NFPA 1002 Driver/Operator - Aerial flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Quint minimum water tank

NFPA 1901 requires a quint to carry a minimum 300-gallon (1,140 L) water tank, along with a 850 gpm pump, 800 ft of hose, and 300 ft of ground ladders.

Aerial tip load

The maximum weight the aerial device may carry at the tip, set by the manufacturer's placard and load chart. It includes personnel, tools, and water in the pipe.

Aerial ladder minimum reach

NFPA 1901 requires a minimum 50 ft (15 m) horizontal reach for an aerial ladder. Typical straight ladders extend 75 to 110 ft.

Weekly apparatus check

A weekly inspection verifies fluid levels, tire condition and pressure, belts, hoses, battery, lights, siren, and the air brake system, with results recorded on the maintenance form.

Air brake leak test

With the engine off and the system charged, a pressure loss greater than 3 psi per minute static, or 4 psi per minute with the brakes applied, indicates a leak.

Air compressor build-up

A typical system should build from 85 to 100 psi (586 to 689 kPa) in 45 seconds or less at fast idle, per the manufacturer's specification.

Hydraulic reservoir check

Check the hydraulic oil level with the boom stowed per the manufacturer, and inspect cylinders, fittings, and the PTO-driven pump for leaks.

Tire tread minimums

Minimum tread depth is 4/32 in (3 mm) on steering tires and 2/32 in (1.6 mm) on all other tires. Check sidewalls for cuts and weather cracking.

NFPA 1911 scope

NFPA 1911 covers in-service inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire apparatus, including annual performance tests and a five-year aerial load test.

Out-of-service criteria

Any defect affecting safe operation, such as brake, steering, aerial structural, hydraulic leak, or safety system failure, removes the apparatus from service until repaired.

Aerial test certificate

The most recent aerial device load test certificate and the manufacturer's load charts must be carried on the apparatus and retained for the life of the vehicle.

Deficiency documentation

Record the discrepancy on the inspection form, tag the apparatus out of service, and notify the officer and maintenance shop in writing with date and inspector name.

Aerial tail swing

Aerial apparatus has a long rear overhang and high center of gravity. Swing wide on turns and watch the tail swing on the inside of the turn.

Engine brake use

On long downgrades use the engine brake or retarder rather than the service brakes, which can fade or overheat under the weight of aerial apparatus.

Backing with a spotter

Backing requires a spotter at the rear of the apparatus. If no spotter is available, stop and get one; a backup camera does not replace a spotter.

PTO engagement conditions

Engage the PTO only with the apparatus stationary, the transmission in neutral or park, and the parking brake set, following the manufacturer's procedure.

Stabilizer setup sequence

Set the parking brake, chock the wheels, engage the PTO, and deploy all stabilizers to the manufacturer's required spread before raising the aerial device.

Outrigger ground pressure

A fully loaded outrigger can impose several thousand pounds per pad. Use cribbing or pads on soft ground, and check for vaults and underground utilities.

Apparatus leveling tolerance

Level the apparatus within the manufacturer's tolerance, commonly 0 to 5 degrees, using the bubble level. The aerial operating envelope depends on level.

Overhead hazard check

Before setup, check for power lines, trees, and building overhangs overhead, and for vaults, septic tanks, and utility lines underground.

Collapse zone rule

Establish a collapse zone and scene control. The aerial tip and raised equipment must stay clear of the collapse zone of a fire-weakened building.

Aerial safety harness

Personnel on the aerial must wear the safety harness and belt, attach to the manufacturer-provided anchor, and keep the gate closed during operation.

Smooth aerial operation

Operate the aerial smoothly and avoid sudden starts and stops that shock-load the boom and can throw personnel off balance or damage the device.

Emergency aerial lowering

If hydraulic power is lost, use the manual override or auxiliary pump to lower the boom and bring personnel down, following the manufacturer's procedure.

Aerial operator communication

The operator at the turntable and the person at the tip must maintain visual or radio contact at all times during aerial operations.

Elevation pressure loss

Pump pressure must overcome elevation: add about 0.5 psi per foot of height, or roughly 5 psi per 10 ft (1 bar per 10 m).

Aerial waterway flow

Aerial waterways typically flow 500 to 1,500 gpm (1,900 to 5,700 L/min) depending on the device, controlled by the master stream nozzle pattern.

Charging the waterway

The pump operator coordinates with the aerial operator before charging the waterway, and drains the pipe after use to prevent freeze damage.

Tanker duration formula

Available water in gallons divided by flow in gpm gives minutes of operation. A 1,000-gallon tank at 500 gpm lasts 2 minutes without resupply.

Power line contact response

If the aerial contacts power lines, stay in the bucket, warn others away, avoid touching the apparatus and ground at once, and call the utility.

Aerial emergency stop

Release the controls, stop movement, and assess the situation before resuming. Never abandon the controls with the boom in motion.

Aerial accountability

Personnel on the aerial must be tracked by the incident accountability system, with entry and exit from the bucket reported to the aerial officer.