Operating Aerial Equipment

Questions and Answers

What is the recommended operating load of the ladder when the waterway is flowing up to 2000 gpm?

2000 pounds

3000 pounds

500 pounds (correct)

1000 pounds

What should be done with the ladder or basket when in operation?

Not rest it on any type of support (correct)

Use a separate lift system to support it

Rest it on an overhand for support

Rest it on a window ledge for support

What is one of the responsibilities of the firefighter at the pedestal?

Operating the hydraulic control valves

Controlling the ladder functions from the basket

Driving the apparatus

Maintaining clearances from overhead obstructions (correct)

Why should the hydraulic control valves be operated slowly and smoothly?

To reduce ladder whip Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if the operator attempts to rotate the turntable on the side of the apparatus where the stabilizers are short jacked?

The turntable will stop all movement Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended by the manufacturer regarding operation of the aerial platform on the short jack side of the apparatus?

It is not recommended to operate the platform on the short jack side Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the turntable rotation limit interlock system?

To prevent the turntable from being rotated on the side of the apparatus where the stabilizers are short jacked Signup and view all the answers

What can the operator do after the turntable rotation limit interlock system is triggered?

Move the turntable back towards the side of the apparatus where the stabilizers are fully deployed Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be checked if the PTO does not engage?

Transmission in Neutral Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the diverter valve switch?

Directs hydraulic oil to the aerial control valves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a location where the hi-idle switches are found?

Inside the aerial control cabin Signup and view all the answers

When must the emergency pump unit be activated?

Simultaneously with a hydraulic function lever Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT required when setting the stabilizers?

Checking engine RPM above 900 Signup and view all the answers

What happens if any hi-idle switch is activated?

Deactivation must occur at the same location Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is part of the stabilizer control panel?

Diverter valve switch Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure after opening the stabilizer control panels?

Confirm PTO engaged indicator light is on Signup and view all the answers

What must be confirmed before extending the stabilizers?

You are more than 3 feet away from any vehicles or obstructions. Signup and view all the answers

How much tip load is supported in the yellow zone of operational limits?

50% of tip load Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for stabilizer extension in narrow spaces?

13 feet of space for at least one side stabilizer. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the stabilizers cannot be fully extended?

Do not use the aerial ladder until stabilizers are fully deployed. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is necessary for the stabilizer lights to indicate green?

Lower stabilizers to touch and raise until lights are green. Signup and view all the answers

At what angle is the operational limit considered red for capacity?

Above 12° Signup and view all the answers

What condition allows the safety mechanisms to activate ladder controls?

When stabilizers support the weight of the Reserve Tower. Signup and view all the answers

Which color indicates that no load should be carried on the tip load?

Red Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Loadminder digital gauge?

To show the percent of ladder rated load and forces acting on the aerial ladder sections. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when pressure on the lift cylinders exceeds the safe operating range?

An audible alarm sounds. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition do the amber strobe lights activate?

When an overload/redline condition is indicated by the Loadminder. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first step taken when an overload condition is detected?

Remove or reposition ladder occupants. Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does the intercom system provide?

Enables two-way communication between basket and pedestal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can help correct an overload condition?

Slowly increase ladder elevation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the platform leveling button?

To return the platform to a level position if it becomes misaligned. Signup and view all the answers

How is the volume adjusted for the intercom system at the pedestal?

With a large volume knob. Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the hydraulic pump allows for oil to be re-circulated at reduced pressure when not in use?

Load-sense mechanism Signup and view all the answers

In extremely cold temperatures, what action should be taken to improve the operation of hydraulic cylinders?

Move the platform slightly vertically and horizontally Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pilot operated check valves in the stabilizer system?

To protect against sudden loss of system pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the ladder hydraulic system?

Stabilizer post cylinders Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of the ladder hydraulic functions being able to operate simultaneously?

Minimal loss of speed and power Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided during engagement and disengagement of hydraulic valves?

Rapid starts and stops Signup and view all the answers

What design does the main hydraulic pump in the system utilize?

Closed center design Signup and view all the answers

How does the hydraulic system ensure stability during aerial ladder operation?

