2. Unit 8 Objectives
• Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
• Identify the value and importance of regular inspections and
documentation of the inspections on emergency vehicles.
• Identify the major component systems of an emergency vehicle.
• Identify the components of an inspection maintenance program.
3. Unit 8 Objectives
• Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
• Identify how to perform pre-and post-trip inspections.
• Identify the various classes of preventative maintenance and the
importance of a preventative maintenance program for emergency
vehicles.
4. Unit 8 Objectives
• Vehicle inspections and maintenance
• Identify the role of the driver in inspections and maintenance.
• Identify the importance of keeping accurate and complete records.
5. Value & Importance of Regular Inspections & Documentation
• Safe operations
• 1 in 12 (8%) crashes due to vehicle malfunction or lack of maintenance.
• Achievement of vehicle life expectancy
• Inspection & proper written documentation according to the authority having
jurisdiction’s SOP/SOG’s
8. Emergency
Vehicle Components
• Auxiliary systems
• Electrical systems
• Hydraulic or pneumatic tool systems
• Communication systems
• Emergency lighting & siren systems
• Breathing air or oxygen systems
• Bio-waste disposal systems
• Auxiliary pump systems
• Special extinguishing agent systems
9. Components of an Inspection Maintenance Program
• Pre-trip inspections
• Daily or weekly schedule recommended
• Post-trip inspections
• Clean vehicle
• Replace supplies
• Re-fuel vehicle
• Check fluids
• Report problems or malfunctions
10. Performing Pre- and Post-trip Inspections
• Vehicle overview
• Check engine compartment
• Start engine & check inside cab
• Check vehicle & emergency lighting & siren
• Conduct walk around inspection
• Check controls & indicators of special function components
• Check brake system
11. Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance
• Routine Maintenance
• Primary level
• Responsibility of driver
• Fluid level checks
• Wheels & tires
• Electrical systems & devices
12. Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance
• Scheduled maintenance
• Manufacturer’s schedule
• Use schedule
• Organizational policy
• Professional standards
13. Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance
• Crisis maintenance
• Class “A” – Immediate
• All items which require that the vehicle must be removed from service
immediately
• Safety
• Incapacitating
• Expanding
14. Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance
• Crisis maintenance
• Class “B”
• As soon as possible
• Items which are important and require prompt attention; however, they
do not require that the vehicle be immediately removed from service
15. Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance
• Crisis maintenance
• Class “C”
• Which next preventative maintenance
• Items which should be corrected, but can be addressed at the next
regularly scheduled preventative maintenance
18. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Responsible for conducting routine vehicle inspections
• Check list
• Organizational authority
• Training and equipment
19. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Battery or batteries
• Correct fluid levels
• Connections tight/clean
• Battery box compartment clean & secure
20. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Braking system
• Pressure prior to starting engine (air)
• Build-up time, if appropriate (air)
• ABS verification (dash light)
• Braking operation (during run as well as at inspection time)
• Brake pedal (hydraulic)
• Moisture in system/drain air tanks
21. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Coolant system
• Correct level
• Hose and/or connections wears/leaks
• Electrical system
• All lights & audio devices operating
• Voltmeter reading
22. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Fuel
• Correct level
• Check any power equipment levels, if applicable
• Hydraulic fluids
• Number & location of check points for systems on vehicles
• Leaks (check floor under vehicle and areas around hose &
connections)
• Correct levels
• Cleanliness
23. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Lubrication
• Leaks (check floor under vehicle)
• Grease thrown (engine compartment, undercarriage, wheels, & tires)
• Oil (Engine)
• Leaks (check floor under vehicle)
• Correct level
• Cleanliness
24. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Tires
• Condition (sidewalls, rims, tread, road hazards)
• Correct inflation pressure
• Steering systems
• Ease of operation (power ok, no extra play)
• Correct level of fluid
25. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Items for consideration
• Belts
• Tightness
• Appearance and feel (wear)
• Tools, appliance, and equipment
• Inventory on vehicle
• Critical equipment checked for operational integrity
• Power equipment starts easily and runs properly
26. Your Role as
Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Documents needed for maintenance
• Verifies maintenance completed
27. Record Keeping
• Maintenance Records
• Inspections
• Repairs
• Malfunctions
• Training Records
• Operational Records
