ADO-A Chapter 05

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook

2nd Edition

Chapter 5 — Driving Aerial Apparatus

Learning Objective 1

Describe the driving regulations of the first apparatus driver/operator.

5–2

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator

• Governed by federal laws, state or provincial motor vehicle codes, city ordinances, NFPA® standards, and departmental policies

• Subject to any statute, rule, regulation, or ordinance that governs any vehicle operator

Driver/Operator Driving Regulations

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• Obey all traffic signals and rules when returning to quarters.

• Use courteous and professional driving style while driving in public.

• Most driving regulations pertain to dry, clear roads during daylight conditions.

Driver/Operator Guidelines

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• Adjust speed to compensate for conditions that make normal emergency vehicle operation more hazardous.

• Stop emergency vehicles for school buses that are flashing signal lights.

Driver/Operator Guidelines

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Discuss starting and driving fire service apparatus.


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• Disconnect all ground shore lines.

• Turn on the vehicle battery or batteries.

Guidelines for Starting the Vehicle

(Continued)

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• (Manual shift transmission) Start engine with transmission in Neutral (N) and vehicle’s parking brake set.– Turn on ignition switches. – Press down on clutch pedal.– Operate starter control.


(Continued)

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• (Automatic transmission) Start engine with transmission in Neutral (N) or Park (P) with parking brake set.– Turn on ignition switches. – Start apparatus engine using starter

controls.


(Continued)

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• Make sure engine instruments move into normal operating ranges on gauges.

• Adjust seat first and then mirrors and steering column.


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Describe driving a manual transmission apparatus.


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• Depress service brake pedal with right foot and release parking brake.

• Place gear shifter into low gear.• Release clutch slowly when

starting from standstill.

Driving Manual Transmission

(Continued)

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• Keep in low gear until proper speed or rpms are reached for shifting.

• Keep transmission in low gear until apparatus is clear of station and driver/operator has an unobstructed view of street and traffic conditions.

Driving Manual Transmission

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• Never attempt to start apparatus moving while it is in high gear.

• Abrupt operation of clutch may cause engine to stall.

• Avoid vehicle roll back before engaging clutch.

• When shifting gears, clutch should be fully disengaged.

Operating the Clutch

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• Climbing a hill• Entering intersections on sharp

curves • Turning corners • Over rough and rugged train• Starting down hill

Using Lower Gears

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Describe driving an automatic transmission apparatus.


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• Depress interlock on shifter and move it to appropriate gear selection.

• Pressure placed upon accelerator influences automatic shifting.

• Manually select particular gear when operating at slow speed or driving up or down a steep hill.

Driving Automatic Transmission

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Discuss nonemergency traveling in a fire apparatus.


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• Attempt to maintain engine rpm control through correct throttling.

• Accelerate vehicle gradually once apparatus is moving.

• Operate engine within its power curve.

Guidelines for Traveling (Nonemergency)

(Continued)

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• Do not try to reach rated speed in low gears.

• Avoid overthrottling which results in lugging the engine.

• Stay in highest gear that allows apparatus to keep up with traffic.


(Continued)

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• Downshift standard transmissions to avoid stalls and prevent lugging.

• Ascending a steep grade• Select progressively lower gears

until apparatus can climb the hill easily.


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• Avoid allowing engine to overspeed.

• Choose a gear that allows engine to operate at 200 or 300 rpm lower than maximum recommended rpm.

Maximum Engine RPM

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Points of Potential Contact of Aerial Apparatus

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Discuss stopping, idling, and shutting down the apparatus.


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• Perform smoothly so apparatus will come to an even stop.

• Before braking– Consider weight– Consider condition of brakes, tires,

and road surface

Stopping the Apparatus

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• Fitted on some apparatus• Assist in braking• Provide slowing action• Save wear on service brake

components• Engine manages on hills and

slippery roads easier

Retarding Devices

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DISCUSSION QUESTION

Is it SOP in your department to shut down the engine rather than leave it idling for long periods of time? Why or why not?

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• Long idling periods• If necessary to idle – Set apparatus

to idle at 900 to 1,100 rpm

Engine Idling

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• Never deactivate engine while apparatus is in motion.

• Never deactivate immediately after a full load operation or when engine is overheated.

• Idle for 3 to 5 minutes before shutting down.

