Ladder Apparatus Inspection

Policy

• This manual describes daily inspection practices for ladder apparatus

Responsibility

• Each member is responsible for exercising control based on their rank when implementing this manual

Apparatus

• The Philadelphia Fire Department uses several types of ladder apparatus
• Understanding and working knowledge of the apparatus are necessary for PFD members
• Preventative inspections and maintenance are required at the start of each tour
• Daily inspection and maintenance of apparatus and equipment sets a high operating standard
• This manual is a guide to help drivers develop a systematic approach to daily vehicle inspection
• There are three types of aerial ladder apparatus in service in Philadelphia Fire Department each has specialized capabilities requiring specific daily inspections:
• Tractor Drawn Aerial
• Snorkel
• Ladder Tower

360° Inspection

• A 360° walk around of the apparatus must be completed at the start of each inspection
• Any damage or concerns found must be reported to the company officer
• Drivers must complete a vehicle inspection to ensure apparatus safety, serviceability, and proper function of all safety features
• Drivers will use the apparatus inspection checklist and inform the officer of any problems or concerns
• All problems and concerns must be noted on the apparatus checklist and in the Officers Journal
• During shift changes, drivers must communicate any concerns or unresolved problems to the on-coming driver and officer
• During the 360° inspection, check the ladder for leaks of vehicle fluids like water, coolant, oil, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, or transmission fluid
• Check the chassis springs weekly for sagging, cracks, or other damage
• Check mufflers and exhaust pipes weekly for leaks or cracks
• Check shock absorbers weekly for leaks or damage
• Check for loose ladders, hooks, or unsecured equipment
• Check the apparatus body weekly for loose or missing fasteners and retighten where possible
• Check the cab doors for hinges, handles, glass, and window regulators
• The Company Officer must notify the Shop for repair, replacement, or adjustment
• Lubricate the hinges and latches monthly
• Check the condition of the windshield and wiper blades, ensuring they are clean, defect-free, and have proper tension
• Check for missing license plates and registration cards on all apparatus
• The company officer must report missing items to the Apparatus Officer via email including license plate number, Vehicle ID number, public property number, mileage, and specifics of the loss or damage
• Note the State Inspection expiration date on the Apparatus Check Off List
• The company officer must notify the Shop and send an email to the Apparatus Officer if the inspection is not completed two weeks before expiration
• Check that each apparatus door/roll down is closed and secure
• Check for any loose, bent, worn, damaged, or missing parts
• Drivers are responsible for making sure that all compartment doors are closed and secured before leaving the station or incident
• Compartments must be cleaned and the doors, hinges, and latches lubricated monthly with a silicone spray
• Check for leaks from the saddle fuel tank and make sure the cap is secure
• Check the rear tiller wheels to ensure they are aligned
• Check the tires for proper inflation, type, tread depth, tread separation, cupping, sidewall wear, dry rot, cuts, or impaled objects
• The valve stem must be in place and without rips or tears
• The metal rim should be free of excessive wear or cracks
• Check lug nuts for missing, bent, or loose conditions
• Check battery terminals and grounding clamps for corrosion and tightness
• Tighten loose terminals and clean corroded elements
• Check the battery casing for cleanliness
• Never start an apparatus with headlights and warning lights on to avoid early battery failure
• Check all seat belts for correct number, location, and smooth operation; ensure they return to the holder after disengaging
• End the initial 360° inspection by ensuring that each riding position has all the necessary equipment like a meter, tools, portable radio, and SCBA
• Check the top of the ladder for two ladder straps in the correct position and ensure that the ladder pipe equipment is in place
• Turn on the apparatus and check the dashboard for any warning lights
• Check all lights, horns, sirens, mirrors, and reflectors for burned-out bulbs or damage
• Notify the officer and place the apparatus out of service (OOS) for non-working warning devices
• Watch for indications of the need for engine service like loss of power, excessive exhaust, or hard starting
• Check the motor oil level with the motor off
• Add fuel if the level falls below 3/4 full
• Check the coolant level with the motor off
• Do not add fluids yourself; instead, have the officer notify the Shop to have the apparatus serviced
• Check the air brake system for air loss by reading the air pressure gauge on the dashboard
• Pressure drops exceeding 25 psi in one hour may indicate a leak
• Keep apparatus plugged in to maintain pressure
• Bleed moisture from air tanks weekly, or daily during winter to prevent freezing
• Consult the Apparatus Manual or contact the shop for assistance, and notify the officer if brake service is needed
• Be alert for brake service needs such as longer stopping distances, pulling, vibrations, or noises
• Check the parking brake adjustment weekly, ensuring normal resistance when attempting to move the apparatus forward and backward
• Conduct parking brake checks weekly in a safe area, with alertness to unexpected movement, and never leave the apparatus unattended
• Check the brake fluid level in all apparatus equipped with hydraulic brakes
• If the brake fluid is low, notify the Shop and do not add fluid to the reservoir because hydraulic brake systems are closed and should not lose fluid
• The need to add brake fluid indicates a leak or very low brake lining
• For Tiller Ladders, ensure the buzzer and intercom system are working

