Engine Company Apparatus Inspection

Policy

• This manual chapter contains information about the daily inspection of the Engine Company apparatus.

Responsibility

• Each member must exercise appropriate control as dictated by their rank when implementing this manual.

General Information

• The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) gives members knowledge and tools to better serve the citizens of the City.
• The Fire Engine Company apparatus must be in the best possible condition.
• Equipment and technology have drastically changed over the years, especially for fire apparatus.
• All members need to be proficient in all aspects of the job, specifically the apparatus and equipment.

Apparatus

• The Philadelphia Fire Department has several types of pumping apparatus in service.
• Daily inspections may differ based on the model year and any specialized apparatus.
• Engine apparatus consist of (2003, 2004, 2007) LaFrance, (2009, 2012) KME and (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020) Spartan.

Apparatus Inspection

• Apparatus and equipment inspections must be done at the start of each shift.
• The driver is responsible for the condition and operation of the apparatus.
• The driver needs to complete a 360-degree walk around of the apparatus and a vehicle inspection.
• This is to ensure the safe and serviceable status of the apparatus, including all safety features work properly.
• Drivers will use the apparatus checklist and inform the officer of any concerns immediately after finishing the apparatus inspection.
• The apparatus is a visible symbol of the Department and the apparatus must be washed and waxed as needed to present a clean appearance.

General Apparatus Check

• At each shift change, drivers must communicate any concerns or unresolved problems to the oncoming driver.
• Inspect the apparatus for vehicle fluid leaks such as water, coolant, oil, brake fluid, or transmission fluid during the 360-degree inspection.
• Chassis springs should be checked weekly for sagging, cracks, or other damage.
• Mufflers and exhaust pipes should be checked weekly for leaks or cracks.
• Shock absorbers should be checked weekly for leaks or damage.
• Check that ladders, hooks, equipment, etc. are attached to the apparatus and secured.
• Check the apparatus body weekly for loose or missing fasteners and retighten if possible.
• Check the cab doors for the working condition of hinges, handles, glass, and window regulators.
• A Company Officer will be notified to notify the Shop for any repair, replacement or adjustment
• Lubricate the hinges and latches monthly
• Windshields should be free of defects and clean, and windshield wipers should be intact and held against the windshield with appropriate tension.
• Verify that all apparatus have license plates, and the company officer should report missing plates or registration cards to the Apparatus Officer via email.
• The license plate number, Vehicle I.D. #, public property number, mileage, and specifics on the loss/damage should be listed on the memo.
• Make a note of the State Inspection expiration date on the Apparatus Check Off List.
• If the inspection is not completed two weeks before the expiration date, the company officer must notify the Shop and email the Apparatus Officer.
• Check that each apparatus door/roll down is closed and secure, and look for loose, bent, damaged, or missing parts.
• The driver must ensure that all compartment doors are closed and secured before leaving the station or incident scene.
• Clean the compartments monthly and lubricate the doors, hinges, and latches with silicone spray.
• The tires need to be checked for proper inflation, tire type, tread depth, tread separation, cupping, excessive wear, dry rot, cuts, or impaled objects.
• The valve stem should be in place and undamaged, and the metal rim and lug nuts should be checked.
• Battery terminals and grounding clamps should be checked for corrosion and tightness, and cleaned if corroded.
• The battery casing should be clean.
• Do not attempt to start an apparatus with the headlights and warning lights on to avoid battery drain and failure.
• Check all seat belts for proper number, location, and ease of operation, ensuring they operate smoothly and return to the holder after disengaging.
• The 360 inspection should conclude with ensuring that each riding position has the correct equipment, meter, tools, portable radio, and SCBA.
• Activate the apparatus and check the dashboard for any warning lights, including all lights for burned-out bulbs and/or damage, as well as horns, sirens, mirrors, and reflectors.
• Notify the officer and place the apparatus OOS for non-working warning devices.
• Be alert for any indications of the need for engine service, such as loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, or hard starting.
• Check the motor oil level when the motor is off.
• Check the transmission fluid level while the apparatus is running in the neutral position.
• Refuel when the level falls below 3/4 full.
• Check the coolant level, but do not add fluids; the officer will notify the shop to have the apparatus serviced.
• To check the sir brake system, take a reading on the air system pressure gauge on the dashboard and slight losses are normal.
• If the pressure drops more than 25 psi in one hour, there may be a leak.
• Keep the apparatus plugged in to maintain pressure.
• Bleed moisture from the air tanks weekly, and daily during winter months to prevent the brake system from freezing.
• Contact the Apparatus Manual or the shop and the officer will notify the Shop if brake service is required.
• Note any indications of the need for brake service, like longer stopping distances, the apparatus pulling to the left or right, or vibrations or noises when braking.
• Verify the adjustment of the parking brake, and test if in a safe area weekly ensuring normal resistance when attempting to move forward and backward.
• Be alert for unexpected movement and do not leave the apparatus unattended.

Pump Check

• At the start of each shift, the driver must thoroughly operate the pump.

How to engage the pump

• Stop the apparatus.

• Place transmission in neutral.

• Set the parking brake.

• Engage the pump.

• Place transmission in drive. (steps 1-4)

• Do not depend on the green pump light

• Listen for the gears to change over and watch the RPMs rise.

• Ensure the Master Discharge gauge reads 50 if in volume and 100 if in pressure.

• Operate the pump properly, and do not throttle the pump to 300 psi to test the booster line to prevent stress on the pump.

• Throttle above the highest hose line pressure and test the booster hose.

• Exercise the discharge relief valve opening/closing the valves fully, and clean the strainers weekly to be set no higher than 300 PSI.

• Exercise the intake relief valve opening and closing the valve without tools.

• Maintain at its highest setting unless receiving water from another engine and clean the strainer weekly.

• Never run the pump without water or let it overheat, and act accordingly when a hose stream is shut down.

• Physically operate the discharge valves, intake valves, Transfer Valve, tank fill valve, tank-to-pump control, relief valve, gauge stabilizers, and drain valves.

• This helps prevent valves from freezing due to rust and sediment.

• Check for strainers in the suction intake and replace if needed.

• Inspect the intake and outlet connections for damage and apply a light coat of lubricant to the threads.

• Check the large suction hoses for rubber rings and gaskets; replace if missing.

• After pump service involving water from any source other than the domestic water system, thoroughly flush the pump with clean water.

• Flush out the pump monthly, fully utilizing every discharge and intake.