Chapter 3 - Apparatus Safety and Operating Emergency Vehicles

Question 1

Fire apparatus driver/operators are responsible for __________, _______, and _____ to and from the scene of an incident.

Answer 1

> The safe transport of firefighters, apparatus, and equipment

Question 2

If the driver/operator is neligent in the operation of an emergency vehicle and is involved in a collision, both the ________ and the _________ may be held responsible.

Answer 2

Driver/Operator

Jurisdiction he or she represents

Question 3

______ is usually found when the driver/operator has been found guilty of a gross violation of standing laws, policies, or ordinances.

Answer 3

Negligence

Question 4

A fire apparatus driver/operator should maintain ___________ in order to lower the chances of being involved in a collision with an object, pedestrian, or other vehicle.

Answer 4

Situational Awareness

Question 5

In general, fire apparatus collision are grouped into seven basic causes, which reflect the lack of due regard and situational awareness.

Answer 5

1) Improper Backing
2) Reckless Driving
3) Excessive Speed
4) Lack of driving skill and experience
5) Overloading and misuse
6) Mechanical Failure
7) Driver/Operator personal readiness

Question 6

In ___ percent of all collisions, the driver/operator was not aware of a problem until it was too late to correct.

Answer 6

42%

Question 7

After a driver/operator continues to ignore an empty DEF tank, the apparatus may be limited in speed to __ mph and will need service from the dealer.

Answer 7

5 mph

Question 8

Shutting down an engine without sufficient cool down may result in the following:

Answer 8

> Immediate increase of engine temperature from lack of coolant circulation
Oil film “burning” on hot surfaces
Damage to heads and exhaust manifolds
Damage to the turbocharger that can result in seizure

Question 9

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.

Answer 9

Angle of Approach

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Angle of Departure

Question 11

Angle formed by level ground and a line from the point where the rear tires touch the ground to the bottom on the frame at the wheelbase midpoint

Answer 11

Breakover Angle

Question 12

Poor weight distribution can make a vehicle handling unsafe, such as the following:

Answer 12

> Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering and can damage the steering axle and tires
Under-loaded front axles can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely
Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction
The drive wheels may spin easily.

Question 13

It may take __ to __ times greater distance for a vehicle to come to a complete stop on snow and ice than it does on dry pavement.

Answer 13

3 to 15

Question 14

At speeds about __ mph, and emergency vehicle may outrun the effective range of its audible warning devices.

Answer 14

50 mph

Question 15

In some instances, increasing the speed of an apparatus by __ can decrease the audible distance by ___ feet or more.

Answer 15

20 mph

250 feet

Question 16

When more than one emergency vehicle is responding along the same route, they should travel at least ___ to ___ feet apart.

Answer 16

300 to 500 feet

Question 17

The time needed to stop the apparatus or perform evasive maneuver at the current rate of speed is ________.

Answer 17

Visual Lead Time

Question 18

The ___________ is the distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until the apparatus comes to a complete stop.

Answer 18

Braking Distance

Question 19

The ____________ is the sum of the driver/operator’s reaction distance and the vehicle’s braking distance.

Answer 19

Total Stopping Distance

Question 20

___________ is the distance the apparatus travels while the driver/operator transfers his or her foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal.

Answer 20

Reaction Distance.

Question 21

Some of the most common causes involving driver error include the following:

Answer 21

> Driving too fast for road conditions
Failing to anticipate obstacles
Improper use of auxiliary braking devices
Improper maintenance of tire air pressure and adequate tread depth

Question 22

NFPA 1901 requires that all apparatus with a GVWR of _____ lb or greater be equipped with an auxiliary braking system.

Answer 22

36,000 lb

Question 23

There are four types of auxiliary brakes to aid the foundation brakes in slowing the vehicle.

Answer 23

> Exhaust Brake
Engine Compression Brake
Transmission Outer Retarder
Electromagnetic Retarder

Question 24

Considerations when using Aerial Apparatus Hose Chutes:

Answer 24

> Lay couplings so that they are pulled out straight, without flipping around.
Lay hose so that it never crosses over itself when paying out.
Maintain vehicle speed of 5 mph or less. At 5 mph, 7 feet of hose is pulled out each second.