chapter 3 - Apparatus Safety and Operating Emergency Vehicles Flashcards
What can overthrottling result in?
an excessive amount of carbon particles in the exhaust, oil dilution and additional fuel consumption.
When does engine lugging occur?
Example?
When the throttle is applied when a manual transmission is in too high a gear for the demand on the engine.
example: trying to accelerate while a vehicle is moving up a steep grade
Who might recommend using the transmission to slow vehicles and maintain safe speeds on decent?
Who specifies this as a measure to extend the life of service brakes?
- jurisdictions
- local policy
Should you coast out of gear or “freewheel” while driving downhill?
Why or why not?
- it is unsafe and may be illegal
- failure to use the alternate methods to slow vehicle may cause brake failure = vehicle runaway
Why should you limit downhill speed to lower than maximum RPM?
to prevent engine damage
-The engine governor cannot control engine speed downhill. The wheels turn the engine and driveshaft as gravity pulls the vehicle downhill.
When should you use the service brake, auxiliary brake as well as manual shifting?
driving downhills to lower gears to limit speed
Bad weather = Rig might not keep going
Weigh rig after loaded with equipment and personnel…what is the
1. Side to side axle load balance %?
2. Front to back?
- 7%
2. within the axle ratings
Keep rig properly loaded! Poor weight distribution can make handling unsafe! Give 4 examples.
- too much weight on steering axle = hard steering = damage to axles and tires
- under loading front axles (weight shifting too far to rear) can make steering axle too light to steer safely
- too little weight on driving axles = poor traction
- the drive wheels may spin easily
Keep weight transfer to a minimum by steering __________ and __________ and maintain a speed that is slow enough.
- only as much as needed
- in a smooth and fluid motion rather then a series of multiple turns
Hazardous conditions like skidding and possible roll over can be caused by these?
- too much speed in turns
- harsh or abrupt steering actions
- driving on slopes too steep for a particular rig
- of PARTICULAR concern = water tanks that are improperly baffles/partially filled with liquids (water/foam concentrate)
Lateral weight transfer can cause or contribute to?
skidding or possible roll overs
Whenever a vehicle undergoes a change in speed or direction, weight transfer takes place relative to ______ and ______.
- rate
- degree of change
Weight transfer follows the law of….
inertia…“objects in motion tend to remain in motion; objects at rest tend to remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force”
Failure to realize the 3 angles and what can be safely traversed can result in what?
damage to apparatus and property of others if it “bottoms out” while crossing an obstacle
What is the 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 wheel base midpoint?
breakover angle
- HAVE A KEEN AWARENESS
What is the angle of departure?
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
-HAVE A KEEN AWARENESS OF
What is the 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?
angle of approach
-HAVE A KEEN AWARENESS OF
What should an aerial keep in mind when traversing steep ramps, curbs, speed bumps and similar obstacles?
- front (angle of approach)
- middle (breakover angle)
- rear (angle of departure)
The bumper on the cab and the rear of the vehicle are projections. What else should you be aware of?
aerial device hanging several feet off the front or back
front/middle/rear of aerial truck
What kind of transmission should consult the operator’s manual? (2)
- 2 speed rear axles
2. transmission with more than 5 speeds
Who might still have manual transmissions?
- mobile water supplies
- older model apparatus
Some jurisdictions may recommend manually shifting on an automatic rig. Why?
In preparation for a stop. Local policy may specify this practice to extend the life of service brakes.
Eliminating what will produce the likelyhood of the engine sustaining damage from lugging?
decision making regarding when to shift gears (automatic transmissions)
Side/rear view mirrors and cameras should always be….
clean
After you identify blind spots, how should you compensate for the lack of vision?
slowing down before making turns or lane changes into areas where other vehicles or pedestrians may be hidden.
Who should walk around the vehicle to identify blind spots?
Then adjust each mirror to minimize what?
- a partner
- # and extent of blind spots
When should you adjust mirrors?
- start of each shift
- anytime driver responsibility changes
Which mirror adjustments are critical to the safe operation of any vehicle?
careful side view and rear view mirror adjustments
What do adjusting mirrors minimize before placing the rig in motion?
blind spots…number and extent
Why must you have well adjusted mirrors?
