3. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is the difference between
maintenance and repair?
4–3
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
4. • Necessary for every fire department,
fire brigade, and wildland fire agency
• Should identify
– Which functions are performed
– Who performs functions
• Dictate responsibilities of
driver/operator
Maintenance Program
4–4
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
5. • Varies from department to department
• Career — Performed at beginning of
each work period
• Volunteer — Should establish
procedures
Schedule for Maintenance
4–5
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
6. • Serves as warranty claims, accident
investigation, and decision to purchase
new apparatus
• Procedures and transmission
determined by individual department
Maintenance and Inspection
Documentation
4–6
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
8. • Good public relations
• Allows for proper
inspection
• Promotes longer
vehicle life
• Negative effects
of overcleaning
Cleanliness
4–8
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Photo by Ted Boothroyd
9. • Newer apparatus require more gentle
cleaning than older apparatus
• Once new vehicle finish is cured, nozzle
or pressure washer maybe used for
speed cleaning
Washing
4–9
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
10. • Use garden hose
without nozzle.
• Rinse before applying
soap.
• Wash off vehicle mud,
dirt, insects, soot, tar,
grease, and road salts
before they dry.
Washing Newer Apparatus
(Continued)
4–10
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
11. • Wash with automotive detergent.
• Do not wash with extremely hot water.
• Begin washing from top, work
downward.
• Dry with clean chamois or rubber
squeegee.
Washing Newer Apparatus
4–11
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
12. Discuss glass care and interior cleaning
of fire apparatus.
Learning Objective 3
4–12
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
13. • Clean with warm,
soapy water or
commercial glass
cleaner.
• Use paper towels
or clean cloth rags.
Glass Care
(Continued)
4–13
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
14. • Do not use dry towels and/or rags.
• Do not use putty knives, steel wool, or
other abrasive tools.
Glass Care
4–14
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
15. DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why is it important to keep seat
upholstery, dashboard and engine
compartment coverings, and floor
finishes clean?
4–15
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
16. • Sweep or vacuum.
• Use warm soapy water or commercial
cleaning products.
• Ventilate.
• Pay attention when using liquids around
electrical system.
Interior Cleaning
(Continued)
4–16
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
17. • Do not use cleaning solvents such as
acetone, lacquer thinner, enamel
reducer, nail polish remover, laundry
soap, bleach, naphtha, or carbon
tetrachloride to clean interior surfaces.
Interior Cleaning
4–17
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
18. • May no longer be necessary
• May damage clear-coat protective-seal
finishes
Waxing
4–18
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
19. • Do not apply until paint is six months
old.
• Apply after washing and drying.
• Apply according to product instructions.
• Polish out with soft cloth or electric
buffer.
Waxing (If Required)
4–19
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
20. Clean the interior and wash and wax
the exterior of a fire department
apparatus.
Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 4-1.
Learning Objective 4
4–20
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
22. • Daily walk-around inspection
– Commercial vehicle pre-trip, road-
worthiness inspection
– Inspection of operational readiness of
emergency equipment
• Driver/operator should review previous
record inspections.
Apparatus
Inspection Procedures
4–22
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
23. DISCUSSION QUESTION
How are the sides of apparatus
identified in your jurisdiction?
4–23
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
24. • Check left (driver’s) side first.
• Repeat procedure on right
(passenger’s) side.
• Make sure various aspects of cab doors
are in order.
• Inspect door window glass.
• Ensure windows roll up and down
correctly.
Cab Left- and
Right-Side Inspections
(Continued)
4–24
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
25. • Check all steps, platforms, tool mounts,
lights, and handrails.
• Check saddle fuel tanks beneath door
opening.
• Check fuel filler caps.
• Check the wheel.
• Check each lug nut by hand.
Cab Left- and
Right-Side Inspections
(Continued)
4–25
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
26. • Look for cracks or damage around the
lip of the wheel rim.
• Ensure front splash guards are in place
and secure.
• Look for unusual accumulations of
brake dust, rust tracks, powder, or
metal fillings on wheel.
Cab Left- and
Right-Side Inspections
(Continued)
4–26
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
27. • Look for signs of rust or powder around
lug nuts.
