Chapter 4, Intro To Apparatus Inspection/Maintenance/Testing

Question 1

What is the NFPA standard for driver qualifications?

Answer 1

NFPA 1002.

Question 2

What is the difference between maintenance and repair, concerning apparatus?

Answer 2

Maintenance means keeping apparatus in a ready state.

Repair means to restore/replace parts on a component which have become inoperable.

Question 3

What does preventive maintenance do?

Answer 3

• ensures apparatus reliability
• reduces frequency of repairs
• lessons out-of-service time

Question 4

What is the purpose of preventive maintenance?

Answer 4

To try to eliminate catastrophic failures that could threaten life.

Question 5

What program identifies which maintenance functions are to be performed, and who performs them?

Answer 5

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).

Question 6

Why are maintenance and inspection records important?

Answer 6

• in a warranty claim, records may be needed
• in accidents, investigators may view maintenance records
• lawsuit involving apparatus accident, records may be subpoenaed

Question 7

What are the main reasons for keeping the apparatus clean, from the ff standpoint and from the public standpoint?

Answer 7

FF- permits proper inspection, ensures good operation, clean body promotes longer vehicle life
Public- dirty truck may be seen as an abuse of taxpayer money

Question 8

How should a new apparatus be washed?

Answer 8

New apparatus should be washed with cold water for the first 6 months to harden the paint.

Question 9

When can wax be used on a new apparatus?

Answer 9

After 6 months.

Question 10

How should the apparatus inspection process be?

Answer 10

It should be a systematic method (ensures all things are checked).

Question 11

As the driver/operator performs the daily walk-around inspection, what 2 types of inspections are being conducted simultaneously?

Answer 11

• commercial vehicle pre-trip

- inspection for equipment attached to the apparatus

Question 12

One method of performing a pre-trip inspection is the “Walk-Around” method. How is this conducted?

Answer 12

• start at drivers door
• begin inspecting in a clockwise rotation
• final step, enter cab, start engine, perform functional test

Question 13

What is checked during tire inspection?

Answer 13

• tire type
• tire condition
• tire inflation

Question 14

What is curb weight of an apparatus?

Answer 14

Weight of an empty apparatus, fresh off the assembly line (no tools/water).

Question 15

What is Gross Volume Weight Rating of an apparatus?

Answer 15

The max weight AT WHICH A VEHICLE CAN BE OPERATED.

Question 16

What is “Free Play”, concerning the steering wheel of the apparatus?

Answer 16

It refers to the amount of steering wheel movement, that does not result in apparatus movement of the front wheels (should be no more than 10 degrees in either direction).

Question 17

The speedometer of the apparatus should be at zero when parked. If it is above or below zero, what 2 possibilities could exist?

Answer 17

• gauge is defective

- apparatus in PUMP instead of DRIVE

Question 18

Newer apparatus may have electrical load management systems, to prevent electrical overload. The systems have a load sequencer and a load monitor, what does each do?

Answer 18

Load sequencer- turns various lights on at different intervals
Load monitor- “watches” the system for added electrical load (if that happens, system will “load shed”)

Question 19

What is “Free Play”, concerning the clutch on a manual transmission apparatus?

Answer 19

Free Play is the distance the pedal must be pushed before clutch releases.

Question 20

What are the 2 most important safety inspections a driver will perform daily?

Answer 20

• make sure apparatus has no compromise to steering

- make sure apparatus will stop

Question 21

Apparatus with air brakes have an air pressure protection valve. What does this valve do?

Answer 21

It prevents air horns and other peripherals from being operated, if the pressure in the air reservoir falls below 80 psi.

Question 22

What does the ABS braking system do?

Answer 22

Reduces the possibility of going into a slide/spin during heavy braking (does not stop faster, but greatly enhances a controlled stop).

Question 23

At a minimum, when should apparatus brakes be thoroughly tested?

Answer 23

At least once per year (per NFPA ).

Question 24

The parking brake must hold the apparatus in place on how steep of an incline?

Answer 24

20 percent grade.

Question 25

How often should the cab of an apparatus be lifted for inspection?

Answer 25

At least weekly for full inspection.

Question 26

What are the 2 reasons for an operational check of the aerial device?

Answer 26

• ensure aerial device is working properly

- review of aerial device operation for the driver/operator.

Question 27

When is a new apparatus tested?

Answer 27

• immediately after construction (pre-service test)

- once in service, at least yearly (service test)

Question 28

What is load testing?

Answer 28

Used to determine if apparatus can safely handle the amount of weight its rated for.

Question 29

What is non-destructive testing?

Answer 29

testing methods used to inspect structural components without altering/damaging components.

Question 30

What is operational testing?

Answer 30

Tests used to determine if the hydraulic system is functioning correctly.