Chapter 2: Apparatus Inspection and Maintenance Flashcards
who is required to perform routine maintenance checks and functions
driver/operators
which NFPA requires that driver/operators be skilled in the performance of certain maintenance tasks
NFPA 1002
Maintenance:
refers to keeping apparatus in a state of usefulness or readiness
Repair:
means to restore that which has become inoperable
Preventative maintenance
helps ensure reliability, reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, reduces out of service time
o Goal is to eliminate unexpected and catastrophic failures that may endanger firefighters and the general public
NFPA 1071
standard for emergency vehicle technician professional qualifications
o Provides a basis to train and certify fire apparatus mechanics and fire department maintenance officers
In order to ensure operational status of the vehicle, NFPA 1002 requires driver/operators to be able to perform routine tests, inspections and servicing of the following systems:
o Braking systems
o Coolant system
o Electrical system
o Steering system
o Fuel system
o Hydraulic fuels
o Batteries
o Oil
o Tires
o Belts
o Tools, appliances and equipment
- Every fire department should develop SOPs that provide for a systematic apparatus maintenance program that complies with applicable NFPA standards
- Procedures should specify:
o What the maintenance procedures are
o when they are performed
o who is responsible for conducting the maintenance
-method for reporting, correcting and documenting all activities
- The schedule for performing routine maintenance checks varies by jurisdiction….
o Some checks are performed at the beginning of each tour of duty
o More detailed inspection may be completed on a weekly or monthly basis
Each jurisdiction should establish an inspection and maintenance policy that details how the result of an inspection are documented and transmitted to the appropriate person in the administrative system
o Procedure for documentation and communication
o Standardized written forms or Computer programs
o A filing system that allows for storage and retrieval of data should be in place in order to facilitate review of records
o Inspection checklist for specific apparatus
- Whenever the apparatus or a piece of equipment onboard is found broken, defective or in need of any type of repair…
document, report, and follow up
document, report, and follow up
A guidline for these actions follows:
Inspection of apparatus results in finding a system in need of repair
The driver/operator documents the defective system as per local policy such as written or computerized document
The driver/operator notifies their immediate 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
Take immediate action for serious issues
Apparatus maitenence and inspection records are important especially in:
o Warranty claims
o Accidents
o Determining whether new vehicle is needed or continue doing repairs on old
Keeping apparatus clean 2 major bemefits
o promotes a longer vehicle life
o easier to inspect
- Frequent washing to remove these chemicals will reduce the likelihood of
body and component damage
Clean engine permits
proper inspection for leaks and their source
Most vulnerable areas are
in the engine compartment where linkages, fuel injectors or other controls may become inoperable due to collection of dirt
Several components that may be visualized include:
o Suspension and brake parts
o Spring shackles
o Driveline
o Steering mechanisms
There are adverse effects to overcleaning a fire apparatus:
o Steam cleaning or high pressure water spray may remove lubrication from the chassis, engine, pump and underbody
o Use caution when employing high pressure cleaning around wiring harnesses and connections
After heavy cleaning it may be necessary to
perform a routine lubrication
During first —– months after an apparatus is received….
- During first 6 months after an apparatus is received, while the paint and protective coating are new and unseasoned, the vehicle should be washed frequently using cold water to harden the paint and keep it from spotting
- To ensure best overall appearance of the apparatus in the future the following washing instructions are recommended:
o Use a garden hose with a nozzle to apply water to the apparatus
High pressure can drive dirt and debris into the finish
o Rinse as much loose dirt as possible from the vehicle before applying soap
Never remove dirt by dry rubbing
o Wash the apparatus before dirt, grit and road salt can dry on the surface
o Do not wash with extremely hot water or while the surface of the vehicle is hot
o Begin washing from the top of the vehicle and work downward
o Dry the apparatus with a clean chamois that is rinsed frequently in clean water
Failure to dry will encourage corrosion
Glass care
- Use warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaner
- Paper towel
- Shop towels are not acceptable because even after laundered, they may have metal shavings embedded in the cloth
- Avoid using dry towels or cloths because they may grind grit or dirt into the glass
- Do not use any abrasive tool to remove deposits from the glass
Use the following steps to clean the interior:
o Sweep or vacuum large, loose dirt particles
o Use warm soapy water or commercial cleaning products to clean surfaces
o Avoid using solvents such as lacquer thinner, acetone, laundry soap, bleach and naphtha
o Ventilate the cab or crew riding area when using cleaning agents
o Take care when using any liquids around the vehicles electrical system
o Keep compartments, hinges, slide tracks and seals clean and free of debris
Waxing
- Follow manufactures instructions to include the following:
o Review instructors before applying some newer apparatus’ don’t need
o Reference the manufactures manual before using any wax or polishes
o Wait until apparatus is 6 months old to apply products
o Wash and dry before
Systemic approach helps
ensure that all required items are checked each time an inspection is complete
Circle or walk around method
where does it start
an inspection method in which the inspector starts at one point of the apparatus and continues in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction inspecting the entire apparatus
- The inspection begins at the drivers door on the cab and works around the apparatus in a clockwise pattern
2 types of inspections are actually conducted during the walk around inspection:
o The operational readiness inspection
o Pretrip road worthiness inspection
The operational readiness inspection:
inspecting an apparatus and equipment on the apparatus to ensure that all equipment is in place, clean and ready for service
o Pretrip road worthiness inspection
a visual inspection of an apparatus to ensure the major components of the chassis are present and in proper working condition
Functional check
an inspection where a certain system or component of an apparatus is operated to ensure that it is functioning properly
what do do after walk around method inspection is complete
- Get in the cab, start the apparatus, and perform a functional check on apparatus systems
When approaching a vehicle to be inspected, driver/operators should observe
o Any problems that may be readily apparent from a distance such as a body damage or a severe lean to one side
o The terrain on which the vehicle is parking. May have sloped floors
o Vehicle fluid leaks which may indicate a serious mechanical problem
- Diesel exhaust may contain up to
100 harmful chemicals and compounds
exterior Visual inspection involves checking items for:
o Condition
o Cleanliness
o Damage
o Defects
o Functionality
o Leaks
o And presence of or missing items
Check the tire:
o Type
o Condition
o Inflation
Never acceptable to mix —– tires with —— tires
Never acceptable to mix radial tires with bias-ply tires
- All tires should be same size and weight
o gross axle weight rating
the maximum amount of weight that an axle system can safely carry
Tire selections for fire apparatus are based on
o gross axle weight rating