• Inspect wheel/tire assembly for other
leaks.
• Visually inspect suspension
components.
Cab Left- and
Right-Side Inspections
(Continued)
4–27
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
28. • Look for defects or wear involving the
springs, spring hangers, shackles, U-
bolts, and shock absorbers.
• Ensure that springs do not have
cracked or broken leaves.
Cab Left- and
Right-Side Inspections
4–28
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
29. • Ensure tire types match.
• Make certain that all tires are same size
and have same the weight ratings.
• Check speed ratings.
• Check proper tread depth.
• Check valve stem.
• Ensure valve stem caps are in place.
Tire Types and Condition
4–29
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
30. • Check inflation to manufacture's
recommended tire pressure.
– Maximum tire pressure imprinted on
exterior is NOT recommended operating
tire pressure.
– Check GVWR placard or tire
manufacturer's recommendation for correct
operating pressure.
Tire Inflation
4–30
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
31. • Construction type
• Tire maximum load in pounds
• Tire maximum psi pressure
• Traction index
• Temperature index
• Tread wear index
Tire Sidewall Information
(Continued)
4–31
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
32. • Ply rating
• Size code
• Maximum safe speed rating
• The word “regroovable”
• Serial number
• DOT number
Tire Sidewall Information
4–32
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
33. • Note any significant body damage.
• Look beneath for damage to tow hooks,
front axle, steering system, or piping.
• Look for loose, bent, worn, damaged, or
missing parts.
• Check frame and chassis components.
Front of Vehicle Inspection
(Continued)
4–33
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
34. • Check condition of
windshield and wiper
blades.
• Check running lights
and emergency lights.
• Check audible
warning devices.
Front of Vehicle Inspection
(Continued)
4–34
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
35. • Check emergency
equipment located
on front bumper
Front of Vehicle Inspection
4–35
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Photo by Pat McAuliff
Courtesy of Ron Jeffers
36. • General
inspection
procedures
• Rear duals
• Automatic
snow chains
Body-, Passenger-, and
Driver-Side Inspections
(Continued)
4–36
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Photo by Ted Boothroyd
38. • Running and warning lights
• Equipment in rear compartments
• Cabinet doors
• Equipment stored on outside rear area
• Hose beds
• Equipment stored in hose bed
• Inspecting a quint
Rear of Vehicle Inspection
4–38
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
39. • Seats and mirrors
• Start engine
• Seat belts securely mounted and
operate without binding
• Buckles open and close freely
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
In-Cab Inspection
(Continued)
4–39
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
40. • Gauges on
dashboard
• Check equipment
for usability
• Controls located in
cab
In-Cab Inspection
4–40
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Photo by Ted Boothroyd
41. • Must be in proper working order and
securely stowed
Rescue and
Fire Fighting Equipment
4–41
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
42. • Prevent an overload of vehicle’s
electrical generation system.
• Incorporate a load sequencer and load
monitor.
Electrical Load
Management System
4–42
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
43. • Check adjustment of clutch pedal for
insufficient or excessive free play.
Manual Shift Transmission
4–43
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
45. • Air brakes
• ABS brake system
Brake Inspection
4–45
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
46. • Test air compressor governor cutout
pressure.
• Test air compressor governor cut-in
pressure.
• Test air leakage.
• Test low-pressure warning signal.
Braking Tests
(Continued)
4–46
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
47. • Test spring brakes for automatic
actuation.
• Check rate of air pressure buildup.
• Test service brakes.
• Test parking brake.
• Test slack adjusters.
Braking Tests
4–47
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
48. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if any of the
tests indicate the brakes do not
perform in accordance with state or
provincial requirements?
4–48
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
49. • May be performed before engine is
started
• Most checks should not be done while
engine is running
Engine Compartment
Inspection
4–49
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
50. • Check level and/
or control
mechanism.
• Ensure hold-open
device is latched.
• Check cab latches.
• Check cab lift motors and pumps.
