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
- too much or too little pressure in tires will
damage tires and cause poor road handling characteristics as well as excessive fuel consumption
the max mph rating on the tire
the max mph rating on the tire is not an invitation to continually operate at that speed
when examining tire condition, driver/operator should check for proper:
tread depth
o Tread separation
o Cupping
o Excessive wear on the sidewalls
o Cuts
o Dry rotting
o Cracking tires
o Or objects impaled in the tire per department policy
NFPA 1911
standard for the inspection, maintenance, testing, and retirement of in service automotive fire apparatus
all tires be replaced every ——, regardless of their condition
7 years
Tire inflation
: understand all the info imprinted on the sidewall of a truck tire
Interior inspection
- Adjust mirror, seats and seatbelts
- Start engine and check all dashboard instruments for correct readings
- Check any miscellaneous equipment stored in the cab at this time
Load management systems
an electrical monitoring system that will shed electrical load in a predetermined order if the chassis voltage begins to drop below a predetermined level
o Prevents an overload of a vehicles electrical generation system
- Overload:
operation of equipment or a conductor in excess of its rated ampacity; continuous overload may result in overheating that damages the equipment
o May be a problem due to the large amount of electrical equioment added to modern fire apparatus
Load sequencer
device in an electrical system that turns lights on at specified intervals, so that the start up load for all of the devices does not occur at the same time
Load monitor
device that “watches” an electrical system for added loads that may threaten to overload the system
- Driver/operators must be able to distinguish between (in terms of electrical system of apparatus)
load shedding and an electrical system malfunction
Manual shift transmission:
A component of the power train that receives torque from the engine and converts it to rotation to the wheels.
A clutch
is used to disengage the transmission from the engine to allow the apparatus to start, stop pr change gears to maximize engine performance
If the apparatus is equipped with a manual shift transmissions, check the adjustment of the…
If the apparatus is equipped with a manual shift transmissions, check the adjustment of the clutch pedal
Free play (free travel):
the distance that the pedal must be pushed before the through-out- bearing actually contacts the clutch release fingers
insufficient free play vs excessive free play
o Insufficient free play will cause the clutch to slip, overheat, and wear out sooner than necessary
o Excessive free play may result in the clutch not releasing completely which can cause harsh shifting, gear clashing and damage to gear teeth
Through-out- bearing
the component used to push on the internal clutch fingers connected to the clutch pedal and when activated, disengages the clutch from the engine
- Inspect the steering system for
- Inspect the steering system for proper adjustment and reaction
- Check the steering wheel for excess play that does not result in the actual movement of the vehicles front wheels
Steering wheel play
in a steering system the amount of travel between turning the wheel and when the steering system moves
o Steering wheel play Should be no more than approximetley
10 degrees in either direction
Gross vehicle weight (GVWR):
the maximum weight at which at which a vehicle can be safely operated on roadways in ideal conditions
- Every vehicle is placarded with a Gross vehicle weight
- Commercial vehicles are required to have this placard in plain view
Curb weight
is the weight of an empty fire apparatus fresh off the assembly line with no tools, water, equipment or passengers
- Before placing any apparatus in service load all compartments the weigh each axle and compare the results to the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) placard…
- If the measured weights are higher than GAWRs remove or redistribute equipment until a safe loading is achieved
GVWR and GAWR
- Gross vehicle weight rating
- Gross axle weight rating
Brake inspection and tests when
- Federal, state, and provincial laws may dictate how and when brakes are tested
Hydraulic braking systems
a braking system that uses a fluid in a closed system to pressurized wheel cylinders when activated
- Most commercial and private vehicles built since —- are equipped with ——–
- Most commercial and private vehicles built since 1990 are equipped with antilock braking systems
- Air actuated braking systems
a braking system that uses compressed air to hold off a spring brake (park brake) and applies air pressure to a service brake for vehicle stopping
Antilocking braking systems(ABS):
an electronic system that monitors wheel spin. When braking and the wheels are sensed to begin locking up, the brake on that we’ll is temporary release to prevent skidding
- Air pressure protection valve:
