IFSTA - Chapter 3 Flashcards
NFPA 1002
Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications
Minimum qualifications for apparatus driver/operator
Any driver/operator who is responsible for operating aerial apparatus that is equipped w/ or w/o a pump must also meet requirements of NFPA 1001
PG 79
NFPA 1001
Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
PG 79
Abilities and Skills Common to Driver/Operators
- Reading skills (instructions, manuals, maps, SOPs)
- Computer skills (CAD operation)
- Writing skills (maintenance forms, reports)
- Math skills (friction loss calculations)
- Physical fitness (taking a hydrant, heavy equipment)
- Visual acuity
- Adequate Hearing (must be able to hear certain frequencies)
PG 81-82
NFPA 1582
Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments
This Standard outlines an occupational medical program that will reduce risks and provide for the health, safety, and effectiveness of fire fighters operating to protect civilian life and property.
It contains a concise list of requirements for medical testing and physical examinations that should be done when firefighters join the department, and each year thereafter. The list includes items such as: a physical examination, chest x-ray, and cancer screening.
PG 82
NFPA 1500
Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
PG 82
True/False: Driver/Operators are subject to all traffic regulations when driving under NONEMERGENCY conditions?
True
PG 83
Driving conditions to be aware of
- Adjust speed to compensate for road conditions (rain, snow, fog, darkness)
- Be familiar with areas that are prone to traffic congestion, flooding, icing, train tracks, other hazards
PG 83
Reckless Disregard
- An act of proceeding to do something with a conscious awareness of danger, while ignoring any potential consequences of so doing.
- Reckless disregard, while not necessarily suggesting intent to cause harm, is a harsher condition than ordinary negligence
PG 84
Negligence
Breach of duty in which a person or organization fails to perform at the standard required by law, or that would be expected by a reasonable person under similar circumstances
PG 84
Gross Negligence
Willful and wanton disregard (i.e. driving under the influence of alcohol)
PG 84
Due Regard
- Driver/operators drive with “due regard” for the safety of others using the highways.
- State vehicle codes provide and give special privileges to the operators of emergency vehicles, however, this does not relieve the operator from the duty and responsibility to drive with “due regard” for the safety of others
PG 84
Where is the most common place for a collision to occur?
Intersection
PG 85
Situational Awareness
Perception of one’s surrounding environment and the ability to anticipate future events
PG 85
Common Collision Causes
- Improper backing
- Reckless driving
- Excessive speed
- Lack of driving skill and experience
- Overloading and misuse
- Mechanical failure
- Driver/operator personal readiness
PG 86
Reckless Driving (types)
- Excessive speed
- Letting apparatus run off paved road
- Attempting to read map or use electronic device while driving
- Failing to abide by posted weight limits
- Following too close
- Failing to obey posted traffic regulations
- Aggressive/agitated driving
PG 86
Brake Fade
- Loss of braking function which occurs due to excessive use of brakes
- Typically caused by overheated brakes, due to poor braking and driving habits
PG 87
Lack of Driving Skills May Result From:
- Overconfidence in one’s driving ability
- Inability to recognize a dangerous situation
- False sense of security because of a good driving record
- Misunderstanding of apparatus capabilities
- Insufficient training on a piece of apparatus
PG 88
Overloading and Misuse
If manufacturers’ design limitations are exceeded or the apparatus is modified from its original configuration and design, the apparatus will not perform according to specification, potentially resulting in unsafe operation
PG 88
Driver/Operator Personal Readiness
Driver/operator must be prepared to report to duty without any compromise of physical or mental ability
- Substance abuse
- Prescription/over-the-counter drug use
- Personal issues (divorce, bankruptcy, etc)
- Death in family
- Illness
- Depression
- Fatigue
PG 89
Loading supply hose while driving (steps)
- Adhere to departmental SOPs on how to perform
- Assign at least one member (that is not actually loading the hose) as a safety observer. Must have Visual & voice contact with hose loaders and driver/operator
- Close area in which the hose loading is being performed to other vehicle traffic
- Drive apparatus in forward direction (straddling or to one side of the hose) @ 5mph or less
- Do not allow members to stand on any portion of the apparatus while vehicle is in motion
PG 91
Which NFPA standard prohibits firefighters from riding tailboard, front bumper, or running boards of any moving apparatus?
