • EMS gear

Question 13

Front Inspection

Answer 13

• Quick look underneath for obvious damage
  
  • Front axle
  • Steering system
  • Pump piping
  • Bent, loose, or missing parts
• Windshield
  
  • Damage
  • Wipers: intact/tensioned against windshield
• Lights – vehicle running or plugged in
  
  • Emergency
  • Running
  • Lenses intact
  • Turn signals and high beams
• Audible warning devices
  
  • Electronic and mechanical speakers and sirens
  • Air horns
• Front bumper
  
  • Intake
  • Discharges
  • Winches
  • Hydraulic rescue tools
  • Electrical cord reels: wiped with a damp cloth
  • Air hose reels: cuts and damage
  • If front mount pump inspect now

Question 14

Left and Right- Rear side inspections

Answer 14

• Rear of the cab to the tail board
• Tire and wheel inspection
  
  • Dual tire- do not touch each other
  • Pressure, wheel and/or lug damage
  • TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACED EVER 7 YEARS
• Splash guards not dragging and in good condition
• Inspect ice chains
• Check equipment carried (see essentials notes)
• Check water level in tank
• Check midship hose loads
• Note reflective stripping condition

Question 15

Rear Inspection

Answer 15

• Check the rear bumper and tailboard for damage
• Make sure tools are clean and ready for use
• Inspect any hose loads
• Note missing or damaged equipment

Question 16

In-Cab Inspection

Answer 16

• First seat and mirror adjustment
• Electrical switches should be off prior to starting
  
  • To prevent over load of battery
  • Should wait until warmed up to turn on
• Start in accordance to manufacturer
• Seatbelts
  
  • Operate freely and not bind
  • No frays or damage
• Mirrors inspection
• Tilt/Telescoping steering wheel function test and adjustment
• Check all gauges
  
  • Speedometer
  • Set at zero when in park if not then
  • Gauge is defective
  • Truck is in pump gear
• Check and operate any switches and controls
  
  • Lights, turn signals
  • Radio
  • Wiper controls
  • Pump controls
  • Etc.
• Load manager/sequencer
  
  • Turns on electrical devices in order as to not overload the vehicles electrical system by all devices turning on at once
• Load shedding
  
  • Once the load manager is overloaded it shuts down less important devices. Example… 500 watt floodlights turned on and the interior cab lights or a/c turn off
• Manual transmission check:
  
  • Free travel(aka free play)-the distance the clutch pedal is depressed before the throw out bearing actually contacts the clutch release fingers
    
    • Too little play causes short clutch life, overheating and slippage
    • Too much causes harsh shifts, gear clash, gear teeth damage
• Steering system
  
  • Steering wheel should not have more than 10 degrees in either direction
  • 20” steering wheel = 2 inches in either direction
• Brakes
  
  • Must stop within 35 feet at 20 mph
  • ABS system Reduce the possibility of an apparatus going into a slide, jackknife, or spin due to heavy breaking
  • Must hold apparatus to a grade of 20 percent
  • Air pressure must be reached within 60 seconds of starting apparatus
  • Air pressure protection valve- cuts off air horn when 80 psi or less
  • Brakes tested annually
  • Road test brakes - 5 mph stop within 20 feet
  • Side-to-side weight varience should not exceed 7 percent
    
    • Mechanic should check if:
    • Pulls to one side
    • Pedal is spongy
    • Doesn’t stop within 20 feet
    • Parking brake 5 mph/20feet

Question 17

Engine Compartment Inspection

Answer 17

• Tilt cab- secure all loose objects first
• Check fluids with engine off except transmission fluid
• Cab lifted on weekly basis
• Check:
• Crankcase oil level
• Engine air filter
• Emergency shutdown
• Exhaust system
  
  • Check damage, and ensure rain cap operates freely
  • DEF system- Conducts a regeneration process in which exhaust temperature is raised in order to burn off particulate matter accumulated in diesel particulate filters (DPF). If auto regen is not engaged, Filter becomes too contaminated and vehicle experiences reduced power and driving capability
• Radiator coolant level
  
  • Check when cool
  • Remove cap and visualize
  • Cooling fan- free of damage or missing blades
• Windshield washer fluid level
• Battery Condition
  
  • Unsealed batteries need distilled water to for low electrolyte levels
  • Clean with Baking soda and water
  • Check battery tie downs are tight
• Automatic Transmission fluid
  
  • May be checked while running, check with manufacturers recommendations
• Power steering fluid
  
  • Some require engine running at normal temp
  • Don’t overfill
• Air system
  
  • Air tanks should be drained to get rid of condensation
  • Get air pressure to normal operation and shut of engine and listen for leaks
• Belts
  
  • Check for tightness and excessive wear
• Leaks
• Electrical wiring- look for damage
• Steering linkage- check for free play
• Grease all grease fittings with proper lubrication

Question 18

Charging batteries

Answer 18

• Check that cable connections are tight and protected with a film of grease/ petroleum Jelly/ battery terminal prediction product
• Attach red+ then black –
• Check batteries for signs of cracks or leaks , batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid (Highly Corrosive) and can also give off hydrogen gases (highly explosive)
• Set charging rate and voltage
• Reverse procedure to disconnect

Question 19

General Fire Suppression Equipment Maintenance

Answer 19

• Apparatus maintenance and inspection records are important for warranty claims, accident reviews, and vehicle purchases
• Daily inspections
  
  • Operate pump drive control to ensure the pump can be engaged
  • Make sure the primer fluid is full and the siphon break hole is not obstructed
  • Make sure aux fuel tank is full
  • Check gauges on pump panel for functionality
  • Operate valves for smoothness
  • Inspect water and foam tanks
  • Check for water or foam leaks underneath
  • Test turrets for full range of motion
  • Check levels of aux. fire suppression systems
• Weekly Inspections
  
  • Back flush the pump
  • Check and clean intake strainers
  • Check pump gear box for oil level and traces of water
  • Operate the primer
  • Check the pump packing glands for excessive leaks
  • Operate pump pressure controls
  • Check accuracy of the foam proportioning system