The large size of most apparatus makes this imperative
Be familiar with 7 things for non-emergency situations when driving
- adjusting mirrors
- potential points of contact
- driving downhill
- driving off road
- visual lead time
- bridges and railroad crossings
- adverse weather
What must a driver/operator be familiar with?
how to safely drive and operate the vehicle they are assigned
What type of transmission, in most cases, will your apparatus have?
automatic
What happens if you shut down the engine while in motion?
It will cut off the fuel flow from the injectors (fuel flow through injectors is requires for lubrication anytime the injector plunger is moving.) Fuel pressure can build up behind the shutoff valve and prevent the valve from opening.
Should you rev an engine immediately before shutting it down? Why?
Damage to internal componants may occur
What 4 things may result from shutting down an engine without sufficient cool down?
- immediate increase of engine temp from lack of coolant circulation
- oil film “burning” on hot surfaces
- damage to heads and exhaust manifolds
- damage to turbocharger which could result in seizure
A hot engine should cool to the normal operating temperature. How long should you idle to achieve this?
usually 3-5 minutes
When should you NEVER shut down an engine immediately?
-after a full load operation
or
-when the temperature gauge indicates that the engine is overheated
When should you top off the DEF (diesel exhaust fluid?)
Should you carry an extra jug on the rig?
- every time you add fuel
- YES
What happens if a driver/operator ingnors and empty DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank?
The rig may be limited to 5 MPH (10 km/h) AND will need service from the dealer
What can derate (reduce the TORQUE output) the engine or limit the vehicles speed?
failing to keep the DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) full
Who should keep the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) filled at all times?
driver/operator
What additional tank besides a fuel tank will a rig equipped with a selective catalyst reductant have?
Filled with?
- Diesel exhaust fluid tank
- DEF (Diesel exhaust fluid)
What should the driver do if lugging occurs?
They should not allow the engine rpm to drop below peak torque speed
How can a driver be actively familiar with bridges and railroad crossings in their area?
always carry detailed maps of your response area and plan routs from the fire station to each potential emergency
When determining a route to take, plot routes that avoid…..(2)
- low overpasses
- incompatible bridges
Which NFPA standard requires placards in every apparatus that lists the vehicle height and weight in feet and tons to emphasize the importance of watching for bridge and overpass limits?
NFPA 1901, standard for automotive fire apparatus
Drivers of aerial must ensure what at railroad that are located just before a controlled intersection?
that there will be room between the tracks and the stop light to fit the apparatus while the light is still red
How many US locations are there where there is less than 100 ft following the railroad track?
How many accident here annually?
- 19,824
- 122
After surveying local roads and identifying problem areas around railroad tracks, what should you be prepared to do?
wait on the near side of the tracks until traffic has made sufficient room to proceed completely across before stopping
What is a major factor to consider while driving?
What make roads slippery?
weather
rain, snow, ice and mud
What should you do if you recognize the dangers of rain, snow, ice and mud that makes roads slippery?
adjust speed, factoring sharpness of curves, the crown of the road, road surface conditions and other traffic
What might you need to recognize that might be more slippery?
bridges, northern slopes of hills, areas prone to blowing and drifting snow
How many time greater might it take an apparatus to come to a complete stop on snow and ice vs dry pavement?
3 to 15 times
Where might it be prudent for you to apply the brakes to test them on ice and snow for slickness?
area fee of traffic
In many jurisdictions, what must a civilian driver do when they encounter emergency vehicles with warning lights activated and audible devices sounding?
pull to the right, stop, clear intersections and remain motionless until it has passed
What must a driver anticipate of civilian drivers?
that they may not see, hear or respond appropriately to approaching apparatus
In regards to civilian drivers, what 6 guidelines can a driver use to help avoid potential collisions?
be familiar with warning/traffic control devices as well as specific considerations involved with intersections and passing other vehicles
- aim high in steering (find a safe path well ahead)
- get the big picture (stay back and see the reaction of other motorists)
- keep your eyes moving (scan the area - do not stare at 1 view)
- leave yourself an “out” (visualize an escape route to avoid a collision, prepare for the unexpected)
- maintain enough distance from the vehicle ahead to pull out of traffic if needed
- make sure that others can see and hear you (use combo of warning devices)
When making the public aware of approaching emergency vehicle, only use warning devices when?
to true emergencies
Who should have policies governing what type of incidents constitute actual emergencies and when to use warning devices?
