Chapter 3: Apparatus Safety and Operating Emergency Vehicles Flashcards
1
Q
- NFPA 1002
A
Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications
o Has established minimum qualifications for apparatus driver/operators
2
Q
drivers should have the following characteristics
A
- Experience, knowledge, maturity, sense of responsibility, mental aptitude
3
Q
- Promotion to driver/operator may require a:
A
minimum time of service
o A written test
o A performance evaluation
o Review of personnel records
o Combination of above
4
Q
- Driver operators must have at least what certification
A
firefighter I
5
Q
- All fire departments must establish and maintain a thorough…
A
training program to include regularly scheduled review and refresher courses that maintain driver/operator skills and introduce new concepts as they evolve
6
Q
Driver/operators should possess the following abilities and skills:
reading skills
A
- Reading skills: ability to read in English and comprehend a variety of complex and technical materials such as:
o Manufacturers
o Manufacturer’s operating instructions
o Fire service manuals and periodicals
o Maps, dispatch instructions, and preincident plans
o Department standard operating procedures (SOP) or guidelines
7
Q
Driver/operators should possess the following abilities and skills:
Computer skills - Sufficient computer skills to:
A
o Access computerized records, memos, bulletins, and manufacturers’ manuals, and pertinent maintenance and inspection records.
o Prepare and submit requests for supplies and equipment repair.
o Operate mobile computer (Figure 3.2).
o Access and operate online mapping software and dispatch instructions.
o Operate and understand mechanical and electronic systems such as governors, foam systems, and information systems.
o Understand directions from a GPS.
8
Q
Driver/operators should possess the following abilities and skills:
- Writing skills
A
Complete maintenance forms, repair requests, and other standard forms and to write brief narratives on reports as required.
9
Q
-Driver/operators should possess the following abilities and skills:
Mathematical skills
A
Solve mathematical equations such as friction loss
o calculations.
10
Q
-Driver/operators should possess the following abilities and skills:
Physical fitness
A
Safely and efficiently perform strenuous tasks while under stressful fireground conditions (Figure 3.3).
Driver/operators may have
o Figure 3.3 Firefighters maintain their fitness level by performing various exercises such as running.
o to perform rigorous physical activities that include:
o Connecting an intake hose to a hydrant Hand-stretching a supply line to a hydrant
o Deploying a portable water tank
o Deploying hard sleeve hose for drafting operations Removing heavy or bulky equipment from compartments
o should be administered under the direction of the authority having jurisdiction (AH)) in order to establish and maintain a driver/operator’s fitness for duty.
11
Q
who establishes the basic requirements for licensing a driver in Canada and USA
A
- Department of Transportation (DOT) establishes the basic requirements for licensing a driver
- In Canada Transport Canada (TC) has similar authority
o Federal regulations
o Individual state or province regulations
12
Q
- Must be familiar with all pertinent traffic regulations including
A
o Federal
o State or provincial
o City
o NFPA
o department
13
Q
Driver/operators must always exercise care for the safety of firefighters and civilians
A
- You must maintain complete control, adjust speed for driving conditions and operate in a manner consistent with the professional image of the fire service
- You are subject to all traffic regulations when driving under nonemergency conditions
14
Q
- Driving statutes
A
describe vehicles that are in the emergency category
15
Q
- Some jurisdictions, statutes may exempt emergency vehicles from driving regulations that apply to the general public if they are responding to a reported emergency
o These exceptions could include the following:
A
Speed limits
Direction of travel
Direction of turns
Parking statues and ordinances
16
Q
Reckless disregard
A
an act of proceeding to do something with a conscious awareness of danger, while ignoring any potential consequences of so doing
o Harsher than ordinary negligence
17
Q
Negligence
A
breach of duty in which a person or organization fails to perform at the standard required by law or that would be expected by a reasonable person under similar circumstances
o Usually found when the driver/operator has been found guilty of. A gross violation of standing laws, policies or ordinances
18
Q
Gross negligence
A
willful and wanton disregard
o Ex driving under influence
19
Q
Due regard
A
driver/operator drive with “due regard” for the safety of others using the highways
