Apparatus Maintenance Quiz

• The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) celebrates a history of fire and rescue service innovation
• The Mechanics Steam Engine Company was Jacksonville's second volunteer company, formed January 2nd, 1870
• The Mechanics Steam Engine Company purchased the State of Florida's first steam engine
• The new steam engine could throw a stream of water 200 feet at a rate of 250 gallons per minute
• The Mechanics firehouse was located on Adams Street between Main and Laura Streets
• JFRD’s Fire Chief, Miles R. Bowers wrote a training book that was adopted by the Florida State Fire College and still influences training today
• Battalion Chief, Don “Bubba” Blanton is retiring on January 7, 2022 after 30 years, and was known as the authority on pumping fire engines

Preventative Maintenance

• Continuous fire and rescue apparatus maintenance is necessary to maintain apparatus readiness
• All company members shall assist the engineer in caring for and cleaning the apparatus, as assigned by the company officer
• A daily inspection should be performed at the beginning of each shift
• Discrepancies shall be recorded in the Daily Apparatus Check Off, located in the JFRD Portal under Tactical Support tab, and then Daily Apparatus Management
• Operational concerns shall be brought to the attention of the company officer with a logbook entry
• Contact Tactical Support Facility (TSF) for maintenance related issues
• Notify the company officer immediately when JFRD equipment is noted as being lost, found, stolen, or damaged
• Diesel exhaust is carcinogenic, take measures to avoid exposure to it
• Conduct a brief conference with the off-going engineer
• Fluid levels should be checked, and be of the proper type and grade; fluids added shall be indicated on the Daily Apparatus Report
• Booster and foam tank levels must be checked and compared to gauges
• Ensure proper air brake pressure (>100 PSI) and proper operation of brakes
• Check tires and wheels: tire pressure, lug nuts, axle seals, tread depth (Minimum tread depth is 4/32")
• Ensure seatbelts and wipers operate properly
• With the motor running, check lights, warning devices, and scene lighting
• Once started, the motor must run until it reaches normal operating temperature
• Verify normal cab-mounted gauge readings at operating temperature
• With the pump engaged and TANK-TO-PUMP valve open: verify pressure on master discharge gauge
• Operate primer until water is discharged
• Ensure proper operation of governor in PSI and RPM modes
• Ensure proper operation of the transfer valve (if equipped)
• Operate electric intake valves fully-open to fully-closed
• Discharge water from at least one discharge opening
• Open and close each 5" intake valve then remove the cap to drain
• Disengage pump then open/close each manual valve to verify smooth operation
• Open and close all bleeders; Open the PUMP DRAIN valve briefly to flush sediment from the lowest level of the pump
• Tilt the cab and inspect drive belts, batteries, and connections; secure loose cab equipment prior to tilting
• Ensure air brakes are set before climbing, never place any part of body under cab while raising or lowering
• Do not lower the cab and allow it to rest on the strut, this places undue stress on the strut assembly
• View the underside of the engine for pump or tank leaks, and the motor, transmission, pump transfer case, and drivetrain for fluid leaks
• Sweep dirt and debris from cab and wipe down surfaces as needed
• Inspect apparatus exterior and note any new body damage
• Defibrillators should be checked for battery life and operation
• Portable oxygen tank pressure should be >1000 PSI; ensure oxygen delivery adjuncts are properly stocked
• Medical jump bag and other equipment shall be fully stocked and ready for immediate use
• Air chisel - connect to air bottle and ensure proper operation (bottle pressure >4000 PSI). Air chisel should only be triggered with the chisel head in contact with a solid material
• Check each SCBA and spare bottle in accordance with SOG 421
• Pre-connected hoselines and supply hose shall be stacked properly and ready for deployment, with nozzles properly set and free of debris
• Compartments – ensure proper operation of compartment doors and verify all equipment is in place and ready for use
• Chainsaw chains should be sharp and adjusted, with proper fuel and oil levels; verify operation and use motor oil for bar lubricant
• Ensure each portable radio has a charged battery
• Hydraulic pump and tools should have the proper levels of gas, oil, hydraulic fluids and proper motor/pump operation; store spreaders with 1 1/2" gap between tips
• Check oil and coolant levels of generator (if equipped), and run until fully warmed up (approximately 5 minutes)
• Portable gas motor fuel supplies must be shut off and run until the motor stalls to clear fuel lines and prevent gasoline additive damage
• Adequate supply of straight gas/gas-oil mix should always be on hand with fuel stabilizer; rotate older gas to use with lawn equipment and keep fresh gas on apparatus
• Apparatus cab shall be cleaned; ensure all map books, reference books, and keys are accounted for.
• Interior glass and mirrors should be wiped down and cleaned.
• The thermal imaging camera should be wiped down and verified for proper charging.
• Apply wax to the exterior of the apparatus monthly or in accordance with the company maintenance schedule.
• Each compartment shall be emptied, and shelves cleaned, with roll-up door tracks wiped down with silicone spray and hinges oiled
• All four air tanks beneath the engine should be bled until the discharged air is free of moisture
• Each pump cap, elbow, and wye should be cleaned and greased, with gaskets inspected/replaced and strainers present in 2-1/2” intakes
• All pump valves should be operated and cleaned/lubricated as needed, noting improper operation
• Intake valve and the Storz connection gasket should be removed and cleaned, along with internals of the piston intakes and bleeder valve
• Inspect steamer intake strainers (which protect the pump housing from rust as an anode) and determine need for replacement
• The pump should be back-flushed with the pump disengaged, briefly opening each intake and discharge valve to flush cross lay piping
• After hydrant disconnection, the pump should be primed by placing it in pump gear, opening the TANK-TO-PUMP valve, and operating primer

