ADO-A Chapter 04

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook

2nd Edition

Chapter 4 — Introduction to Apparatus Inspection,

Maintenance, and Testing

Learning Objective 1

Describe a systematic maintenance program.

4–2

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the difference between maintenance and repair?

4–3


• Necessary for every fire department, fire brigade, and wildland fire agency

• Should identify– Which functions are performed– Who performs functions

• Dictate responsibilities of driver/operator

Maintenance Program

4–4


• Varies from department to department

• Career — Performed at beginning of each work period

• Volunteer — Should establish procedures

Schedule for Maintenance

4–5


• Serves as warranty claims, accident investigation, and decision to purchase new apparatus

• Procedures and transmission determined by individual department

Maintenance and Inspection Documentation

4–6


Identify proper fire apparatus cleaning procedures.


4–7


• Good public relations• Allows for proper

inspection• Promotes longer

vehicle life• Negative effects

of overcleaning

Cleanliness

4–8


Photo by Ted Boothroyd

• Newer apparatus require more gentle cleaning than older apparatus

• Once new vehicle finish is cured, nozzle or pressure washer maybe used for speed cleaning

Washing

4–9


• Use garden hose without nozzle.

• Rinse before applying soap.

• Wash off vehicle mud, dirt, insects, soot, tar, grease, and road salts before they dry.

Washing Newer Apparatus

(Continued)

4–10


• Wash with automotive detergent.• Do not wash with extremely hot

water.• Begin washing from top, work

downward.• Dry with clean chamois or rubber

squeegee.

Washing Newer Apparatus

4–11


Discuss glass care and interior cleaning of fire apparatus.


4–12


• Clean with warm, soapy water or commercial glass cleaner.

• Use paper towels or clean cloth rags.

Glass Care

(Continued)

4–13


• Do not use dry towels and/or rags.• Do not use putty knives, steel

wool, or other abrasive tools.

Glass Care

4–14


DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is it important to keep seat upholstery, dashboard and engine compartment coverings, and floor finishes clean?

4–15


• Sweep or vacuum.• Use warm soapy water or

commercial cleaning products.• Ventilate.• Pay attention when using liquids

around electrical system.

Interior Cleaning

(Continued)

4–16


• Do not use cleaning solvents such as acetone, lacquer thinner, enamel reducer, nail polish remover, laundry soap, bleach, naphtha, or carbon tetrachloride to clean interior surfaces.

Interior Cleaning

4–17


• May no longer be necessary• May damage clear-coat protective-

seal finishes

Waxing

4–18


• Do not apply until paint is six months old.

• Apply after washing and drying.• Apply according to product

instructions.• Polish out with soft cloth or electric

buffer.

Waxing (If Required)

4–19


Clean the interior and wash and wax the exterior of a fire department apparatus.

Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 4-1.


4–20


Describe apparatus inspection procedures.


4–21


• Daily walk-around inspection– Commercial vehicle pre-trip, road-

worthiness inspection– Inspection of operational readiness of

emergency equipment

• Driver/operator should review previous record inspections.

Apparatus Inspection Procedures

4–22


DISCUSSION QUESTION

How are the sides of apparatus identified in your jurisdiction?

4–23


• Check left (driver’s) side first.• Repeat procedure on right

(passenger’s) side.• Make sure various aspects of cab

doors are in order.• Inspect door window glass.• Ensure windows roll up and down

correctly.

Cab Left- and Right-Side Inspections

(Continued)

4–24


• Check all steps, platforms, tool mounts, lights, and handrails.

• Check saddle fuel tanks beneath door opening.

• Check fuel filler caps.• Check the wheel.• Check each lug nut by hand.


(Continued)

4–25


• Look for cracks or damage around the lip of the wheel rim.

• Ensure front splash guards are in place and secure.

• Look for unusual accumulations of brake dust, rust tracks, powder, or metal fillings on wheel.


(Continued)

4–26


• Look for signs of rust or powder around lug nuts.

• Inspect wheel/tire assembly for other leaks.

• Visually inspect suspension components.


(Continued)

4–27


• Look for defects or wear involving the springs, spring hangers, shackles, U-bolts, and shock absorbers.