Tilt-Cab
4–50
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
51. • Engine (crankcase) oil level
• Engine air filter
• Emergency shutdown
• Exhaust system
• Radiator coolant (antifreeze) level
• Cooling fan
Minimum Inspection
of Engine Compartment
(Continued)
4–51
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
61. • May be required after long periods of
inactivity or improper drain of electrical
system
• Generally performed with battery
charger
• Procedure
• Jump starting considerations
Charging Batteries
(Continued)
4–61
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
66. • Level of hydraulic fluid
• Stabilizers
• Turntable assembly
• Lower control pedestals
• Platform control console
• Communications system
Visual Inspection
(Continued)
4–66
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
67. • Breathing air supply system
• Extension/retraction system
• Elevation/lifting cylinders
• Various sections of aerial device
• Elevating platform assembly
Visual Inspection
(Continued)
4–67
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
68. • Ladder rungs
• Waterway system
• Equipment attached
to end of aerial
device fly section
Visual Inspection
4–68
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
69. • Park apparatus in suitable location for
operating aerial device.
• Transfer power from drive train to aerial
device hydraulic system.
• Check operation of stabilizers.
Operational Inspection
(Continued)
4–69
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
70. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is indicated if the truck begins
to lean toward one side or the other
after the stabilizers have been
deployed for a while?
4–70
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
71. • Raise and extend
the aerial device.
• Rotate aerial device.
Operational Inspection
(Continued)
4–71
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
72. • Check manual locking devices.
• Test operation of auxiliary equipment.
• Stow aerial device and stabilizers.
Operational Inspection
4–72
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
73. Inspect a fire apparatus aerial device.
Objective 13 is measured in Skill Sheet 4-7.
Learning Objective 13
4–73
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
75. • Performed immediately after
construction and yearly afterward
• Required by insurance industry
• Conform to NFPA®
1911
• Preservice tests
• Service tests
Testing
4–75
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
76. • Determines aerial device is capable to
handle weight it is rated to carry
• May not be a totally accurate
• Good indication that a static load can
be supported at the tip
• If only static load tests are conducted,
not accurately tested
Load Testing
(Continued)
4–76
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
78. • Used to inspect structural components
without physically altering, placing
under load or stress, or otherwise
damaging or causing wear
• Involves equipment and expertise not
found in most fire departments
• Performed by independent testing
agencies
Nondestructive Testing
(Continued)
4–78
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
83. • Operational Testing — Performed to
determine that the hydraulic system and
structural mechanisms are performing
in proper manner and in accordance
with manufacturer’s specifications
Nondestructive Testing
4–83
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
85. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if an apparatus
does not pass an acceptance test?
4–85
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
86. Test the operation of an elevating
platform aerial apparatus.
Objective 15 is measured in Skill Sheet 4-8.
Learning Objective 15
4–86
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
87. Test the operation of a water tower
apparatus.
Objective 16 is measured in Skill Sheet 4-9.
Learning Objective 16
4–87
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
88. Summary
• Modern aerial apparatus are large,
complicated, and expensive pieces of
fire equipment and must be kept in a
state of good repair and operational
readiness.
(Continued)
4–88
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
89. • It is the driver/operator’s responsibility
to ensure that aerial apparatus are
clean, well maintained, in good repair,
and thoroughly inspected.
• Driver/operators should be aggressive
with regard to the inspection of the
aerial apparatus and should report any
problems found during an inspection.
Summary
4–89
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
90. Review Questions
1. What is the difference between
maintenance and repair?
2. Why should new apparatus be
washed with cold water?
3. What type of inspections are
conducted when the driver/operator
performs the daily walk-around
inspection? (Continued)
4–90
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
91. Review Questions
4. What danger arises from
testing audible warning devices inside
a building?
5. What are some guidelines that
should be used when performing a
compartment door inspection?
(Continued)
4–91
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
92. 6. What is the purpose of an electrical
load management system?
7. What tests should be performed as
part of a complete in-cab air-brake
test?
Review Questions
4–92
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
93. 8. How should unsealed batteries
be checked?
9. What is the correct procedure
for charging a battery?
10. What two purposes are served by
an operational inspection of an aerial
device?
Review Questions
4–93
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator