Hoffman Estates Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: Equipment Guidelines – 024 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title:...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: Equipment Guidelines – 024 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Aerial Operations - Tower 22 Revision: (Pierce Mid-Mount Steel Aerial Tower 100’) 1 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2026 Fire Chief 12 PURPOSE To safely and effectively setup and operate and Tower 22 (TWR22) for aerial operations. POLICY PROCEDURE A. PREPARING FOR OPERATION 1. The ladder is properly in its boom support with sufficient downward pressure to ensure it will not bounce during travel 2. All stabilizers are completely retracted 3. All compartment doors are closed and latched 4. Stabilizer pads are properly restrained in their storage brackets 5. Wheel chocks are properly restrained in their storage brackets 6. The AERIAL MASTER switch is in the OFF position 7. The AERIAL PTO switch is in the OFF position 1 B. POSITION FOR AERIAL OPERATIONS It is important to position the tower in the best location for safe aerial ladder operation. Rescue/fire fighting operations vary greatly. The following is a list of guidelines to help locate the tower for safe operation under most situations. SAFETY WARNING! Avoid overhead obstructions, overhangs, and electrical power lines. Severe injury or death may occur to ladder occupants who come in contact with power lines. When electrical power lines cannot be avoided, contact the local utility company for assistance. 1. Position the tower far enough away from building to avoid danger in case building collapses. 2. Position the tower on a hard surface whenever possible. If it is not possible to park on a hard surface, use sufficient shoring under the outrigger pads. 3. Position the tower uphill and upwind, if possible. 4. The apparatus will need to be leveled within the safe operating limits described in Load Chart and Level Chart Information in the Pierce Operator’s Manual (Tables 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3, attached) C. AERIAL SETUP PREPARATION The PTO drives the main hydraulic pump and must be engaged to operate any hydraulic function. The PTO controls are located in the tower cab. 1. Place the transmission in neutral. 2. Apply the parking brake. 3. Activate AERIAL MASTER switch to the ON position 4. Activate AERIAL PTO switch to the ON position 5. Optional: Activate STABILIZER CAMERA to view obstructions in middle stabilizer zone. 6. Place wheel chocks. o If level, place on both sides of a front tire. o If facing uphill, place in back of front wheels. o If facing downhill, place in front of rear wheels. 2 D. STABILIZER DEPLOYMENT The stabilizer control module is located in a compartment in the rear of the apparatus. 1. Ensure that the stabilizer areas are clear of all personnel. 2. Activate the control module by toggling up the STABILIZER ENABLE switch. Green lights on control module will illuminate when engaged. Note: If the stabilizer remote control is inactive for a couple of minutes, it will automatically shut off and the stabilizer power switch will need to be reactivated. 3. Extend the middle stabilizers by pushing the left and right joysticks outward until FULLY EXTENDED indicator lights are illuminated (and beeping stops). 4. Lower the middle stabilizers by pushing the left and right joysticks down until the FIRM ON GROUND indicator lights are illuminated (and beeping stops). 5. Push and hold the Level Assist Button until the front and rear stabilizer jacks are down and the FRONT AND REAR STABILIZER JACKS FIRM ON GROUND indicator lights are illuminated. E. SHORT-JACK STABILIZER SETUP In situations where space does not permit full middle stabilizer extension, (narrow streets, etc.) the tower must be positioned to allow for full extension of middle stabilizer on the side that the aerial ladder will be used. The middle stabilizer on the opposite side should be extended as far as space allows. Do not rotate ladder to side of tower that does not have outriggers fully extended. This option should only be used when absolutely necessary. F. SAFE OPERATING LIMITS FOR LEVELING The apparatus should be as level as possible prior to operation. It must be leveled within the limits shown in the “Apparatus Leveling Safe Operating Limits” tables found in Load Chart and Level Chart Information of the Pierce Operator’s Manual for the load chart values to be valid. In these conditions the apparatus angle indicators will be within the green range. If you are unable to level your apparatus within the green range, you may set up within the yellow range, but only with reduced load chart capacity. If either the Grade or Slope apparatus angle indicators are outside the green range but still within the yellow range, then the device can be operated at 50% (half) capacity. This means that you must cut each of the load values in the load chart in half. This 50% capacity 3  condition is only safe if the apparatus is leveled within the limits shown in Load Chart and Level Chart Information. If you are unable to set up your apparatus with the apparatus angle indicators within either the green or yellow safe limits, then the apparatus must be repositioned until it can be. G. AERIAL OPERATIONS – PRIMARY CONTROL The primary control position is at the control console located at the turntable. A trained, experienced, and authorized operator must be stationed at these controls during the entire time your aerial device is being operated, and any time there are personnel on the ladder or in the platform. During operation one of the responsibilities of the primary operator is to watch and warn of any obstruction the aerial may contact, monitor conditions, and communicate to personnel in the platform. SAFETY WARNING! The hydraulic control valves should be operated slowly and smoothly. Sudden ladder movement is magnified in the platform. Low engine idle speed is sufficient for acceptable performance. 