• Ensure that springs do not have cracked or broken leaves.


4–28


• Ensure tire types match.• Make certain that all tires are same

size and have same the weight ratings.

• Check speed ratings.• Check proper tread depth.• Check valve stem.• Ensure valve stem caps are in place.

Tire Types and Condition

4–29


• Check inflation to manufacture's recommended tire pressure.– Maximum tire pressure imprinted on

exterior is NOT recommended operating tire pressure.

– Check GVWR placard or tire manufacturer's recommendation for correct operating pressure.

Tire Inflation

4–30


• Construction type• Tire maximum load in pounds• Tire maximum psi pressure• Traction index• Temperature index• Tread wear index

Tire Sidewall Information

(Continued)

4–31


• Ply rating• Size code • Maximum safe speed rating• The word “regroovable”• Serial number• DOT number

Tire Sidewall Information

4–32


• Note any significant body damage.• Look beneath for damage to tow

hooks, front axle, steering system, or piping.

• Look for loose, bent, worn, damaged, or missing parts.

• Check frame and chassis components.

Front of Vehicle Inspection

(Continued)

4–33


• Check condition of windshield and wiper blades.

• Check running lights and emergency lights.

• Check audible warning devices.


(Continued)

4–34


• Check emergency equipment located on front bumper


4–35


Photo by Pat McAuliff

Courtesy of Ron Jeffers

• General inspection procedures

• Rear duals• Automatic

snow chains

Body-, Passenger-, and Driver-Side Inspections

(Continued)

4–36



• Compartment doors• Hose • Exterior equipment• Reflective striping

Body-, Passenger-, and Driver-Side Inspections

4–37


• Running and warning lights• Equipment in rear compartments• Cabinet doors• Equipment stored on outside rear area• Hose beds• Equipment stored in hose bed• Inspecting a quint

Rear of Vehicle Inspection

4–38


• Seats and mirrors• Start engine• Seat belts securely mounted and

operate without binding• Buckles open and close freely• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel

In-Cab Inspection

(Continued)

4–39


• Gauges on dashboard

• Check equipment for usability

• Controls located in cab

In-Cab Inspection

4–40



• Must be in proper working order and securely stowed

Rescue and Fire Fighting Equipment

4–41


• Prevent an overload of vehicle’s electrical generation system.

• Incorporate a load sequencer and load monitor.

Electrical Load Management System

4–42


• Check adjustment of clutch pedal for insufficient or excessive free play.

Manual Shift Transmission

4–43


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is free play?

4–44


• Air brakes• ABS brake system

Brake Inspection

4–45


• Test air compressor governor cutout pressure.

• Test air compressor governor cut-in pressure.

• Test air leakage.• Test low-pressure warning signal.

Braking Tests

(Continued)

4–46


• Test spring brakes for automatic actuation.

• Check rate of air pressure buildup.• Test service brakes.• Test parking brake.• Test slack adjusters.

Braking Tests

4–47


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if any of the tests indicate the brakes do not perform in accordance with state or provincial requirements?

4–48


• May be performed before engine is started

• Most checks should not be done while engine is running

Engine Compartment Inspection

4–49


• Check level and/or control mechanism.

• Ensure hold-open device is latched.

• Check cab latches.• Check cab lift motors and pumps.

Tilt-Cab

4–50


• Engine (crankcase) oil level• Engine air filter• Emergency shutdown• Exhaust system• Radiator coolant (antifreeze) level• Cooling fan

Minimum Inspection of Engine Compartment

(Continued)

4–51


• Windshield washer fluid level• Battery condition• Automatic transmission fluid level• Manual transmission oil level• Power steering fluid level• Brake fluid


(Continued)

4–52


• Air system• Belts• Leaks• Hoses and supply lines• Electrical wiring• Steering linkage


4–53


• May be required of driver/operator• Helps prevent costly repairs• Reduces out-of-service time• Effectiveness• Oil number

Chassis Lubrication

(Continued)

4–54


• Duties• Automatic vehicle

lubrication systems

Chassis Lubrication

4–55


Perform a test of the air brake system.



