POINTS TO PONDER
BY WILLIAM C. PETERS
This aerial truck was set up for ladder pipe operations with a firefighter at the tip. When the hoseline was charged, the truck overturned.
When using an aerial ladder as an elevated master stream, you must address several important safety concerns:
Properly stabilize the apparatus according to the manufacturer`s recommendations. This includes fully extending the stabilizers and using the stabilizer ground pads.
Remember this basic rule of thumb for ladder pipe operations, the “75-80-85” rule:
–75 degrees of elevation,
–80 percent (or less) extension, and
–85-psi nozzle pressure.
Place the hoseline in the center of the aerial ladder, and use ladder straps.
Open and close all valves slowly to avoid shock loads.
Make all aerial movements slowly and deliberately–no abrupt motions.
Avoid having a firefighter operate the pipe, if possible. Use the halyards provided.
This tower ladder rests in a storefront after colliding with a private ambulance during a response.
Intersections are generally the most dangerous areas apparatus drivers will encounter. Some simple precautions can help avoid a collision.
If the intersection is controlled by a stop sign or traffic signal, stop! Proceed only when clear.
Be ready to stop, even if you have a green light.
Be aware of other emergency vehicles that might be crossing your path.
Continue to glance left and right as you cautiously cross the traffic lanes, making eye contact with the other drivers.
By specifying a trap door in the bottom of the bumper-mounted trash line box, you can deposit the hose on the ground and easily deploy it in any direction.
Color coding pump operating handles and gauges has helped eliminate confusion during fire operations. This department has taken color coding one step further by using hose jacket colors that correspond with the operating handle and discharge gauge. Calling for a pressure adjustment on the “red” or “yellow” line will certainly simplify pump operations.
Most purchasers specify the ground ladder rack on the curb side of the apparatus. This department had it installed on the driver`s side because of arched railroad tunnels and low-hanging tree limbs.
This rescue unit has a “rehab compartment” that contains provisions for hot and cold beverages, a microwave oven, and high-energy snack foods.
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This aerial truck was set up for ladder pipe operations with a firefighter at the tip. When the hoseline was charged, the truck overturned.
When using an aerial ladder as an elevated master stream, you must address several important safety concerns:
Properly stabilize the apparatus according to the manufacturer`s recommendations. This includes fully extending the stabilizers and using the stabilizer ground pads.
Remember this basic rule of thumb for ladder pipe operations, the “75-80-85” rule:
–75 degrees of elevation,
–80 percent (or less) extension, and
–85-psi nozzle pressure.
Place the hoseline in the center of the aerial ladder, and use ladder straps.
Open and close all valves slowly to avoid shock loads.
Make all aerial movements slowly and deliberately–no abrupt motions.
Avoid having a firefighter operate the pipe, if possible. Use the halyards provided.
 |
 |
This tower ladder rests in a storefront after colliding with a private ambulance during a response.
Intersections are generally the most dangerous areas apparatus drivers will encounter. Some simple precautions can help avoid a collision.
If the intersection is controlled by a stop sign or traffic signal, stop! Proceed only when clear.
Be ready to stop, even if you have a green light.
Be aware of other emergency vehicles that might be crossing your path.
Continue to glance left and right as you cautiously cross the traffic lanes, making eye contact with the other drivers.
 |
By specifying a trap door in the bottom of the bumper-mounted trash line box, you can deposit the hose on the ground and easily deploy it in any direction.
 |
Color coding pump operating handles and gauges has helped eliminate confusion during fire operations. This department has taken color coding one step further by using hose jacket colors that correspond with the operating handle and discharge gauge. Calling for a pressure adjustment on the “red” or “yellow” line will certainly simplify pump operations.
 |
Most purchasers specify the ground ladder rack on the curb side of the apparatus. This department had it installed on the driver`s side because of arched railroad tunnels and low-hanging tree limbs.
 |
This rescue unit has a “rehab compartment” that contains provisions for hot and cold beverages, a microwave oven, and high-energy snack foods.
WILLIAM C. PETERS is a battalion chief, supervisor of apparatus, and a 23-year veteran of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department. He is a member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Apparatus and the Fire Engineering editorial advisory board. Peters is the author of Fire Apparatus Purchasing Handbook (Fire Engineering Books, 1994), two chapters on apparatus in The Fire Chief`s Handbook, Fifth Edition (Fire Engineering Books, 1995), the booklet Final Farewell to a Fallen Firefighter: A Basic Fire Department Funeral Protocol, and the video Factory Inspections of New Fire Apparatus (Fire Engineering, 1998).
