Daily apparatus checks are the first line of defense for ensuring a timely and effective response to the communities firefighters serve. If the apparatus is not functioning properly and problems are not addressed, we compromise our response time, our safety and ultimately the safety of our citizens. Unfortunately, daily apparatus checks are one of those duties that firefighters sometime forget to do or are lax about completing. Often times, we may not do the daily check because we assume that the shift from yesterday did it and everything must be working properly because they didn’t pass anything along on their way out the door. This oversight can lead to an unfortunate occurrence that is highlighted in this week’s featured firefighter near-miss report. As firefighters and first responders, we owe it to one another and to the community to perform a thorough daily apparatus check at the beginning of each shift and properly document any issues or problems that need to be fixed.
“A hazardous materials truck was returning from a training exercise back to its home station…As the hazardous materials truck was exiting the highway eastbound at a reported 45 mph, the acting engineer attempted to slow down the vehicle for a red light but the vehicle would not stop…As he approached the intersection, he did not see any traffic but he did have a red light. He decided to proceed through the intersection hoping to clear it without hitting anything…As he approached the intersection eastbound, he observed a passenger car proceeding south into the intersection…both vehicles collided and continued eastbound through the intersection. There was minor damage to the hazardous material truck and moderate damage to the passenger car. The front seat occupant in the passenger car had a minor injury that was treated on scene…The rear brakes were so far out of adjustment that they were totally ineffective…The weekly checks by the firefighters were reported to have occurred but no log or documentation was found.”
The ability to travel safely starts with taking care of the apparatus. Following the recognized best practice of conducting a thorough apparatus check and accurately documenting the daily apparatus check is crucial to personnel and public safety. As this report illustrates, mechanical failures do occur, even with regular apparatus checks. An oversight during the check or a poorly documented check form adds additional fodder for fire department liability post collision. Once you read the entire account (http://bit.ly/w50bY0), consider the following:
- Does your department have a daily apparatus maintenance policy?
- Once a problem is discovered, what is your reporting procedure?
- How often are you required to perform apparatus checks?
- Have all of your Driver/Operators been trained on how to do a thorough apparatus check?
- What latitudes/restrictions do you have when it comes to making repairs to the apparatus?
Regular apparatus maintenance and thorough daily checks should be a part of your normal routine. If we cannot respond safely to emergencies, or travel on the roads, we jeopardize everyone. The failure to perform a thorough daily check, properly complete the required forms and report any issues with an apparatus is the second link in the disaster chain. Poor work ethic is the first. The lessons learned from this week’s featured report underscore the requirement to be attentive and diligent before we even think about climbing into the cab.
Have you experienced a near-miss due to apparatus failure? Submit your report to www.firefighternearmiss.com today to pass on your experience. For more on the benefits of firefighter near-miss reporting, CLICK HERE.
Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting firefighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.