What can happen if you use them indiscriminately?
- local jurisdiction
- may promote a negative image of the fire service
Who must a driver have regard for while driving?
General motoring public
Some fire departments require apparatus warning devices to be turned off/proceed with normal traffic…where?
limited access highways
In most cases, can fire apparatus’ keep up with highway traffic?
NO
In slow moving traffic, warning devices can be used to do what?
negotiate passage
What practice used in some fire departments may be hazardous if an apparatus is delayed or detoured for some reason?
designated response routes
Particularly when another apparatus may be nearby, what might policies require?
use of radio reports to update location and status
At a stop sign on an emergency run, the driver must do what?
- come to a complete stop
- approach with extreme caution
What may be included in audible warning devices?
electronic or mechanical sirens as well as air horns
Studies have shown that drivers respond to sounds better that do what?
change pitch
What might be the best way to get the attention of motorists when it comes to audible devices?
short air horn bursts
constant up and down oscillation of an electronic or mechanical siren
What might cause motorists to startle or panic causing them to swerve or lose control of their vehicle?
sudden sounding of audible warning device
What speed might a rig outrun the effective range of its audible warning device?
50 MPH (80 km/h) (slower speeds project much farther)
In some instances, increasing your speed by 20 mph (30km/h) can decrease the audible distance by ______ or more.
250 feet (75m)
How far should 2 apparatus travel apart when traveling along the same route?
300 to 500 ft (90 to 150m)
Some fire departments might require 2 rigs traveling on the same route to do this?
Use different siren settings
What might in cab headsets make it difficult to do?
hear ambient noise or sirens of other emergency vehicles
Why should you turn on your headlights, even in the day?
because white lights are readily visible during the daylight hours
What should you do to avoid blinding oncoming drivers?
dim headlights and turn off spotlights
Why should you NOT drive with high beam headlights on constantly?
they may obscure other warning lights
Colored lights might be combined with white lights in some fire departments. Consult __________and ______ when designing the warning light array for a piece of apparatus.
Local laws and ordinances
What might reduce the effectiveness of reflective trim on FF PPE? so…what should you do?
warning lights and scene flood lights
in certain situations, it may be appropriate to turn off warning lights once apparatus is in position
What may some jurisdictions do to effectively illuminate the reflective trim worn by FF? (on scene)
equipped apparatus with several yellow warning lights that are turned on at the scene that allow approaching vehicles’ headlights to illuminate them
Some studies show this about keeping low beam headlights on during daylight hours?
Where is this practiced?
they have fewer accidents
in some jurisdictions
What does NOT relieve the driver from the responsibility of using defensive driving techniques?
the presence of traffic control devices
What should you do at a green light on an emergency run?
maintain a speed that will allow for a quick stop or safe evasive maneuver in case another vehicle should enter the intersection.
What might cause a confusion of the signal preemption?
other responding apparatuses from different directions
Who might use various traffic control devices to assist emergency vehicle responses?
local jurisdictions
Who must understand the operation of the various traffic control devices in their responding area?
driver/operator
What do traffic signals in front of fire stations allow?
apparatus to more safely enter the roadway
How may a traffic signal in front of a fire station be controlled? (3)
by a button in the station or
a dispatcher or
station alerting system
Traffic lights along heavily used routes may be controlled by _______, _________ or _______.
dispatcher
from the fire station
remote control in the apparatus
What might activate sensors in traffic lights?
strobe lights (emitters) mounted on rig
How does a strobe light (emitter) work?
it generates an optical signal that is received by the traffic light as the rig approaches and turns their light green while turning all others red. It may also turn pedestrian crosswalks off.
What colors on a traffic light pole indicate that the signal from an emitter is received and a green light is coming?
white
What makes the emitter turn off on a rig while it is on scene so it will not disturb nearby traffic? Is it on all rigs and if not, what should a driver do?
