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Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/ Operator
Handbook3rd EditionChapter Addendum — Fire Service
Know ledge and Skills for Driver/ Operators
Explain the mission of the fire service.
Learning Objective 1
A–1
AHJ determines services needed to protect citizens and establishes fire service to meet the needs
The mission of the fire service is usually mandated by the AHJ.
A–2
Different communities
require different services
Missions vary among cities,
states/provinces, regions
Save livesProtect
property and the
environment
There are two priorities in the overall fire service mission.
A–3
Many departments take an all-hazard approach to fire protection.
A–4
Structural fire suppression courtesy of B
ob Esposito
Mission Statement
•Part of department’s rules and regulations
•Should be posted in every facility and made available to personnel and the community
Driver/operators must work to fulfill the goals and objectives of the department’s mission statement.
A–5
REVIEW QUESTION
What is the overall mission of the fire service?
A–6
Describe how fire departments are organized.
Learning Objective 2
A–7
Type of department
Number and location of facilities
Types and number of apparatus
Number of personnel
Organizational hierarchy
Functions and responsibilities
Minimum training and certification
levels
The AHJ is responsible for establishing their own method of organization.
A–8
The most common departmental organizational structure is scalar.
A–9
Decisions and inform
ation
Feed
back
and
in
form
atio
n
All fire and emergency services organizations adhere to the same basic organizational principles.
A–10
Chain of command
Unity of command
Span of control
Discipline
Division of labor
Chain of command is the formal line of authority, responsibility, and communication in an organization.
A–11
Span of control refers to the maximum number of subordinates a supervisor can control.
A–12
Unity of command
• Each employee reports directly to just one supervisor
Discipline
• Organization provides leadership
• Individual follows orders
• Rules, regulations, and policies define acceptable performance and expected outcomes
Division of labor
• Dividing large jobs into smaller jobs
• Necessary to assign responsibility and prevent duplication of effort
Unity of command, discipline, and division of labor are also important organizational principles.
A–13
Career Combination Volunteer
Fire departments in North America can be private or public organizations.
A–14
Engine company
Truck (ladder) company
Rescue company
Brush company
Hazardous materials company
Emergency medical/ambulance company
Aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) company
Fire companies are the basic unit of firefighting operations.
A–15
Career Volunteer
Fire department personnel may fall into various staffing classifications.
A–16
Line personnel
Staff personnel
REVIEW QUESTION
How are fire departments organized?
A–17
Describe fire department SOPs, rules, and regulations that affect a driver/operator.
Learning Objective 3
A–18
Policies and procedures
Municipal ordinances
State/provincial and federal
laws
AHJ codes and standards Labor contracts
Written regulations are in place to clarify expectations, delegate authority, and assign responsibility.
A–19
Be able to locate documents
Know how to find answers to questions
about regulations
Driver/operators must learn and adhere to department regulations.
A–20
• Working hours• Emergency response guidelines• Chain of command• Certification training• Changes to operational needs
Address specific issues such as
Policies set boundaries and establish standards of conduct.
A–21
May be written or unwritten
Standard operating
procedures (SOPs)
Standard operating
guidelines (SOGs)
Procedures list specific steps for approaching a problem or situation.
A–22
REVIEW QUESTION
What types of written regulations affect firefighters?
A–23
Explain ways that fire departments may interact with other organizations and agencies.
Learning Objective 4
A–24
Emergency medical services and hospitals
• Provide complete or supplemental medical services
• Medical assistance by radio
• Dispatch medical professionals to the scene
Fire departments frequently interact with other agencies and organizations.
A–25
(Cont.)
Emergency/Disaster management
• Coordinate multi-agency activities
• May be local, state/provincial, or federal
Law enforcement
• Scene security• Traffic and crowd
control• Firefighter
protection• Fire investigation• Explosives disposal
Fire departments frequently interact with other agencies and organizations.
A–26
(Cont.)
Utility companies and public works
• Shutting off utilities• Oversee construction
of roads, buildings, sewers
• May manage hydrants and hydrant testing
Media
• Alert public of traffic incidents, evacuations, or fire department activities
• Inform public about fire and life safety topics and initiatives
Fire departments frequently interact with other agencies and organizations.
