Performing Apparatus Check-Out and Maintenance

1. Performing Apparatus Check-Out and Maintenance

2. Knowledge Objectives (1 of 4) Describe the inspection and maintenance procedures required by your fire department. Describe the inspection and maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer on each of the fire apparatus that you will be required to inspect, test, or maintain. Describe the items on the written inspection and maintenance forms required to be completed by your fire department.

3. Knowledge Objectives (2 of 4) Describe the procedures to be followed when an inspection reveals maintenance problems beyond the scope of the driver/operator’s abilities. Describe the type of problems found during the inspection and routine maintenance of fire apparatus that warrant taking the fire apparatus or equipment out of service. Describe the equipment carried on fire apparatus that requires inspection and maintenance.

4. Knowledge Objectives (3 of 4) Describe the routine maintenance procedures or adjustments to be completed by the driver/operator. Describe the maintenance procedures and items that will be performed by specially trained personnel other than the driver/operator. Describe the process to initiate required maintenance procedures.

5. Knowledge Objectives (4 of 4) Describe the schedule for routine inspection and maintenance procedures for all fire apparatus and equipment that the driver/operator will be responsible for inspecting, maintaining, or testing.

6. Skills Objectives Perform the daily inspection of fire apparatus and equipment in a safe and effective manner.

7. Introduction (1 of 4) Driver/operator duties Safely drive apparatus Operate equipment on apparatus Inspect and maintain apparatus

8. Introduction (2 of 4) Apparatus must be ready to respond and perform on the emergency scene as it was designed. Apparatus equipped with pump must be capable of flowing water at required pressures.

9. Introduction (3 of 4) Quality preventive maintenance program ensures that: Apparatus are adequately maintained by qualified and trained personnel. Vehicles are inspected regularly by those who use them. Documentation is accurate and complete.

10. Introduction (4 of 4) Many departments perform inspections at least daily. Apparatus must be maintained and ready to respond to emergencies on a moment’s notice. Safety is the most important and obvious reason for regular inspections.

11. Inspection (1 of 10) Inspection involves an evaluation of the apparatus and equipment to ensure safe operation. Inspection should be planned, methodical, and performed in an organized manner. Driver/operators conduct inspections: At the start of the shift When apparatus is being put into service after repairs After a large incident when apparatus was used extensively at an emergency scene

12. Inspection (2 of 10) Inspection process identifies deficiencies with apparatus or equipment that might limit apparatus from performing as required. Most inspections are performed by one qualified individual. This ensures accuracy and thoroughness.

13. Inspection (3 of 10) Driver/operator must have a basic knowledge and skills related to vehicle maintenance to perform the inspection. Driver/operator should be able to identify problems before they become critical safety issues. Refer to the department’s inspection procedures before attempting repairs to the apparatus.

14. Inspection (4 of 10) Conducting an inspection requires basic vehicle maintenance equipment and tools. Every station should have the basic tools to aid in performing an inspection. Driver/operator should have access to replacement fluids to maintain the fluid levels of the apparatus.

15. Inspection (5 of 10) Driver/operator performing inspections, tests, and maintenance must know the department operating procedures plus the apparatus manufacturer’s recommendations. NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, requires the manufacturer to provide documentation for the entire apparatus and each operating system.

16. Inspection (6 of 10) Documentation includes: Manufacturer’s name and address Country of manufacture Source of service and technical information Parts replacement information Descriptions and specifications of parts Wiring diagrams for low-voltage and line-voltage systems Lubrication charts Operating instructions

17. Inspection (7 of 10) Documentation includes (continued): Instructions regarding frequency and procedure for maintenance Overall fire apparatus operating instructions Safety considerations Limitations of use Inspection procedures

18. Inspection (8 of 10) Documentation includes (continued): Recommended service procedures Troubleshooting guide Fire apparatus component warranties Copies of required manufacturer test data or reports MSDS for fluid specified for use on apparatus

19. Inspection (9 of 10) Driver/operator should use department’s procedures and manufacturer’s recommendations to help properly maintain apparatus Specific fluids are required to ensure proper functioning. Driver/operator must adhere to the manufacturer’s specification when adding fluids or he/she risks damaging the equipment.

20. Inspection (10 of 10) Driver/operator must have tasks made clear and well understood before inspecting the apparatus. Driver/operator must consider safety. Each department is responsible for training members on how to inspect the apparatus safely and thoroughly. Always wear proper PPE during the inspection.

21. Inspection Process (1 of 7) Review the inspection form completed after the previous inspection. Inspection form is essential for maintaining an accurate record of apparatus condition. Document identifies who did inspection and when. Report identifies damaged or repaired equipment and other preventive maintenance performed.

22. Inspection Process (2 of 7)

23. Inspection Process (3 of 7) Bothell Fire and EMS attaches an inspection form to a clipboard and stores it on the apparatus. Driver/operators from different shifts should communicate about the apparatus and problems at morning tie-in. Taken with previous information, the current inspection could reveal a need for a qualified person to inspect the vehicle for defects.

24. Inspection Process (4 of 7) Perform the actual inspection of the apparatus. Investigation may take time depending on the size and complexity of apparatus and components. Perform inspections systematically. While conducting the inspection, the apparatus should be in a safe area. Parked on a flat, level surface

25. Inspection Process (5 of 7) During the inspection, thoroughly document findings on the inspection report. Ensure the documentation is as accurate as possible and no items are overlooked. Most items are inspected visually. Look for signs of damage, excessive wear, or defects. Some items must be operated during inspection to ensure proper functioning.

26. Inspection Process (6 of 7) Driver/operator who visually inspects and operates the equipment during every shift will become familiar with the apparatus and its normal condition. Driver/operator will recognize break downs or maintenance needs and can recommend repairs when necessary. Use the department’s policies regarding apparatus inspections as a guide.

