Fully operational equipment is essential to take effective and responsible action during an emergency situation. No piece of equipment is as vital as the fire apparatus. While departments are already armed with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) codes and standards for emergency vehicle maintenance, there are other general apparatus inspection and maintenance practices that build on top of that foundation.
Toyne, Inc. has been building call-ready apparatus for nearly 80 years. With that in mind, the team at Toyne has assembled five tips to take the apparatus maintenance to peak performance.
1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Preventative maintenance is the best kind of maintenance. Taking the initiative early on to address any problems will not only extend the life of the apparatus but also ensure that the vehicle and crew are always ready to take the call. For larger maintenance projects, schedule repairs as soon as an issue arises.
2. Utilize Available Resources
With all of the high-tech equipment and components onboard modern fire apparatus, it is a great idea to regularly take advantage of the resources around for maintenance-related questions. The apparatus manufacturer will include an operator’s manual, CDs, or flash drives that highlight proper apparatus maintenance and parts information. One may also consider reaching out directly to the manufacturer for service insight.
3. Become Familiar with Apparatus and Create Checklists
Take the time to look over every facet of the apparatus, become familiar with how everything works. That way, it will be more adept at identifying when something isn’t working the way it should be or knowing when maintenance should be scheduled. Creating a checklist that is logged daily is a good way to know what’s on the apparatus
Creating a checklist that is logged daily is a good way to know what’s on the apparatus and what condition each component is in throughout its lifespan. For some ideas on what could be in the department’s checklist, one can divide the inspections into apparatus mechanical checks and compartment equipment checks.
Apparatus Mechanical Checks
Keep a detailed account of critical mechanical aspects of the apparatus.
- Log apparatus mileage and when the next service is needed
- Record tire air pressures, fuel tank level, engine oil level, water & foam tank levels, etc.
- Test lights and sirens
- Evaluate apparatus body condition
- Check pump panel, gauges, valves, and pressure governor
Compartment Equipment Checks
Catalog what equipment is supposed to be in each compartment of the fire engine so one can document any missing gear and its condition.
- Test radios, headsets, and/or other communication equipment in the cab
- Record tire air pressures, fuel tank level, engine oil level, water & foam tank levels, etc.
- Check fuel and oil levels in equipment such as chainsaws and portable pumps
4. Post-Emergency Apparatus Evaluation
After responding to a call, be sure to inspect the apparatus and equipment thoroughly. Look for damage to areas like pumps, hose connection points, and fluid leaks such as engine oil, coolant, or brake lines. Ensure that there is enough fuel in the tank, etc.
5. Communicate Potential Problems
Communication is key when building effective teams. That’s why when one sees parts and components of an apparatus that are in need of repair or could be compromised, one needs to notify the entire team. When shifts change, fellow firefighters could be unaware of problems that will cause issues during the next emergency call.