Engine Shutdown

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• Immediate increase of engine temperature

• Oil film “burning” on hot surfaces• Damage to heads and exhaust

manifolds• Possible damage to turbocharger

Shutting Down Without Cooldown Period

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• Place transmission in Park (P) or Neutral (N).

• Set parking brake.• Allow engine to idle and cool down.• Shut off engine.• Turn battery switch(es) off.• Reconnect ground shore lines.

Engine Shutdown Procedures

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Start, idle, and shut down a fire service apparatus.

Objective 7 is measured in Skill Sheet 5-1.


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Drive a fire service apparatus.



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Discuss braking and reaction times.


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Identify factors that influence the driver/operator’s ability to stop the apparatus.


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Braking and Reaction Times

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• Condition and slope of driving surface

• Speed of travel• Weight of vehicle• Type and condition of vehicle’s

tires and braking system

Factors Influencing Ability to Stop

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• Momentum (p) is the velocity (v) of the vehicle multiplied by its mass (m)

• p = vm• As object’s mass or velocity

increases, it gains momentum and takes longer to slow down or to stop

Forward Momentum

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Discuss skids and the guidelines for controlling skids.


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• Driving too fast for road conditions• Weight shifts of heavy apparatus• Failing to anticipate obstacles• Improper use of auxiliary braking

devices• Improper tire maintenance

Common Causes of Skids

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• Minimizes chance of skid• Works using digital technology• Removes need to pump brake

pedal• Causes momentary delay

(approximately 0.4 seconds)

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

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• Release the brakes, allowing wheels to rotate freely.

• Turn steering wheel so front wheels face direction of skid.

• Standard transmission, do not engage clutch.

• Once skid is controllable, gradually apply power to wheels.

Correcting Skids

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• May be gained at facilities having skid pads

• May be gained through use of new system that mounts to apparatus

• Should always be performed at slow speeds

Skid Practice

(Continued)

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Skid Practice

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Discuss the characteristics of auxiliary braking systems.


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• Front brake limiting valve• Electromagnetic

braking systems• Automatic

traction control

Auxiliary Braking Systems

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Describe weight transfer.


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• Law of inertia: “objects in motion tend to remain in motion; objects at rest tend to remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force”

• Takes place whenever a vehicle undergoes a change in speed or direction

Weight Transfer

(Continued)

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• Can contribute to skidding or possible rollover

• Improperly baffled water tanks • Driver/operator

– Use only as much steering as needed– Steer smoothly and fluidly– Maintain slow speed to prevent

severe weight transfer

Weight Transfer

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Discuss the use of private vehicles.


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• Most states and province require private vehicles to pull to the right, stop, and remain at a standstill until emergency traffic has passed.

• Driver/operators must be aware that not everyone hears warning devices and many do not know how to plan an immediate reaction.

Private Vehicles

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Discuss collisions at intersections.


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• Most likely place for collisions involving emergency vehicles

• Driver/operators – Slow down for intersections– STOP when faced with a red light or

stop sign– Anticipate worst possible situation

Collisions at Intersections

(Continued)

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• No signals• Red traffic signal or stop sign• Driving into opposing lane of traffic

Collisions at Intersections

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Opposing Lane of Traffic

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Identify safe passing procedures.


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• Always travel in innermost lane on multilane roads.

• Avoid passing vehicles on right sides.

• Be certain that opposing lanes of traffic are clear of oncoming traffic.

• Avoid passing other emergency vehicles.

Passing Other Vehicles

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Discuss driving in adverse weather.


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• Recognize dangers of rain, snow, ice, and mud

• Adjust speed• Decrease speed gradually • Slow down while approaching

curves• Keep off low or soft shoulders

Driving in Adverse Weather

(Continued)

5–59


• Avoid sudden turns• Recognize slippery areas• Increase following distance

dramatically

Driving in Adverse Weather

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• Reduce stopping distance and considerably increase traction

• Consist of short lengths of chain on a rotating hub

• Hubs swing down into place• Lose effectiveness in snow deeper

than 3 to 6 inches (76 mm to 152 mm)

Snow Tires or Chains

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Describe warning devices and discuss clearing traffic.


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DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the surest way to catch a driver’s attention?

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• Civilian drivers respond better to sounds that frequently change pitch.

• Audible devices can be “outrun” by apparatus at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).

• Warning devices are of no value if not used.

Warning Devices and Clearing Traffic

(Continued)

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• Should be limited to true emergency response situations

• Turn off on limited-access highways and turnpikes

• Emergency vehicles responding on same route should travel at least 300 to 500 feet (90 m to 150 m) apart.