o This does not relieve the operator from the duty and responsibility to drive with “due regard” for the safety of others
20
Q
most common place for collision
A
- Intersection
21
Q
who reviews and publishes reports concerning firefighter fatalities including vehicular accidents
A
- The national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH)
22
Q
what happens when A collision enroute to an emergency will end the response of the apparatus involved
A
o The vehicle and personnel assigned to it must remain at the scene of the collision to treat potential injuries, document damage and wait for the police
o Response to the original incident will be delayed as other units will be dispatched
23
Q
In general fire apparatus collisions are grouped into seven basic causes, which reflect the lack of due regard and situational awareness
A
- Improper backing
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speed
- Lack of driving skill and experience
- Overloading and misuse
- Mechanical failure
- Driver/operator personal readiness
24
Q
what accidents generally account for a significant percentage of all damage repair costs
A
Improper Backing
25
Many actions are considered reckless when driving a piece of fire apparatus including:
o Driving at an excessive speed
o Letting the apparatus run off a paved surface, onto a soft road shoulder
o Attempting to read a map, electronic device, talking on a cell phone or texting while driving
o Failing to abide by posted weight limits
o Following too close behind other apparatus or other vehicles
o Failing to obey posted traffic regulations or directions
o Failing to yield to other responding emergency vehicles
o Reacting with panic or unpredictable behavior to an approaching emergency vehicle
26
Brake fade
loss of braking function which occurs due to excessive use of the brakes
- Disc and drum brakes will both overheat if braking and driving habits are poor
27
Overheated brake components lose their ability to
stop the vehicle, regardless of the configuration of the braking system
28
what can ensure maximum braking efficiency
- Only effective handling and braking techniques
29
Lack of driving skills may result from:
o Overconfidence in your driving ability
o Inability to recognize a dangerous situation
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) it was determined that in 42 percent of all collisions, the driver operator was not aware of a problem until it was too late to correct
o False sense of security because of a good driving record
o Misunderstanding of apparatus capabilities
Fire apparatus do not handle the same or stop as quickly as passenger vehicles
o Insufficient training on a piece on a piece of apparatus
30
Accident can occur because of
overloading, nonengineered modifications and misuse
31
Primary reason for the daily pretrip inspection
whereby mechanical failures can be minimized and personnel and public safety is enhanced
32
- Poor maintenance can lead to
failures that result in collisions
33
Some causes of driver/operator impairment (although temporary) may include, but are not limited to, effects from:
o Substance abuse
o Prescription drug and some over the counter drugs taken as firected
o Personal issues such as divorce, bankruptcy or impending hardship
o Death in the family
o Illness
o Depression
o Fatigue
34
- Most SOP to don their protective gear before getting into the apparatus, with the exception of their helmets per NFPA 1500....
- One possible exception to this is the driver/operator
- If SOP allows, the driver operatore may wish to don protective clothing after arriving at the scene
- All riders must be seated within the cab or body and wearing their seat belts before the apparatus is put into motion
35
Loading fire hose while driving the apparatus is common when loading large diameter hose. NFPA 1500 provides the following directions on how these operations should be performed:
o Train all members specifically on how to perform the moving hose load operation
o Assign at least one member, other than the driver/operator and the firefighters actually loading the hose, as a safety observer to the operation
The observer must have constant visual contact with the loading operation, as well as visual and voice communication with the driver/operator
o Close the area in which the hose loading is being performed to other vehicular traffic
o Drive the apparatus only in a forward direction, straddling or to one side of the hose and at a speed no greater than 5mph (10kmh)
o Do not allow members to stand on any portion of the apparatus while the vehicle is in motion
36
One of the most common causes of injury for the driver/operator is from
slips and falls when entering and exiting the apparatus. Slips and falls can injure and kill.
