For those of you who have been following my columns over the years, you know that I like the word ergonomics when it comes to fire apparatus design. I guess that comes from the fact that I spent more than 20 years in the commercial insurance field as a loss control consultant. Ergonomics play a big role in workers’ compensation.
So how is this related to fire apparatus and its design? A great deal more than you think. Some recent designs that have been incorporated into newer apparatus are something we all have been taken for granted and not even realized it. Hopefully these same designs will be improved on in coming years.
Improved Design
Ergonomics is the study of work and how you fit a job to a person. It is related to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back injuries, lifting, pulling, bending, reaching, etc. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, firefighting is in the top 15 of all industries that have the most MSDs. So how do we tackle this area of concern and reduce firefighter injuries?
We can greatly reduce firefighter injuries by designing safer and more ergonomically proficient fire apparatus. In the past five years, we have seen more apparatus being manufactured with lower hose beds; slide out hose beds; compartments with tilt out trays; extended front bumpers with swivel front suction and hose trays; ladder racks that are operated hydraulically or ladder storage in the rear of the body itself; bigger doors and wider, deeper steps firefighters use while entering and exiting an apparatus cab; safer seats; and larger seatbelts.
All of these designs play a major role in reducing firefighter injuries, and in some cases deaths. The days of firefighters having to climb high on the rear hose bed to pull and advance an attack line and then have to repack hose after a fire is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Reaching for ladders and pulling heavy equipment out of high compartments is also becoming obsolete. However, your apparatus design committee has to have the foresight to look at all of these areas of concern and solve the problem that these hazards present. Insuring that they can solve this puzzle by designing a safer apparatus to use in your department is the common goal.
What’s New?
Visit any fire service industry show or request a visit to an apparatus manufacturer’s factory and see what’s being built. If your department can’t afford to take part in these two examples, the next best thing is to visit the new delivery galleries on any apparatus manufacturer’s Web site as well as read several excellent fire service publications and you can gain some great ideas for your next build.
Knowing what is required by NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and its sister standards is always helpful before your start the process of designing a new apparatus, whether it be a pumper, ladder, or heavy rescue.
In any case, making your apparatus safer for your members or employees to respond with should be the number one goal of any fire department. How you achieve this goal will take some preplanning, and the thought process about safety should be a major concern.
