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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.


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.


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.


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


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


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.


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.


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.)


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.)


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.)


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


(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


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.


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.


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


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.


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

y U

nifie

d Fi

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.


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


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.


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.

A–154

REVIEW QUESTION

What safety guidelines should be followed at highway/roadway incidents?

A–155

Describe methods of supplying water for firefighting operations.


A–156

The pumper may be an initial source of water, but hydrants provide a consistent volume of water under pressure.

A–157

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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Documents

Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook ... › uploads › 8 › 2 › 1 › ... · Structural fire suppression courtesy of Bob Esposito. Mission Statement ... Aircraft