NFPA 1002 Driver/Operator - Tiller flashcards

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

Tiller operator primary duty

Steer the trailer axles so the trailer tracks the tractor, and relay rear-obstruction and clearance information to the driver/operator, who cannot see the rear of the apparatus.

Tiller seat riding rule

Remain seated and belted while the apparatus is moving; standing or leaning out is prohibited unless the manufacturer's standing tiller design includes an approved restraint.

Standard tiller hand signals

Agreed signals such as stop, slow, left, right, and back are established before the shift so the tiller operator and driver/operator share one meaning for each signal.

Tiller PPE requirements

Helmet with chin strap, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and seat belt; the open tiller position exposes the operator to exhaust, debris, and weather.

Walk-around inspection sequence

Begin at the driver's door and move clockwise, checking tires, wheels, body, compartments, lights, and the tractor-trailer connections at each stop on the route.

Air brake static leak test

With the system charged and engine off, observe air pressure for loss; verify the low-air warning activates and spring brakes apply before the governor cut-in pressure.

Fifth-wheel inspection points

Check locking jaws, kingpin, release handle, safety latch, and lubrication for wear or cracks; a partially latched fifth wheel places the apparatus out of service.

Defect documentation

Record each defect on the inspection form, report it to the company officer, and place the apparatus out of service until defects affecting safe operation are corrected.

Coupling sequence order

Back the tractor until the fifth-wheel jaws engage the kingpin, confirm the lock, tug test, then connect the emergency air line, service air line, and electrical cord.

Coupling verification

Visually and physically confirm the jaws are closed around the kingpin, the release handle is locked, and the safety latch is engaged; an audible click alone is insufficient.

Uncoupling sequence

Chock trailer wheels, lower landing gear to firm ground, disconnect the electrical cord and air lines, release the fifth-wheel latch, then pull the tractor slowly forward.

Tiller steering direction rule

Turning the tiller wheel left moves the trailer rear left, swinging the trailer front and aerial turntable right; the operator must anticipate this opposite swing.

Trailer off-tracking

On turns the trailer wheels track inside the tractor's path; the tiller operator steers to keep trailer wheels on the road and clear of curbs and shoulders.

Tiller use at highway speed

Tiller steering is used only at low speed during spotting and tight maneuvers; at highway speed the tiller is centered and locked per the manufacturer to prevent sway.

Pre-trip aerial stowage check

Confirm the aerial is stowed and locked, the turntable lock is engaged, stabilizers are fully retracted, and all compartment doors and ladder locks are secured.

Clearance planning

Know the apparatus's overall height and length and check bridge and overpass clearances against that height before selecting a route.

Railroad crossing procedure

Stop, look, and listen; do not shift gears on the crossing, and confirm the trailer clears the tracks before stopping beyond them.

Backing without visibility

If the driver/operator loses sight of the spotter or tiller operator while backing, stop immediately and reestablish communication before continuing.

Stabilizer deployment

Set the parking brake, chock wheels, deploy all stabilizers fully, and place pads or cribbing on firm ground; verify the apparatus is level before aerial operation.

Stabilizer interlock rule

Never operate the aerial unless all stabilizers are deployed and the interlock permits operation; bypassing interlocks is prohibited except for manufacturer-approved emergency procedures.

Ground condition assessment

Soft soil, curbs, and vault covers can fail under outrigger loads; use load-spreading pads and monitor for settling during aerial operations.

Aerial load chart limits

Operate only within the rated load, reach, and angle limits shown on the load chart and placard; never exceed maximum tip load or platform capacity.

Emergency aerial lowering

Know the manual override or auxiliary power procedure for lowering the aerial when hydraulic or electrical power fails, and practice it during drills.

Aerial contacting power lines

Remain in the platform, warn others away, avoid touching the apparatus and ground at the same time, and follow the utility's guidance before moving.

Post-emergency inspection

After any emergency operation or abnormal event, the aerial device must be inspected before it is returned to service.

Stop command authority

Either the tiller operator or the driver/operator can call stop at any time, and the stop command is obeyed immediately without discussion.

Radio confirmation practice

Use brief standardized phrases and repeat critical instructions such as stop and clear back to the sender to confirm the message was received correctly.

Step completion reporting

Report each completed step, such as stabilizers set or aerial stowed, so the other operator knows the current state of the apparatus.

NFPA 1002 scope

NFPA 1002 sets minimum job performance requirements for fire apparatus driver/operators, including those assigned to tractor-drawn aerial apparatus.

AHJ qualification authority

The authority having jurisdiction determines specific qualification, licensing, and recurrent training requirements for driver/operators beyond the minimums in NFPA 1002.

Pump engagement procedure

Set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or pump gear, engage the PTO per the manufacturer, then monitor discharge pressure and water supply.

Aerial waterway pressure limit

Know the waterway controls and pressure limits so aerial waterway or ladder pipe operations do not overload the aerial device or exceed its rated capacity.