1. Deploy the turntable access ladder and ascend to the turntable platform using the three points of contact method. 2. Safely position yourself on the turntable operating platform. 3. Pull the control console toward operator until it is fully deployed and locks down. 4. Open the control console cover. 5. Ensure that the waterway is either drained or that the discharge valve at the monitor is open to allow the waterway to extend or retract freely without stressing the seals. 6. Activate the LADDER ILLUMINATION lights. 7. Activate scene lighting or obtain scene lighting from another source or apparatus so that the operating scene is illuminated sufficiently for hazards within the operating area to be identified. 8. Determine the wind speed and ensure that it does not exceed the maximum allowable wind speed (see load chart). 4 9. Consider the following conditions and determine if the load chart provided at the console is applicable, or if an alternate chart is required or if the chart values need to be adjusted. Monitor these conditions continually during operation and adjust your aerial device loading accordingly. o Wind speed o Icing conditions o Short-Jack configuration o Apparatus set-up angle (green or yellow zone)) 10. Identify any obstructions in the area and plan how you will move the aerial device to avoid obstructions and maintain safe distance from power lines. 11. Alert any personnel on the turntable to move away and stay away from the ladder and other parts that will move when the aerial device moves. 12. Communicate with spotters to be sure that there are no hazards that are not visible to you. 13. Operate the elevation control (RAISE) to lift the aerial device slightly and enough to clear the boom support. 14. Operate the extend/retract control (EXTEND) to clear the back of the aerial from the cab rear wall. NOTE: The aerial cannot be rotated until the aerial is raised enough to clear the boom support and the truck body and is also extended enough to clear the rear wall of the cab. 15. Operate the raise/lower, extend/retract, and rotate (right/left) controls as required to move the aerial device to the desired position. SAFETY WARNING! Approach the ground or any structure slowly and carefully, stopping motion before you make contact. Your aerial may make contact with the ground or structures if the weight of loading causes it to settle into contact. Your device is not designed for reverse loading and you should never power your device into the ground or onto a structure. Do not rest the ladder or basket on any type of support (window ledge, overhand, or other structure). 16. Authorize charging of water pipe. 17. Monitor load gauge to assure proper loading of ladder. 5 H. ENTERING THE PLATFORM – FROM GROUND 1. If the platform has been positioned on the ground, you may enter through one of the gates at the front of the platform. 2. Close and latch the gate once all personnel have entered. Never allow more personnel to enter than the load chart allows. The horizontal area outside of the platform is intended to aid in entry or egress only. 3. All personnel should be inside the platform and secured any time the aerial device is off the ground. I. ENTERING THE PLATFORM – FROM LADDER Allowing personnel onto the aerial ladder or aerial platform must be done in strict conformance to the applicable load chart based on the conditions present. Determine the safe load limits and plan to ensure that the load limits will not be exceeded as personnel or rescue victims move along the ladder or enter the platform. 1. Position the aerial device so that it will not need to be extended or retracted once personnel have begun their climb. 2. Align the ladder rungs for climbing. 3. Ensure that climbing personnel are equipped with ladder belts and tethers. 4. Ensure that climbing personnel have both hands and feet free for climbing to maintain three points of contact. Keep loose equipment in pockets, packs, or otherwise securely tethered in ways that will not interfere with the climb. 5. Ensure that rungs are free of ice or other slippery substances. 6. Never reposition once personnel are on the ladder. 7. If you need to pause to rest on your way up the ladder, be sure to clip your ladder belt tether to a structural feature. Unclip and proceed only after you are physically able. 8. Lift the gate to enter the platform. Close and latch the gate once all personnel have entered. Never allow more personnel to enter than the load chart allows. 9. All personnel should be inside the platform and secured any time the aerial device is off the ground. 