Riverside Fire Authority Automotive Apparatus Operating Rules PDF

Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline 306 AUTOMOTIVE APPARATUS OPERATING RULES 1.0 PURPOSE: 1.1 To describe policy, procedures and guidelines to be taken by all personnel when o...

Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline 306 AUTOMOTIVE APPARATUS OPERATING RULES 1.0 PURPOSE: 1.1 To describe policy, procedures and guidelines to be taken by all personnel when operating a Riverside Fire Authority vehicle or apparatus. 2.0 DEFINITIONS: REFERENCE: WAC 296-305-04503, Automotive Fire Apparatus Equipment WAC 296-305-04505, Automotive Apparatus Operation Rules Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention Training Manual Authority Policy #305 – Automotive Apparatus Incident Prevention Program 2.1 Authority: The Riverside Fire Authority. 2.2 Automotive Apparatus (Apparatus): All vehicles operated by the Authority are classified as an emergency vehicle, and an automotive apparatus. 2.3 Driving / Operating Rules: These driving rules shall apply to all occasions when Authority apparatus are being operated. The format that the rules are written in shall not limit the application of the rule to the section or heading it falls under. In example, a rule found under section II “on scene” shall not be limited in its application to the “on scene” section of the operating rules. 3.0 POLICY: 3.1 The Driver/Operator will ensure that the scheduled apparatus checks at staffed stations are completed and logged daily denoting mechanical issues and operational readiness. The Station Captain will verify that this happens. Drivers at unstaffed stations will inspect the apparatus used at the conclusion of emergency responses and training activities for mechanical issues and take the necessary steps so that the apparatus is ready for the next call to service. 2.2 Any item(s) found to be in need of repair will be reported immediately to the officer in charge The officer receiving the report will then determine if the repair order is urgent or routine. If the issue is urgent, consideration should be given to immediately taking the apparatus or piece of equipment out of service and arranging for a replacement. As quickly as possible urgent and routine maintenance issues shall be entered into the records management system for repair scheduling. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 1 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline 4.0 PROCEDURE: 4.1 N/A 5.0 RESPONSIBILITY: 5.1 Driver Operators shall familiarize themselves with any apparatus that will be driven prior to operating such apparatus even for brief periods of time. 4.3 All driver operators are responsible for knowing and adhering to the Authority Automotive Apparatus Operating Rules and Automotive Apparatus Incident Prevention Policy #305. Violations of these policies are subject to disciplinary action as provided for in Authority policy. 6.0 APPENDIX: 6.1 Apparatus Operating Rules – Section 1 6.2 Apparatus Operating Rules – Section 2 6.3 Apparatus Operating Rules – Section 3 6.4 Apparatus Operating Rules – Section 4 Approved: Michael Kytta Date: June 17, 2014 Fire Chief Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 2 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline Appendix 6.1 APPARATUS OPERATING RULES / SECTION 1 1.0 Before you respond – Getting ready – Miscellaneous Rules 1.1 Tailboard and sideboard riding is prohibited. 1.2 Air brakes will be applied when apparatus are parked in the stations 1.3 Driver operators share the responsibility to ensure that they are qualified and fully capable of driving and operating the apparatus. 1.4 No driver may operate any apparatus on behalf of the Authority unless they are properly authorized to do so. The officer in charge may utilize a non qualifying driver in exceptional cases, but never in emergency mode. 1.5 Any personnel directing a driver operator when the apparatus is being moved will be equally responsible for the safe movement of the apparatus. Failure to comply with instructions and unsafe apparatus operation will affect the degree of responsibility per person. 1.6 In the case of careless or reckless driving or failure to heed lawful directions the officer in charge of the apparatus or co-worker witness shall make report against the offending driver as soon as possible. Failure to do so is unacceptable. 1.7 Damage to apparatus, equipment, property belonging to citizens, or injuries to Authority personnel, or citizens that is due to violations of these rules or from careless or reckless acts, may subject the offender to disciplinary action. 1.8 Driver operators shall be responsible for maintaining all equipment assigned to their apparatus in accordance with the current practices of the Authority. 1.9 To expedite response to alarms, apparatus operators shall provide themselves with a detailed knowledge of topography, street conditions and other factors affecting response in their assigned response areas. 1.10 Smoking is prohibited in Authority vehicles. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 3 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline 1.11 Fuel tanks shall not be filled while the motor is running except during emergency operations where fire prevention precautions will be taken. 