Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Chapter 8 + 9

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Questions and Answers

What should be the first step in the inspection process?

Inspect the exterior of the apparatus

Review the previous apparatus inspection form (correct)

Inspect the cab interior

Check the engine compartment

Where should the apparatus be parked for inspection?

In the garage for convenience

On any available surface

On an incline for better visibility

In a safe area on a flat, level surface (correct)

What is the required tread depth for tires on turning axles?

2/32 inch in every major groove

4/32 inch in every major groove (correct)

8/32 inch in every major groove

6/32 inch in every major groove

When should a mechanic service the steering wheel?

If it has more than 10 degrees of free play Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended order for inspecting sections of the apparatus?

Exterior inspection, engine compartment, cab interior, brake inspection Signup and view all the answers

What should be the minimum tread depth for drive axle tires?

2/32 inch Signup and view all the answers

When should drivers conduct inspections?

At the start of shift, after repairs, and after a large incident where the apparatus was used extensively Signup and view all the answers

When should the engine oil level be checked?

After the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)?

30% urea and 70% water Signup and view all the answers

Which fluid level may need to be inspected when the engine is running?

Transmission fluid Signup and view all the answers

What do exterior functional control switches operate?

Items located outside the cab Signup and view all the answers

What fluid levels are often checked by an FD mechanic on a periodic basis?

Rear differential fluid, hydraulic oil, and pump gear box oil Signup and view all the answers

NFPA 1901 requires for the parking brake to hold the apparatus on what grade?

20% grade Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the brakes do not hold as required by NFPA 1901?

Take the unit out of service Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum pressure required for the air brake system to build up to?

110 psi Signup and view all the answers

At what pressure should an audible alarm sound during the air brake system test?

60 psi Signup and view all the answers

When should the parking brakes engage according to the air brake system test?

Below 40 psi in rear system Signup and view all the answers

When should overriding a safety system be done?

Only by a trained driver Signup and view all the answers

What is the required stopping distance for vehicles moving at 20 mph according to National Federal Motor Carrier?

35 ft Signup and view all the answers

What is a part of the hydraulic system on an aerial?

Hydraulic cylinders Signup and view all the answers

What should happen when a vehicle is found to be unsafe?

It should be taken out of service immediately Signup and view all the answers

When should a 360 inspection be performed?

Every time the apparatus is moved, regardless of the emergency Signup and view all the answers

What delivers operational power to the chassis?

Ignition switch Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the engine does not start within 30 seconds?

Release starter switch, allow starter motor to cool off for 2 minutes before attempting to start again Signup and view all the answers

What is the most fundamental task of a driver?

Driving the apparatus to and from incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is a system check sequence?

A series of checks to ensure proper functioning before starting the apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal operating pressure for air brake systems?

100 - 120 psi Signup and view all the answers

At what voltage does an alarm sound if the system drops below for more than 120 seconds in a 12 V system?

11.8 V Signup and view all the answers

What should be the speed limit when pulling out of the station?

5 mph Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum voltage at which an alarm will sound if the system drops below for more than 120 seconds in a 24 V system?

23.6 V Signup and view all the answers

How long should the engine be allowed to warm up, when possible?

3 - 5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

The fuel level should not fall below what level?

Below half Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inspection Process

The first step in the inspection process is to conduct a visual examination of the apparatus for any visible issues.
Apparatus should be parked on a level surface to ensure accurate inspections and safety during the process.

Tire Specifications

Turning axles require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inches for proper traction and safety.
Drive axle tires must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches.

Mechanic Responsibilities

A mechanic should service the steering wheel if there are signs of play or unusual noises.
Fluid levels to check periodically by an FD mechanic include engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.

Engine and Fluid Checks

Drivers should conduct inspections before each shift to ensure all systems are functioning properly.
The engine oil level should be checked when the engine is cold for an accurate reading.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is composed of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea.

Control and Brake Systems

Exterior functional control switches operate various components such as lights and sirens.
The parking brake must hold the apparatus on a grade of 20% as per NFPA 1901 requirements.
If the brakes do not hold as required, the apparatus should be taken out of service until repairs are made.

Air Brake System

The minimum pressure required for the air brake system to build up is 90 PSI.
An audible alarm should sound if the pressure drops below 60 PSI during the air brake system test.
Parking brakes should engage at a minimum pressure of 40 PSI according to air brake system standards.

Safety and Operational Protocols

Overriding a safety system should only be done in emergency situations where specific protocols have been followed.
The required stopping distance for vehicles moving at 20 mph is 25 feet according to National Federal Motor Carrier regulations.
A 360 inspection should be performed before moving the apparatus to ensure all safety measures are in place.

Engine and Electrical Systems

The operational power to the chassis is delivered by the vehicle's electrical system, often involving multiple batteries.
If the engine does not start within 30 seconds, efforts should be ceased to avoid potential damage.
The most fundamental task of a driver is ensuring the safety of the apparatus and its crew.

System Check and Alarm Parameters

A system check sequence is a predetermined order of checks that ensures all components are functioning correctly.
Normal operating pressure for air brake systems is typically around 100-120 PSI.
In a 12 V system, an alarm sounds if the voltage drops below 11.0 volts for more than 120 seconds; for a 24 V system, the threshold is 22.0 volts.

Station Protocols and Engine Operation

A speed limit of 5 mph is generally recommended when pulling out of the station to ensure safety.
The engine should be allowed to warm up for 5-10 minutes when possible before operating.
Fuel levels should not fall below a quarter tank to prevent operational issues.

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