2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week Vehicle Safety Chapter 5 FOOG’s

2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival

Week

Vehicle SafetyChapter 5 FOOG’s

Section 100 Vehicle Section 100 Vehicle Readiness Readiness

The purpose of this guideline is to provide The purpose of this guideline is to provide direction and instruction in the check-out direction and instruction in the check-out of departmental vehicles.of departmental vehicles.

SafetySafety In order to help ensure the readiness, In order to help ensure the readiness,

reliability, and safe operation of reliability, and safe operation of departmental vehicles, it is essential that departmental vehicles, it is essential that all vehicles be checked-out in a all vehicles be checked-out in a methodical and consistent manner. methodical and consistent manner. Drivers of all department vehicles are Drivers of all department vehicles are responsible for creating, maintaining, and responsible for creating, maintaining, and routinely completing Vehicle Check-Out routinely completing Vehicle Check-Out forms for their vehicle(s). forms for their vehicle(s).

Check OutCheck OutEmergency response vehicles (those Emergency response vehicles (those

required to be checked-out daily) shall be required to be checked-out daily) shall be checked-out as soon as possible at the checked-out as soon as possible at the beginning of each shift or anytime after beginning of each shift or anytime after being in and out-of-service for mechanical being in and out-of-service for mechanical reasons (service, failure, etc.).reasons (service, failure, etc.).

Preventative MaintenancePreventative MaintenanceThe vehicle/apparatus operator will ensure The vehicle/apparatus operator will ensure

that daily, weekly, and monthly vehicle that daily, weekly, and monthly vehicle check-offs are performed in accordance check-offs are performed in accordance with the vehicle specification package.with the vehicle specification package.

Placing Out of ServicePlacing Out of ServiceThe vehicle/apparatus operator should The vehicle/apparatus operator should

place the vehicle out of service place the vehicle out of service immediately if he/she feels safety may be immediately if he/she feels safety may be compromised.compromised.

Case Study – Boston FD Jan. Case Study – Boston FD Jan. 20092009

City of Boston FDCity of Boston FD30 year veteran Lt. killed in the line-of-duty 30 year veteran Lt. killed in the line-of-duty

after breaks on Truck 26 fail.after breaks on Truck 26 fail.Further inspection identifiedFurther inspection identified

an additional 3 trucks with an additional 3 trucks with faulty breaks. faulty breaks.

News Report:News Report:http://wbztv.com/local/fire.truck.inspections.2http://wbztv.com/local/fire.truck.inspections.2.913612.html.913612.html

Section 200 Vehicle Operations Section 200 Vehicle Operations The purpose of this policy is to provide The purpose of this policy is to provide

guidelines for the proper operation of guidelines for the proper operation of department vehicles. These guidelines department vehicles. These guidelines are not intended to replace the judgment are not intended to replace the judgment of the vehicle operator. Certain of the vehicle operator. Certain circumstances may require deviation from circumstances may require deviation from established guidelines. In all cases, safety established guidelines. In all cases, safety is the paramount consideration.is the paramount consideration.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines Seat belts will be worn by operators and Seat belts will be worn by operators and

passengers at all times. passengers at all times.

The vehicle operator must ensure that all The vehicle operator must ensure that all passengers are secured, properly bunkered, and passengers are secured, properly bunkered, and positioned before moving the vehicle. positioned before moving the vehicle. (Drivers (Drivers have been convicted of manslaughter for failure to have been convicted of manslaughter for failure to insure everyone was belted.)insure everyone was belted.)

Riding on the exterior of any apparatus/vehicle is Riding on the exterior of any apparatus/vehicle is strictly prohibited.strictly prohibited.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines Vehicles shall not be backed without use of a back-up Vehicles shall not be backed without use of a back-up

person, unless personnel are not available for this person, unless personnel are not available for this function. The back-up person shall use clear, concise function. The back-up person shall use clear, concise hand signals to direct the vehicle operator. If a back-up hand signals to direct the vehicle operator. If a back-up person is not available, (i.e. many times this is the case person is not available, (i.e. many times this is the case on Medic Units) the operator should walk around the on Medic Units) the operator should walk around the vehicle to check for obstructions prior to moving the vehicle to check for obstructions prior to moving the vehicle.vehicle.

Chock blocks should be used in front and behind the left Chock blocks should be used in front and behind the left rear tire on fire apparatus (on very steep grades, both rear tire on fire apparatus (on very steep grades, both chocks will be used on the downhill side of the tire). The chocks will be used on the downhill side of the tire). The left front tire must be chocked on all Medic Units. left front tire must be chocked on all Medic Units.

Response GuidelinesResponse GuidelinesPersonnel will wear provided hearing Personnel will wear provided hearing

protection in apparatus, with the exception protection in apparatus, with the exception of Freightliner/Saulsbury pumpers.of Freightliner/Saulsbury pumpers.

All auxiliary braking devices such as All auxiliary braking devices such as engine or exhaust, brakes, transmission, engine or exhaust, brakes, transmission, and Telma retarders will be disengaged and Telma retarders will be disengaged when operating on wet or slippery roads.when operating on wet or slippery roads.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines The driver/operator will use both audible and The driver/operator will use both audible and

visual emergency warning devices, including visual emergency warning devices, including lights and sirens.lights and sirens.

The vehicle/apparatus will be brought to a The vehicle/apparatus will be brought to a complete stop at all red traffic lights and stop complete stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs.signs.

The posted speed limit will be observed when The posted speed limit will be observed when entering an intersection with a green light visible.entering an intersection with a green light visible.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines The vehicle will slow to a speed of not more than five The vehicle will slow to a speed of not more than five

(5) miles per hour when entering an intersection (5) miles per hour when entering an intersection controlled by a yield right-of-way sign only.controlled by a yield right-of-way sign only.

The vehicle will be brought to a complete stop at all The vehicle will be brought to a complete stop at all intersections that are visibly obstructed in any manner intersections that are visibly obstructed in any manner (i.e. buildings, other vehicles, trees or shrubbery, etc.).(i.e. buildings, other vehicles, trees or shrubbery, etc.).

Extreme caution will be exercised when traveling in Extreme caution will be exercised when traveling in the opposite traffic flow lanes.the opposite traffic flow lanes.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines At no time will the operator proceed through At no time will the operator proceed through

an intersection until he/she has looked in all an intersection until he/she has looked in all directions and determined that it is safe to directions and determined that it is safe to proceed. While proceeding through the proceed. While proceeding through the intersection, both the operator and the officer intersection, both the operator and the officer (where applicable) shall be on the alert for (where applicable) shall be on the alert for approaching or turning vehicles, other approaching or turning vehicles, other emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and any emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and any other hazard that could compromise safety.other hazard that could compromise safety.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines Overtaking another vehicle moving in the Overtaking another vehicle moving in the

same direction should be done with extreme same direction should be done with extreme caution. This should be accomplished by caution. This should be accomplished by passing the upcoming vehicle on the left passing the upcoming vehicle on the left whenever possible.whenever possible.

The posted, reduced speed limits for school The posted, reduced speed limits for school zones will be observed during hours of zones will be observed during hours of operation.operation.

Response GuidelinesResponse GuidelinesOperators will bring the vehicle to a Operators will bring the vehicle to a

complete stop whenever encountering a complete stop whenever encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning stopped school bus with flashing warning lights and will not proceed until it is lights and will not proceed until it is confirmed safe to do so; it will be confirmed safe to do so; it will be considered safe to proceed once the bus considered safe to proceed once the bus driver has ceased operating the flashing driver has ceased operating the flashing warning lights or should the bus driver warning lights or should the bus driver signal that it is safe to proceed.signal that it is safe to proceed.

Response GuidelinesResponse GuidelinesA distance of 300 - 500 feet should be A distance of 300 - 500 feet should be

maintained between emergency vehicles if maintained between emergency vehicles if responding together along the same route. responding together along the same route. In congested areas or when encountering In congested areas or when encountering heavy traffic, this minimum distance may heavy traffic, this minimum distance may be impossible to maintain. Always be impossible to maintain. Always maintain adequate distance to avoid rear-maintain adequate distance to avoid rear-end collisions.end collisions.

Response GuidelinesResponse Guidelines Always maintain an operating space in front of Always maintain an operating space in front of

the vehicle that is at least equal to the minimum the vehicle that is at least equal to the minimum travel distance necessary to stop the vehicle travel distance necessary to stop the vehicle without contacting another object.without contacting another object.

The vehicle/apparatus operator will follow the The vehicle/apparatus operator will follow the safest most expeditious route whenever possible. safest most expeditious route whenever possible. Also, it is important to be aware that unnecessary Also, it is important to be aware that unnecessary route of travel through congested or heavily route of travel through congested or heavily populated areas, such as subdivisions, should be populated areas, such as subdivisions, should be avoided whenever possible.avoided whenever possible.

Response GuidelinesResponse GuidelinesThe location and response route of The location and response route of

emergency vehicles will be updated via emergency vehicles will be updated via radio communications any time there is a radio communications any time there is a possibility that emergency vehicle routes possibility that emergency vehicle routes could intersect during an emergency could intersect during an emergency response.response.

On Scene OperationsOn Scene Operations During on-scene operations, the vehicle During on-scene operations, the vehicle

operator will remain with his/her assigned operator will remain with his/her assigned unit unless directed otherwise by their unit unless directed otherwise by their Company Officer or the Incident Company Officer or the Incident Commander.Commander.