1.12 With the exception of staff vehicles Authority apparatus should not be used in reverse gear unless the apparatus has an operational reverse signal alarm. Under normal conditions apparatus when required to back up will have a backup person. Vehicle backing speed shall not exceed 3 miles per hour. The guide should be on the left hand side in plain view of the driver from the side mirror. The horn signal to back up of three taps will be given prior to moving the vehicle unless it is safe to refrain from using the horn and the noise from the horn will be a nuisance. Should the driver lose sight of the guide they will stop until visual contact is re-established. When there is no backup person available to direct the driver the apparatus may be backed up only after the driver has checked completely around the apparatus and determined that it can be moved safely. For stations that have apparatus exhaust removal systems a single ground guide may back the driver up on the passenger side of the vehicle to the point where the exhaust system nozzle can be connected to the vehicle. The exhaust system should be turned on by remote control if not automatically activated by wireless signal so the system is operational before the nozzle is attached to the vehicle. Following connection of the exhaust system the ground guide will move to the driver’s side and finish assisting in parking the vehicle. If more than one person is available to act as ground guides one person shall be dedicated to the driver’s side and remain in constant communication with the exhaust system attachment person. Exhaust removal systems should be activated and attached to the apparatus each time it returns to the station. 1.13 Firefighters shall not be in the hose bed while hose is being run out from the bed and the apparatus is in motion. 1.13.1 All type I, II and III apparatus shall utilize a wheel chock placed at the outside dual rear wheel on the down grade side of the tire when parked. When available, placing chocks on the front and rear sides of the wheel are encouraged. This is not a requirement when parked inside the station. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 4 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline Appendix 6.2 APPARATUS OPERATING RULES / SECTION 2 2.0 Driving apparatus – Responding to calls 2.1 Driver operators shall serve under the direct command of their officer. They shall observe and comply with the policies and rules instituted by the officer. Drivers shall not be required to increase the speed of the apparatus if they are not in agreement with said order. The officer should do the following to assist the driver. 2.1.1 Confirm for the driver that all personnel are seated and secured with seat belts in approved riding positions prior to movement of the vehicle. 2.1.2 Issue verbal warnings about observed road and physical hazards to the driver. 2.1.3 Direct the driver to cease any unsafe driving, such as excessive speed and unsafe intersection practices. 2.1.4 Operate the radio and communications equipment during the response and relay any relevant information to the driver for confirmation. 2.1.5 Operate the sirens and audible warning devices. 2.1.6 Check the map book, or CAD monitor. 2.1.7 Observe the driver to ensure that the apparatus is being operated in a safe and prudent manner during the response in accordance with the department policies and laws. 2.1.8 Assist the driver in crossing intersections and backing up in accordance with SOG’s and best practices. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 5 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline 2.2 All apparatus shall be operated with “due care and caution” and with proper regard for the safety of others. Drivers should not exceed 10mph over the posted speed limit even if road and weather conditions are favorable. The driver operator must operate the apparatus at a safe speed and must choose a safe route of travel at all times. Apparatus drivers may exceed the posted speed limit or exercise other privileges allowed under law for emergency responses provided the driver exercises all due regard for the safety of others by evaluating the risk presented by road conditions, traffic, weather or other potential hazards. Speed will be reduced whenever road, traffic or weather conditions do not permit safe operation of the apparatus regardless of the posted speed limit. The maximum speed when proceeding through any uncontrolled intersection should be no greater than the posted speed limit. 2.3 Prior to leaving the station the driver operator will ensure that all personnel are seated, restrained, and that no other personnel are near the apparatus prior to its movement. A “circle of safety” inspection around the vehicle should be completed to ensure that all equipment and compartment doors are secure and that all obstructions are moved out of the way. The officer in charge shall verify that this occurs. 2.4 Personnel shall don protective clothing prior to mounting the apparatus. 2.5 Personnel shall ride in the crew cab with the doors secured while in motion. 2.6 Seat belts shall be worn in all apparatus at all times when the vehicle is in motion. Exception, for EMS personnel actively performing medical care while the apparatus is in motion shall be restrained to the extent consistent with the effective provision of patient care. 2.7 Headlights shall be on when apparatus are in motion. 2.8 Apparatus shall be brought to a full stop prior to personnel mounting or dismounting. 2.9 When leaving the station the apparatus shall come to a slow roll (nearly stopped) or a complete stop, before merging onto the roadway. 2.10 Turn signals will be used to indicate directions of turns and used as four way flashers when the apparatus is standing. In no case will four way flashers be used as emergency signals when traveling. 