A–27
REVIEW QUESTION
How do fire departments interact with other organizations and agencies?
A–28
Explain the roles and duties of a driver/operator.
Learning Objective 5
A–29
Life safety
Incident stabilization
Property conservation
Driver/operators must assist other team members in meeting incident priorities.
A–30
Inspect, test, and maintain apparatus
Drive apparatus in accordance with local laws and safe driving techniques
Maneuver apparatus
• Backing• Negotiating obstacles• Positioning at the scene• Negotiating areas with restricted clearance
NFPA® 1002 requires specific emergency and nonemergency duties.
A–31
(Cont.)
Operating apparatus pump and other fixed systems
Supply water for hose streams, master streams, and foam streams
Supply water to supplement standpipe and automatic sprinkler systems
NFPA® 1002 requires specific emergency and nonemergency duties.
A–32
REVIEW QUESTION
What are the duties of a driver/operator?
A–33
Describe fire and life safety initiatives aimed at reducing firefighter illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
Learning Objective 6
A–34
Highest risk factor to firefighters is cardiac arrest as a result of
• Overexertion• Poor health habits• Occupational stress
Firefighters also injured and killed
• In motor vehicle incidents
Reduction of firefighter injuries and fatalities is an ongoing challenge.
A–35
Various organizations publish information about firefighter fatalities and injuries.
A–36
NFPA® United States Fire Administration (USFA) National Institute for Occupational Health
and Safety (NIOSH) Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) National Near-Miss Reporting System National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST)
NOTE
Reporting in Canada is performed at the provincial or territorial level. Canada has no national reporting system.
A–37
"To honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes, to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives, and work within the Fire Service Community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries"
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was created by Congress in 1992.
A–38
NFFF Mission
Provide fire service a blueprint for making changes
Work to establish training on Fire and Life Safety Initiatives throughout the fire service in the U.S.
Also known as Everyone Goes Home®
The NFFF established the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in 2004.
A–39
(Cont.)
The NFFF established the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in 2004.
A–40
1. Define and advocate the need for a cultural change relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility
2. Enhance personal and organizational accountability for health and safety
3. Focus greater attention on integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, and planning responsibilities
(Cont.)
The NFFF established the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in 2004.
A–41
4. All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices
5. Develop and implement national standards for training, qualifications, and certification (including regular recertification) that are equally applicable to all firefighters based on the duties they are expected to perform
6. Develop and implement national medical and physical fitness standards that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform.
(Cont.)
The NFFF established the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in 2004.
A–42
7. Create a national research agenda and data collection system that relates to the initiatives
8. Utilize available technology wherever it can produce higher levels of health and safety
9. Thoroughly investigate all firefighter fatalities, injuries, and near misses
10. Grant programs should support the implementation of safe practices and/or mandate safe practices as an eligibility requirement
(Cont.)
11. National standards for emergency response policies and procedures should be developed and championed
12. National protocols for response to violent incidents should be developed and championed
13. Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support
A–43
The NFFF established the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in 2004.
(Cont.)
14. Public education must receive more resources and be championed as a critical fire and life safety program
15. Advocacy must be strengthened for the enforcement of codes and the installation of home fire sprinklers
16. Safety must be a primary consideration in the design of apparatus and equipment
A–44
The NFFF established the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives in 2004.
Annual, day-long stand-down
Usually each work shift the third week in June
Purpose — Focus on firefighter safety
All nonemergency work ceases
Safety training sessions are held
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) initiated a Fire Fighter Safety Stand-Down in 2005.
A–45
REVIEW QUESTION
What initiatives have been created to help reduce firefighter line-of-duty illnesses, injuries, and fatalities?
A–46
Describe the aspects of NFPA 1500 related to firefighter safety and health.
Learning Objective 7
A–47
•Progressing to be more safety-conscious
Traditionally accepted injuries, illnesses,
and fatalities as part of the job
Fire service culture is moving away from the image of the firefighter as fearless in the face of danger.