- the setting of the parking brake
- the driver should manually turn off the emitter
What can the siren do to traffic control systems in some apparatuses?
activate some traffic control systems
How does a traffic control system active with a siren?
a microphone on the traffic control system receives the sound of the oncoming siren and orders the appropriate signal preemption
How far can a siren controlled traffic control system be heard?
several hundred feet to about a half mile
What does a siren controlled traffic control system look like?
intersection will have device with 3 inch white and blue lights, mounted near the regular traffic light, facing each direction of travel
What color light will and oncoming rig see when approaching a siren controlled traffic control system and what color will the forthcoming light be?
all other directions of travel?
white light and green light will be forthcoming
blue light
If you approach a siren controlled traffic control system and it is blue, what does this mean?
another apparatus from a different direction has control of the system and they will have a green light and you will have a red
What is needed for a GPS based traffic signal? (3)
- GPS device and radio transmitter, turned on in the apparatus
- radio receiver on traffic light
- you must be within range
Is there a manual disable mode on a GPS based traffic system on your rig for turning off after you arrive on scene?
YES
A GPS based traffic signal is capable of determining _______, _________, ________, ________ as well as there might be __________.
location, speed, status of the apparatus turning signal, a maintained record database of units identification information for historical record of signal use, a priority mode allowing higher control level than other municipal vehicles (buses, snow plows)
Where is the most likely place for a collision to occur?
intersections
Who requires drivers to come to a full stop and account for all vehicles in all lanes of traffic at a red light? (2)
Many jurisdictions and
NFPA 1500
What should you do with other drivers at a red light?
make every attempt at eye contact with them to ensure that they have seen you before proceeding
Where might drivers stop in unconventional locations to allow emergency vehicle to pass?
driving cautiously on multi lane roads and at multi lane intersections
Local policy may allow you to drive into apposing lanes if all lanes are blocked. How must you proceed? (2)
- at a greatly reduced speed
- only if oncoming traffic cannot see the rig
Who should you be alert for if you drive into on coming traffic?
vehicles entering from side roads or driveways or other emergency vehicles
How should you drive when going into oncoming traffic?
you should avoid making sharp turns/quick motions and use broader movements to lessen weight transfer and make intended path more obvious to drivers
Generally, it is best to avoid passing vehicles that do not pull over to yield to the apparatus? true or false?
TRUE
What 4 guidelines should you use when passing a vehicle that does not pull over?
- always travel on innermost lane (fast lane) on multi lane roads. wait for vehicle to move to the right before passing
- avoid passing on right cause that is where most vehicles go
- before crossing center line make sure opposing lanes are clear
- avoid passing other emergency vehicles if possible. (sometimes smaller faster vehicles might need to pass) If so, coordinate these maneuvers by radio, with slower of 2 pulling to the right
Before braking, what must the driver consider? (3)
- weight of the apparatus
- condition of the brakes and tires
- road surfaces
What can result in a skid and cause injury to fire fighters and lead to mechanical failure?
excessive or abrupt braking action
What are some apparatus equipped with to assist the stopping of the apparatus?
engine brakes or other types of retarders
When is the engine brake or retarder activated?
Why does this help in extending the life of the brake components and make it easier to manage the apparatus?
- when the driver releases pressure from the accelerator
- because they provide a significant slowing action
With what should a driver of a apparatus with an engine brake, retarder or auxiliary braking system become familiar? (2)
- local traffic laws
2. manufacturers’ recommendations for use during inclement weather or other road conditions
What is visual lead time?
time needed to stop the apparatus or perform an evasive maneuver at the current rate of speed
What does your visual lead time determine?
What must you match?
- whether or not reaction time and stopping distances will be sufficient in an emergency
- distance surveyed ahead of the vehicle with the speed of travel
How will you be aware of conditions that require actions?
by aiming high in steering and getting the big picture (visual lead time)
Driver should know the braking _______ of the vehicle they are operating.
characteristics
Who provides the info regarding stopping distances for specific apparatus?
They vary greatly so who should conduct braking distance testing?
- manufactures
- local jurisdiction
What 4 other factors may affect the drivers ability to stop the apparatus?