37
Be aware of the importance of using safe methods, and ensure that others using the apparatus use the same careful approach.
o Always face inward toward steps and handholds when entering, exiting, and climbing.
o Do not step or climb upon any vehicle surface unless it is slip resistant and handholds are provided
o Be aware that certain steps may be a pivoting or folding design. Be certain that such steps are firmly engaged in the weight-bearing position before placing full weight on the step.
When climbing on or off vehicle, always
o Face the vehicle.
o Use steps and handholds.
o Maintain three points of contact with vehicle (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot).
o Keep steps, handholds, shoes, and walkways clean of grease, mud, dirt, fuel, ice, and snow.
o Use extra caution when wet, icy, or muddy.
o Replace surfaces when worn.
38
Starting the apparatus
- When preparing to start the apparatus, wether for sn emergency response or routine trip, the driver/operator must first know the destination and route of travel
39
Idling the engine
- Allowing a disel engine to idle unnecessarily will waste fuel and may lead to the building of carbon injectors, valves, and pistons and may cause damage to internal engine components and emission systems
40
Diesel Particulate Filters
- Beginning with engines produced in 2007
- The DPF collects particulates (soot) from the exhaust stream and burns them more completely
- Apparatus equipped with DPF will have very clean exhaust emissions and no black smoke as is common with older disel engines
41
- The driver and operator needs to be familiar with the operation of the DPF and the significance of the following items:
o High exhaust system temperature (HEST) indicator: lights when the exhaust system is very hot, usually due to an active regeneration in process
o DPF indicator: lights to indicate that the DPF is loading up with soot
o Maual (parked) regeneration switch: allows driver/operator to manually initiate an active regeneration to burn off the DPF soot load
o Regeneration inhibit switch: allows the driver/operator to keep the engine from initiating an active regeneration process
Used in limited circumstances if the apparatus is parked on dry grass or over other combustible material
42
- If the apparatus makes frequent short runs, or operates in very cold climates, the exhaust may
never get hot enough to burn out the soot and an active regeneration is required
43
- Active regeneration can occur in two manners:
o Automatic mode
o Manual (parked) mode
44
- Automatic regeneration
: occurs when the engine load, exhaust temperature and engine speed are within an acceptable range. When the conditions are met, the engine will begin dosing fuel into the exhaust stream to raise the exhaust temperature and burn off the soot
45
Parked regeneration
allows the cleaning of the DPF in stationary truck operations and requires operator involvement to initiate
o Notified by DPF light
o Cannot be initiated during pumping operations
46
Regeneration in general greatly increases the
temperature of the exhaust exiting the tailpipe
47
- An apparatus equipped with Selective Catalyst Reductant (SCR) will have a tank in addition to the fuel tank that must be filled with
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
48
- Failing to keep the DEF tank full may
derate(reduce its torque output) the apparatus engine, or limit the vehicle speed
49
Shutting down the engine
- Never shut down an engine immediately after a full load operation or when the temperature gauge indicates that the engine is overheated
- Usually an idling time of 3-5mins is sufficient
50
Shutting down an engine without sufficient cool down may result in the following:
o Immediate increase of engine temperature from lack of coolant circulation
o Oil film “burning” on hot surfaces
o Damage to heads and exhaust manifolds
o Damage to the turbocharger that can result in seizure
51
Shutting down the engine while the apparatus is in motion will
cut off fuel flow from the injectors
o Fuel flow through the injectors is required for lubrication anytime the injector plunger is moving
o Fuel pressure can build up behind the shutoff valve and prevent the valve from opening
52
Should be aware of the following issues pertaining to driving the vehicle in nonemergency situations:
o Adjusting mirrors
o Potential points of contact
o Driving downhill
o Driving off road
o Visual lead time
o Bridges and railroad crossing
o Adverse wether
53
Adjusting mirrors
- Mirrors help minimize blind spots before placing the apparatus in motion
- Essential that mirror adjustment take place at the start of each shift, or any time the driver changes