Power Take-Off and Aerial Inspection

• After the 360° inspection, the driver will conduct a visual and operational inspection of the aerial device
• Drivers must thoroughly inspect and operate the aerial device at the start of each shift
• Inspect stabilizers for visible damage, hydraulic fluid leakage, damaged hoses, or scoring
• Ensure stabilizer warning lights are clean and not damaged
• Check manual lock pins for presence and sufficient securing, noting any elongation or cracks to the lock pinholes and ensure the stabilizer pads are in place and in good condition
• Inspect the turntable assembly for wear, missing or damaged parts
• Inspect the control pedestal for wear or damage, ensure controls move fluidly and the communication system works
• Check ladder rungs for damage, looseness, wear, weld cracks, or other problems
• Check the extension and retraction system for damage or wear, ensuring no excessive slack in the cable system and proper rung alignment
• Make sure the aerial device reaches its full range of motion
• The operational check of the aerial device must be tested outside the station, checking it for “short jacking” and full extension
• Once outside, pull the apparatus out of quarters to ensure the ability for full range of motion for the aerial device
• Lower the apparatus stabilizers ensuring full extension and mobility, checking for damage or leaks
• Ensure equal stabilization, illumination, and sufficient support to allow lifting the aerial device from the bed
• Operate the controls to fully elevate, rotate, and extend the aerial device and ensure they result in the correct movement
• Look for jerky motions, unusual noises, bending, or twisting and inspect rungs and the extension system for damage or defects
• Rotate the aerial device fully extended, ensuring smooth rotation without jerking, and listen/watch for unusual sounds and fluids
• All components should be properly stowed, the apparatus readied for road travel, equipment stowed properly, no hydraulic fluid leaking, and indicator devices deactivated when the operational test is complete
• Ensure that all ladder check off sheets are completed, deficiencies are noted, and the officer is notified

Hand Tools

• The effectiveness of a hand tool relies on knowledge of its safe use and care
• Daily inspection and maintenance are required for tools to be ready for any operation
• Ensure handles are smooth, free of cracks or splinters, properly aligned, and securely attached to the tool head
• Sand wooden handles that are splintered and refinish with a light coat of oil
• Sand fiberglass handles that are splintered and clean with soapy water
• Replace loose or cracked handles
• Ensure tool heads are not broken or cracked
• Sharpen damaged or dull cutting edges using a hand file, maintaining a true level on both sides without changing the character of the blade
• Do not overheat metal or use power grinding wheels when sharpening to avoid removing the temper from the steel or creating a razor sharp edge
• Maintain the cutting edge using a flat metal file
• Remove rust from all working surfaces, using steel wool or a wire brush
• Cover all metal parts with a light coating of lightweight machine oil after rust removal