NFPA 1500
PG 92
Safe methods of entering, exiting, and climbing
- Always face inward toward steps/vehicle/handholds
- Do not step or climb any vehicle service that is not slip resistant
- Be aware of folding steps
- Maintain 3 points of contact with vehicle
PG 93
Starting the Apparatus
- Disconnect all external plugs/hoses
- Mount apparatus, don safety restraints, make sure all riders are wearing safety restraints
- Turn on vehicle battery
- Confirm parking break is set
- Operate starter control
- Observe apparatus gauges
PG124-125
Diesel Particulate Filters
- Engines produced 2007 or later
- Collects particulates (soot) from the exhaust stream and burns them more completely
PG 95
High Exhaust System Temperature Indicator (HEST)
Lights when the exhaust system is very hot, usually due to an active regeneration in process
PG 94
DPF Indicator
Lights to indicate the DPF is loading up with soot
PG 94
Manual (parked) Regeneration Switch
Allows driver/operator to manually initiate an active regeneration to burn off the DPF soot load
PG 94
Regeneration Inhibit Switch
Allows driver/operator to keep the engine from initiating an active regeneration process
- Ex. if apparatus is parked on dry grass and there is a risk that high exhaust temperatures may start a fire
PG 94
Active Regeneration
- Can occur in two manners:
1. Automatic mode: occurs when engine load, exhaust temperature, and engine speed are within an acceptable range –> engine will begin dosing fuel into the exhaust stream to raise exhaust temperature and burn off soot
2. Manual (parked) mode: Operator will be notified when needed by DPF light
PG 95
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tanks
- Must be kept filled at all times
- Failure to keep full may derate (reduce its torque output) the apparatus, engine, or limit vehicle speed
- Continuing to ignore an empty DEF tank –> vehicle may be limited in speed to 5mph
PG 95
Torque
- Force that tends to create a rotational or twisting motion
- Measurement of engine shaft output
- Force that produces or tends to produce a twisting or rotational action
PG 95
Shutting Down the Engine
- Should never be shut down immediately after full load operation when engine is hot/overheated (let idle for 3-5 min)
- Never shut down engine while in motion
PG 95
Angle of Approach
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
Bottom of front bumper to front tires point of contact with ground
PG 97
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
Bottom of rear bumper to back tires point of contact with ground
PG 97
Breakover Angle
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 wheelbase midpoint
Bottom of truck centered between wheels to tires point of contact with ground
PG 97
Engine Lugging
-Occurs when the throttle is applied when a manual transmission is in too high a gear for the demand on the engine
- Leads to overthrottling
PG 99
Overthrottling
Process of injecting or supplying the diesel engine with more fuel than can be burned
PG 99
Audible warning devices and vehicle speed
- At speeds above 50mph, an emergency vehicle can outrun the effective range of its audible warning device
- Increasing the speed of an apparatus by 20mph can decrease the audible distance by 250 feet or more
PG 101
How far apart should emergency vehicles be when more than one is responding along the same route?
At least 300-500 feet apart
PG 101
Visual Lead Time
The time needed to stop the apparatus or perform an evasive maneuver at the current rate of speed
PG 105
Braking Distance
Distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop
PG 105
Total Stopping Distance
Sum of the driver reaction distance and the vehicle braking distance
PG 105
Reaction Distance
Distance a vehicle travels while a driver transfers a foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal after perceiving the need for stopping
PG 105
Acceleration Skid
- Usually occur when the gas pedal is applied too quickly
- To maintain control of the vehicle = do NOT apply brake, ease off accelerator, straighten out front wheels
PG 108
Locked Wheel Skid
- Usually caused by braking too hard at a high rate of speed and locking the wheels
- The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned
- To maintain control of the vehicle = ease off brake to unlock driving wheels, straighten front wheels as apparatus begins to respond
PG 108
Auxiliary Brake Devices (4)
- Exhaust brakes
- Engine compression brakes
- Electromagnetic retarders
- Transmission retarders
PG 110
Exhaust Brakes
- Least capable of the four auxiliary brake devices
- Uses a valve to restrict the flow of the exhaust –> creates back pressure that adds to engine’s inherent braking ability
PG 110
Engine Compression Brakes
- Any device that uses the engine and transmission to impede the forward motion of the motor vehicle by compression of the engine
PG 110
Electromagnetic Retarders
- When activated, an electromagnetic field is created by supplying electrical power to a series of coils in the retarder
- This field inhibits the rotation of the rotor and creates a braking torque at the rear wheels
PG 110
Transmission Retarders
- Uses the viscous property of the automatic transmission fluid to retard the driveline
- When activated, transmission fluid is introduced into the retarder housing ad energy is absorbed into the fluid through the opposing action of the spinning vanes
- This retards the vehicle through the rear wheels and adds head to the transmission fluid
PG 110
Steps in backing a vehicle
- Position so backing is not necessary
- Walk around vehicle to clear obstructions
- Secure all equipment; close all doors
- Use 1+ spotters
- Preposition lights to illuminate spotter behind apparatus
- Back apparatus slowly; don’t outpace spotter
- Use hand signals
- Use radios, if feasible
- Use backup cameras and mirrors
- Sound TWO SHORT HORN BLASTS prior to backing apparatus
PG 113
Spotting during backing
- Spotter should be 8-10ft behind apparatus
- Spotter should be positioned so driver/operator can see them in left (driver’s side) mirror
- Spotter should always remain outside the apparatus field of travel
PG 114
NFPA 1451
Standard for a Fire and Emergency Service Vehicle Operations Training Program
PG 118
Which item is required for proper DPF operation?