(Continued)

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DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is it important for multiple emergency vehicles to maintain an appropriate distance from one another?

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• Headlights should be turned on while responding.

• May be advisable to turn off some warning lights on apparatus once in position


(Continued)

5–67



5–68


Identify traffic control devices.


5–69


• Types of systems• Not substitutes for using proper

defensive driving techniques

Traffic Control Devices

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Types of Traffic Control Devices

(Continued)

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(Continued)

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(Continued)

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Discuss the tiller operator.


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• Must be qualified• Must be familiar with duties

assigned to all truck company personnel

• Driving assignments

Tiller Operator

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• Distance of trailer from base of building involved

• Angle of trailer placement• Proper overhead clearance • Side and rear obstructions• Grades and slopes of working area

Factors Affecting Tiller Operators

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Describe tiller operator training.


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• Use good signal practices.• ALWAYS trail in-line on a

straightaway.• Bring trailer quickly into line after

completion of turn. • Observe trailer overhang on turns.

Operator Training

(Continued)

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• Operate tiller section in a smooth and safe manner.

• Avoid overtillering.• Keep both hands on the wheel and

give undivided attention to the job.

Operator Training

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• Perform several checks before giving signal to proceed

• Center trailer in doorway when leaving

Leaving the Fire Station

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• Keep trailer wheels parallel with frame of trailer and in direct line with tractor.

• When turning keep trailer in line with tractor as much as possible.

Traveling Forward

(Continued)

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DISCUSSION QUESTION

Where on the tiller steering wheel should the hands be placed when moving forward?

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Traveling Forward

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• Be alert to conditions on other streets.

• Anticipate hazardous situations.• Pay attention to trucks, buses, and

other large vehicles.• Keep outlook for any overhanging

obstructions.

Tiller Operator Driving Guidelines

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• Exercise caution and maintain a constant awareness of vehicles on each side and to rear of apparatus.

• Methods of negotiating turns

Turning at Intersections

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• Requires opposite maneuvers of those used to steer front wheels

• Requires communication between driver and tiller operator

• Must be performed smoothly and slowly

• Pay attention to position of tractor as well as clearance on both sides and rear

Backing Maneuvers

(Continued)

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DISCUSSION QUESTION

Where on the tiller steering wheel should the hands be placed when backing?

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Backing Maneuvers

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Describe the driving exercises and evaluation methods of the driver/operator.


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• Driving regulations, laws, and fire department SOPs for emergency and nonemergency operations

• Pump operations and aerial ladder operations

• Hydraulic calculations

Written Test Questions

5–90


• NFPA® Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

• NFPA® 1002

Practical Driving Exercise Sources

5–91


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What practical driving exercises are used for testing in your jurisdiction?

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Alley Dock

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Apparatus Bay Parking Maneuver

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Serpentine Course

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Confined Space Turnaround

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Diminishing Clearance

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Straight-Line Drive

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Lane Change

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Straight-In Parking

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Crossover Backing

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Identify the minimum road tests necessary to certify the driver/operator.


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• Road tests that lead to certification should include the applicable elements from NFPA® 1002.

Road Tests

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Perform various driving exercises.



5–104


Perform various road test in an aerial apparatus.



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Summary

• Driver/operator candidates should be able to demonstrate good driving habits and competent performance, as well as a professional attitude.

• In addition, they must be familiar with state and provincial laws, local ordinances, and all departmental SOPs on emergency vehicle operation. (Continued)

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• Driver/operator candidates must practice with their assigned apparatus under controlled conditions until the required level of skill is achieved.

Summary

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Review Questions

1.What is the first step to starting an aerial apparatus?2.What guidelines should be observed by a driver/operator while operating the clutch in a manual transmission vehicle?

(Continued)

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Review Questions

3.Why do some fire agencies recommend using the automatic shifter?4.What should be taken into consideration before braking?5. What is the procedure for shutting down an aerial apparatus?

(Continued)

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6. How should a driver/operator react when an apparatus that is not equipped with an antilock braking system goes into a skid?7. What is weight transfer?

Review Questions

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8.Why should fire apparatus driver/operators not rely too heavily on warning devices?9.Of what factors should tiller operators be particularly aware?10. The written exam for aerial apparatus driver/operators may include questions pertaining to what areas?

Review Questions

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ADO-A Chapter 05

Education

Transcript of ADO-A Chapter 05