During hard economic times, fire departments that have limited funds sometimes opt to purchase or have other companies manufacture fire vehicles out of excess/surplus military vehicles. These vehicles become available through the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program or from various state agencies. The vehicles can be designed and manufactured by outside firms, but some departments choose to modify these vehicles in-house.
It is important to know that the U.S. Fire Administration has reported increased crash risks associated with these types of vehicles, particularly military fuel tankers that have been converted into water tankers and then overloaded with water.
While perusing the Web one day, I came across a disturbing report on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) website. The report detailed two case studies of military conversion vehicles being involved in accidents. These investigations identified several factors that can create safety concerns for fire departments operating these types of vehicles. The main concerns: lack of (or failed use of) seatbelts, poor maintenance, exceeding the gross vehicle weights, using tankers for hauling water without proper baffles, unsafe riding locations and inappropriate vehicle modifications.
Following is an excerpt from the NIOSH report, “Preventing Death and Injuries of Fire Fighters Operating Modified Excess/Surplus Vehicles.” You can download a PDF of the complete report on the CDC website.
NIOSH recommends that fire departments take the following precautions and actions to minimize hazards and risks when using these types of vehicles:
Guidelines and Procedures
- Ensure that all fire fighters are seated in appropriate riding positions and are secured by seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion (NFPA 1500). Vehicles without a restraint system should have one installed that meets current standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE 1994, 1995a; 1995b].
- Develop a standard operating procedure or guideline for operating modified excess/surplus tankers, including when the vehicle should and shouldn’t be used and required training for operators. Consider operating these vehicles only in nonemergency mode (i.e., no lights or siren).
- Develop procedures to declare a vehicle mechanically deficient or unsafe, and immediately remove it from service until it is repaired or replaced.
Apparatus Design and Modification
- Ensure that the weight of a fully loaded vehicle does not exceed the GVWR [gross vehicle weight rating]. This is especially important when using military fuel trucks as water tankers, since water weighs 8.33 pounds per gallon, approximately 20% more than certain fuel types. The weight of additional firefighting equipment should also be monitored, as this added weight may increase total vehicle weight in excess of the GVWR. Since wildland firefighting apparatus may see severe off-road use, the cross-country GVWR should be considered the maximum if specified [REC 2009b].
- Ensure that tanks are baffled for safe handling of water (NFPA 1901). Fuel tanks generally lack appropriate baffles to allow for the safe transport of water.
- Ensure the vehicle is not operated with a partially filled water tank, because the sloshing effects of water during vehicle operation may cause the vehicle to become dangerously unstable when changing lanes or negotiating curves.
- Ensure that the vehicle’s center of gravity has not been raised higher than when originally manufactured. A low center of gravity contributes to improved vehicle stability.
Although the report mainly covers water tankers, you can apply the same guidelines to modified military 6 x 6 vehicles that have been converted into brush trucks. Follow all of the NFPA guidelines when having a vehicle of this nature built, and follow the following maintenance guidelines also set by NIOSH.
Maintenance
It’s also critical that you follow all related maintenance protocols. Following are some tips for this, but you can read the full set of guidelines in the report “Preventing Death and Injuries of Fire Fighters Operating Modified Excess/Surplus Vehicles.”
- Implement a maintenance program following NFPA 1911.
- Make sure the vehicle is properly inspected, tested and repaired by a certified EVT following NFPA 1911, 1500 and 1071.
- Inspect tires, brakes, steering and suspension systems before placing them in service.
- Finally make sure proper training is given to drivers to ensure that they understand the handling characteristics of these different types of vehicles.
A final note: Remember that the safety of your firefighters is paramount, no matter what type of vehicle your department operates.