A–48
Safety and health-related policies and procedures
Training and education
Fire apparatus, equipment, and driver/operators
Protective clothing and equipment
Emergency operations Facility safety
Medical and physical
requirements
Firefighter wellness programs
Member assistance programs
Infection and exposure control
programs
NFPA® 1500 specifies minimum requirements for a department health and safety program.
A–49
Firefighter and departments must take a proactive
approach to
Safety
Health
Fitness
Anticipated hazards
Safety and health are both important aspects of fire service culture.
A–50
New recruit training
Proficiency training
Evaluation process
Personnel may not be assigned until they complete required evaluation and training
Must meet requirements of NFPA® 1000 series of ProQual standards
Thorough documentation
Training for updated policies or procedures
Training in conditions close to actual emergencies
NFPA® 1500 outlines requirements of a fire department training program.
A–51
Use appropriate PPE
Maintain situational awareness
Be aware of physical condition
Be in good physical condition
Adhere to all safety regulations
Maintain PPE and training equipment
Personnel must remain safe during all training evolutions.
A–52
Apparatus
• Seat belts for all occupants
• Maintenance and inventory records maintained for all equipment
Driver/operators
• Wear seat belt• Obey traffic signals
and regulations• Be thoroughly
trained before operating apparatus in an emergency
NFPA® 1500 establishes safety requirements for apparatus and driver/operators.
A–53
Departments must provide all members with appropriate protective clothing and equipment such as
• Respiratory protection• Body armor• Protection against blood and airborne
pathogens• Hearing protection
Protective clothing must comply with the appropriate NFPA® design standard
Personnel in IDLH or hazardous atmospheres must be fully equipped with PPE and SCBA.
A–54
IMS must include
Risk management
plan
Personnel accountability
system
Emergency operations must include
Rapid intervention
crews
Rehab facilities
Postincident analysis
All emergency operations must be managed through an incident management system.
A–55
NFPA® 1500 sets minimum design and use requirements for fire department facilities.
A–56
Medical evaluations to ensure candidates can perform duties
Physical performance standards for hiring
Designated physician available
Job-related physical fitness standards
Annual medical exams
NFPA® 1500 sets forth various medical and physical requirements for firefighters and departments.
A–57
(Cont.)
Documentation of on-the-job injuries and exposures
Infection control program
Medical records kept confidential
Prohibits firefighters from operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
NFPA® 1500 sets forth various medical and physical requirements for firefighters and departments.
A–58
REVIEW QUESTION
What are some requirements of NFPA 1500 that relate to firefighter safety and health?
A–59
Describe fire department programs intended to reduce firefighter illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
Learning Objective 8
A–60
Stay informed about job-related health issues
Wear appropriate PPE
Clean PPE at least twice annually and after every exposure to smoke
Follow recommendations for vaccinations
Use precautions to avoid airborne and bloodborne pathogens
Driver/operators can follow these guidelines to maintain personal health.
A–61
(Cont.)
Use proper lifting techniques or get
help lifting
Clean, disinfect, and properly store patient care tools
Maintain a diet low in cholesterol, fat, and sodium
Maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Eliminate tobacco products
Follow these guidelines to maintain your personal health.
A–62
Medical checkups
Maintain a regular exercise program
Nutrition Hypertension
Weight control
Physical conditioning
Wellness programs should offer counseling and education about health-related problems.
A–63
Injury prevention
• Effective training• Maintain company discipline and
accountability• Follow safety-related SOPs• Use PPE• High levels of physical fitness• Follow risk management guidelines• Use rehab facilities at incidents
Injuries can occur during training or any type of incident.
A–64
Acute Chronic
Illnesses can be a source of lost duty time.
A–65
Work-related causes
• Exposure to smoke and chemicals
• Heat stress• Psychological stress• Long, irregular work hours
Non-job-related causes
• Obesity• Tobacco use• Lack of physical fitness
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of firefighter fatalities.
