DB 06-12 Backing Policy

Question 1

A comprehensive review of Department policies relative to riding apparatus tail boards and backing heavy apparatus, along with a review of the standards from the ___ resulted in changes to the current heavy apparatus backing policy.

Answer 1

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Question 2

New heavy apparatus backing policies and procedures were outlined and disseminated in a special notice dated ___.

Answer 2

June 23, 2005

Question 3

The most significant difference in the new backing policy was the change that prohibits members from riding the ___.

Answer 3

tailboard or any exposed position when the vehicle is in motion

Question 4

The “Tailboard Safety Member” was repositioned as a safety spotter off the apparatus to provide for safety from a ___.

Answer 4

ground level position

-“Tailboard Safety Member” was repositioned as a safety spotter

Question 5

To ensure the highest level of member safety, the ___ solicited field input to address problems with the new backing procedures, in order to develop a safe and manageable backing policy.

Answer 5

Bureau of Emergency Services

Question 6

Policy revision was developed based on __

Answer 6

field-tested recommendations

Question 7

The policy is consistent with the practices of fire departments nationwide and complies with ___ and ___ recommendations.

Answer 7

1) National Fire Protection Association Standards
(NFPA)
2) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH)

Question 8

The intention of the attached policy is to allow company members to ___, ___, and then ___.

Answer 8

1) secure traffic
2) survey behind the apparatus and the intended path of travel
3) observe the backing operation from a safe location

Question 9

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

Avoid backing operations with heavy apparatus whenever __.

Answer 9

possible

Question 10

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
No member shall be permitted to ride on the tailboard, running board, or any exposed position of an apparatus when the vehicle is in __.

Answer 10

motion

Question 11

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

A safety officer, normally the ___, shall directly supervise and ensure safety of all backing operations.

Answer 11

company commander

-safety officer shall directly supervise and ensure safety of all backing operations

Question 12

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

The safety officer will normally be located in a position to ___, and assure that no ___.

Answer 12

1) monitor the movement of the apparatus

2) Department member or civilian is placed at risk during backing operations

Question 13

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
Before backing the apparatus, one member shall survey the rear of the apparatus and path of travel by walking around the apparatus to assure that the ___. This information shall be communicated to the driver before backing operations begin.

Answer 13

path is clear and there are no obstructions or safety hazards.

-information shall be communicated to the driver before backing operations begin.

Question 14

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

No member shall enter the designated apparatus ___.

Answer 14

hazard zone

Question 15

Heavy Apparatus Hazard Zone:

How many feet behind the apparatus delineates the “Hazard Zone”?

Answer 15

15’

Question 16

Heavy Apparatus Hazard Zone:

How many feet to each side the apparatus delineates the “Hazard Zone”?

Answer 16

3’

Question 17

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
One member designated as the safety spotter shall be safely positioned outside of the apparatus hazard zone to monitor the travel path of the apparatus, normally on the ___.

Answer 17

opposite side of the safety officer

Question 18

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

In lieu of the three-bell signal to begin backing, the driver shall remove the ___.

Answer 18

headset and listen for instructions and the all clear from the safety officer

Question 19

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
Both the ___ and ___ shall communicate any unsafe conditions and/or an emergency stop order to the driver. Both members shall assure that no person (Department member, pedestrian, etc.) enters the apparatus hazard zone during backing operations.

Answer 19

safety officer and safety spotter

Question 20

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
In the event that any member becomes aware of an unsafe condition, the driver shall be immediately notified, either ___, or by the following ___ sign.

Answer 20

verbally, or by the following physical sign.

Question 21

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

A double, closed fist with crossed arms, forming an “X,” shall be given to cause the driver to immediately ___.

Answer 21

stop the apparatus

-double, closed fist with crossed arms, forming an “X,”

Question 22

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

When backing aerial ladder apparatus, the apparatus operator and tiller person shall continue to wear their ___.

Answer 22

headsets and communicate verbally through their headsets

Question 23

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
The tiller person will assume the role of the ___ while backing the apparatus. However, the ___ must confirm a clear path of travel to the apparatus operator before backing the apparatus.

Answer 23

1) safety spotter

2) safety officer

Question 24

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

All members shall wear helmets when assisting with ___ or ___.

Answer 24

backing operations or controlling traffic.

Question 25

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

The diesel exhaust capture system shall not be connected while the apparatus is __

Answer 25

moving.

Question 26

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
It may be connected as the apparatus enters quarters, or after the apparatus is in the final parking location. in either case, the maxi-brakes shall be ___.

Answer 26

set first.

Question 27

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
Personnel may utilize back-up button extensions as long as they remain outside of the apparatus ___ throughout backing operations

Answer 27

hazard zone throughout backing operations

Question 28

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:

This policy cannot address all situations, particularly when backing apparatus on ___ streets, or a lack of ___.

Answer 28

1) narrow or winding streets

2) adequate personnel.

Question 29

Heavy Apparatus Backing Policy:
When faced with unique and challenging conditions, the Department relies on the __ and initiative of ___ to manage the backing operation with firefighter safety as the highest priority.

Answer 29

1) good judgment

2) company commanders