prevents the air horn and other nonessential devices from being operated when the pressure in the air reservoir drops below 80PSI
ABS brake system
- Reduce the possibility of an apparatus going into a slide, jacknife or spin during heavy braking
- Assist the driver/operator in keeping the apparatus in a straight trajectory during heavy or emergency braking
- Does not necessarily provide a faster stop but it greatly enchances a controlled stop
Brake tests
- Thoroughly Tested at least
annually
brake tests determine
braking ability of apparatus while in motion and evaluate the parking brake while the vehicle is stopped
Air brake test
series of tests used to ensure the serviceability of an air braking system
Slack adjusters
devices used in an air brake system that connect between the activation pads and the brake pads that compensate for brake pad wear
when is engine compartment inspected
- Once the entire exterior of the apparatus has been inspected, the in cab check have been completed, and the airbrake testing is complete, the driver/operator should shut off the engine and prepare to perform checks and routine preventive maintenance in the engine compartment
not when vehicle is running
For inspection of vehicles equipped with a tilt cab, ensure that
the control operates freely without binding and that the hold-open device is latched
o Check cab latches for security of mounting, lubrication, and accumulation of metal filings in the mechanism
- Tilt cab
a truck that uses a cab that lowers over the power train
- Cabs should be lifted…
on a weekly basis for a thorough inspection of the engine
order in which to check items in the engine compartment
- There is no established order
- Diesel particulate filters (DPF
device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine
o Provide cleaner emissions from disel engines
o Trap much of the particulate matter in exhaust emissions
process of regeneration
in which the exhaust temperature is raised in order to burn off particulate matter accumulated in the filter
If the diesel filter becomes too contaminated the vehicle will
experience reduced power and driving capability until a regeneration cycle is complete
selective catalyst reductant (SCR)
uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to help further reduce emissions
- Engines produced after January 1, 2010
DEF
SCR
DPF
diesel exhaust fluid
selective catalyst reductant
- Diesel particulate filters
this is DEF stored downstream
in a tank downstream of the DPF and is injected into the gas in order to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines
Periodically inspect the exhaust system and look for
signs of cracks or leaks
- Ensure that exhaust pipe wrap or insulation is intact and undamaged
- Pay close attention to joints and flex pipes especially on 2007 and later engines equipped with DPFs
Chassis lubrication
applying grease and other lubricants to specific parts of a chassis to reduce wear, noise, and binding
Proper lubrication helps prevent
costly repairs and may reduce out of service time
- Effective lubrication depends on:
o Use of the proper grade lubricant
o The frequency of lubrication
o The amount used
o The method of lubrication
To select the proper lubrication:
o Consider the requirements of the unit
o The characteristics of the lubricant
o Manufactures recommendations
- Society of automotive enginerrs (SAE) numbers
indicates only the viscosity of the oil
- Essential characteristics of oil are:
o Corrosive protection
o Foaming
o Sludging
o Carbon accumulation
- If chasis lubrication is within the responsibilities of the driver/operator, take the following steps to complete these duties:
o Be familiar with all the lubrication fill points. Most apparatus owners mannuals will include a diagram of lubrication fittings
o Wipe the fitting clean with a shop rag
o Press the end of the lubrication gun fill hose onto the fitting
o Operate the pump handle on the lubrication gun until resistance is felt
o Continue the process around the vehicle until all lubrication points have been filled
- Most automotive batteries contain
- batteries can also give off
- Most automotive batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid
- batteries can also give off hydrogen gas which is highly explosive and mere soark can ignite
- Before jump starting a vehicle be aware of several important considerations:
o Ensure the donor vehicle has the same voltage electrical system. This will prevent damage
o Check the maufacturers operations manual before jumping or charging the system
o Make sure the jumper cables are connected to the specified battery in the recommended manner
- Fire pumps are tested when
at regularly scheduled intervals to compare actual performance to specific standards
- Tests can be daily, weekly or as needed
- Fire departments should require regular inspections to detect
deficiencies or failure of the fire pump and other fire suppression equipment
Post maintenance/repair inspection
a specific inspection to an area of. A chassis or apparatus to ensure that the unit is operating properly in accordance with the manufacturers intial design
