Chapter 04

Aerial Apparatus
Driver/Operator Handbook
2nd Edition
Chapter 4 — Introduction to
Apparatus Inspection,
Maintenance, and Testing

Learning Objective 1
Describe a systematic maintenance
program.
4–2
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is the difference between
maintenance and repair?
4–3

• 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

• Varies from department to department
• Career — Performed at beginning of
each work period
• Volunteer — Should establish
procedures
Schedule for Maintenance
4–5

• 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

Identify proper fire apparatus cleaning
procedures.
4–7

• Good public relations
• Allows for proper
inspection
• Promotes longer
vehicle life
• Negative effects
of overcleaning
Cleanliness
4–8
Photo by Ted Boothroyd

• 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

• 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

• 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

Discuss glass care and interior cleaning
of fire apparatus.
4–12

• Clean with warm,
soapy water or
commercial glass
cleaner.
• Use paper towels
or clean cloth rags.
Glass Care
(Continued)
4–13

• Do not use dry towels and/or rags.
• Do not use putty knives, steel wool, or
other abrasive tools.
Glass Care
4–14

DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why is it important to keep seat
upholstery, dashboard and engine
compartment coverings, and floor
finishes clean?
4–15

• 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

• 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

• May no longer be necessary
• May damage clear-coat protective-seal
finishes
Waxing
4–18

• 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

Clean the interior and wash and wax
the exterior of a fire department
apparatus.
Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 4-1.
4–20

Describe apparatus inspection
procedures.
4–21

• 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

DISCUSSION QUESTION
How are the sides of apparatus
identified in your jurisdiction?
4–23

• 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

• 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
(Continued)
4–25

• 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
(Continued)
4–26

• Look for signs of rust or powder around
lug nuts.
• Inspect wheel/tire assembly for other
leaks.
• Visually inspect suspension
components.
Cab Left- and
(Continued)
4–27

• 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
4–28

• 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

• 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

• Construction type
• Tire maximum load in pounds
• Tire maximum psi pressure
• Traction index
• Temperature index
• Tread wear index
Tire Sidewall Information
(Continued)
4–31

• Ply rating
• Size code
• Maximum safe speed rating
• The word “regroovable”
• Serial number
• DOT number
Tire Sidewall Information
4–32

• 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

• Check condition of
windshield and wiper
blades.
• Check running lights
and emergency lights.
• Check audible
warning devices.
(Continued)
4–34

• Check emergency
equipment located
on front bumper
4–35
Photo by Pat McAuliff
Courtesy of Ron Jeffers

• General
inspection
procedures
• Rear duals
• Automatic
snow chains
Body-, Passenger-, and
Driver-Side Inspections
(Continued)
4–36

• Compartment doors
• Hose
• Exterior equipment
• Reflective striping
Body-, Passenger-, and
Driver-Side Inspections
4–37

• 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

• 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

• Gauges on
dashboard
• Check equipment
for usability
• Controls located in
cab
In-Cab Inspection
4–40

• Must be in proper working order and
securely stowed
Rescue and
Fire Fighting Equipment
4–41

• Prevent an overload of vehicle’s
electrical generation system.
• Incorporate a load sequencer and load
monitor.
Electrical Load
Management System
4–42

• Check adjustment of clutch pedal for
insufficient or excessive free play.
Manual Shift Transmission
4–43

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is free play?
4–44

• Air brakes
• ABS brake system
Brake Inspection
4–45

• 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

• 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

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

• May be performed before engine is
started
• Most checks should not be done while
engine is running
Engine Compartment
Inspection
4–49

• 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

• 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

• Windshield washer fluid level
• Battery condition
• Automatic transmission fluid level
• Manual transmission oil level
• Power steering fluid level
• Brake fluid
Minimum Inspection
(Continued)
4–52

• Air system
• Belts
• Leaks
• Hoses and supply lines
• Electrical wiring
• Steering linkage
Minimum Inspection
4–53

• May be required of driver/operator
• Helps prevent costly repairs
• Reduces out-of-service time
• Effectiveness
• Oil number
Chassis Lubrication
(Continued)
4–54

• Duties
• Automatic vehicle
lubrication systems
Chassis Lubrication
4–55

Perform a test of the air brake system.
4–56

Perform a walk-around routine
maintenance inspection.
4–57

Perform an in-cab operational
inspection.
4–58

Perform an engine compartment
inspection.
4–59

Discuss charging batteries.
4–60

• 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

Charging Batteries
4–62

DISCUSSION QUESTION
When might jump-starting be
necessary?
4–63

Charge an apparatus battery.
4–64

Describe aerial device inspections.
4–65

• Level of hydraulic fluid
• Stabilizers
• Turntable assembly
• Lower control pedestals
• Platform control console
• Communications system
Visual Inspection
(Continued)
4–66

• Breathing air supply system
• Extension/retraction system
• Elevation/lifting cylinders
• Various sections of aerial device
• Elevating platform assembly
Visual Inspection
(Continued)
4–67

• Ladder rungs
• Waterway system
• Equipment attached
to end of aerial
device fly section
Visual Inspection
4–68

• 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

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

• Raise and extend
the aerial device.
• Rotate aerial device.
(Continued)
4–71

• Check manual locking devices.
• Test operation of auxiliary equipment.
• Stow aerial device and stabilizers.
4–72

Inspect a fire apparatus aerial device.
4–73

Identify various apparatus testing
methods.
4–74

• Performed immediately after
construction and yearly afterward
• Required by insurance industry
• Conform to NFPA®
1911
• Preservice tests
• Service tests
Testing
4–75

• 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

Load Testing
4–77

• 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

(Continued)
4–79

(Continued)
4–80

• Liquid penetrant
• Radiographic
• Hardness
• Acoustic emission inspections
(Continued)
4–81

(Continued)
4–82

• Operational Testing — Performed to
determine that the hydraulic system and
structural mechanisms are performing
in proper manner and in accordance
with manufacturer’s specifications
4–83

• Manufacturer testing
• Certification testing
• Acceptance testing
Preservice Tests
4–84

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if an apparatus
does not pass an acceptance test?
4–85

Test the operation of an elevating
platform aerial apparatus.
4–86

Test the operation of a water tower
apparatus.
4–87

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

• 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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 04

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