A–66
Prevention• Adhere to policies and
procedures• Wear required PPE• Reduce exposure to
hazards
• Healthy diet• Stop tobacco use• Exercise
• Asthma• Lung cancer• COPD
Common respiratory diseases
• Wear proper respiratory equipment and follow departmental regulations
• Healthy lifestyle• No smoking
Prevention
Respiratory diseases are another major concern for firefighters.
A–67
Toxic gases, vapors, and particulates contaminate protective gear
Risk of dermal contamination and inhalation injury
Modern fires have more contaminants and products that burn at higher temperatures
Higher temperatures increase skin’s absorption rates
Firefighters encounter many types of carcinogens at fire scenes.
A–68
Firefighters are at increased risk for certain types of cancer.
A–69
Always wear SCBA working in or around damaged structures
Remain upwind of fires and smoke
Doff contaminated gear before entering rehab area
Firefighters can take certain actions to prevent or limit chemical exposures at fires.
A–70
(Cont.)
Do not wear or store contaminated turnouts inside the apparatus cab, personal vehicle or station or home living areas
Decontaminate equipment that contacts skin after each response
Wash hands and neck skin after fire and shower as soon as possible
Firefighters can take certain actions to prevent or limit chemical exposures at fires.
A–71
(Cont.)
Additional strain on the body
Harder to perform duties
Higher risk of• Type 2 diabetes• Coronary heart disease• Stroke• Hypertension• Some forms of cancer
Wellness programs are intended to combat obesity by encouraging healthy diet and exercise habits.
A–72
Infectious diseases Chemicals Products of
combustion
Engine exhaust
Other occupational and environmental
exposures
Firefighters can have acute and chronic health consequences from exposure to various substances.
A–73
Limit exposures
Provide access to treatment
Document exposures
Infection and exposure control programs intend to limit exposures and deal with exposures when they occur.
A–74
Limit unnecessary physical contact
Maintain recommended separation distance
Wear appropriate PPE
Use BSI methods for all patients
Firefighters should take precautions against exposures when treating medical patients.
A–75
REVIEW QUESTIONS
How do fire department programs help combat illnesses, injuries, and fatalities?
What are the most common line-of-duty illnesses and injuries that affect firefighters?
A–76
REVIEW QUESTION
How do physical fitness and healthy lifestyle practices affect firefighter performance and safety?
A–77
Substance abuse Tobacco use
Personal problems Stress
Depression Anxiety
Marital problems Financial problems
Member assistance programs provide resources to help deal with concerns that can affect work performance.
A–78
Most departments prohibit firefighters from responding while under the influence
Some departments prohibit candidates from using alcohol
You are responsible for controlling use of drugs and alcohol while on call and prior to duty
You must not respond to a call or report to the station if under the influence or if taking medication that causes impairment
Drugs and alcohol can impair ability to function and slow reaction time.
A–79
If you do not use tobacco, do not
start
If you do, take advantage of a program to help
stop
Tobacco use can cause major health problems and many departments have regulations about its use.
A–80
Stay in good physical condition
Positive mental attitude
Relax when possible
Personal stress
management program
Member assistance program
Occupational stress can negatively affect health, but controlling it can be difficult.
A–81
CISD is not as effective as once thought
Officers and supervisors should monitor personnel
for signs of PTSD and recommend assistance
from specialists
Firefighters deal with atypical stress and may need to seek professional help.
A–82
Member assistance programs can help firefighters learn how to manage stress.
A–83
REVIEW QUESTION
How do fire department member assistance programs benefit firefighters?
#–84
Describe the various types and uses of personal protective equipment worn by firefighters.
Learning Objective 9
A–85
WARNING
Always wear the correct PPE that is designed to protect you from the specific type of hazard(s) presented by the incident.
A–86
Respiratory protection PASS Helmet Coat
Trousers Boots Gloves Protective hoods
Eye protection
Hearing protection
The various PPE components are designed to protect from hazards and minimize risk of injury or fatality.
A–87
Station and work
uniforms
Structural fire fighting
PPE
Wildland fire fighting
PPE
Roadway operations
PPE
Emergency medical
PPESpecial PPE
Firefighters may use many different types of PPE depending on the type of incident.