2.11 Apparatus responding to an emergency where the privileges extended to emergency vehicles by law are being used (in example exceeding the posted speed limit) must be operated with all warning lights displayed and with audible signals used as necessary (emergency mode) when the vehicle is in motion. If an apparatus is responding to a call but is not exercising privileges provided by law – warning lights and audible signals do not have to be activated. AUTHORITY safe practices encourage the non-emergency mode be used by apparatus that are dispatched to calls where there is no indication of threat to life or property. Second due units shall respond in Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 6 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline non-emergency mode following receipt of dispatch information or a size up from first arriving apparatus indicating no obvious emergency exists. 2.12 Apparatus operators must be aware of the rate of closure (speed relative to the rate of time and space reduction) on other vehicles and pedestrians. Be prepared during an emergency response to bring the apparatus to a complete stop for the following. A. when directed by a law enforcement officer, B. for red traffic lights, for stop signs, C. at negative right of way intersections, D. when the driver cannot account for visible traffic in the lanes of traffic in an intersection E. when other intersection hazards are present, F. when encountering a stopped school bus with flashing lights. 2.13 An apparatus operator should not use audible warnings when approaching persons riding or herding animals. The operator must slow and pass with extreme care. Some response routes may pass farms that hold large animals. The apparatus operator should not overuse audible warnings in those areas. When closing the distance to another vehicle while using audible warning equipment be prepared for the other drivers reaction which may include stopping abruptly or swerving out of the way. 2.14 The driver of an apparatus responding in emergency mode may proceed past a red light, stop signal or stop sign but only after coming to very slow roll (nearly stopped) or a complete stop and then only if the intersection is clear of vehicles and open in all directions. The following are additional intersection practices. 2.14.1 Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic. Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, fast traveling vehicles). 2.14.2 Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with your foot continue to scan front, back, right and left. 2.14.3 Change the siren cadence approximately 200’ from the intersection. 2.14.4 Scan the intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait) avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible. 2.14.5 Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have your partner communicate that all is clear; reconfirm that all visible traffic is stopped. 2.14.6 Follow the same procedures for unguarded intersections. You should always be prepared to slow your vehicle and stop. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right of way to your apparatus you cannot force the right of way or assume the right of way you must wait until the other vehicle yields to you. 2.15 Railroad crossings with activated lights, gates or arms will be considered closed to apparatus movement until the lights, gates or arms have returned to the stand- by position. Apparatus may only proceed through a closed crossing, or an unguarded crossing that has an obstructed view after lowering the windows, idling the engine, turning down radios and listening and looking for on coming trains. 2.16 When approaching a law enforcement officer’s vehicle that is stopped with warning lights flashing the apparatus should slow down and if possible move over a lane to comply with state law. If the law enforcement officer is directing traffic, the apparatus operator must obey the law Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 7 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline enforcement officer’s directions. When approaching a traffic control area with flaggers, the driver must slow down and approach the flag person for directions. 2.17 The driver of an apparatus must stop when approaching a stopped school bus that has flashing red lights exhibited. The apparatus may proceed only after the school bus driver has turned the red lights off or they have signaled the apparatus to proceed. Drivers must be vigilant for children in the area. The driver must be prepared to stop immediately while approaching, passing and leaving the area in which the bus has stopped. 2.17 Apparatus shall not exceed the posted speed limit when traveling through a school zone where children are present near the roadway. 2.18 Apparatus will yield to pedestrians in authorized crosswalks. Upon approach, the apparatus shall slow down and be prepared to stop in the event a pedestrian does not yield the right-of-way. 2.19 Drivers shall observe the dashboard gauges, visual warning lights and the performance of the apparatus to anticipate any hazards or malfunctions. 2.20 Jacob brakes and exhaust brakes shall not be used on slippery or icy roads. 2.21 Interstate 5 “turn arounds” shall be used with caution and by passed if deemed unsafe to use. 2.22 Drivers shall not attempt to pass other apparatus unless directed by the officer in charge and then only after radio contact has been made of your intentions with the other apparatus and the other apparatus has confirmed. 