Driver-Operator Guide
Chapter 3—Fire Suppression
Engines
Operation
Operating Procedures
- When taking a fire suppression engine from the
station on an emergency call, be certain that the
warning lights are on before starting. Drive carefully,
and remember that the driver is responsible
for the safety of everyone riding in the truck. The
first consideration is to get the personnel and
equipment to the fire in good condition.
- Although fire engines are classed as emergency
vehicles, they must always be driven in a safe,
responsible manner, and in compliance with all
State laws. Stop signs and traffic lights must be observed.
- When arriving at a fire, determine quickly where
the truck should be positioned. Place the transmission
in neutral position and set the parking brake.
Always place chock blocks at the front and rear
wheels to prevent the truck from rolling.
- When returning to the station from an emergency
call, comply with all State and city traffic regulations.
Know the provisions of the Uniform Vehicle
Code, especially the section on emergency vehicles.
- Tank trucks equipped with sirens and red lights are
governed by instructions in chapter 1, Use of
Sirens and Emergency Lights.
Safety Rules
- A tired person should not be permitted to drive. On
long drives, the supervisor or other qualified crewmember
should periodically relieve the driver.
- Drive at a safe speed for the road conditions, road
alignment, type of road surfacing, visibility, and
traffic conditions encountered.
- Use good judgment in braking and know
the distance
required to stop the vehicle at different road speeds.
Usually it is a good practice to descend a steep
grade in one gear lower than required to ascend
it—never roll down any grade in neutral. Vehicles
equipped with a two-speed rear differential should
be in low range before descending a hill.
- Always position the engine so there is a way out. If
the direction of fire spread will endanger the truck,
turn around and head the other way. Keep hose
lines clear of the wheels so the truck can be moved
in an emergency without uncoupling the hose lines.
- When engines are parked on the road, place warning
signs on the road 200 feet in front of and behind the
engine to warn approaching traffic.
- In running attacks or when working close to a fire,
always keep one charged hose line ready to protect
the engine.
- When attacking an extremely intense fire, a second
hose line should be used for backup in case of flarebacks.
- Do not move the engine ahead of a fire or through
a hot burn without first scouting the area to make
sure it is clear and that retreat is possible.
- Do not let the engine stand in hot burns or remain
too close to the fire without hose protection to keep
the engine cool. Reflected or radiant heat can soon
raise the temperature in the gasoline tank and cause
large quantities of vapor to be discharged. If the
vapors reach sparks or embers or reach the flashpoint,
they can ignite and carry the fire to the gas
tank.
- Use safety cans only for filling the engine with gasoline
in the field. Ground the spout to the tank to
reduce the possibility that static discharge will ignite
vapors.
Preventive Maintenance
Engines must be maintained to the highest possible
standards so they are ready to go at all times and so
they will not fail during use. In addition to the standard
lubrication guide and mechanical inspection program
used for all other equipment, special guides are available
to assist in keeping the truck in first-class condition.
Check with your immediate supervisor for such guides.
Check batteries, ignition, and air brake systems regularly.
The standard vehicle checks are: before, during, and
after operation.
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since
February 9, 2007
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