Weekly Equipment Checks

• All hand tools should be cleaned and moving parts lubricated, with heads checked for tightness and linseed oil applied to wood handles
• Ladders should be cleaned with soapy water and manipulated, and heat indicators discolored; use light oil sparingly to lubricate roof hooks
• Nozzles should be cleaned with soapy water (but not lubricants!)
• Couplings on hard suction hoses should be exercised with soapy water applied to frozen/stiff swivels
• Chainsaws should be inspected, cleaned, and have chains and air filters (if applicable) removed; use air pressure to remove debris
• Air tools should be cleaned with soapy water and lubricant applied to the blade with 5 drops of air tool oil
• Batteries on all powered equipment should be charged and all bits and blades accounted for
• Inspect SCBA buddy breathing hoses; clean SCBA backpacks/quick-connect couplings
• Check hydrostatic dates on each oxygen and SCBA bottle, referring to SOG 421 for testing requirements
• Check portable extinguishers for proper charge and annual inspection date
• Ropes shall be inspected in accordance with SOG 419
• Winches shall be installed (if equipped) at each connecting point to ensure proper operation of winch and power connections
• High-lift jacks should be cleaned w/ soapy water and light oil; inspect for bent/damaged components
• Chains should be washed in soapy water and inspected for damage/corrosion
• Inspect cable on Come-Alongs for broken strands, corrosion, or wear (do not lubricate); allow to dry thoroughly
• Use lubricants such as WD-40, silicone spray, graphite, and/or “food grade” machinery grease sparingly
• Engine may require periodic service at TSF, Fleet Management, or a private repair facility; perform the following maintenance procedures

Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance and After-Service Checks

• If service requires the engine to be out of service over 24 hours, a complete daily inspection is to be performed after service and before returning to service
• If the service was performed and the engine returned on the same shift, the following checks must be completed prior to returning to service:
• Visual verification that the booster tank is full
• Verify pump and governor operates properly (in both modes)
• Verify proper brake pressure and brake operation
• Ensure all equipment is accounted for

Engine Positioning

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Responses
• Single Family Residence: Spot the engine for rescue unit/stretcher access and patient loading
• On busy streets, use the engine to protect the patient loading area
• Apartments, Assisted Living, & Multi-Story Buildings: Engine may be well removed from the location due to limited access to entrances, lobbies, and courtyards
• If tight, park outside, leaving the closest access for the rescue unit
• Roadway incidents
• Responder and patient safety are top priorities for engine placement, using the engine as a barricade to block traffic for patient/stretcher manipulation/hose lines
• Consider engine noise/location of exhaust pipe when treating patients.
• Spills/leaks may require spotting uphill/upwind.
• Turn off headlights to improve night vision of approaching vehicles and use police for scene safety where needed.
• Structure Fires
• Single Story Structure: Spot the 1st engine/ladder company in front
• Position the engine for attack lines while leaving room in front of the structure for the ladder company
• Multi-Story Structure
• Engine placement is as for a single story structure
• Should be placed so building corners are open to allow ladder company position to reach two sides of the structure

Tactical and Safety Considerations

• Do not park under power lines.
• Do not park too close to involved structures.
• Leave room to deploy hose lines and keep hose away from exhaust pipes.
• Leave the rear unobstructed during ladder/tool access.
• Newer engines need 5 feet of space on the officer's side to lower the ladder rack.
• Contact TSF prior to attempting removal of any engine that has become stuck.
• Do not drive on private driveways/bridges except during emergency response.
• When backing, use a spotter on the engineer's side/5-10 feet from the tailboard.
• Engineer and spotter must maintain eye contact with apparatus stopped when spotter vanishes/use lighting if needed.

