II-B-06 Vehicle Backing, Non-Emergency Movement of MDFR Apparatus/Vehicles 01/15/2021

Vehicle Maneuvering and Positioning

• MDFR apparatus and vehicles must always be maneuvered and positioned with consideration for traffic flow and road access during non-emergency situations.
• Operations units require approval from the Battalion Chief before leaving their station territory, except for fueling purposes.

Fueling Guidelines

• Fueling should be done at the nearest available fueling depot to minimize travel distance.

Communication Protocol

• The Operations Unit Officer-in-Charge (OIC) must notify the Fire Alarm Office (FAO) when entering and leaving station territory.

Parking Regulations

• Driver/Operators (D/O) are prohibited from parking in fire lanes and freight loading zones, and must follow all "No Parking" signs.
• Machinery must not be left unattended with the motor running.

Safety During Backing Operations

• Backing vehicles is a major cause of collisions, and should be done with extreme caution.
• Staff must wear safety equipment like traffic vests and utilize handheld radios during vehicle operations.

Personnel Requirements for Backing Vehicles

• For rescue and suppression vehicles, specific personnel are needed: one D/O, one "back-up" person, and one front observer (when available).
• D/Os must possess a valid Florida driver's license and necessary certifications for vehicle operation.

D/O Responsibilities

• Ensure clear visibility using side-view mirrors and maintain eye contact with the "back-up" person.
• Utilize back-up cameras as secondary safety measures.
• Observe hand signals and immediate stop if the "back-up" person is no longer visible.
• Use additional lighting during low visibility conditions or at night.

Back-up Person Duties

• The "back-up" person's role is to clear obstacles and signal the D/O while ensuring clear communication.
• They must not ride in/on the vehicle or walk backwards while guiding it.
• Utilize appropriate lighting and avoid abbreviated signals.

Front and Rear Observer Responsibilities

• Front and rear observers must position themselves to maintain visibility of obstacles and communicate verbally with the D/O and "back-up" person.
• Observers need to ensure adequate space for the vehicle, being mindful of pedestrians and side or overhead obstructions.

Staff Vehicle Backing Protocol

• D/Os of staff vehicles must conduct a "walkaround" before backing and adhere to the acronym G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look).
• Utilize emergency lights during backing procedures.

Hand Signals for Backing Operations

• Specific hand signals must be consistently used for backing operations:
  • Back Up: Arms at a 90-degree angle with continuous upward motion.
  • Stop: Arms crossed above the head with palms closed.
  • Left Turn: Point left with one arm and motion the right arm upward.
  • Right Turn: Point right with one arm and motion the left arm upward.
  • Shut Down: One arm at the side, the other bent upwards towards the opposite shoulder, dragging the hand across the throat.

Conclusion

• Proper adherence to these protocols minimizes risk during vehicle operations, ensuring safety for personnel and the public.

This quiz covers the guidelines for maneuvering MDFR apparatus and vehicles during non-emergency situations. It emphasizes the importance of safe positioning and road access considerations while operating vehicles. Understanding these protocols is essential for maintaining traffic flow and operational efficiency.