FR-O-303 Vehicle Apparatus Safety

Questions and Answers

What action must an employee take if they encounter an issue with a Fire Rescue owned vehicle?

Notify the Fire Operations Officer for assistance (correct)

Contact a colleague for help

Attempt to push the vehicle themselves

Ignore the issue if it seems minor

Which group is responsible for ensuring compliance with the vehicle safety policy?

All Fire Rescue employees

The Union representatives

Support Services

Division/Section Manager (correct)

What should not be allowed in the cab of emergency response vehicles?

Emergency equipment

Office supplies

Personal bags

Loose equipment (correct)

What is a consequence for employees who violate the vehicle safety policy?

They will face appropriate discipline Signup and view all the answers

Which committee is involved in the purchasing and leasing of emergency vehicles?

The Apparatus Committee Signup and view all the answers

When must seat belts be worn in a Fire Rescue vehicle?

While sirens are in operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the vehicle safety policy outlined in this document?

To minimize vehicle incidents involving Fire Rescue personnel Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the Chairperson of the Apparatus Committee?

The Deputy Chief of Operations Signup and view all the answers

Which authority is responsible for future updates to this policy?

The Deputy Chief of Operations and the PPM Committee Signup and view all the answers

Which document serves as a procedural reference guide for risk management in relation to vehicle incidents?

Risk Management Procedural Reference Guide Signup and view all the answers

What type of service is Fire Rescue licensed as regarding emergency vehicles?

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for Fire Rescue personnel operating vehicles according to the policy?

They must be physically fit and have a safe driving record Signup and view all the answers

Which subjects are included in the overview of the vehicle safety policy?

Safety Requirements, Emergency Driving, Vehicle Accidents Signup and view all the answers

What provision is outlined for supervisory personnel under this policy?

They must ensure their work areas comply with the policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date of the vehicle safety policy?

August 4, 2021 Signup and view all the answers

Which Florida State Statute is specifically mentioned in the vehicle safety policy?

Statute 316.126 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of placing cones in front and rear of a vehicle when parked?

To ensure a proper emergency response can take place. Signup and view all the answers

When is the activation of emergency traffic control devices mandatory?

For every emergency response made from stations with such devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about the use of emergency warning lights and sirens?

They are authorized solely for emergency responses as per specific guidelines. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'due regard' refer to in the context of operating emergency vehicles?

The obligation to consider public safety while responding to emergencies. Signup and view all the answers

What must be evaluated to determine if emergency vehicle operation is justified?

The nature of the call and current traffic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of unauthorized use of emergency warning equipment?

Disciplinary action taken against the individual. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT part of determining 'reasonable safety' during emergency vehicle operation?

The speed of the emergency vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What does Florida State Statute ensure for drivers of emergency vehicles?

Exemptions from certain traffic laws, with limitations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of members required for the Accident Review Board to convene?

Five (5) Signup and view all the answers

What is the determining factor for the rulings made by the Accident Review Board?

Simple majority of those members present Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a tie vote during an Accident Review Board meeting, who has the authority to break the tie?

The Chair of the Board Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does a failure to appear for a scheduled Accident Review Board hearing result in?

The case being heard without the employee present Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals can be granted the floor during the Accident Review Board hearing?

Only those called for testimony or recognized by the Chair Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do if they cannot attend a scheduled Accident Review Board hearing?

Provide prior written notification to the Deputy Chief of Operations Signup and view all the answers

How is the final ruling of the Accident Review Board determined?

Majority ruling of at least five members present Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can interested parties attend the Accident Review Board meetings?

Only under applicable Sunshine Laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol for emergency vehicles making U-turns on limited access highways?

U-turns are allowed only when responding to emergencies. Signup and view all the answers

When must all vehicle accidents be reported?

Immediately to the Fire Operations Officer. Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee avoid doing at the scene of a vehicle accident?

Admitting fault for the accident. Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a vehicle accident, who is responsible for notifying Risk Management?

The Fire Operations Officer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action for emergency vehicles in case of excessive travel distances to the next exit?

Continue to the next exit and turn around in a safe location. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for investigating all vehicle accidents?

The Battalion Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a person is injured in an accident requiring medical transportation?

The Fire Operations Officer should be notified. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Dispatch Supervisor regarding vehicle accidents?

Notify the Fire Operations Officer to take the unit out-of-service. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Apparatus Safety Policy Overview

Policy created to enhance vehicle safety and reduce incidents involving Fire Rescue personnel and vehicles.
Effective from August 4, 2021, with an ongoing responsibility for updates falling under the Deputy Chief of Operations and PPM Committee.

Authority and Scope

Governed by the Fire Rescue Administrator, county policy CW-O-004, Florida Statutes 316.126 and 401.281, and NFPA 1451.
Applicable to all personnel and reservists within Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

Compliance and Responsibilities

Personnel must have a safe driving record and be physically fit to operate Fire Rescue vehicles.
Supervisory personnel held accountable for ensuring policy adherence within their respective units.

Key Policy Elements

Employees must not push Fire Rescue vehicles; assistance should be sought from Support Services.
Loose equipment and food/drinks are prohibited in the vehicle cab during operations.
Mandatory wearing of seat belts by all personnel while riding in Fire Rescue vehicles.

Emergency Driving Protocols

Emergency responses defined as critical situations requiring immediate action.
Activation of emergency traffic signals is required when responding from stations with such equipment.
Use of emergency lights/sirens limited to emergency situations; unauthorized use may lead to disciplinary measures.
Emergency vehicle drivers are exempt from certain traffic laws but must prioritize public safety at all times.

Special Considerations for Limited Access Highways

U-turns permitted for responding to emergencies, with caution to avoid unnecessary risks.
Direct access to opposing traffic must be approached at designated interchanges or exits for safety.

Vehicle Accident Procedures

Immediate reporting of accidents to the Fire Operations Officer (F.O.O.) is necessary for protocol adherence.
Employees advised not to admit fault or provide unsolicited information at the scene.
The F.O.O. functions as the key communicator to various authorities and oversees accident investigations.

Accident Review Process

An Accident Review Board can operate with a minimum of five members, with majority decisions being final.
Presence is open to interested parties, adhering to applicable Sunshine Laws.
Employees must attend hearings; failure to do so without prior notification results in possible decisions made without their input.

Performance Evaluation and Discipline

Employee performance evaluations must encompass safety-related behaviors, particularly regarding vehicle operation.
Violation of vehicle safety policies can result in disciplinary action in accordance with existing guidelines.

Supporting Documents

Attachments include comprehensive accident reporting guidelines and risk management references pivotal for operational conduct.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential safety guidelines for vehicle apparatus used by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel. It is based on the PPM FR-O-303, issued by the Fire Rescue Administrator. Test your knowledge on best practices and safety measures relevant to fire rescue operations.