Engine Company Pre Trip Inspections

Question 1

In addition to daily checks, what is included in a weekly check?

Answer 1

1. Air brake test
2. Under apparatus
   - steering gear box leaks or damage
   - steering linkage for excessive play or damage
   - springs for cracks, damage or missing nuts & bolts
   - shocks for leaks or damage
   - brake hose and chambers (pods) for damage
   - brake drums or rotors for damage or leaks
   - bottom of transmission for damage or leak
   - bottom of transfer case for damage or leaks
   - check drive shaft ( driveline to rear differential and to the pump)
   - check pump for excessive damage or leaks
   - check exhaust system for damage
   - check fuel tank for leaks and damage
   - check fuel lines food leaks or damage
   - check wiring for damage
   - check frame for cracks or damage
   - check mud flaps
   - check for any loose nuts, bolts, brackets, etc.
3. General
   - wash truck
   - wax truck
   - clean windows/ mirrors
   - wash and apply protectant to tires.
   - wash and apply protectant to vinyl and plastic
   - vacuum inside
   - clean equipment
   - clean compartments

Question 2

What is the daily check for approaching apparatus?

Answer 2

1. See if trucks leans to one side
2. Inspect Any obvious leaks
3. Inspect Any new damage to apparatus

Question 3

What is daily check for engine compartment?

Answer 3

1. Look for leaks
2. Check oil level (at least 30 min after shutdown)
3. Check coolant level (cold engine) or with sight glass
4. Check power steering fluid
5. Check transmission fluid at normal operating temp,engine running at ideal.
6. Check brake fails if applicable
7. Check belts and hoses
8. Check for damage wiring
9. Check engine compartment lights.
10. Check batteries and cables

Question 4

What is daily check for inside the cab?

Answer 4

1. Insure parking brake is set
2. Adjust seat
3. Adjust mirrors
4. Adjust steering wheel
5. Check truck mileage
6. Check truck hours
7. Check windshield for cracks and cleanliness
8. Check steering wheel ( less then 10 deg play in either direction with truck on)
9. Check general cleanliness and condition of upholstery
10. Check siren
11. Check horn
12. Check radio channel and volume
13. Check cell phone
14. Check map book
15. Check clipboards
16. Check other books
17. Check fuel card
18. Check for PAR board and update it
19. Start apparatus
20. Check all gauges (oil, volts, fuel, air pressure, tachometer, speedometer, transmission temp)
21. Check dash lights
22. Check cab lights
23. Check wipers
24. Check heating and cooling
25. Check compartment door open warning/buzzer light
26. Turn on lights( emergency, hazards, headlights)
27. Exit cab and check ( emergency lights, headlights hi/low beam, tail lights, four way flasher, clearance lights, reflectors, spot light, scene light)
28. Return to cab and turn off (four way flashers, headlights, emergency lights), check turn signals one at a time, have assistant check brake and back-up light and alarm, place truck in pump and go to panel.

Question 5

What is daily check for pump panel?

Answer 5

1. Check gauges (oil, water temp, volt,tach, intake discharge)
2. Check okay to pump light is on
3. Ensure bleeders valves are closed
4. Ensure all discharge valves are closed
5. Open engine cooler
6. Open tank to pump valve
7. Check panel lights
8. Check water tank level
9. Check foam tank level
10. Take truck out of pump
11. Return to panel and work all discharge and bleeder gates and valves ( don’t open foam valves unless you intend to flush the system)

Question 6

What is daily check for trucks with standard throttle and pressure relief valve?

Answer 6

1. Fully open the tank fill valve
2. Increase throttle to approx 150 psi
3. Set relief at 150 psi
4. Close tank fill valve (relief valve should open to absorb excess pressure)
5. Relief valve should reset to closed position
6. Throttle truck down to idle

Question 7

What is daily check for a truck with pressure control governor (pcg)?

Answer 7

1. Turn PCG on and set psi or pressure mode
2. Increase throttle to approx 150 psi
3. Fully open tank fill ( PCG should increase the engine RPM to maintain 150 psi)
4. Close tank fill valve ( PCG should decrease engine pressure to maintain 150 psi)
5. Turn PCG off

Question 8

What is daily check for tires?

Answer 8

1. Check sidewall and tread for damage or foreign objects
2. Check tread depth (front 4/32 inch min, rear 2/32 inch min)
3. Check for rear duals for objects
4. Check Rear duals are not touching
5. Check tire pressure ( inflate to manufacturer pressure on plate)
6. Check rim for damage
7. Check lug nuts
8. Check wheel seal for leaks and if applicable check sight glass for property level

Question 9

What is the daily check for truck compartments?

Answer 9

1. Check ems equipment
2. Check Firefighting equipment
   - coupling and adapters
   - hydrant and spanner wrenches
   - hose size, amount, and proper storage
   - nozzles for proper type, size, and setting
   - forcible entry tools
   - fire extinguisher
   - foam equipment
   - salvage covers
   - SCBA and spare bottles
   - ladders
   - generator or inverter
3. Safety equipment
   - cones
   - flares
   - water jugs and cups
   - vests
   - hearing protection or headsets