A–88
Station and work uniforms identify the wearer as a member of the organization.
A–89
NOTE
Refer to department policies concerning what can and cannot be worn while on duty or under PPE.
A–90
CAUTION
Do not wear clothing made of non-fire-resistant synthetic materials under PPE.
A–91
Structural and proximity fire fighting PPE must meet requirements of NFPA® 1971.
A–92
Courtesy of Jason A
rias, Arlington (TX
) Fire Departm
entCou
rtesy
of B
rian
Can
ady/
DFW
Airp
ort F
ire R
escu
e
Changing, adding or removing components
could
Endanger you
Void manufacturer’s
warrantyAffect workers’ compensation
benefits
Never alter protective clothing.
A–93
WARNING
Unauthorized alteration of your PPE may expose you to fire scene hazards and endanger your life.
A–94
CAUTION
Unauthorized alteration of your PPE may affect the worker's compensation benefits provided to you by your jurisdiction.
A–95
Structural PPE is designed to cover all skin and prevent heat from transferring to your body.
A–96
There are limits to how much heat gear can absorb
• Can cause contact burns• Usual temperature limit is somewhere above
400°F (200°C)• Time until clothing reaches dangerous
absorption limit depends on heat transfer rate• Clothing can take longer than expected to cool
Protective clothing traps heat and moisture inside the clothing barriers.
A–97
May significantly increase
Breathing and heart rate
Skin temperature
Core temperature
Physiological stress
Helmets come in many styles and are designed to protect the wearer from heat, impact, and other hazards.
A–98
Eye protection can come in many forms.
A–99
CAUTION
Metal frames on prescription glasses can transfer heat to the skin even when they are covered by safety glasses.
A–100
Protective hoods protect the ears, neck, and face from exposure to heat, embers, and debris.
A–101
Courtesy of S
had Cooper/S
ublette County U
nified Fire
Structural coats have three layers designed to protect from direct flame contact and other hazards.
A–102
Outer shell
Moisture barrier
Thermal barrier
A
B
C
WARNING
All layers of the protective coat must be in place during any fire fighting operation. Failure to wear the entire coat and liner system during a fire may expose you to sever heat resulting in serious injury or death.
A–103
NFPA® 1971 requires coats to have specific safety features.
A–104
Courtesy of A
ssistant Chief B
randon LeMay and the
South B
ay Fire Departm
ent, Olym
pia (WA
)
Protective trousers are made of the same layers used in protective coats.
A–105
Same closure systems as protective
coats
Reinforcement in high
compression areas
Heavy-duty suspenders
Retroreflective trim
Must allow dexterity and tactile feel
Must cover wristlet of the protective coat to form a complete seal
Must be NFPA®-compliant
Protective gloves protect hands and wrists from heat, cold, cuts, and other hazards.
A–106
Protective boots protect feet, ankles, and legs from a variety of hazards.
A–107
Cou
rtesy
of S
had
Coo
per/S
uble
tte C
ount
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nifie
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re
Hearing protection is required when noise exceeds legal exposure levels.
A–108
Pho
to u
pper
left
cour
tesy
of A
lan
Bra
un
DOT requires all personnel to wear high-visibility vests
Reflective trim on PPE does not provide enough visibility
Responders must make themselves visible to motorists during roadway operations.
A–109
Prevent you from being aware of
important environmental
changes
Make you overconfident of
your safety
The PPE protective barrier can isolate you from the environment.
A–110
• Be aware of garment’s limitations• Ensure the garment is dry before
wearing it into a fire• PPE will delay awareness of
temperature increases• Never wear PPE that does not fit
Remember the following safety considerations related to PPE.
A–111
(Cont.)
• Make sure the coat sufficiently overlaps the trousers
• Donning PPE will impair balance and gait
• Thermal burns may occur at compression points
• Heated PPE can result in contact burns
Remember the following safety considerations related to PPE.
