fire engine driving operations unit 3b - basic driving skills 3b-1

Fire Engine Driving Operations

Fire Engine Driving Operations

Unit 3B - Basic Driving Skills

3B-1

3B-2

ObjectivesObjectives

• Describe and demonstrate the driver walk-around before moving a fire engine.

• Describe the STOP procedure and how it relates to the driver when operating a fire engine.

• Identify danger zones around fire engines and describe actions that can be performed to reduce risk in these areas.

ObjectivesObjectives

• Describe and demonstrate the start-up and shifting procedures an ENOP must perform when operating fire engines with automatic or manual transmissions.

• Identify hazardous driving situations and describe actions that can be performed to reduce risk.

• Demonstrate on an established course fire engine handling and maneuvering capabilities including, but not limited to backing, positioning, braking, and cornering.

3B-3

Preparing to Drive a Fire Engine

Preparing to Drive a Fire Engine

3B-4

Pre-trip Inspection(Preventative Maintenance Check)

Pre-trip Inspection(Preventative Maintenance Check)

• Performed daily during fire season• Documented in the FEMPR• Should not be confused with driver walk-around

3B-5

Driver Walk-AroundDriver Walk-Around

3B-6

Passenger Side Front Driver Side Front

Driver Side RearPassenger Side Rear

Cab

Walk-Around Watch OutsWalk-Around Watch Outs

• Rocks in the way of tires• Holes, berms, ditches, etc.• Large stobbs or downed

trees• Chock blocks secured and

in place• Gear or equipment around

or under vehicle

3B-7

More Walk-Around Watch OutsMore Walk-Around Watch Outs

• Vehicles parked behind the engine

• Personnel relaxing or sleeping around engine

• Body damage while away from the engine

• Cabinets latched and equipment secured

• Side and overhead clearance in and near the path your vehicle will travel

3B-8

STOP ProcedureSTOP Procedure

3B-9

“S”“S”

• Seat belts on?– Seat belts must be available and used in Bureau motor vehicles. – The driver is responsible for asking passengers if they are

wearing their seat belts and ensuring that they are worn at all times.

3B-10

“T”“T”

• Tools and equipment stowed?– Ensure that all tools and equipment are secured in cabinets or

approved storage areas before moving the engine.

3B-11

“O”“O”

• Operator (driver) and crew has situational awareness.– Determine if the engine is clear of hazards.– Never back an engine without checking behind the vehicle.– Utilize spotters (vehicle occupants) whenever possible.

3B-12

“P”“P”

• Personnel accounted for?– Ensure all personnel are account for and their locations are

known.– Communicate your intentions to all personnel before moving the

vehicle.

3B-13

Engine Danger ZonesEngine Danger Zones

3B-14

Engine Danger ZonesEngine Danger Zones

• When working in close proximity of a moving engine, there is an increased risk for an accident to occur.

• Given the size of our engines and the environment we work in, there are operator “blind spots” or danger zones.

3B-15

Engine Danger ZonesEngine Danger Zones

• Whenever possible, operate in the green zones. – Offer visual contact with the

operator.

• Yellow areas are limited visibility and mirror use areas.– Notify the driver when you

are in these areas.

3B-16

Engine Danger ZonesEngine Danger Zones

• Never work in red zones when engine is moving.

• Notify operator prior to entering red zones.

• Stay out of the red zone where the driver has no visual.

3B-17

Engine Danger ZonesEngine Danger Zones

• The red area in front of the engine extends 10 feet out from the front bumper.

• You must have visual contact with the driver when working in front of the vehicle beyond the 10-foot range.

3B-18

Engine Spotter Usage Engine Spotter Usage

• There are always blind spots around the engine.

• Always use a spotter if there are two or more crewmembers.

• If alone, get out and do a visual yourself.

3B-19

When to Use a SpotterWhen to Use a Spotter

• Backing up • Off-road pioneering • Hazardous conditions exist • Low vehicle clearances exist • Narrow/confined driving spaces exist

3B-20

Spotter TechniquesSpotter Techniques

• Spotters should have a clear line of sight to the driver. Spotter position should be: – Forward movement: Outside the forward red zone on the driver

side windshield – Backing movement: Outside the rear red zone on the driver side

mirror

• Spotters and drivers should understand a common set of hand signals.