- Once blind spots are identified, compensate for this lack of vision while driving by slowing down before making turns or lane changes
54
Transmissions
- Apparatus equipped with automatic transmisions are becoming the norm for many fire department
- Eliminating much of the driver decision making regarding when to shifts gears will reduce the likehood of the engine sustaining damage from lugging
- Manual transmission apparatus are becoming less prevelant in todays fire service
55
- Because of large size of aerial there are
several points of potential contact under the front, middle and rear of the vehicle
56
- Angle of approach
angle formed by level ground and a line from the point where the front tires touch the ground to the lowest projection at the front of the apparatus
57
- Angle of depature
angle formed by level ground and a line from the point where the rear tires touch the ground to the lowest projection at the rear of the apparatus
58
- Breakover angle
angle formed by level ground and a line from the point where the rear tires touch the ground to the bottom of the frame at the wheelbase midpoint
59
Weight transfers follow the law of inertia which states
“objects in motion tend to remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force”
60
Whenever a vehicle undergoes a change in speed or direction
weight transfer takes place relative to the rate and degree of change
61
- Poor weight distribution can make vehicle handling unsafe, such as the following:
o Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering and can damage the steering axle and tires
o Underloaded front axles (caused by shifting weight too far to the rear) can make steering axle weight too light to steer safely
o Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction
o The drive wheels may spin easily
62
- Weigh vehicle after loaded to ensure the axle loading is balanced within
7 percent from side to side
63
Driving downhill use what brakes
- Use the service brake and auxillary brake as well as manually shifting to lower gears to limit speed
64
- To prevent engine damage, limit downhill speed to
lower than maximum RPM (tacometer)
65
- The engine govener cannot control
engine speed downhill
66
- Engine speed faster than the rated RPM can result in
engine damage
67
while driving downhill It is unsafe and illegal to allow the apparatus to
coast out of gear or “freewheel” while driving downhill
o Failure to use alternate methods to slow the vehicle may result in brake failure, resulting in vehicle runaway
68
- Engine lugging
occurs when the throttle is applied when a manual transmission is in too high a gear for the demand on the engine
69
If lugging does occur,
the driver/operator should not allow the engine rpm to drop below peak torque speed
70
It may take ------ times greater distance for a vehicle to come to a complete stop on ice or wet road
3 to 15
71
Use the following guidelines to help avoid potential collisions:
o Aim high in steering: find a safe path well ahead
o Get the big picture: stay back and see the reaction of other motorists
o Keep your eyes moving: scan the area
o Leave yourself an out: visualize an escape route to avoid a collision
o Maintain enough distance from the vehicle ahead to pull out of traffic safely if the need arises
o Make sure that others can see and hear you
72
an emergency vehicle may outrun the effective range of its audible warning device at
- At speeds above 50mph (80km/h)
73
- Increasing the speed of an apparatus by --------- can decrease the audible distance by --- feet or more
- Increasing the speed of an apparatus by 20mph (30km/h) can decrease the audible distance by 250 feet or more
74
More than one emergency vehicle responding should be at least --- to --- feet apart
300 to 500 feet
75
what may reduce effectiveness of the relective trim on firefighters PPE
what improves the reflective trim
Warning lights and scene floodlights
- Yellow warning lights allow approaching vehicles head lights to more effectively illuminate the reflective trim worn by firefighters
76
Traffic signals at stations and on apparatus routes allow
how are they activated
- Allow apparatus to more safely enter the roadway
- Some are activated by the station alerting system
- Some are activated remotely by dispatch
- Some are activated by a button in the station
77
Strobe light activated preemption devices
- Some systems use strobe light emitters mounted on the apparatus to activate sensors in the traffic lights
- Emitter generates an optical signal that is received by the traffic light as the apparatus approaches and makes the light green for them red for everyone else
- When the vehicles parking brake is set, the emitteris turned off so as not to affect any traffic signals nearby
78
Traffic signal preemption devices