Any apparatus not being utilized should be Any apparatus not being utilized should be positioned away from the scene and shut positioned away from the scene and shut down.down.

On Scene OperationsOn Scene Operations The apparatus operator shall wear the The apparatus operator shall wear the

appropriate protective clothing for the situation. appropriate protective clothing for the situation. To increase visibility, all personnel will wear To increase visibility, all personnel will wear reflective vests if bunker gear is not required.reflective vests if bunker gear is not required.

When operating on incidents on streets, When operating on incidents on streets, roadways or highways, the operator will position roadways or highways, the operator will position the apparatus between the on-coming traffic and the apparatus between the on-coming traffic and the emergency incident at a thirty (30) degree the emergency incident at a thirty (30) degree angle to protect personnel operating on the angle to protect personnel operating on the incident.incident.

On Scene OperationsOn Scene Operations Vehicle operators will avoid running over fire Vehicle operators will avoid running over fire

hose except in cases of extreme necessity.hose except in cases of extreme necessity.

Operators of aerial apparatus shall ensure the Operators of aerial apparatus shall ensure the aerial is positioned correctly, and that it is safe aerial is positioned correctly, and that it is safe for climbing. They will also ensure that for climbing. They will also ensure that personnel observe established safety guidelines, personnel observe established safety guidelines, which include the wearing of helmets by all which include the wearing of helmets by all personnel on the ground below raised aerials.personnel on the ground below raised aerials.

On Scene OperationsOn Scene OperationsSafety should be the primary consideration Safety should be the primary consideration

during hose loading activities. At no time during hose loading activities. At no time will any apparatus be placed in reverse will any apparatus be placed in reverse when personnel are loading hose from when personnel are loading hose from behind the vehicle. When loading hose, behind the vehicle. When loading hose, personnel on the hose bed should work personnel on the hose bed should work from a kneeling position to prevent falls.from a kneeling position to prevent falls.

Case Study - Houston FD April Case Study - Houston FD April 20092009

11 patients 11 patients 9 FF’s injured9 FF’s injured

BackgroundBackground ““HOUSTON -- Two days ago, HOUSTON -- Two days ago, two fire trucks collidedtwo fire trucks collided while while

racing to the same call.  But now high-level sources have racing to the same call.  But now high-level sources have suggested to 11 News that sometimes trucks race to a fire suggested to 11 News that sometimes trucks race to a fire to see who can get there first.” to see who can get there first.”

Both Houston rigs were responding to what was initially a Both Houston rigs were responding to what was initially a reported fire call-but turned out to be public works crew reported fire call-but turned out to be public works crew smoke-testing sewer lines. Cops determined that FF smoke-testing sewer lines. Cops determined that FF Ducote ran a red light while headed northbound and was Ducote ran a red light while headed northbound and was broad-sided by the engine broad-sided by the engine company westbound....the engine had the green light.company westbound....the engine had the green light.

www.FirefighterCloseCalls.comwww.FirefighterCloseCalls.com

St. Louis FD Oct. 2008St. Louis FD Oct. 2008 The two fire engines The two fire engines

were headed to a fire were headed to a fire about 12:45 p.m. about 12:45 p.m. about a block from about a block from where the crash where the crash happened.happened.

8 FF’s injured – 1 8 FF’s injured – 1 concussion- all seat concussion- all seat belted.belted.

Watch the Red Light!Watch the Red Light!

Multiple LODD’s in GA. within last Multiple LODD’s in GA. within last yearyear

Stockton, GA. Feb 24. 2009Stockton, GA. Feb 24. 2009 One brother was driving, the other riding seat One brother was driving, the other riding seat

(deceased), dad is chief, wife of deceased was (deceased), dad is chief, wife of deceased was driving second in engine. driving second in engine.

Walker County, Ga. Dec. 31, 2008Walker County, Ga. Dec. 31, 2008 Corporal Chris DeBord with the Georgia State Patrol Corporal Chris DeBord with the Georgia State Patrol

said, "he tried to turn left onto Mcfarland Avenue, said, "he tried to turn left onto Mcfarland Avenue, apparently was running a little too fast for turn, apparently was running a little too fast for turn, brought a power pole down and went onto its top."brought a power pole down and went onto its top."

"It's been hard on all of us," says Fort Oglethorpe "It's been hard on all of us," says Fort Oglethorpe Fire Chief Bruce Ballew. "The chaplins are really Fire Chief Bruce Ballew. "The chaplins are really getting a workout, but they're helping. I'm glad getting a workout, but they're helping. I'm glad they're here for somebody to talk to."they're here for somebody to talk to."

GA. wrecks within last yearGA. wrecks within last yearMonroe County FDMonroe County FDAtlanta ARFF FD (bot. right)Atlanta ARFF FD (bot. right)Houston County FD (right)Houston County FD (right)Crisp County FD (bot.)Crisp County FD (bot.)