A–112
• PPE liner will retain moisture, which may cause heat stress or burns
Body will sweat to cool itself
• Move to cool, safe area• Remove PPE• Follow rehabilitation procedures
If you feel symptoms of
heat exhaustion
Prolonged exposure to hot environments can have negative effects.
A–113
Not designed to protect against extreme fire conditions
Backdraft Flashover Other rapid fire development
There is a limit to the amount of heat that PPE can handle.
A–114
Heat can build up until PPE is hotter than ambient temperature.
A–115
Velcro® fasteners can fuse together and may need to be cut
Can cause burns or raise firefighter’s temperature
RIT and rescue personnel may need to remove firefighters from PPE
WARNING
If your PPE and/or SCBA are damaged during fire fighting operations, you should evacuate the structure.
A–116
WARNING
Burns are a result of time and temperature. The longer the exposure and the higher the temperature, the greater the severity of a burn. First-degree burns start when skin temperature reaches 118°F (47.8°C). Second-degree burns start at 131°F (55°C), and third-degree burns start at 152°F (66.7°C).
A–117
REVIEW QUESTION
How does structural fire fighting PPE differ from wildland fire fighting PPE?
A–118
Describe the inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of PPE.
Learning Objective 10
A–119
Hydrocarbon contamination reduces fire resistance
Chemicals, oils, or petroleum products can ignite
Contaminants on retroreflective trim can reduce its effectiveness and visibility
Contaminants can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed and cause serious, sometimes fatal illness
PPE can cause injury or illness if it is not properly maintained.
A–120
Start of every work shift
After every use
After washing, repair, or decontamination
On a periodic basis
You are responsible for inspecting PPE that is assigned to you.
A–121
Soiling Contamination Missing or damaged hardware and closure
systems Physical damage Wear due to friction Thermal damage Shrinkage Damaged or missing trim
Look for the following conditions when inspecting PPE.
A–122
(Cont.)
Loss of reflectivity on proximity equipment Cracks, melting, abrasions or dents in the
helmet Missing or damaged face shield or hardware Missing or damaged earflaps or neck shroud Loss of watertight integrity in footwear Damage to or faulty installation of DRF Date of manufacture to determine time in
service
Look for the following conditions when inspecting PPE.
A–123
NOTE
A member of department who is trained in advanced inspection requirements, such as Health and Safety Officer (HSO), should perform annual inspection.
A–124
CAUTION
Only personnel trained or certified to repair PPE should be allowed to conduct repairs.
A–125
• Amount and type of contamination• Whether equipment must be
removed from service
Type of cleaning determined by
• Many departments provide spare sets of PPE
• NFPA® recommends that each firefighter be issued two sets of PPE
Clothing too contaminated
must be removed from service or
destroyed
PPE must be properly cleaned or removed from service if it is too contaminated.
A–126
NFPA® 1851 specifies four types of cleaning for PPE.
A–127
Routine Advanced
(Cont.)Courtesy of Assistant Chief Brandon LeMay and the South Bay Fire Department, Olympia (WA)
WARNING
Do not wash contaminated protective clothing in washing machines used for other garments or items, such as your home washing machine or public laundry. This may expose you, your family, or others to dangerous contaminants.
A–128
• Clothing contaminated with hazardous materials or bodily fluids that cannot be removed by routine or advanced cleaning
• Performed by trained department member or outside contractor
Specialized cleaning
• Removes accumulated grime or contaminants
• Some contractors provide replacement PPE while clothing is cleaned
Contract cleaning
NFPA® 1851 specifies four types of cleaning for PPE.
A–129
WARNINGS
Do not take contaminated protective clothing into the living or sleeping quarters of the fire station or your residence.
PPE should not be stored where it can come in contact with vehicle exhausts.
A–130
CAUTION
PPE that is carried in personal vehicles should be placed in closable garment bags to protect it from sunlight degradation.
A–131
Repaired immediately by manufacturer, approved repair facility, or trained
department member
Clothing damaged beyond repair must be removed from service and destroyed
Some damaged clothing may be used for training that does not involve fire
Damaged PPE must be repaired or removed from service.