3B-21

Spotter TechniquesSpotter Techniques

• Spotters and drivers need to communicate on the planned action.

• Spotter distance from the engine will depend on various situations at the time of the maneuver; however, visual contact between spotter and driver shall not be compromised.

• If driver loses sight of the spotter, the driver should stop immediately and determine the spotter’s location.

3B-22

Vehicle Operationsand

Recovery

Vehicle Operationsand

Recovery

3B-23

Mirror and Seat AdjustmentMirror and Seat Adjustment

3B-24

3B-25

Manual TransmissionManual Transmission

Up Shifting and Down ShiftingUp Shifting and Down Shifting

3B-26

Off-Road ShiftingOff-Road Shifting

3B-27

3B-28

Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission

3B-29

Air Brake UseAir Brake Use

3B-30

Mud and Sand AreasMud and Sand Areas

3B-31

Side HillsSide Hills

Gullies/DitchesGullies/Ditches

3B-32

3B-33

Vehicle RecoveryVehicle Recovery

3B-34

Winch UseWinch Use

3B-35

Jump StartingJump Starting

3B-36

Tire Changing and JackingTire Changing and Jacking

3B-37

Towing and Being TowedTowing and Being Towed

3B-38

Driving SafetyDriving Safety

The crew depends on you!The crew depends on you!

3B-39

Follow Safe Driving PracticesFollow Safe Driving Practices

3B-40

Steering Wheel Hand PositionSteering Wheel Hand Position

3B-41

Following Other VehiclesFollowing Other Vehicles

3B-42

Braking/Stopping DistanceBraking/Stopping Distance

3B-43

Off-Road DrivingOff-Road Driving

3B-44

Night DrivingNight Driving

3B-45

BackingBacking

3B-46

Engine PlacementEngine Placement

3B-47

Ingress and EgressIngress and Egress

3B-48

ParkingParking

3B-49

The BlackThe Black

3B-50

Visibility – Blind SpotsVisibility – Blind Spots

3B-51

HazardsHazards

Pay attention to your surroundings!

What hazards do you see in this

picture?

What was in the picture . . .What was in the picture . . .

• Creek undercut the road bank

• Narrow passage way• Various terrain and fuel

types• Rolled engine!

3B-52

3B-53

Rock Piles/OutcroppingsRock Piles/Outcroppings

3B-54

Various Terrain and Fuel Type ChangesVarious Terrain and Fuel Type Changes

3B-55

AircraftAircraft

3B-56

Wild and Domesticated AnimalsWild and Domesticated Animals

3B-57

Poor Weather ConditionsPoor Weather Conditions

3B-58

Wildland-Urban InterfaceWildland-Urban Interface

3B-59

Staying AlertStaying Alert

3B-60

Post Off-Road InspectionPost Off-Road Inspection

3B-61

Driving RemindersDriving Reminders

Driving RemindersDriving Reminders

• More time can be made up by getting out of the station quickly than by speeding en route.

• Keep your vehicle in top condition. Inspect it regularly.

3B-62

Driving RemindersDriving Reminders

• Good drivers drive smoothly and with control, not recklessly or erratically.

• A heavier piece of equipment will not stop as easily as a passenger car.

3B-63

3B-64

Accidents do not “just happen,” . . .Accidents do not “just happen,” . . .

3B-65

Cone Course ExerciseCone Course Exercise

3B-66

ObjectivesObjectives

• Describe and demonstrate the driver walk-around before moving a fire engine.

• Describe the STOP procedure and how it relates to the driver when operating a fire engine.

• Identify danger zones around fire engines and describe actions that can be performed to reduce risk in these areas.

ObjectivesObjectives

• Describe and demonstrate the start-up and shifting procedures an ENOP must perform when operating fire engines with automatic or manual transmissions.

• Identify hazardous driving situations and describe actions that can be performed to reduce risk.

• Demonstrate on an established course fire engine handling and maneuvering capabilities including, but not limited to backing, positioning, braking, and cornering.

3B-67