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Safe backing operations
- 2. FEMA Safety Tips • Avoid backing when possible • Always use a spotter or “backer” • Portable radios used when backing • Nonverbal communication via hand signals • Verbal communication without radios – Requires the right environment (quiet, visibility)
- 3. Backing in Noisy and Dark Environments • Important to use radios/hand lights • Two backers could be used • Utilize reverse audible alarms – Allow alarm to sound a few seconds prior to backing • What if the driver cannot see the backer? – DO NOT BACK THE VEHICLE!!
- 4. Additional Tools for Backing • Use of mirrors at the rear of apparatus – Second mirror placed at rear step area • Allows driver to see objects approaching tailboard • Other departments use rear cameras
- 5. Review of FEMA Tips • Use a backer • Communication is key for preventing accidents • Wear reflective gear for high visibility • Slow down upon arrival to avoid backing
- 6. NIOSH Case Study • Clinton County, Illinois on Dec. 2, 2012 • Firefighter Timothy Jansen struck while backing • Driver began backing, heard bystanders yell “cut it” • Driver stopped, pulled forward, began backing again • Firefighter Jansen fell and was struck by backing vehicle
- 7. Case Study Continued • Contributing factors to the accident include: – Poorly lit area – Listening to bystanders and not the backer – Lack of visible clothing by the backer – Steep incline on scene • Conclusions: Stop vehicle when changing directions until spotter is located – Continue backing once communication given by backer
- 8. Firefighter Nation 20 Tips for Safe Backing • 1. Position to avoid backing • 2. Slow down • 3. Plan before backing the apparatus • 4. Never go backward when you can go forward • 5. Focus on the mission
- 9. 20 Tips Continued • 6. Light the area • 7. Deploy backers • 8. Ensure backers are visible – Use flashlights at night, don’t blind the driver • 9. Get help to safely back if help is not present • 10. Slow down (already mentioned?)
- 10. 20 Tips Continued • 11. Roll down the windows • 12. Use warning lights and mirrors • 13. Use the backup warning alarm • 14. Back Straight • 15. Don’t assume vehicle fits into parking garages
- 11. 20(ish) Tips Continued • 16. Look up • 17. Remember the top side of the vehicle • 18. Leave space • 19. Ensure the door is all the way up • 20. Go slower?
Editor's Notes
- According to FEMA, the first thing a driver needs to do is avoid backing when possible. A crucial step in performing safe backing operations is that we use a spotter or backer at all times. It is also recommended that portable radios be used while backing emergency vehicles as a means of communicating between the driver and the backer. If we are backing into the firehouse apparatus bay or other environments that are quiet enough to hear the backer without the use of a radio, use of hand signals and audible cues like “STOP!” are effective. This requires the driver to roll down the window in order to hear his backer’s commands. Typically, the use of hand signal is adequate during backing operations, and verbal communication is not necessary. However, if the driver does not see the hand signals for whatever reason, then verbal cues are needed. For example, if the driver continues past the stop mark in the apparatus bay, and continues past the hand signals for stop, then the backer needs to yell STOP.
- On the other hand, if we are working in noisy or dark environments, it is important to use portable radios and hand lights for verbal and nonverbal communication, respectively. If two backers are needed, only one shall communicate with the driver. The second spotter should assist the first one. This, according to FEMA, will reduce a great amount of accidents during backing operations. Moreover, the reverse audible alarm should be used whenever backing occurs away from the firehouse. Otherwise, it is okay to disable the alarm while backing into the stations. It is good practice to allow the alarm to sound for a few seconds prior to backing. This will provide time for people to clear the area, as well as time for the backer to communicate that it is safe to proceed. If you are the driver, and you cannot see the backer, DO NOT BACK THE VEHICLE!
- There are several devices that can be attached to the apparatus for safe backing procedures. Some departments use a mirror at the rear of the apparatus that is visible in the rearview mirror. The second mirror is placed towards the rear step area and allows the driver to see the tailboard approaching objects. Also, some departments use rear cameras on their apparatus (ie: Ambulance 3)
- Again, it is required that we use a backer, and communication is key to preventing accidents! FEMA recommends we use PPE that is consistent with NFPA 1500. This will allow the driver to see reflective gear being used by the backer. The number one thing to do as a driver is try to avoid backing on the scene. Slow down upon arrival, and be pro-active when deciding where to spot the vehicle.
- Now let’s go over a case study that will help us improve our communication and prevent this accident from happening in our department. On December 2nd, 2012, 45 year old firefighter Timothy Jansen was riding in a brush truck en route to the scene with a captain (the driver). Firefighter Jansen dismounted the vehicle to guide the driver up a step incline. As the truck was backing across the intersection, bystanders began yelling for the driver to “cut it.” The driver stopped, pulled forward and began backing again. Firefighter Jansen, who was positioned behind the truck, either slipped or fell in the roadway and was struck by the backing truck, and later died in the hospital that day.
- The NIOSH report concluded that several factors had contributed to the accident. The scene was poorly lit; the driver listened to bystanders and not the backer; there was not reflective PPE being worn by the backer; and backing had occurred on a steep incline. It is important as drivers to remain in line of sight with the backer at all times. If the driver loses sight of the backer, the vehicle shall immediately stop until the spotter is again located by the operator. Once line of sight is maintained, and the backer communicates it is safe to proceed, then it is safe to continue backing.
- Next, let’s discuss 20 tips provided by firefighter nation for safe apparatus backing. Most of this will be redundant but it won’t take long to go over. Number one: Position to avoid backing. Initial apparatus positioning at incidents should always be based first on the safety of the crew and the function of the apparatus. The other consideration should be to “position to avoid backing.” If possible, avoid positioning the apparatus in locations that will require you to back up at the close of the incident, including alleys, dead-end streets and small parking lots. It’s better for the crew to walk a few extra steps than be involved in a backing incident. 2. Slow down. As you enter the block on which the incident is located, slow down to avoid passing the incident address and having to back up. Better knowledge of your first-due area will also help to avoid overshooting streets. Get it right the first time. Plan. Before backing the apparatus, the entire crew should take the time to discuss possible problem areas and which direction the unit will need to be directed before moving the apparatus. Walk the route you intend to use if needed. Never go backward when you can go forward. Going around the block and taking an extra minute is better and safer than backing up 30 feet. Focus on the mission. The incident scene is a busy place. Focus on the safety of the crew and apparatus when backing, and don’t be distracted by electronic equipment like the radio, cell phones, talk in the cab, or bystanders.
- 6. Light the area. Most apparatus have some means of lighting the rear of the apparatus during nighttime operations. The better lit, the safer you are. 7. Deploy backers. Use backers to assist the apparatus operator at all times unless their use would cause undue risk by putting them out in high-speed traffic. When backing into the station, always use backers. Note: If at any time you can’t see your backer, stop the apparatus. You should always have visual contact with them. If possible, set portable radios and the apparatus radio to a direct channel that allows you to verbally communicate with backers as well. This allows backers to provide information to the driver and give the “stop” command if needed. 8. Ensure backers are visible. When deploying backers, make sure that they dress in appropriate safety equipment, including reflective vests, and carry flashlights during night time operations. Flashlights should be used to illuminate the backers; avoid directing the flashlight beams into truck mirrors. 9. Don’t allow backers to ride the tailboard. A simple slide off the tailboard could lead to death. 10. Only back alone as a last resort. Get help anytime you must back up a rig.
- 11. Roll your windows down. Never back with the truck windows up. Your backers may need to verbally communicate with you while backing. Make it easy for them to do so by rolling down the windows. 12. Use warning lights and mirrors. Any time you back the apparatus, use the warning lights to improve visibility to others. 13. Use the backup warning alarm. A short sounding of the truck’s backup alarm will indicate to backers and other personnel that you’re starting the backing process 14. Back Straight. Before backing into the station, position the apparatus as straight as possible. Don’t attempt to cut the truck through the doors into position. 15. Don’t assume your vehicle will fit into all parking garages/front door ambulance bays with covers
- 16. Look up. A number of backing incidents could have been avoided if the backers had only looked up. Backers should always be aware of overhead obstructions, such as tree limbs and station exhaust systems, which may hit the top of the truck. Remember the top side of the apparatus. Never back the apparatus into the station after your apparatus check-out without ensuring the light tower and aerial is properly bedded. Never trust the auto-parking device Leave space. When positioning, leave ample space in front of cab so that when you’re pulling out for the next call, you don’t have to back up or cut too close to other apparatus. When backing go even slower! Thanks for listening, sorry about this last article on top 20 tips, apparently the author wanted to get the point out that we should go slow by using that as 3 separate tips. Questions? Comments?