specifying-apparatus

Specifying an apparatus today is no easy task. Recent alterations to NFPA 1901 are, at times, difficult to keep track of. Apparatus manufacturers are on the ball, but for the purchaser, it can seem like an endless maze of twists and turns with new adjustments to a spec at every turn.

The NFPA 1901 standard is constantly evolving, and according to Peters, it is often a reactive standard. He cited stability control as one example where the standard is reacting to apparatus rollovers.

In “Specifying Fire Apparatus,” attendees were guided through the process of specification, including justification for replacement; outlining of option and features desired on the new apparatus; various types of specifications and which one is best; general requirements to protect the purchaser; factory preconstruction conference; and the final apparatus inspection, delivery and acceptance.

“The fire apparatus purchasing class is an intense eight-hour crash course on purchasing fire apparatus,” said instructor William C. Peters, battalion chief (ret.), Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department. “It covers justification, using the NFPA 1901 Standard, and options and features to consider.”

Several exercises encouraged group participation, and reinforced lessons learned. All of the updates in the 2009 edition of NFPA 1901, the apparatus standard, were included and discussed, allowing firefighters attending the class to become more educated consumers.

“Firefighters will leave the class with extensive knowledge and handout material to be ready to enter into the process of purchasing fire apparatus,” claimed Peters before the class.