- road conditions (wet, dry, snow, ice) and slope of driving surfaces
- speed of rig
- weight of vehicle
- type/condition of rigs tires/braking system
What surface provides for optimal stopping?
flat and dry paved surfaces
What requires removing all of a vehicle’s forward momentum?
a full and complete stop
As the mass or velocity of an object increases, it gains ____________. As a result, it takes longer or shorter to slow down or stop?
- momentum
- longer
An important skill for the driver is recognizing and avoiding conditions that may lead to __________.
skidding
How would one become proficient at skid control?
practicing at a specialized facility with skid pads under supervision of a qualified instructor using approved apparatus
Where should you not practice skid control and why?
ordinary parking lots because it may result in roll over
Using tractor-drawn apparatus, you should use extreme caution and minimal speeds for what type of training?
skid training
What are 2 types of skidding?
acceleration and locked wheel skids
How should you maintain control in an acceleration skid?
- not apply the brakes
- ease off the accelerator
- straighten out the wheels as the rig responds
How can you regain proper control of a locked wheel skid?
- ease off the brake to unlock the drive wheels
- straighten the front wheels as the apparatus begins to respond to control
- slow gradually until at safe speed to continue driving
In a standard transmission, when should the clutch be engaged?
when the vehicle is under control and just before stopping the apparatus
Once a driver has a skid under control, what should they do?
create traction by gradually applying power to the wheels to further control the vehicle or
apply brakes as needed
When descending grades during icy conditions, a driver must balance which 3 things to maintain control?
service brake
transmission gear selection
retarding device
4 of the most common causes involving driver error include……
- driving too fast for road conditions
- failing to anticipate obstacles (vehicles, debris or pedestrians)
- improper use of auxiliary braking devices
- improper maintenance of vehicle air tire pressure or adequate tread depth
Most new fire apparatus are equipped with an all-wheel, ______ ______ _______.
antilock braking system (ABS)
How does an antilock braking system (ABS) minimize the chance of skidding when the brakes are applied forcefully? (4)
- onboard computer system that monitors each wheel and controls pressures to the brakes, maintaining optimal braking ability
- using a sensing device to monitor the speed of each wheel, sending signals to the onboard computer
- when wheel locks up, signal is sent to computer. computer compares this info with other wheels to determine if this particular wheel should be still turning. steering is maintained as long as the wheels do not lock up.
- reducing the brake pressure and allowing the wheel to continue to turn. once it turns, it is braked again
How often does the ABS computer make decisions while minimizing skidding until vehicle is brought to a stop?
many times per second
Should you pump the brakes or maintain a steady brake pressure when skidding in an apparatus that has ABS until vehicle comes to a complete stop?
maintain a steady brake pressure
Some apparatus will automatically shut ff the auxiliary brake in the case of ABS activation. This does not help prevent skids or loss of traction unless the operator is applying the brakes. Yes or No
YES
If an apparatus does NOT have ABS, will the auxiliary brake automatically be deactivated (inclement weather situations)?
No, it must be manually deactivated
What should you do in a skid driving a apparatus WITHOUT ABS? (2)
What happens if you oversteer?
- release brakes and allow the wheels to rotate freely.
- turn the steering wheel the direction you should be traveling
-you will lose control of the vehicle
NFPA 1901 requires all vehicles over this GVWR to be equipped with an auxiliary braking system.
36,000 pounds
Using and auxiliary braking system does these 2 things.
- helps reduce brake fade on long, steep grades
2. significantly reduces service brake system maintenance costs.
What are the 4 types of auxiliary brakes that aid the foundation brakes?
- exhaust brake
- engine compression brake
- transmission output retarder
- electromagnetic retarder
Vehicle speed, engine speed, temperature and control strategy are complex functions that make up the available amount of WHAT in any auxiliary braking system?
retardation force
Which 2 auxiliary braking systems provide the highest level of braking torque and are unaffected by transmission gear shift changes?
transmission output retarders
and
electromagnetic retarders
Engine brakes multiply their effectiveness through the ___________ gearing, and the brake torque will ________ as the transmission downshifts.
