Apparatus Driving Safety PDF

Procedure 300 Chesapeake Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/25, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Apparatus Driving Safety - 1 Apparatus Driving Safety 300.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE Chesapeake Fire Department uses the follow...

Procedure 300 Chesapeake Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/25, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Apparatus Driving Safety - 1 Apparatus Driving Safety 300.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE Chesapeake Fire Department uses the following procedure when units engage in an emergency response at the highest level. Corresponding Policies: 906 Apparatus/Vehicle Backing 301 Emergency Response 600 Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Training 904 High Visibility Safety Vests 309 Staging 702 Vehicle and Apparatus Inspections, Testing, Repair and Maintenance 911 Vehicle Safety Belts 300.2 FIRST FIVE MINUTES The driver operator should: #Take reasonable steps to see that all cabinets and doors are closed and all appliances and tools are secured before the apparatus moves. #Ensure there are no loose items on the apparatus dashboard. #Check the apparatus bay and the apron and roadway for any persons, vehicles or obstructions which could block response. #If the driver's view is obstructed, have at least one member walk onto the apron to check for pedestrians and vehicles and notify the operator when it is safe to proceed out of the bay. #Activate the apparatus emergency lights, siren and any other audible device as required by law and policy. #When practicable, assign an occupant to operate the radio to allow the driver operator to concentrate on driving. #Notify the Emergency Communication Center that the unit is responding. #Ensure that all crew members are aboard and seated with seat belts fastened. 300.3 PROCEDURES (a) Personnel 1. The driver operator should: (a) Notify the Company Officer whenever it reasonably appears the apparatus is unsafe for service. The Company Officer should direct that the apparatus be removed from service until the issue is satisfactorily resolved. Chesapeake Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual Apparatus Driving Safety Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/25, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Apparatus Driving Safety - 2 (b) Continuously operate the emergency lights, siren and any other audible device as required by law and policy. (c) Drive with regard for safety to avoid potential accidents, adjusting speed according to: • Weather conditions. • Traffic conditions. • Road conditions. (d) If a traffic signal pre-emption system is used, pay close attention to the traffic signal and approach at a speed that gives the system time to switch to green before entering and proceeding through the intersection. (e) Remain aware of oncoming and cross traffic; don’t rely solely on a traffic signal to determine when it is safe to proceed. (f) Slow to a stop at all red lights, stop signs and intersections where traffic in approaching lanes cannot reasonably be accounted for and confirm that oncoming and cross traffic has given right-of-way by stopping or pulling over before proceeding. (g) Stop at all unguarded and all activated railroad crossings. (h) Stop for all stopped school buses with activated warning lights. (i) Remain aware of other responding units that may be approaching intersections. (j) If following another apparatus or emergency vehicle, keep a safe stopping distance and take reasonable steps to see that the unit is visible to oncoming traffic. (k) Upon arrival, contact Incident Command for staging instructions. If first on- scene stage according to available pre-plans, information provided and scene conditions. (l) Be mindful of potentially shifting water in any onboard tanks and its impact on handling of apparatus. 2. Occupants should: (a) Remain seated with safety belts fastened anytime the apparatus is moving. (b) Take reasonable steps to secure any unsecured equipment within the passenger compartment so items do not become projectiles if the driver operator makes an abrupt maneuver or the apparatus is involved in an accident. (c) Notify the driver operator of any observed unsafe conditions that cannot reasonably be made safe by the occupant. (d) Avoid distracting the driver operator while the apparatus is in motion. Chesapeake Fire Department Fire Procedure Manual Apparatus Driving Safety Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/03/25, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Apparatus Driving Safety - 3 300.4 UNIVERSAL PRACTICES 1. The first priority should be the safe arrival of the apparatus and crew members at the emergency scene. 2. Apparatus not equipped with an anti-lock braking system and carrying more than 999 gallons of water should be operated only in non-emergency mode. 3. Apparatus equipped with a “wet road/dry road” switch should be operated only in the “dry road” mode. 4. Apparatus equipped with a traction control switch should be operated with the traction control engaged unless automatic tire chains are actively in use. 5. The engine retarder should be turned off when roads are wet or otherwise slippery. 6. Avoid putting any items on the apparatus dashboard. Unsecured items may cause personal injury, fall off and break, damage the apparatus windshield, and/or obstruct the vision of the driver/operator.