6 J. OPERATING IN THE PLATFORM Ladder functions are to be controlled by the firefighter in the platform. 1. Once you have entered the platform, locate a ladder belt anchor and clip your ladder belt tether to it. You should remained tethered to the platform until the aerial device has been properly positioned and you get the all clear that it is safe for you to unclip and proceed out of the platform. 2. Establish communication with the primary operator and be prepared to alert them immediately if you see anything that is unsafe. 3. Look above, below, behind, and all around the platform and ladder to become familiar with obstructions or hazards in the operating space. Maintain your situational awareness at all times. Alert the primary control operator of any approaching hazards and confirm with them that they are taking steps to avoid them. 4. Before using the secondary controls located in the platform: o Ensure that there are no personnel on the ladder. o Check that all personnel in the platform are properly secured using ladder belts and tethers. o Look above, below, behind, and all around the platform and ladder to become familiar with obstructions or hazards in the operating space. o Communicate with the primary control operator and ask them to make sure that all personnel are clear of the base section of the ladder o Use the elevate, depress, extend, retract, and rotate controls to slowly and carefully adjust the position of the platform. Operate controls smoothly to avoid jerking or sudden device motion. 5. The platform is designed to stay level during operation. If you sense that the platform is not staying level, cease operation immediately and take the aerial device out of service until it is repaired. 6. For single control lever operation, low engine idle speed is sufficient for acceptable performance. 7. For optimum performance, or simultaneous multiple control lever operation, the AERIAL SPEED SWITCH may be switched to FAST which will provide the maximum hydraulic flow for any combination of aerial operations. Any combination of positioning functions (elevate/depress, extend/retract, or rotate) may be operated at the same time. Operate one function at a time until you are sufficiently skilled and experienced to use multiple functions safely. 7 K. POST OPERATION – STOWING THE AERIAL 1. Return the waterway monitor and nozzle to the stowed position. 2. Remove any Lyfe options. 3. Remove personnel from the aerial device. 4. Clear the area. 5. Retract the ladder and lower the ladder close to the stowed position. Do not completely retract the ladder as it needs to be extended slightly to clear the back wall of the cab until the aerial is almost resting in the boom support. 6. Rotate the ladder until it lines up with the support boom support. 7. Lower the ladder and continue to adjust the rotation so that the ladder is accurately aligned between the boom support ears but not completely resting on the boom support. 8. Once ladder is almost resting in the boom support, fully retract the aerial, while ensuring the back of the aerial will not contact the rear of the cab wall. 9. Lower the ladder gently until it rests on the boom support and the lift cylinders are no longer supporting the aerial. 10. Gently lower the ladder further into the boom support to apply only enough down pressure to prevent aerial movement during road travel. 11. Turn off lighting, intercom, and breathing air valve as applicable. 12. Close control console cover. 13. Slightly lift front of the control console and roll it forward to the stowed position. 8 L. POST OPERATION – STOWING THE STABILIZERS 1. Reposition the wheel chocks so that they will not be pinched when the jacks are retracted. 2. Ensure that the stabilizer area is clear of all personnel. 3. Activate the STABILIZER ENABLE switch, the Stabilizer Remote Control lights will illuminate. 4. Press the STOW stabilizer button and slightly raise all of the stabilizer jacks until the weight of the truck is off all of the ground pads. 5. If required, manually rotate and align the ground pad to within 5° of being parallel to the truck. 6. Press and hold the STOW stabilizer button and retract all the stabilizer jacks completely. When using the aerial ladder in sub-freezing weather ice build-up on ladder sections can cause dangerous loading conditions. Avoid positioning aerial ladder in water over spray to help minimize ice build-up. The ladder load gauge should be checked often to assure ladder load does not enter red line condition. If ice build-up becomes excessive, the ladder should be put in bedded position and the ice manually chipped off. Care should be taken not to damage the ladder. It is recommended that when freezing conditions exist a de-icer agent be used on the ladder and basket. Attention needs to be paid to water standing in the waterway. The bleeder valve needs to be opened to allow water to drain to prevent freezing. When the ladder is being used in extremely cold conditions for extended periods of time, the ladder should be moved slightly in vertical and horizontal directions, periodically, to supply warm oil to the cylinders for more responsive operation. 9 10 11 EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES Pierce Operator’s Manual DEFINITIONS End of Document 12