A–132
REVIEW QUESTION
What can occur if PPE is not properly inspected, cleaned, and maintained?
A–133
Summarize general guidelines for operating safely at structural fire scenes.
Summarize safe practices for riding in fire service vehicles and apparatus.
Learning Objectives 11-12
A–134
Identify hazards
Remain observant of changing conditions
Evaluate changes against safety of your actions
Communicate what you see
It is imperative to maintain situational awareness at roadway operations.
A–135
Response safety starts even before arrival at the incident scene.
A–136
Dismount apparatus
Fasten seatbelt
Mount apparatus
Don PPE
Safely reach the apparatus
Excessive noise levels
Loose equipment
Danger of falls
Vehicle accidents
Apparatus passengers are subject to a variety of hazards.
A–137
CAUTION
Never stand on or in a moving apparatus.
A–138
Use safe practices when riding in fire department apparatus.
A–139
No helmets in the cab
Seated, securely belted before the apparatus moves
Wear hearing protection
Secure loose tools and equipment
Close cab doors and safety gates or bars securely
REVIEW QUESTION
What safety guidelines should be followed when riding in fire department apparatus?
A–140
Follow supervisor’s orders and SOPs
Wear appropriate PPE
Works as a team
Maintain communication
Do a risk/benefit analysis for every action
Employ safe, effective tactics
Never operate alone or without supervision
Perform an initial assessment and maintain situational awareness
Follow these guidelines to minimize risk at structural fire scenes.
A–141
NOTE
Many of the topics discussed in this section are also vital elements to incident types other than structural emergency scenes, such as a vehicle crash or a wildland fire.
A–142
Scene control zones are established to maintain security of the scene.
A–143
Hot zone
• Trained personnel work to resolve the problem
• Only personnel directly involved in the incident are allowed
• Full PPE
Warm zone
• Immediately outside hot zone
• Personnel support work in the hot zone
• Driver/operators may work in warm zone
• Full PPE
Each control zone contains personnel performing different functions.
A–144
(Cont.)
Cold zone
• Immediately surrounds hot and warm zones
• May include ICP, RIC, PIO, rehab, and staging areas
• Outer boundary is the crowd-control line
Each control zone contains personnel performing different functions.
A–145
Can influence
Operations Duration of ability to perform assignments
Temperature extremes, heavy rains, winds, and lighting
Personnel must maintain awareness of environmental conditions and effects at structural fire scenes.
A–146
REVIEW QUESTION
What should firefighters do to ensure safety at a structural fire scene?
A–147
Summarize general guidelines for operating safely at highway/roadway incidents.
Learning Objective 13
A–148
Be visible
Work within the protected area
Exercise situational awareness
Firefighters and victims are in danger of being struck by traffic at highway/roadway incidents.
A–149
Turn off forward facing lights
Minimize flashing lights on vehicle’s sides and rear
Turn off lights that face approaching traffic
Turn off headlights unless being used to illuminate the work area or warn motorists
Apparatus and scene lighting can contribute to visibility, but can also be hazardous if improperly used.
A–150
App
arat
uslig
ht s
afet
y
Look before you move
Keep an eye on moving traffic
Walk facing oncoming traffic
Follow SOPs
Use extreme caution when exiting the vehicle
The following are guidelines for staying safe at roadway incidents.
A–151
Debris Fuel spills
Hydraulic and battery fluid spills
Downed power lines
Firefighters must be aware of the many hazards present at highway/roadway incidents.
A–152
WARNING
Do not approach downed power lines until the electric company has shut off the power.
A–153
Establish traffic control zones
Coordinate with law enforcement
Refer to the MUTCD
Use appropriate traffic control measures and devices
Traffic incident management is a critical part of responder safety.
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REVIEW QUESTION
What safety guidelines should be followed at highway/roadway incidents?
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Describe methods of supplying water for firefighting operations.
Learning Objective 14
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The pumper may be an initial source of water, but hydrants provide a consistent volume of water under pressure.