2.23 When returning to station or any time the apparatus is not responding to an emergency call, the apparatus shall be operated in full observance of normal traffic laws. 2.24 Drivers shall not use cell phone text messaging or MDC’s while the apparatus is in motion. Use of cell phone voice communication is permissible for drivers but only when absolutely necessary. It is strongly recommended that cell phone conversations not occur while the apparatus is in motion unless a wireless device is in use. 2.25 Excessive speed increases the chance of apparatus roll over. When on curves or during an evasive maneuver weight may shift and cause the apparatus to become uncontrollable. Over steering after dropping off the road surface due to weight shift and loss of traction is another leading cause. Things to do include take your foot off the accelerator and allow the apparatus to gradually slow down. Do not apply full braking! Soft application of the brakes and natural deceleration by down shifting is a safer way to stop. Under soft shoulder conditions feather the accelerator to help maintain control while slowing. Once the vehicle is at a safe speed or stopped, gently steer back onto the road surface using a low gear or feathered acceleration to overcome the drop off or soft shoulder. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 8 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline Things not to do include attempting to steer back onto the road at speed or under acceleration. Do not make sudden or drastic movements, do not apply full braking, and do not attempt to accelerate over the drop off. Appendix 6.3 APPARATUS OPERATING RULES / SECTION 3 3.0 On scene 3.1 Four way flashers or emergency warning lights shall be used at the scene or whenever apparatus are parked on the road. Officers should consider the impact of the warning lights and headlights on the ability to see of passing and opposing motorist traffic when developing their work zone safety plan. 3.2 Operation of heavy apparatus shall be done on solid roadways; taking such equipment off improved roads is to be avoided unless considered by the officer in charge of the apparatus to be safe and necessary means in which to handle the situation. Due care and caution shall be taken during winter thaws. 3.3 If possible the driver will park the apparatus on the same side of the road as the alarm address. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 9 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline 3.4 Where possible all hose shall be laid on the hydrant side of the street as close to the shoulder as possible. Apparatus shall not be driven over hose except when unavoidable. 3.5 Drivers of auxiliary equipment (equipment not key to the hose evolution) shall not stop in front of a hydrant or fire where it might interfere with firefighting operations. Auxiliary units shall be parked on the same side of the street as the emergency equipment when possible. 3.6 Apparatus should be parked away from hazardous areas. Park up-hill from fuel spills or vehicle fires, park two poles away from downed power lines if possible and don’t park in smoke columns. 3.7 Drivers shall be responsible for maintaining all equipment assigned to their apparatus in accordance with the standard operating procedures. Prior to clearing a scene the driver will ensure that all equipment is accounted for and that compartments are secure. Appendix 6.4 APPARATUS OPERATING RULES / SECTION 4 4.0 Private (non-emergency) vehicle responses 4.1 When responding to the scene in private vehicles, Authority personnel must obey all traffic laws. Personnel shall report to scenes ready to go to work with all necessary protective clothing, personnel accountability supplies and other required materials. Personnel should exercise good judgment about responding to scenes in private vehicles. A simple test to apply is to ask yourself if your assistance is clearly needed or by monitoring your pager can you tell that the situation is under control. Also, does adding your private vehicle to the scene, especially on busy roadways, make traffic control matters worse. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 10 of 11 Riverside Fire Authority Policy & Operating Guideline Members arriving on scene in personal vehicles will: 4.2 Park on the same side of the road as the incident or the first arriving apparatus, leaving ample room for additional apparatus. 4.3 If any part of your vehicle is left on the roadway, leave your parking lights on. 4.4 If you are first on scene leave on your four way flashers. 4.5 If the apparatus is in a driveway or long lane do not block access for other emergency vehicles. Park your vehicle safely elsewhere and walk into the scene. 4.6 Report to the staging area or the officer in charge. 4.7 If no immediate instructions are given, stand by as directed; do not leave the incident unless the officer in charge releases you. 4.8 If one apparatus is committed to the incident and another unit is on scene but not committed, do not remove equipment from the non-committed unit without the permission of the officer in charge. 4.9 When the incident is secure, return to the station and assist with returning the apparatus to ready status unless released by the officer in charge. 4.10 Personnel are not to respond on Interstate 5 incidents with their private vehicles. 4.11 Personnel responding to the steam plant or mine are to stand by for arriving apparatus and proceed in with a unit as a company. Adopted: February 9, 2011 / revised June 17, 2014 Page 11 of 11