In last month’s column (“Know Your Response Area,” p. 98), I gave you some ideas on how to get involved with the International Fire Fighter and EMS Safety Stand Down, sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Firefighters. The drills focused on improving driver safety.
This month, I continue to emphasize the Stand Down’s theme, “Ready to Respond,” but shift my focus to a new topic: apparatus readiness.
I’ve worked with some great apparatus operators throughout the years. Each had their own routine, based on years of experience and a lot of trial and error, for checking out their trucks. The one problem their routines all had in common: inconsistencies from day to day or shift to shift. If every apparatus operator checks out the unit differently, how do we ever know for sure that the apparatus is ready?
When you see an airline pilot out walking around the plane or sitting on the flight deck going through their checklist, they are conducting a standardized pre-trip inspection. But in all my years in the fire service, I’ve never attended a formal training program on inspecting a fire apparatus.
Our pre-trip inspection is just as important as a pilot’s, because it ensures the safety of the crew and the public. We may not have hundreds of people on board, but we do endanger many lives-drivers, pedestrians and our crew-every time we head out on a response.
In this column, I’ll first provide tips on developing a standardized apparatus checklist and maintenance guide. Then, I’ll share a drill you can conduct to ensure your pre-trip inspections are standardized, no matter which crewmember performs them.
Creating a Checklist & Maintenance Guide
If your department doesn’t have a formal apparatus checklist for its apparatus operators, you need one. Following the list creates day-to-day consistency and provides documentation that the job is getting done.
Another important document that every fire department needs: an operator’s maintenance guide. The guide should serve as a reference on types and amounts of fluids and maintenance time intervals. It should also outline criteria for placing apparatus out of service due to mechanical or maintenance issues.
The maintenance guide reinforces the daily checklist by providing details on items such as how deep tire tread should be on each major groove on the front tires, and how to measure that depth.
A great way to start developing your checklist and maintenance guide is to check your state and federal Department of Transportation regulations. Both agencies provide excellent information on pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Most of these regulations are designed for commercial, over-the-road-type vehicles, but they provide any emergency organization a great blueprint to develop its own checklist.
Note: Develop your maintenance guide around the needs of your organization. If you have a high level of activity or special operational concerns, your maintenance schedule should reflect that.
Another source of information for your guide and checklist: product vendors. For example, each tire manufacturer has very specific requirements related to its different makes and types of tires. The manufacturers are the best source of information on tire pressures, weight ratings and when the products must be checked, serviced and replaced.
Performing a Pre-Trip Inspection
Setting: In the station
Time: 15 minutes
Equipment needed: Apparatus, maintenance guide, pre-trip inspection checklist
In paid departments, every apparatus operator must perform a pre-trip inspection on the apparatus at the beginning of each shift. In volunteer departments, personnel must develop a regular schedule that allows the units to be inspected several times per week. All apparatus, regardless of use, should be checked a minimum of once per week.
Step 1: Walk around the apparatus, looking for obvious damage from the previous shift. Inspect whether the doors close correctly. Look at the Nader pins and check the locking devices for proper operation.
Step 2: Inspect your tires. Dependable tires on fire apparatus are critical. Look for visual defects like cuts or tread damage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on tire use and replacement guidelines. Tire pressures should be checked daily and should follow the manufacturer’s recommended pressures based on the weight of the apparatus. An under-inflated tire is the leading cause of premature wear.
Step 3: Inspect the wheel rims, lug nuts and studs for damage or missing parts. Also look for leaks around the hub oil seals.
Step 4: Perform a visual inspection of the apparatus underbody. Do this every day if possible, but at least once a week. Look for fluid drips and leaks from front to rear; these can be early indications of problems. While under the truck, inspect the steering box, suspension, shock absorbers and frame.
Step 5: Check the brakes. Because brake types and brands vary widely, it’s especially important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection and maintenance. As far as safety items are concerned, there’s nothing more important than the apparatus’ brake system.
Step 6: After the pre-trip inspection is complete, document any defects found. Maintaining a shop repair form is a great way to document reported defects and repairs. This form should include a list of items for repair, date reported and an area of additional comments and notes. It should also have a space for the person performing the repairs to sign and date. Maintain this document for the life of the apparatus; it’s an essential source of information if the unit is ever involved in an accident requiring review of the maintenance records. It also allows crews to share information so everyone knows what’s been repaired and what still needs further attention.
Step 7: Following every run, complete a post-trip inspection by examining the vehicle from all sides. Note any problems on the shop repair form and determine if the repairs must be completed immediately or can wait until a later date.
Maintain a Watchful Eye
Apparatus inspection is one of the most important duties of the day. Although I’ve touched on some central problems to watch for, your actual pre- and post-incident inspections should include much more.
Today’s fire apparatus are becoming more and more complex. The days are quickly fading of taking our fire trucks to our local garages or city service centers where the mechanics don’t have formal fire service apparatus training. Instead, look for service centers whose technicians are Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT)-certified. Many problems can also be addressed by mechanics holding heavy-truck Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.
The key to apparatus readiness is your willingness to develop and use standard checklists and forms that provide solid documentation for reporting defects and repairs. It’s a daily process that requires everyone’s attention, not just the apparatus operator.