Utilizing stabilizers for a wide base Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aerial Master Switch

Activate the aerial master switch to engage the aerial PTO and aerial master switches
Check for the following conditions if PTO does not engage:
- Parking brake engaged
- Transmission in Neutral
- RPM is above 900

Stabilizer Controls and Instructions

The stabilizer control panel is located at the rear of the Reserve Tower
Diverter valve switch:
- Directs hydraulic oil to the stabilizer control valves, aerial control valves, or remains in neutral position
Safety interlock override:
- Manual switch that performs the same function as the diverter valve switch
- Used if the electrical diverter valve interlock malfunctions
Hi-idle switches:
- Located at the stabilizer control panel and at the pedestal
- Each hi-idle switch is a point of use switch
- Must be deactivated at the same location if activated
Stabilizer controls:
- Located at the rear on either side of the stabilizer control panel
Emergency pump unit:
- Activates the electric back-up hydraulic pump (12V, 1.5 gpm)
- Designed for limited functions in an emergency situation
- Pump switch shall be activated simultaneously with a hydraulic function lever

Setting the Stabilizers

Reserve Tower must be located in the proper position for aerial ladder operation
Set the parking brake
Engage the Aerial PTO and Aerial Master switches
Deploy both wheel chocks
Open stabilizer control panels
Confirm PTO engaged indicator light
Set diverter valve switch to stabilizer position
Activate engine hi-idle switch
Fully extend front and rear stabilizers (18' span)
Confirm more than 3 feet away from any vehicles, manhole covers, or storm drains
Set stabilizer pads under stabilizer posts with ropes facing inward
Lower one side stabilizer posts until they touch and continue raising until both side stabilizer lights on the panel light up green
Lower opposite side stabilizer posts until they touch and continue raising until both side stabilizer lights on the panel light up green
Raise the Reserve Tower until the rear tires no longer have a bulge seen in the sidewall
Level pedestal from side to side and front to rear using leveling bubbles

Operational Zones

GREEN 0° - 3.5° = 100% of tip load
YELLOW 3.5° - 5° = 50% of tip load
RED 5° - 10.5% = 0% of tip load
GREEN 0° - 6° = 100% of capacity (with corrected grade)
YELLOW 6° - 12° = 50% capacity (with corrected grade)
RED 12° and above = 0% capacity (with corrected grade)

Loadminder Digital Gauge

Shows percent of ladder rated load and forces acting on aerial ladder sections through an LED bar graph display (0-100%)
Alarm sounds when pressure on lift cylinders exceeds safe operating range
Gauges are located at the pedestal and the basket

Overload Condition

An audible alarm sounds when the loadminder display indicates an overload/redline condition
Immediate action needs to be taken to correct the overload condition
Guidelines to correct the overload condition:
- Remove or reposition ladder occupants
- Retract ladder sections
- Slowly increase ladder elevation

Intercom

System allows two-way communication between the basket and the pedestal
Personnel operating at the pedestal must depress the "push to talk" button to communicate with basket
Personnel in the basket must talk into the speaker area to communicate with the pedestal

Platform Leveling Button

Momentary button that allows the platform operator to return the platform to a level position
Activates when the leveling override system becomes activated and "freezes" the position of the platform (more than 4° out of level with the Earth for 2 seconds)

Hydraulic Pump

Main hydraulic pump is a "Load-sense" pump powered by the apparatus engine and PTO
Operates a "closed center" design hydraulic system and provides hydraulic flow only when required
Automatically "destrokes" and continuously re-circulates hydraulic oil at a reduced pressure when hydraulic flow is not required

Stabilizers

Provide a wide, stable base to assure safe aerial ladder operation
Stabilizer cylinder controls are located for easy visual access when extending the stabilizers
Stabilizer post cylinders are protected against system failure by pilot operated check valves

Ladder Hydraulic Functions

Consists of extension cylinders, lift cylinders, and a turntable rotation motor with brake, and basket leveling cylinders
Hydraulic lines are fed through a swivel to allow for continuous 360 degrees rotation of the ladder
Can operate all three ladder hydraulic functions simultaneously with a minimum loss of speed and power

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Description

Learn how to operate aerial equipment, including engaging the aerial master switch and using stabilizer controls. Discover the necessary conditions and safety precautions to ensure proper functioning.