Fire Department Apparatus Maintenance SOP - S4102 R4

• The standard operating procedure is for fire apparatus and equipment resources, maintenance, and repair of vehicles and equipment.
• The SOP number is S 4102 R4.
• The SOP was effective June 21, 2023.
• The SOP replaces S4102 R3, which was effective January 1, 2020.
• Accountability for the SOP rests with Fire Apparatus & Equipment Resources.
• The review cycle for this SOP is annual.
• The purpose is to establish procedures for maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs, and record keeping of Fort Worth Fire Department apparatus, vehicles, boats, and equipment.
• The Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office is the coordination point for all maintenance, repair, and assignment or exchange of FWFD apparatus, vehicles, boats, and equipment.
• Engineers are responsible for the routine maintenance and cleaning of their assigned apparatus.
• Other personnel with vehicle assignments are responsible for cleaning and maintaining their FWFD vehicles.
• Daily and Weekly maintenance documentation is available through the Electronic Blue Book.
• Designated "apparatus day" is Tuesday.

Apparatus Maintenance

• Cleaned and inventoried apparatus includes completing scheduled inspections as directed by the checklist.
• Compartments need to be emptied and cleaned.
• Tools and equipment are to be cleaned, serviced, inventoried, and replaced if necessary.
• Pike poles, axes, and hand tools are to be sanded, painted, sharpened, and stenciled as required.
• Portable lights should be checked for corrosion, dead batteries, and burned out bulbs.
• Personnel working on Tuesday are responsible for additional inspection activities.
• If the regular activities cannot be completed on Tuesday, they shall be completed on the following Friday

Ladders

• Portable ladders shall be removed from the apparatus and cleaned.
• Halyard ropes shall be checked for fraying.
• Powered ladders should be raised and checked for proper operation and mechanical fitness
• Details regarding ladder checks are available in the electronic Daily/Weekly inspection form.

Auxiliary Power Equipment

• Auxiliary power equipment should be cleaned, serviced, started, and operated under a load, if possible.
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations for servicing auxiliary power equipment.
• Do not use gasoline additives such as STA-BIL, as they may cause damage to the gaskets and seals of the equipment.
• All previous apparatus maintenance forms are combined into the electronic Daily/Weekly Apparatus Inspection form.
• The Daily/Weekly Apparatus Inspection form shall be completed and maintained daily on each FWFD apparatus by the assigned engineer before 7:00 a.m. on the day after the assigned shift.
• Record updates cannot be made after this time for any previous shift.
• The inspection form is maintained as a permanent record of apparatus maintenance.

Routines

• The assigned engineer shall ensure the apparatus is cleaned regularly, tires are properly inflated and complete the combined Daily/Weekly version of the form daily.
• The company officer shall ensure all scheduled maintenance and service is performed and documentation is completed daily.
• The company officer shall review forms for completeness and accuracy and note items in need of repair.
• The company officer shall report items in need of repair to the Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office.
• Coordinate required repairs or replacement apparatus as necessary by contacting the Fire Apparatus and Equipment Office during normal working hours and the Fire Alarm Office after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Battalion Chiefs shall spot check apparatus maintenance and required record keeping.

Cars, Trucks, and Vans

• The operator is responsible for maintaining fluid levels, proper tire inflation, and cleanliness of their assigned vehicle.
• Do not personally attempt to repair a FWFD vehicle.
• Immediately notify Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office during normal working hours, and the Fire Alarm Office for after-hours repairs.
• Turn in the vehicle for repair or take actions specified by Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office and clean the vehicle interior prior to turning it in for repairs.
• Ensure the Electronic Blue Book is complete for the vehicle when turned in for repair.
• Any assigned vehicle not intended to be used for one week or longer, must be turned in to the Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office.
• All vehicles not in daily use must be turned in to the Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office.

Loaned Vehicles

• Notify the Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office of any needed repairs when the vehicle is returned.
• Fill the fuel tank and clean the loaned vehicle prior to returning it.

Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office responsibilities

• Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office is responsible for notifying the operator when and where to deliver the vehicle for repair.
• Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office is responsible for inspecting and ensuring that necessary repairs are completed properly.
• Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office is responsible for notifying the operator when and where the vehicle can be picked up.
• Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office is responsible for reporting evidence of vehicle abuse to the operator and their supervisor.
• Fire Apparatus and Equipment Resources Office is responsible for periodically inventorying the vehicle fleet to ensure accountability.