Spotter Hand Signals

• Hand signals are used to communicate, the following hand signals should be used:
• Stop (left) / Proceed Backing (right)
• Steer Left / Steer Right

Fire Ground Water Sources

• JFRD's primary water supply is from fire hydrants, a well, part of the distribution network that consists of treatment plants, and pumping stations/water mains that are operated and maintained by JEA
• Most of the city's populated areas are served by this grid, allowing most hydrants to be supplied from multiple directions = a higher flow at a more stable pressure
• The main sizes range from 6” to 24” in diameter and average 70 PSI static pressure as adequate water delivery with dead-end mains common
• Communities such as Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Baldwin operate their own water utilities
• Static Source of water supply comes from lakes, rivers, swimming pools, storage tanks, and retention ponds
• Fire pumps must be utilized to move the water by drafting. Portable tanker basins are also static sources
• Fire Hydrants in city are equipped with a 6” inlet and supplied by water main system (flow/GPM vary based on diameter and pressure of water main)
• Dead end mains/loops, street valves, sediment buildup, and damaged mains can interfere with hydrant flow
• A City Fire Hydrant is yellow, has steamer thread sizes that are 4-1/2", and has static pressure approximately at 70 PSI
• Supply Mains vary depending on if it is Commercial or Residential

Private Systems

• Commercial plants, schools, shopping centers, aircraft hangars, and apartment complexes may utilize
• May use Private Hydrants that are Red
• The flow could differ greatly from city hydrants in the same area and could even present variable pressure/flow, High pressure systems may be at high-risk facilities
• Purple hydrants may be found on reclaimed water mains for irrigation (do not use) and Installed on those mains for maintenance flushing
• Regardless of the number of hydrants on a private system, the complex may require secondary methods

Static Water Supply

• Sources for static water supplies require pumping apparatus to draft.
• Drafting utilizes atmospheric pressure to supply a fire pump through hard suction hose. Fire department pumps are equipped with a primer to reduce vacuum allowing static water to be drawn into the pump and pressurized.
• If the natural static source water enters booster tank and pump, both must be thoroughly flushed out
• The size of the TANK-TO-PUMP valve and head pressure determines the flow from the booster tank, each JFRD engine has a 3” TANK-TO-PUMP valve.
• Flow from the booster tank is limited to 700-800 GPM, using the city hydrants, and always from the adjacent point
• Dry Hydrants: dry hydrant consists of a pipe with a threaded 4-1/2" steamer attached to a static water supply
• The pipe is commonly PVC but could be cast iron/stainless steel, and will be found near commercial structures where city hydrants are not within reach

Considerations before using a dry hydrant are:

• Hydrant maintenance is the responsibility of property owner
• Gaining easy access is essential
• The presence of water in the environment is essential
• Hydrant-main locations for Duval County can be found on JAXGIS site @ https://maps.coj.net/FireHydrantProximity
• Water main locations and sizes can be found on JAXGIS site @ http://jaxgis.coj.net/Infrastructure

Fire Pump Theory and Operation

• JFRD engines built by Pierce are fitted with Waterous centrifugal pumps at midships (single or two-stage variety) which range in capacity @ 1500/1750/2000 GPM
• Regardless of difference in pump appearance at pump panel, they similarly run and share construct
• Modern fire pump possesses 3 primary sections: Intake manifold (green arrows)
• Discharge manifold (red arrows)
• Centrifugal pump assembly with impeller/s (yellow arrow)
• There are 4 or 5 intakes on a JFRD engine
• There are two 6” steamer intakes and two 2-1/2" auxiliary intakes
• Some engines have an additional 5" intake on front/rear with valve

Centrifugal pumps share the following characteristics:

• Centrifugal pump assembly contains one or two rotating impellers (mounted to a shaft and rotate RPM)
• The Impeller has "flow-through" design that allows water under pressure to pass through even if pump is not engaged; pressurized water may go to various discharges disengaged
• Intake pressure directly adds to pump's production of pressure
• Impellers will continuously rotate when pump is engaged, even if the hose lines aren't open (known as slippage") which prevents continous pressure rise and generates extreme heat
• Centrifugal pumps are unable to pump air due to their open design
• The engineer must circulate water after engaging pump; running it idle will induce excessive heat and damage

Centrifugal Pump Theory of Operation

• The spinning object (vane) will exert force from center to the outer edge. It is this energy that propels water from the center (the "eye") to outer edge of the impeller vanes. - Impeller releases water into the volute, the chamber which directs pressurized water into the discharge manifold
• As motor speed, or RPM increases, the velocity of impeller(s) increases that results in pressure corresponding via pump discharge pressure, or PDP
• As water enters the impeller/s at low pressure the centrifugal force of the rotation increases pressure

Pump Shift

• Pump shift control is switch in cab at engineer position
• There are 3 positions – ROAD, NEUTRAL, and PUMP

Three positions of the pump gear:

• ROAD will involve engine able to drive
• PUMP will disengage road gear and engage pump gear, which applies to impeller
• The transmission (case) cannot engage both PUMP and ROAD at same time
• NEUTRAL is used only in the event of pump shift failure and requries use of manual control (refer to appendix E)
• For the test results the pump test measures volume while drafting at three pressures; 150 PSI measures rated capacity
• Centrifugal pumps can be designed single or two stage, but pump have the ability to pump if supplied from a pressurized source

Two Stage Pumps

• A two-stage pump can also be designed "pressure" in each impeller, producing pressure in series
• For example one gear produces 60 PSI and is increased in series where two impellers produce 120 PSI
• VOLUME, supply will divide and be routed to impeller

This quiz covers essential maintenance procedures for fire and rescue apparatus. It tests knowledge of cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and record-keeping. It emphasizes the importance of readiness and shared responsibility in maintaining equipment.