High exhaust temperatures
PG 95
When does weight transfer take place?
The vehicle changes direction or velocity
PG 98
Which system aims the vehicle in the direction the driver is attempting to steer it?
Electronic Stability Control
PG 112
What is the distance a vehicle travels in the time it takes the driver to move his/her foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal?
Reaction Distance
PG 105
Standards for hearing for driver/operators are found in NFPA __________ ?
NFPA 1582
PG 82
Multiple units traveling to an emergency call via the same route should maintain a minimum separation distance of _______ feet?
300 feet
PG 101
After starting an apparatus equipped with air brakes, you are unable to release the parking brake. What is the most likely cause?
Insufficient air pressure has built up
PG 125
When should an interaxle differential lock switch be move to the “locked” position?
When approaching poor traction conditions
PG 112
What is the best way to prevent lugging?
Maintain engine RPM at peak torque speed
PG 99
Which NFPA standard provides specific driving tests for the evaluation of driver/operator candidates?
NFPA 1002
PG 118
By NFPA standards, it is permissible to don which item of personal protective equipment while responding to a call?
Helmet
PG 90
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS. The vehicle has gone into a skid. You should _________ pressure on the brake pedal?
Maintain
PG 109
In general, for apparatus parked at the scene of an emergency, which emergency lights should be left on?
Some
PG 101-102
Which is a common result of prolonged idling of a diesel motor?
Increased carbon build up
PG 94
What causes lugging?
Too high a gear is selected for the load on the motor
PG 99
After full-load operation, how long should a motor be idled before shutting down?
3-5 minutes
PG 95
DPF-equipped motors first appeared in _______ ?
2007
PG 94
What is the angle created by level ground and a line from the point where the rear tires touch the ground to the bottom of the frame at the wheelbase midpoint?
Breakover angle
PG 97
“Engaging in an action that one knows to be dangerous while ignoring the potential consequences resulting from that action,” is known as ________ ?
Reckless disregard
PG 84
A guideline for avoiding potential collisions is “Leave yourself ___________.”
“An out”
PG 100
The law of ________ governs weight transfer in vehicle operation.
Inertia
PG 98
How many types of auxiliary braking systems are commonly used in the fire service?
4
PG 109
When descending a steep grade, engine RPM should be _______ ?
Less than the recommended maximum RPM
PG 98
Which is the least effective auxiliary braking system?
Exhaust brake
PG 110
When starting the apparatus for a response, which should be done first?
Turn on the batteries
PG 124-127
Which auxiliary braking system puts the highest load on the engine cooling system?
Transmission Retarder
PG 110
Average driver reaction distance in feet is roughly equal to _________ ?
The vehicle speed in MPH
PG 106
Which NFPA standard addresses testing of driver/operator candidates?
NFPA 1451
PG 118
How many firefighters were killed while responding to or returning from an emergency call in 2010?
17
PG 79
Your vehicle is NOT equipped with ABS. The vehicle has gone into a skid. You should ______ pressure on the brake pedal?
Release
PG 109
What is the term for injecting a diesel engine with more fuel than it can burn?
Overthrottling
PG 99
As you begin to ascend a steep ramp, the rear of your apparatus scrapes the pavement. Which point of contact did you fail to take into account?
Angle of departure
PG 97
Driver reaction distance plus vehicle braking distance equals _______ ?
Total stopping distance
PG 105
The oil pressure gauge should indicate normal pressure within a maximum of ________ seconds after starting the motor?
10 seconds
PG 125
Which auxiliary traction control system is specifically designed for use with tandem axles?
Interaxle differential lock
PG 111
What is the minimum apparatus GVWR for which an auxiliary braking system is required?
36,000 pounds
PG 109
What is the distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until it comes to a stop?
Braking distance
PG 105
Which factor is most effective in reducing brake fade?
Good braking technique
PG 87
Compared to dry conditions, total stopping distance during slippery conditions increases by a factor of _______ times?
3 to 15 times
PG 99
Which auxiliary braking system provides the highest level of braking torque?
Electromagnetic retarder
PG 109
An empty DEF tank will likely result in _______ ?
Reduced vehicle speed
PG 95
A guideline for avoiding potential collisions is “Aim _______ in steering.”
High
PG 100
What is the most common cause of a locked wheel skid?
Excessively hard application of the brakes
PG 108
The DPF is designed to capture _________ ?
Soot
PG 95
Which system reduces brake pressure to a locked wheel?
Antilock braking system
PG 108
Which NFPA standard establishes minimum qualifications for fire apparatus driver/operator?
NFPA 1002
PG 79
Which system applies braking power to a spinning wheel drive?
Automatic traction control
PG 111