- Some traffic control systems may be activated by the vehicles siren as it approaches an intersection
- A microphone on the traffic signal receives the sound of an oncoming siren and orders the appropriate signal preemption
- This device may be adjusted to activate from distances several hundered feet
79
- Intersections with this device will have 3 inch white and blue lights mounted near the regular traffic light, facing each direction of travel
Traffic signal preemption devices
80
how does Traffic signal preemption devices work
o A white light indicates the direction of the approaching apparatus meaning green light soon
o All other directions of travel will display a blue light to indicate the vehicle is approaching and the light is turning red
o If there are emergency vehicles coming from both directions the blue light indicate the signal has been gained from the other direction
81
Passing other vehicles - Use the following guidelines to ensure safety:
o Always travel on the innermost lane on multilane roads
o Avoid passing vehicles on the right side because drivers normally move to the right upon the approach of emergency vehicles
o Be certain that opposing lanes of traffic are clear before crossing the center line
o Avoid passing other emergency vehicles if at all possible
82
Stopping and Braking Apparatus
- Consider the weight of the apparatus and the condition of the brakes, tires and road surface
83
- Excessive or abrupt braking action can result in
a skid that may cause injury to firefighters and lead to mechanical failure
84
- Some apparatus are equipped with engine brakes or other types of retarding devices that assist in stopping the apparatus
o When the driver releases pressure from the accelerator, the engine brake or retarder is activated
o Engine brakes and retarders help extend the life of service brake components and make apparatus easier to manage
85
Visual lead time
the time needed to stop the apparatus or perform an evasive maneuver at the current rate of speed
86
- Driver/operator establish visual lead time by
scanning their path of travel far enough ahead based upon their speed
87
Braking distance
is the distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until the apparatus comes to a complete stop
88
Total stopping distance
is the sum of the driveroperators reaction distance and the vehicles braking distance
89
- Reaction distance
is the distance the apparatus travels while the driver transfers his or her foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal
90
Other factors affect the driver/operators ability to stop the apparatus including:
o Road conditions
o Speed of apparatus
o Weight of the vehicle
o Type and condition of the vehicles tires and braking system
91
Skids
an uncontrolled slide across a surface in a wheeled vehicle
92
2 types of skids
o Acceleration skid
o Locked wheel skid
93
o Acceleration skid
the drive wheels lose traction on the road surface
To maintain control of the vehicle, the driver should not apply the brake, ease off the accelerator and straighten out the front wheels as the vehicle begins to respond
94
o Locked wheel skid
generally results from braking too hard at a high rate of speed
The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned
To regain proper control ease off the brake to unlock the drive wheels and then straighten the front wheels as the apparatus begins to respond to control
95
- during a skid A driver driving a vehicle equipped with a standard transmission during
transmission should not engage the clutch until the vehicle is under control and just before stopping the apparatus
96
in order to maintain control when descending grades during icy conditions - Driver must balance
the service brakes, transmission gear selection and retarding device in order to maintain control
97
Some of the most common causes involving driver error include the following:
o Driving too fast for road conditions
o Failing to anticipate obstacles
o Improper use of auxillary braking devices
o Improper maintenance of tire air pressure and adequate tread depth
98
- Abs systems minimize the chance of
a vehicle skidding where the brakes are applied forcefully
99
- Abs systems minimize the chance of a vehicle skidding where the brakes are applied forcefully as follows:
o Using an onboard computer that monitors each wheel and controls pressure to the brakes, maintaining optimal braking ability
o Using a sensing device to monitor the speed of each wheel, sending a signal to the onboard computer
o Receiving info from the computer when a wheel begins to lock up. The computer compares It to the info received from the other wheels to determine if this particular wheel should still be turning. Steering is maintained as long as the wheels do not lock