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Courtesy of R
on Jeffers
Hydrant failure can result from
Damaged valves or connections
Broken water mains
Greater demand than the system can provide
Dead-end water mains
Closed isolation valves
Restricted mains
Frozen pipes or hydrants
An alternative supply may be needed if a hydrant fails to supply sufficient volume or pressure.
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• Cast iron• Bronze• Rubber• Leather• Composite materials
Hydrant materials
• At least one large pumper outlet nozzle• Two hose outlet nozzles• 5-inch (125 mm) valve opening for standard three-way hydrants• 6-inch (150 mm) connection to water main• Male threads must conform to female threads the department uses
Component specifications
Regardless of type or location, hydrants have certain general characteristics.
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Water only allowed into the hydrant when the stem nut is operated
Water drains through a valve at the bottom
Dry-barrel hydrants are designed for use in climates with freezing temperatures.
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Water in the hydrant at all times
Horizontal compression valves usually at each outlet
May have a control valve on top that controls water flow to all outlets
Wet-barrel hydrants are usually installed in climates without prolonged periods of subfreezing weather.
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When a hydrant is taken out of service
• Place “out-of-service” tags on the hydrant• Notify personnel within the response district and hydrant
repair personnel
If water bubbles out of the ground at the base of a dry-barrel hydrant when the hydrant is fully open• Has a broken component• Should be reported to the water authority
Fire hydrants must sometimes be placed out of service.
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Damage to the hydrant, water
system piping, or pump
Repairs or upgrades
Obstructions in the hydrant Frozen hydrant
Hydrants may need to be taken out of service for several reasons.
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Firefighters use a variety of tools when making hydrant connections.
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CAUTION
Never stand over the handle of a hose clamp when applying or releasing it. The handle or frame may pop open and swing violently upward.
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REVIEW QUESTION
What tools are used to make hydrant connections?
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Provide water through hoses for fire suppression operations
Flow water from discharge openings to flush sediment
Perform periodic inspections
Ensure proper operation of valves and caps
Assist in flow tests
You must know how to operate hydrants in order to perform several functions.
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PreventDamage to hose,
hydrants, and equipment
Injury
Flailing hose
Water hammer
All hydrants must be opened and closed slowly.
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Main valve is located below the frost line
Hydrant barrel is normally empty
Turning stem nut counterclockwise allows water to flow into the hydrant
Turning stem nut clockwise shuts down the hydrant
Additional precautions must be taken in areas where subfreezing weather is common
Be aware of considerations that are specific to dry-barrel hydrants.
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(Cont.)
When shutting down a dry-barrel hydrant, it is important to verify that water is draining out.
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Test the water level
If the hydrant is draining, a vacuum should be felt on the palm against the discharge — If not, repeat the process
If hydrant is still not draining
• Drain hole is probably plugged• Notify water authority to inspect the hydrant• During winter, the hydrant must be pumped
Driver/operators must be able to make soft intake and hard intake connections to fire hydrants.
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Soft intake
Hard intake
NOTE
If the hard intake is marked FOR VACUUM USE ONLY, do not use it for hydrant connections and pressurized systems. This type of hard intake is only for drafting operations from a static source.
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REVIEW QUESTION
What are two types of hydrant connections?
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• Lack of public water distribution systems
• Systems with inadequate water volume and pressure
Areas where mobile supply
operations must be performed
• Connecting and placing hard-suction hose for drafting
• Deploying a portable water tankSkills
Driver/operators must be familiar with mobile water supply operations.
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In a forward lay, the hose is deployed from the water source to the incident site.
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Communication is essential
Local SOPs will dictate the method used to connect hose to the hydrant in a forward lay.
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Signal driver/operator that it is safe to proceed
Anchor the hose
Wrap finish section around hydrant base
Remove hose
Four-way hydrant valves may be used when making a forward lay.
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(Cont.)
Four-way hydrant valves may be used when making a forward lay.
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In a reverse lay, the hose is deployed from the fire scene to the water source.
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A wye is often used in reverse lays to create two smaller attack lines.
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REVIEW QUESTION
What is the difference between a forward lay and a reverse lay?
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