27. Inspection Process (7 of 7) After completing the inspection, review the report and make sure nothing was missed. Many departments require members to complete the inspection by a certain time each day. Take the inspection seriously. Failure to complete a thorough inspection may result in an unsafe apparatus on the road and at the emergency scene.

28. Fire Apparatus Sections (1 of 3) The inspection is broken into sections. Lets the driver/operator focus on a single aspect of the apparatus and discourages jumping around without a plan Jumping around randomly leads to the possibility of missing critical elements. Driver/operator should use a system or sequence recommended by the department.

29. Fire Apparatus Sections (2 of 3) The Fire Department pumper is broken into six sections. Sections are inspected in order unless otherwise stated by the department. The most common method is starting at the drivers door and working in a counter-clockwise direction.

30. Fire Apparatus Sections (3 of 3) Order of inspection Exterior inspection Engine compartment Cab interior Brake inspection General tools/equipment inspection Pump inspection

31. Exterior Inspection (1 of 5) Physically walk around and look at the general condition. Is the apparatus clean and well maintained or worn and in need of repairs? Inspect compartment doors, hinges, and latches for proper operation. Tires are critical to proper stability, stopping capability, and ability to carry loads. Look for cuts, cracks, and fabric showing through the tread or sidewall.

32. Exterior Inspection (2 of 5) Valve stems on all tires should be accessible and devoid of cracks and cuts. Valve caps should be securely fastened. Size and make of tires should match the manufacturer’s recommendations. Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for appropriate tire pressures. Use a pressure gauge to check the pressure.

33. Exterior Inspection (3 of 5) A damaged wheel or rim can make the tire lose pressure or slip off. Look for dents or large scratches. Wheels should not be missing clamps, spacers, studs, lugs, or protective covers. Power steering system reduces the effort required to steer the vehicle. Look for bent, loose, or broken parts. Inspect the amount of free play in the steering wheel.

34. Exterior Inspection (4 of 5)

35. Exterior Inspection (5 of 5) Suspension system keeps the vehicle’s axles in place and holds up the apparatus and load. Inspect the frame assembly to ensure that no parts are cracked, loose, broken, or missing. Visually inspect the exhaust system for loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets or parts. Fuel cap should be securely fastened to prevent spillage or fumes leaking from tank.

36. Engine Compartment (1 of 9) On most apparatus, the driver/operator needs to raise the cab to inspect most portions of the engine, including belts, hoses, and fan blades. Older apparatus may not have an access door through which to check fluids. Always make sure loose items are secured prior to lifting the cab.

37. Engine Compartment (2 of 9)

38. Engine Compartment (3 of 9) Inspect the engine compartment while the engine is off. Examine for fluid leaks; broken, cracked, or damaged hoses; and electrical wiring showing signs of wear, chaffing, or damage from heat. Driver/operator may be required to maintain appropriate fluid levels in the apparatus. Do not rely solely on sensors to give an accurate reading of the fluid level.

39. Engine Compartment (4 of 9) Check engine oil level with dip stick after the engine has been off for 15+ minutes. Delay lets oil settle and gives an accurate reading Coolant level should be checked as recommended by the manufacturer. Most systems provide an exterior coolant reservoir marked with the appropriate level.

40. Engine Compartment (5 of 9) Use caution when removing the radiator cap as coolant may be under pressure and hot. Power steering system fluid is checked the same as engine oil. Transmission fluid is inspected while the engine is running. Park the vehicle in neutral. Use a dip stick similar to when checking the oil.

41. Engine Compartment (6 of 9) Other fluid levels are checked by the fire department mechanic periodically. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for correct fluid levels. Rear differential fluid (axle) Hydraulic oil Pump gear box oil levels

42. Engine Compartment (7 of 9) Belts that drive the engine components and other equipment may loosen due to wear. Alternators, power steering pump, air compressor Check the tension by pushing against the belt where there is no pulley. Examine the apparatus’s batteries for corrosion on terminals where wires connect to battery post. Remove corrosion by scraping with a wire brush.

43. Engine Compartment (8 of 9) Physically removing an electrical wire connection from a terminal is normally done by a mechanic trained to perform the task. Improperly removing battery cables could cause severe damage. Driver/operator may check voltage levels by observing the voltage meter on the dashboard.

44. Engine Compartment (9 of 9)

45. Cab Interior (1 of 5) Check that all cab-mounted equipment is present. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) Maps Traffic vests Hearing protection Medical gloves Box lights

46. Cab Interior (2 of 5) Check for worn or torn seats, cushions, dashboards, and headliners. Ensure all seat belts function properly and are free of cuts and frays. Apparatus controls in cab interior Observe gauges measuring oil pressure, electrical system, engine temperature, and air pressure. Adjust seats, mirrors, and get familiar with functional controls.

47. Cab Interior (3 of 5)

48. Cab Interior (4 of 5) Make sure all gauges indicate a performance within normal operating ranges. Interior functional control switches: heater, air conditioner, defroster, map lights, dash lights, radio, and other devices All should be inspected to ensure correct operation.

49. Cab Interior (5 of 5) Exterior functional control switches: items outside the cab but operated from the inside Emergency lights, headlights, directional lights, brake lights, side marker lights, spotlights, and taillights All lights should be clean and operate correctly. Check mirrors, windows, and windshield All windows should be clean and free of cracks. Check windshield wipers and fluid level.

50. Brake Inspection (1 of 4) Give brakes special attention when performing the inspection. Inspect brakes for: Cracked drums or rotors Shoes or pads contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid Shoes or pads worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken