Chapter 3, Apparatus Inspection and Maintenance Flashcards
How can many Apparatus or equipment failures be prevented?
By performing routine maintenance checks on a regular basis.
What NFPA standard requires the driver/operator to have certain preventive maintenance skills?
NFPA 1002 (Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Qualifications).
What is the difference between the terms “maintenance” and “repair”?
Maintenance-keeping apparatus in a state of readiness
Repair-restore/replace that which has become inoperable
What does preventive maintenance ensure?
- ensures apparatus reliability
- reduces cost/frequency of repairs
- lessens out-of-service time
What is the purpose of preventive maintenance?
to try to eliminate apparatus failures that could put firefighters and the public, as well as property, at risk.
Fire departments normally have separate mechanics that meet the requirements of an Emergency Vehicle Tech. What NFPA standard covers this?
NFPA 1071 (Standard for Emer Vehicle Tech Qualifications).
Driver/operators should be able to perform basic maintenance functions. In almost all cases, who handles repair functions?
Qualified mechanics.
Every Fire Dept should have SOP’s for apparatus maintenance, that complies with applicable NFPA standards. What do those SOP’s identify concerning maintenance?
- who performs maintenance functions
- when they are performed
- how detected problems are corrected
- how it is documented
What maintenance are driver/operators allowed to correct?
Certain minor deficiencies, such as low fluid and burned-out light bulbs.
When do driver/operators perform apparatus checks and maintenance inspections?
At the beginning of each shift, and more detailed work completed on a weekly and monthly basis.
When do volunteer Fire Depts conduct apparatus inspections and maintenance?
At least a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
What policy dictates how maintenance and inspection results should be documented and transmitted to the proper person in fire admin?
Apparatus/equipment inspection SOP’s.
How is the info from apparatus inspection and maintenance recorded, to send to fire admin system?
Written forms or computer programs may be used.
What are the functions of the apparatus maintenance and inspection records?
They show past inspections, as well as past maintenance that may have required a repair (warranty claims from accident, documented repairs can help determine to continue to repair or buy a new truck).
Why is it important to keep the trucks clean for our citizens?
Letting apparatus become soiled with dirt/oil/road grime hurts public relations. They may feel their investment is not being properly protected.
Why is it important to keep the engine clean on the apparatus?
A clean engine/clean functional parts permit proper inspection, thus helping to ensure efficient operations.
Why is routine apparatus cleaning important?
During routine cleaning, drivers may find damaged or missing parts that would have been otherwise overlooked.
What are some of the more vulnerable areas, if you let oil/dirt/moisture/grime collect underneath?
- engine
- wiring
- carburetor/fuel injectors
- controls
Why is it important to keep the body of the truck clean in areas where road salts are used during winter?
The salt has a corrosive effect on the steel components of the body and chassis. Frequent washing reduces this.
What are the negative effects of overcleaning the apparatus?
It causes removal of lubrication from chassis/engine/pump, from using degreasers and pressure washers to clean the underside.
Why do newer apparatus require gentler cleaning procedures than older ones?
To avoid damage to new paint, detailing, and clear-coat.
During the first 6 months of a new apparatus, how should the truck be washed?
It should be washed frequently with cold water, to harden the paint and keep it from spotting.
How can the truck be cleaned, after it has properly cured?
Garden hose with nozzle or a pressure washer can be used to speed clean, but soapy water and hand wash are still required.
What is used to clean the vehicle glass?
Warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaners.
How should the interior be cleaned?
- large, loose dirt particles should be vacuumed first
- warm, soapy water/commercial cleaner for surfaces
What are the recommendations for applying wax to newer trucks?
They are no longer needed, in fact, they may damage the clear coats (waxes can be applied after 6 months).
How is wax applied?
- car washed and dried
- wax applied with a soft cloth, physically or mechanically buffed out
How should the apparatus inspection be conducted?
It should follow a systemic process, based on SOP’s, NFPA standards, and manufacturers recommendations.
What is the recommended method for performing an apparatus inspection?
The circle or walk-around method (start at drivers door, work around the truck in a clockwise pattern). Final step is getting in, starting it, and doing a functional check.
What are 2 ways that the driver/operator can find out important info about the truck, at the beginning of the shift?
- review previous inspection records, to see if any problems were noted at that time
- ask the driver on the off-going shift if there were any issues with the truck.
What are some of the more important things the driver should check about the tires, during inspection?
- proper tire inflation
- valve stem condition
- tire condition (tread depth, sidewall wear, cuts)
The speedometer should be at or near zero when the truck is parked. If it shows above zero, what two possibilities exist?
- gauge is defective
- pump is in pump gear, instead of drive gear
How does the driver check the steering system for proper adjustment?
Steering wheel play should be no more than 10 degrees in either direction (e.g., a steering wheel with 20 inch diameter should have play no more than 2 inches in either direction).
What type of braking system do most newer apparatus have?
Most have ABS (antilock braking system), which reduces the possibility of being thrown into a skid when the brakes are fully applied).
What two tests does the NFPA 1901 braking test require of new apparatus?
- the test states that the apparatus must be brought to a complete stop, from a speed of 20 mph, in 35 ft or less.
- parking brake must hold apparatus in place on a grade of 20 percent.
On apparatus with air brakes, the standard requires air pressure to build to a sufficient level to allow vehicle ops within how many seconds?
60 secs.
What valve are apparatus with air brakes are to be equipped with?
Air pressure protection valve (prevents air horns from being operated when the pressure in the air reservoir falls below 80 psi).
How do you test the road brakes?
- allow apparatus to move forward at 5 mph
- push down on brake firmly
- apparatus should stop within 20 ft
What 3 conditions signify a brake problem, and requires a mechanic to check?
- apparatus pulls to one side when braking
- brake has a mushy or unusual feel when applied
- apparatus doesn’t stop within about 20 ft
When is it acceptable to perform fluid level checks?
Before running engine, or after it has run and is turned off. NEVER while engine is running.
At a minimum, what items should be checked in the engine compartment?
- all fluids (oil, power steering, brake, transmission, radiator, windshield)
- air filter
- emergency shutdown
- exhaust
- cooling fan
- battery
- wiring
- belts
- leaks
- steering linkage