o Reducing the brake pressure and allowing the wheel to continue to turn. Once it turns, it is braked again
100
When driving a vehicle equipped with ABS the river/operator should maintain a steady pressure on the brake pedal rather than
pumping the pedal, until the apparatus comes to a complete stop
101
- Apparatus not equipped with ABS: a driver/operstor driving an apparatus NOT equipped with ABS that enters into a skid should
release the brakes and allow the wheels to rotate freely and turn the wheel the direction the vehicle is going
102
- NFPA 1901 requires that all apparatus with a GVWR of 36,000 or greater be equipped with
an auxiliary braking system
103
- Using auxiliary braking system helps reduce
brake fade on long steep grades, it can also significantly reduce service brake system maintenance costs
104
- There are 4 types of auxiliary brakes to aid the foundation brakes in slowing the vehicle:
o Exhaust brake
o Engine compression brake
o Transmission output retarder
o Electromagnetic retarder
105
- The amount of retardation force available from any auxiliary braking system is a complex function of
vehicle speed, engine speed, temperature and control strategy
106
- Transmission output retarders and electromagnetic retarders: provide the
highest level of braking torque and are unaffected by transmission gear shift changes
107
- Engine brakes multiply their effectiveness through the
transmission gearing, and the brake torque will increase as the transmission downshifts
108
the least capable of the four auxiliary brake devices
- An exhaust brake
109
what uses a valve to restrict the flow of exhaust which creates back pressure that adds to the engines inherent braking ability
An exhaust brake
110
- Engine compression brakes
is an electronically actuated mechanical system added to the engine valve train
111
what converts the mechanical energy of the vehicle ino heat by compressing the engine intake air and then dishcahrging the pressure to the atmosphere through the exhaust
- The engine compression brake
112
- Electromagnetic retarder
when activated an Electromagnetic field is created by supplying electrical power to a series of coils in the retarder
- This field inhibits the rotation of the rotor and creates a braking torque at the rear wheels
- Dissipate heat through cooling vanes into the surrounding air
- Experience some loss of effectiveness at high temperatures
113
what uses the viscous property of the automatic transmission fluid to retard the driveline
- A transmission retarders
114
Transmission retarders
- Can provide high braking capacity but are limited in high ambient temperatures
- When activated, transmission fluid is introduced into the retarder housing and energy is absorbed into the fluid through the opposing action of spinning vanes which Adds heat to the transmission fluid which is dissipated through transmittion cooler and radiator
115
- Auxiliary Traction control ( ATC
automatically reduces engine torque and applies the brakes to wheels that have lost traction and begin to spin
- Helps improve overall traction on slippery roads
116
- Driver controlled differential lock
improve traction and handling by locking the differential during off road and wet weather conditions
- When engaged both wheels are forced to turn at the same speed, resulting in the differential being locked to maximize tractions
117
- Interaxle differential
allows for speed differences between the rear driving axles
118
- Interaxle differential lock feature
allows the operator to lock out the interaxle differential action between the rear tandem driving axles, creating one solid drive line between the rear axles
119
- To reduce load on the drive train and avoid equipment damage:
o Ease up on the throttle pedal when shifting into or out of the locked condition
o Do not activate this switch while one or more of the wheels are actually slipping or spinning
120
- Stability control systems
are designed to help prevent roll over and tipping caused by concerning of sudden change in direction
121
- Roll stability control (RSC):
integrated into the ABS system RSC includes a lateral accelerometer that senses when the side force caused by concering approaches the roll over threshold. It becomes active when ABS computer senses an imminent roll over threshold
- Becomes active when the ABS computer senses an imminent roll over condition
122
- Electronic stability control (ESC) or electronic stability program (ESP
applies the brakes independently to aim the vehicle in the direction that the operator postions the steering wheel
123
- IFSTA recommends that the driver/operator use the following general rules:
Ifpossible, position the apparatus so that backing will not be necessary.