4–56


Perform a walk-around routine maintenance inspection.



4–57


Perform an in-cab operational inspection.



4–58


Perform an engine compartment inspection.



4–59


Discuss charging batteries.


4–60


• May be required after long periods of inactivity or improper drain of electrical system

• Generally performed with battery charger

• Procedure• Jump starting considerations

Charging Batteries

(Continued)

4–61


Charging Batteries

4–62


DISCUSSION QUESTION

When might jump-starting be necessary?

4–63


Charge an apparatus battery.



4–64


Describe aerial device inspections.


4–65


• Level of hydraulic fluid• Stabilizers• Turntable assembly• Lower control pedestals• Platform control console• Communications system

Visual Inspection

(Continued)

4–66


• Breathing air supply system• Extension/retraction system• Elevation/lifting cylinders• Various sections of aerial device• Elevating platform assembly

Visual Inspection

(Continued)

4–67


• Ladder rungs• Waterway system• Equipment attached

to end of aerial device fly section

Visual Inspection

4–68


• Park apparatus in suitable location for operating aerial device.

• Transfer power from drive train to aerial device hydraulic system.

• Check operation of stabilizers.

Operational Inspection

(Continued)

4–69


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is indicated if the truck begins to lean toward one side or the other after the stabilizers have been deployed for a while?

4–70


• Raise and extend the aerial device.

• Rotate aerial device.


(Continued)

4–71


• Check manual locking devices.• Test operation of auxiliary

equipment.• Stow aerial device and stabilizers.


4–72


Inspect a fire apparatus aerial device.



4–73


Identify various apparatus testing methods.


4–74


• Performed immediately after construction and yearly afterward

• Required by insurance industry• Conform to NFPA® 1911• Preservice tests• Service tests

Testing

4–75


• Determines aerial device is capable to handle weight it is rated to carry

• May not be a totally accurate• Good indication that a static load

can be supported at the tip• If only static load tests are

conducted, not accurately tested

Load Testing

(Continued)

4–76


Load Testing

4–77


• Used to inspect structural components without physically altering, placing under load or stress, or otherwise damaging or causing wear

• Involves equipment and expertise not found in most fire departments

• Performed by independent testing agencies

Nondestructive Testing

(Continued)

4–78



(Continued)

4–79



(Continued)

4–80


• Liquid penetrant • Radiographic • Hardness• Acoustic emission inspections


(Continued)

4–81



(Continued)

4–82


• Operational Testing — Performed to determine that the hydraulic system and structural mechanisms are performing in proper manner and in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications


4–83


• Manufacturer testing• Certification testing• Acceptance testing

Preservice Tests

4–84


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if an apparatus does not pass an acceptance test?

4–85


Test the operation of an elevating platform aerial apparatus.



4–86


Test the operation of a water tower apparatus.



4–87


Summary

• Modern aerial apparatus are large, complicated, and expensive pieces of fire equipment and must be kept in a state of good repair and operational readiness.

(Continued)

4–88


• It is the driver/operator’s responsibility to ensure that aerial apparatus are clean, well maintained, in good repair, and thoroughly inspected.

• Driver/operators should be aggressive with regard to the inspection of the aerial apparatus and should report any problems found during an inspection.

Summary

4–89


Review Questions

1.What is the difference between maintenance and repair?2.Why should new apparatus be washed with cold water?3.What type of inspections are conducted when the driver/operator performs the daily walk-around inspection?

(Continued)

4–90


Review Questions

4.What danger arises from testing audible warning devices inside a building?5.What are some guidelines that should be used when performing a compartment door inspection?

(Continued)

4–91


6. What is the purpose of an electrical load management system?7. What tests should be performed as part of a complete in-cab air-brake test?

Review Questions

4–92


8.How should unsealed batteries be checked?9.What is the correct procedure for charging a battery?10. What two purposes are served by an operational inspection of an aerial device?

Review Questions

4–93


ADO-A Chapter 04

Education

apparatus inspection

newer apparatus

older apparatus

apparatus cleaning procedures

new apparatus procedures

interior cleaning

speed cleaning washing

gentle cleaning