- transmission
- increase
What should you do to the auxiliary brake system in inclement weather?
turn it off, reduce speeds
The sudden ______ placed on the vehicle by the operation of the auxiliary brake system on slippery roads may create a situation where the tires can no longer provide enough friction on the road surface to prevent the apparatus form entering a significant skid.
torque
Who should you refer to for more info on inclement weather and auxiliary brakes?
auxiliary brake manufactures’ recommendations
Which of the 4 auxiliary brake systems is the least capable?
exhaust brakes
Which brake system uses a valve to restrict the flow of the exhaust, which creates back pressure that adds to the engine’s inherent braking ability?
exhaust brakes
What brake system is electronically-actuated mechanical system added to the engine valve train?
engine compression brake
Does a engine compression brake have an impact on engine temperature?
NO
The engine compression brake converts the mechanical energy of the vehicle into heat by….
compressing the engine intake air and then discharging the pressure to the atmosphere through the exhaust.
In an engine compression brake system, the heat energy introduced into the engine cooling system is maximized or minimal?
minimal
This retarder is either mounted in the driveline, or supplied as an integral part of the rear axle.
Electromagnetic
Electromagnetic retarders will experience some loss of effectiveness at high temperatures. TRUE or FALSE
Why or why not?
TRUE
They dissipate heat through cooling vanes into the surrounding air. Heat transfer becomes less efficient as the ambient temp rises.
When activated, an electromagnetic field is created by supplying electrical power to ta series of coils in the retarder. This field inhibits the rotation of the rotor and creates a braking torque at the rear wheels. IS this a transmission retarder or a electromagnetic retarder?
electromagnetic
Do various options allow the electromagnetic retarder to be applied in stages either manually or by combinations of brake and accelerator pedal settings?
YES or NO
YES
What retarder uses the viscous property of the automatic transmission fluid to retard the driveline?
Transmission retarder
When activated, ________ _______ is introduced into the retarder housing and ________ is absorbed into the fluid through the opposing action of spinning vanes. This retards the vehicle through the _______ wheels and adds heat to the transmission fluid. This heat is dissipated through the transmission ________ and _________. (transmission retarder)
- transmission fluid
- energy
- rear
- cooler
- radiator
What limits transmission retarders in high ambient environments?
the capacity of the vehicles cooling system
Do transmission retarders provide high braking capacities?
YES
What might cause the engine to disengage in a transmission retarder system?
high transmission fluid temperatures caused by heavy retarder use that increased the load on the engine cooling system
What can be improved with the use of more aggressive tire treads, tires chains, mechanical features in the driveline or ABS-based automatic traction control?
Should the driver be trained and aware of these features?
Traction
YES
Manually operated chains and automatic chains may be ineffective in snow deeper than…
and depending on……
3 to 6 inches, depending on the consistency of the snow, or when the vehicle is moving at very slow speeds or in reverse
What do automatic chains or manually applied tire chains look like?
short lengths of chain on a rotating hub in front of each drive wheel. the hubs swing down into place when activated from the cab. the hub with chains is driven by the drive wheels and the lengths of chain are spun under the tire by centrifugal force.
What spins the hub of chains?
centrifugal force
What are many vehicles that are equipped with ABS also equipped with?
automatic traction control (ATC)
What feature automatically reduces engine torque and applies the brakes to wheels that have lost traction begin to spin? It also transfers torque to the wheels that still have traction, which helps improve overall traction on slippery roads
Automatic Traction Control (ATC)
What does the mud and snow switch on a vehicle with automatic traction control do?
increases available traction on extra soft surfaces.
How long should you activate the snow and mud switch on an ATC equipped vehicle?
until normal traction is regained
When the driver needs to rock the apparatus out of a particular spot, and the ATC has deactivated the throttle, the mud and snow switch should be activated. Why must the driver use caution when activating the switch?
if the apparatus regains traction suddenly, axle damage may occur
Who should you consult for operation of particular auxiliary braking systems?
manufacturer’s operations manual
What type of rig may be equipped with Driver Controlled Differential Lock (DCDL)?
some aerial apparatus
What is the purpose of the Driver Controlled Differential Lock (DCDL)?
improve traction and handling by locking the differential during off-road and wet weather conditions such as snow and ice
Can the Driver Controlled differential Lock be shifted while in motion?
When stationary?
YES and YES