o Walk all the way around the apparatus to clear any obstructions.
o Ensure that all equipment is secured and compartment doors are closed.
o Require the use of one or more spotters.
o Preposition lights to illuminate the area where the spotter will stand (approximately 8 to 10 feet 2.5 to 3 ml) behind the apparatus.
o Back the apparatus at a very slow speed and use caution to not outpace the spotters).
o Use hand signals that are agreed upon and understood by the spotter and driver/operator.
o Use portable radios, if feasible.
o Use backup cameras in addition to the mirrors, if the apparatus is so equipped.
o Sound two short blasts of the vehicle's horn immediately before backing the apparatus.
o Avoid mounting equipment on the apparatus that may interfere with the driver's rear visibility.
124
- Spotter should be positioned
in the vision of the driver preferably in the driver sides mirror approximately 8 to 10 feet behind and sightly to the left of the apparatus
125
- The following six hand signals that may be usede to maintain clear communication between the spotter and driver:
o Backing straight: the spotter uses back and forth motion with both arms
o Backing toward the left side of the apparatus: the spotter is positioned in the appropriate mirror and motions with the right arm to back up while pointing left to direct the rear of the apparatus
o Backing toward the right side of the apparatus: the spotter is positioned in the appropriate mirror and motions with the left arm to back toward the right side of the apparatus. The spotter uses the right arm to point toward the right
o Slowing down: the spotter motions with the arms outstretched to the sideswith palms facing down to slow down
o Stopping the spotter crosses both forearms into large X
o Pull forward and reestablish backing: opposite of straight line backing. Pushing hands forward
126
- The tiller axle permits
tillering of the tractor trailer apparatus in and out of traffic and around turns
127
- The tillers operators driving assignments include:
o Straight line driving
o Turning and backing
o Proper placement of the trailer at fires
128
- Tiller operators must be particularly aware of the following:
o Distance of the trailer from the base of the building involved
o Angle of trailer placement in regard to the position of the tractor
o Proper overhead clearance
o Side and rear obstructions
o Grades and slopes of the working area
129
Operator training
Officers and instructors should stress the importance of the following:
o Using good signal practices
o Trailing in line on a straightaway always
o Bringing the trailer quickly into line again as soon as a turn is completed
o Observing the trailer overhang on turns
o Operating the tiller section in a smooth and safe manner
o Avoiding overtillering
o Keeping both hands on the wheel and giving undivided attention to the job
130
- The written exam for driver/operators may include questions pertaining to the following areas:
o All applicable driving regulations for emergency and nonemergency situations
o Departmental regulations
o Hydraulic calculations
o Specific operational questions regarding pumping
o Department procedures or guidelines
- Practical Driving Exercises
- Road tests
131
- safety issues include the following topics:
o compartment doors
o working on top of apparatus
o hose restraints
o hose chutes
o intake/discharge
132
hose restraints
- new apparatus must include positive restraints for all hose carried on an apparatus
- anty hose storage shall be equipped with a positive means to prevent unintentional deployment of the hose
133
- hose chute must be watched carefully to ensure that hose connections do not get caught as the hose is exiting through the chute
o lay couplings so that they are pulled out straight, without flipping around
o lay hose so that it never crosses over itself when praying out
o maintain vehicle speed of 5mph or less. At 5mph 7 feet of hose is pulled out each second
134
- hydraulic fluids can leak from hydraulic hoses
at high temperatures and high pressures causing burns or other injuries
- toxic to human tissue
- should also know the maximum number of tools that may be attached to the system
135
intake and discharge cap removal
- if this valve is opened and then closed again while the plumbing is pressurized, this pressure can be trapped between the valve and the cap even if the fire pump is not operating and all the gauges read zero pressure
- never attempt to remove any cap on an apparatus until making certain there is no trapped pressure
