207.002 Apparatus Backing Policy (Fresno Fire Department) PDF

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 207.002 APPARATUS BACKING POLICY EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007 Current Revision Date: Author’s Name/Rank: Administrative Support: 9/20/19 Timothy J. Fulmer, Administrative Battalion Chief Sherrie L. Badertscher, Management Analyst II Next Revisi...

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 207.002 APPARATUS BACKING POLICY EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007 Current Revision Date: Author’s Name/Rank: Administrative Support: 9/20/19 Timothy J. Fulmer, Administrative Battalion Chief Sherrie L. Badertscher, Management Analyst II Next Revision Date: Review Level: 9/20/22 1 PURPOSE To facilitate effective communication between Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) crew members who are backing fire apparatus, and to facilitate effective communication with civilians. This is for the safety of fire members and civilians and to prevent accidents. Communicate and be safe. APPLICATION This section intentionally left blank. OPERATIONAL POLICY During routine apparatus operation, when more than one (1) member is riding on an apparatus, there shall be a backer prior the apparatus backing up. Riding on the tailboard to facilitate backing of apparatus is prohibited. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE AVOID BACKING WHENEVER POSSIBLE! Plan the route so it will not be necessary to back up. While operating a fire apparatus on an emergency incident, when more than one (1) member is riding on an apparatus, there should be a backer prior to the apparatus backing up. Section 207.002 Page 1 of 5 Under the discretion and supervision of the company officer, members may be situated on the hose bed and/or tailboard while the apparatus is backing, only when large diameter hose is being loaded. At no time should the apparatus proceed faster than idle speed. The driver should cover the brake pedal throughout this operation. PROCESS If backing is necessary: 1. The assisting firefighter is to wear a turnout coat, wildland jacket or an orange safety vest over the approved Department uniform for improved visibility. 2. A firefighter must walk around the apparatus, making certain the area is safe. 3. The driver should immediately back up, guided by the firefighter. 4. The driver's window should be rolled down. Red lights should be used in traffic. Hose pick up lights and/or hand lamps should be used in the dark. All members must be alert for obstacles. 5. A firefighter will take position to the rear of the apparatus in the driver's view. Standardized hand signals will be used. Do not rely on shouted voice communication. Always back slowly and continuously. 6. Frequently, check front and overhead clearances. The driver must stop immediately when: 1. The firefighter is out of view. 2. The horn is sounded. 3. The stop hand signal is received and/or the stop command is heard. 4. The driver's vision is distorted because of glare, darkness, shadows, etc. 5. The word stop is displayed on the hand-held stop/slow sign. 6. A signal or command is not understood. Section 207.002 Page 2 of 5 7. Any other danger or warning sign is acknowledged. Hand Signals: 1. 2. 3. 4. Stop. Go forward. Proceed/continue backing. Veer left/right. HAND SIGNALS STOP Figure 1 GO FORWARD Figure 2 Section 207.002 Page 3 of 5 BACK UP (START OF MOTION) Figure 3 VEER LEFT Figure 5 BACK UP (FINISH OF MOTION) Figure 4 VEER RIGHT Figure 6 Section 207.002 Page 4 of 5 INFORMATION Numerous accidents have occurred while backing fire apparatus. To ensure the safety of civilians and fire members, effective communication is essential. DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS-REFERENCES Standard Operation Procedures Section 203.013, Traffic Safety Section 208.002, Department Response Procedures Section 207.002 Page 5 of 5