SAFETY BULLETIN 2 - APPARATUS IN REVERSE

Question 0

WHAT ARE THE 5 CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR?

Answer 0

1. EXCESSIVE SPEED
2. IMPROPER STEERING
3. NOT UTILIZING ALL MEMBERS
4. FAILURE TO ANTICIPATE CONDITIONS IN REAR
5. NOT KNOWING CONDITIONS IN REAR

Question 1

TRUE/FALSE

OPERATING THE APPARATUS IN REVERSE GEAR IS ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CHAUFFEUR AND ONE OTHER MEMBER.

Answer 1

FALSE

++Operating the apparatus in reverse gear is a team effort and all members are responsible for backing up the apparatus safely++

Question 2

TRUE/FALSE

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO USE ALL WARNING LIGHTS WHEN OPERATING THE APPARATUS IN REVERSE.

Answer 2

FALSE

++When backing into areas with heavy traffic, unexpected movements of vehicles or people, especially children, should be anticipated. Take advantage of traffic signals when available. All warning lights shall be used when the apparatus is operating in reverse gear.++

Question 3

WHEN THE RIG IS BEING DRIVEN IN REVERSE, WHAT IS THE OFFICERS POSITIONING?

Answer 3

RIGHT SIDE OF RIG

++The officer should take a position along the right side (officer’s side) of the apparatus near the cab. In this position, the officer can look to the rear of the apparatus and also be in a position to give immediate and required orders to the chauffeur. The windows on both the chauffeur and officer’s side of the front cab shall be lowered.++

Question 4

FF JONES IS BACKING UP THE RIG ONTO BROADWAY. HE BACKS THE RIG IN ONE CONTINUOUS MOTION INTO THE INTERSECTION OF BROADWAY AND QUEENS BLVD. DID HE OPERATE CORRECTLY?

Answer 4

NO

++When the apparatus is approaching an intersection in reverse, the apparatus shall be brought to a full stop before backing into the intersection.++

Question 5

TRUE/FALSE

WHEN BACKING UP THE RIG AT EMERGENCIES USING THE H.T. IS THE SAFEST WAY OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MEMBERS AND CHAUFFEURS.

Answer 5

FALSE

++When backing up at operations, it is safer and more reliable to rely on hand signals between the chauffeur and other members. Members acting as guides on the side of the apparatus should be in a position to be seen in the side view mirrors to facilitate hand signals.++

Question 6

WHO ENSURES THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY ARE USED WHEN THE APPARATUS IS OPERATED IN REVERSE?

Answer 6

•THE OFFICER

3.1 The officer shall ensure that all members of the company are fully utilized when the apparatus is backing up.

Question 7

TRUE/FALSE

WHEN BACKING UP THE RIG, ONLY THE CHAUEFFER’S SIDE WINDOW NEED BE LOWERED.

Answer 7

FALSE

++The windows on both the chauffeur and officer’s side of the front cab shall be lowered.++

Question 8

WHEN AN APPARATUS IS BEING DRIVEN IN REVERSE HOW SHALL MEMBERS POSITION THEMSELVES IN REGARDS TO WARNING MOTORIST?

Answer 8

•SAME SIDE OF TRAFFICE, FACING THE ONCOMING MOTORISTS

3.5 Warning Motorists - Members should position themselves on the same side of traffic, facing the oncoming motorists, and be alert to take refuge and warn the chauffeur if motorists fail to heed their warning. Never position yourself in front of a lane of traffic, even if the vehicles are stopped. Flashlights must be utilized at nighttime or when visibility is poor.

Question 9

LADDER 143 IS A TILLER LADDER, WHEN BACKING INTO QUARTERS ON JAMAICA AVENUE THE APPARATUS DOOR IS NOT VISIBLE TO THE LCC, WHERE SHOULD THE TILLERMAN POSITION THE APPARATUS?

Answer 9

CLOSER TO THE OFFICERS SIDE

• The tiller person should, if possible, center the vehicle in the allowable entrance area.
• If it is not possible to center the vehicle, then when the chauffeur’s side of the apparatus is blind to quarter’s entrance doors, the tiller person should bring the apparatus closer to the officer’s side. The officer can then guide the chauffeur until the apparatus is in a straight line. When the chauffeur can see the quarter’s entrance doors, the tiller person should bring the apparatus closer to the chauffeur’s side. Chauffeur and tiller person operate as a team, coordinated by the officer, to bring the apparatus safely into quarters.

Question 10

LADDER 143 IS A TILLER LADDER, WHEN BACKING INTO QUARTERS ON JAMAICA AVENUE THE APPARATUS DOOR IS VISIBLE TO THE LCC, WHERE SHOULD THE TILLERMAN POSITION THE APPARATUS?

Answer 10

CLOSER TO THE CHAUFFEUR’S SIDE

• The tiller person should, if possible, center the vehicle in the allowable entrance area.
• If it is not possible to center the vehicle, then when the chauffeur’s side of the apparatus is blind to quarter’s entrance doors, the tiller person should bring the apparatus closer to the officer’s side. The officer can then guide the chauffeur until the apparatus is in a straight line. When the chauffeur can see the quarter’s entrance doors, the tiller person should bring the apparatus closer to the chauffeur’s side. Chauffeur and tiller person operate as a team, coordinated by the officer, to bring the apparatus safely into quarters.