DB 22-01 Apparatus Backing Policy Flashcards
Backing Operations
- The _______ will be responsible for ALL vehicles assigned to their command and ensure compliance of policy during backing operations.
- Who is responsible for the SAFE OPERATION of the vehicle at all times? (This includes ensuring the vehicle is safely backed and maneuvered without incident.)
- Company Officer
- The driver/operator of the vehicle
Heavy Apparatus:
No member shall be permitted to ride on any exposed area of an apparatus when the vehicle is in motion.
No member shall enter the apparatus path of travel and/or hazard zone of the apparatus.
What is considered the HAZARD ZONE?
15 feet to the rear
And
3 feet to the sides. (Not from duals)
Heavy Apparatus:
A Safety Officer, normally the COMPANY OFFICER, shall directly supervise and ensure safety of all backing operations.
The Safety Officer will normally be located in a position to?
-Monitor the movement of the apparatus
And
-Assure driver no one is in path of travel
Heavy Apparatus:
Before backing the apparatus, a _____ shall survey the rear of the apparatus and path of travel by WALKING AROUND the apparatus to assure that the path is clear and there are no obstructions or safety hazards.
This information shall be communicated to the driver BEFORE backing operations begin.
Safety Spotter
Heavy Apparatus:
The notification to the apparatus driver to stop the backing operation SHALL be both PHYSICAL and VERBAL.
Explain both these notifications:
Physical: Both arms fully extended with open palms FACING the driver (LAFD OFFICIAL SIGNAL to stop)
Verbal: Shouting STOP!
The minimum PPE when involved in backing operations shall be:
a helmet and an High Visibility Vest (HVV)
Heavy Apparatus:
When shall the diesel exhaust capture system be connected to the apparatus exhaust pipe?
after the apparatus comes to a complete stop and the maxi brakes applied.
Heavy Apparatus:
Prior to any backing operation, at what point shall the Company Officer ensure the plan of operation is known and understood by all members?
Prior to leaving the apparatus
When shall Station Commanders review the LAFD Backing Policy?
-With all members prior to annual Battalion Driving Instructor training. (Not to exceed one year)
-a transfer of any new member within their command. (Regardless of assigned platoon.)
Light Apparatus and Dept Sedans:
Prior to backing any Department vehicle when only one member is operating the vehicle the member should do the following:
•Conduct a risk assessment (360) of the backing operation, which includes a survey of the area and assess for any hazards that may be in the path of backing.
•Look for an available LAFD member who can assist you as a Safety Spotter, if not, consider LAPD, or other City personnel, if on-scene.
How often shall Station Commanders review their procedure for rehousing apparatus from a safety standpoint, and make certain all members understand and follow Department policy and procedure?
Periodically
Rehousing LAFD Apparatus:
Who ENSURES the apparatus will clear all sides, has overhead clearance and does not have any other obstructions or hazards that can be encountered when backing an apparatus into quarters?
All members
Rehousing LAFD Apparatus:
The driver/operator shall maintain ______ contact with safety spotters at all times
visual/eye contact
Rehousing LAFD Apparatus:
How shall the backing operation continue if an alarm is received while backing apparatus into quarters?
continue backing the apparatus off of the street, out of the flow of traffic, and start the new response FROM QUARTERS.
Rehousing LAFD Apparatus:
________ shall control all phases of the operation and may stop the operation at any time.
Station/Company Commanders
Rehousing LAFD Apparatus:
Vehicle operators shall attempt to square off the angle of the tailboard/rear of the apparatus PRIOR to entering the apparatus floor.
What is the maximum speed while backing apparatus? (Both heavy and light)
-Max speed is Idle speed with foot covering the brake pedal
Rehousing Apparatus, Night Backing:
-Flashlights shall be used for safety and identification purposes
-Drivers consider using available lighting
-Drivers consider shutting down emergency lighting when clear of street/sidewalk for increased safety and visibility
What shall the driver do if it is not practical for a passenger to assist with the backing of a Light Apparatus? (RA, ect)
Consider help from:
-other Fire Department personnel
-law enforcement
-Other personnel types (i.e., Department of Transportation)
If no one is immediately available to assist, driver shall exit the vehicle and perform a 360 evaluation
The use of tethered or remote devices are OPTIONAL and their use should be based on the overall safety of the operation.
What are the standard bell signals?
1 bell …… STOP
2 bells …… FORWARD
3 bells …… REVERSE
What are the major contributing factors to backing accidents?
-lack of visibility
-poor judgement (stated in beginning of bulletin)
-excessive speed (stated at end of bulletin)
-poor communication.
Mirrors shall be used in CONJUCTION with back-up cameras when equipped.
Can back-up cameras be used in lieu of a safety spotter?
No.
The dangers of backing can be MINIMIZED by:
-Using caution
-Being familiar with your apparatus
-Following approved Department policy for backing apparatus.
When faced with UNIQUE and CHALLENGING CONDITIONS, the Department relies on the GOOD JUDGMENT and initiative of the VEHICLE OPERATOR to manage the backing operation with ___________ as the highest priority.
firefighter and civilian safety
Apparatus shall always be backed in a __________ manner
slow controlled
When can a member be in the hazard zone while an apparatus is backing and still in motion?
Some apparatus floors have LIMITED SPACE and may not allow the necessary room to stay clear of the hazard zone.
In those situations, EXTREME CAUTION shall be used when backing, especially when approaching walls and other hazards.
