Spring Fire Department UTV Policies & Procedures PDF

**[PURPOSE]** To provide all members of the Spring Fire Department with information regarding the use, care, and maintenance of the utility task vehicle (UTV). The UTV will be deployed anytime the incident commander has a need for an off-road rescue, or a fire that is unreachable by apparatus or bo...

**[PURPOSE]** To provide all members of the Spring Fire Department with information regarding the use, care, and maintenance of the utility task vehicle (UTV). The UTV will be deployed anytime the incident commander has a need for an off-road rescue, or a fire that is unreachable by apparatus or booster. **[SCOPE]** All Spring Fire Department personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with this procedure. **[REVIEW]** The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and assuring its accuracy. **[GUIDELINE]** **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** 1. Anytime the UTV is operated, regardless of improved or unimproved surfaces, eye protection shall be worn. 2. Anytime the UTV is deployed on unimproved surfaces, the provided helmets and gloves shall be worn. Helmets and gloves are not necessary if the UTV is remaining on improved surfaces and all members are seated with seat-belts fastened. **UTV Operators:** 1. Approved operators must have attended the lecture training course as well as completed the driving/operations course. 2. Only approved operators shall drive/operate the UTV. The second member of the UTV crew should be familiar with the operations, but does not have to be an approved operator. **Trailer:** 1. UTV trailer should remained hooked up to SQ70 at all times. If SQ70 is used for purposes where the UTV is not taken, the trailer must be hooked back up upon returning. 2. UTV shall always remain strapped down to the trailer. Make sure that the compression is taken out of the suspension when strapping down. 3. All straps must be inspected prior to transporting. 4. Prior to towing, make sure trailer lighting is functional, trailer chains are attached to transport vehicle and locking pin is in place. 5. Ensure the ramp is in the vertical/towing position, and all pins are in place. 6. Check pressure in trailer tires during weekly inspection. **Weekly Apparatus Inspection:** 1. Check fuel level and condition. Engine must be run weekly to ensure fuel circulated through system. 2. Check tires for proper inflation and for damage to the tread or sidewalls. 3. Ensure all lug-nuts are present and tight. Any loose or missing lug-nuts must be reported to the mechanic immediately. 4. Check all braking system components (linkage, cables, lines, hoses, etc.) for any signs of damage. 5. Check oil level prior to starting engine. 6. Inspect the outside of radiator to ensure it is clean and unobstructed. Check coolant level. 7. Inspect steering linkage for abnormal play, and make sure the wheels will turn fully in both directions. 8. Inspect the battery to make sure the battery itself is secure and all cable ends are tight and clean. 9. Inspect seat belts for damage to the webbing, and ensure the buckles operate properly. 10. Visualize headlights and all emergency lighting for proper operation. 11. Ensure bed-tilt latch is secure. **UTV Storage:** 1. UTV shall be stored with an empty water tank. 2. UTV fuel level shall remain at full when not in use. 3. UTV shall remain plugged into the 110v power source when inside of the apparatus bay. **Care must be taken to ensure the pigtail for the battery maintainer is disconnected prior to leaving the station.** **Staffing:** 1. The UTV shall not be operated with less than 2 personnel. 2. The preferred method of staffing the UTV is to use 1 firefighter from each of the staffed apparatus at the station and have it respond. This will allow all assigned apparatus at the station to remain in service, in territory, while the UTV is on a response. If this is not possible (low staffing levels, 1 of the apparatus are out of the station, etc.) then the in-service apparatus shall send 2 of its members with the UTV to the incident and follow behind in a **non-emergency** mode. **Incident use:** 1. Anytime the UTV is in use, all personnel shall be seated with seat-belts fastened and safety net secured. 2. Anytime the UTV is deployed for an emergency response, the on-duty District Chief shall respond as well. 3. The preferred vehicle used to tow the UTV trailer is SQ70. Alternate vehicles may be used, but the operator must ensure the vehicle has a trailer braking system, and the vehicle can tow the weight of the trailer and UTV combined. 4. Booster trucks shall never be used to tow the trailer and UTV. 5. SQ70 and UTV on the trailer can respond emergency traffic if requested, but extreme caution must be taken during the response and added breaking distance must be considered. 6. If upon arrival at the location it is determined the UTV will be used for off road rescue, the water tank will be double checked to ensure it is empty. Operators must check to ensure all straps are working properly and the EMS bag and all other needed items for off road extraction are in place. 7. If upon arrival at the location it is determined the UTV will be used for off road firefighting, the water tank will be filled by the on scene fire apparatus. Operators must check to ensure they have all necessary firefighting equipment, and adequate personnel to mitigate the emergency. **Public Relations Events:** 1. If the UTV is requested for a public relations event, it shall be coordinated through the Deputy Chief of Operations and the Assistant Fire Chief. They will determine if the event will be attended by on duty personnel or staffed with off duty personnel. Non-fire department personnel shall not ride on the UTV unless previously authorized by a Chief officer.