By Christian P. Koop

Last month an automotive repair trade magazine had “COMMITMENT TO TRAINING” printed on its cover.

I am sure most already know how important training is for technicians in general, but I think it is even more important for emergency response vehicle technicians (EVTs) who maintain and repair modern fire and rescue apparatus. This is mainly because of the many complex systems from different manufacturers that are integrated into one piece of equipment. Unlike dealership technicians working on cars and light trucks from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who only need specialized training from one manufacturer, EVTs need training from multiple manufacturers. Because of this huge difference and the fact that EVTs work on life-saving equipment, adequate in-depth technician training is a must. Well-trained technicians can also make a big difference in repair quality and reduced equipment downtime. This equates to fewer comebacks or rework and better overall shop productivity. I know there have always been fears from shop managers about losing good technicians after investing time and money in training only for the techs to leave for other jobs. But with a good incentive program in place, retaining good techs should not be a problem.

Justifying the Expense

I know some organizations look at technician training as an expense. In reality, it is an investment that will pay dividends in the long haul. There are systems today that require following exact service or repair procedures. Failure to do so could end up maiming or even killing someone. Gone are the days when savvy techs could use their past experiences and knowledge to get them through jobs that were difficult to diagnose and repair. Organizations that maintain and repair emergency response vehicles (ERVs) need to understand this and develop a commitment to training if they expect high-quality, timely repairs from their technicians. To do this, they need to understand just how important up-to-date technician training has become and that effective, efficient, root-cause failure analysis is directly linked to knowledgeable and highly trained technicians.

A good example of this is diagnosing and solving tough electrical problems that are more common than you would think with ERVs. A tech who has been properly trained may spend a fraction of the time solving the problem compared with a good tech who has not been trained on the system. The other important aspect for agencies that maintain and repair ERVs is that their technicians are required to be certified. This is an area that will expose the organization to liabilities if someone is injured or killed because of a faulty repair-particularly if the technician performing the repair was not qualified or certified to perform the repair.

NFPA and Other Organizations

I think it best that these two important areas-training and certification-go hand in hand. As many are aware, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1071, Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications, defines the qualifications technicians must have to maintain and repair the equipment. NFPA 1071 divides technicians into three distinct levels or categories that indicate what maintenance or repairs they are authorized or qualified to perform based on a recognized certificate, professional standing, a skill they have developed, education, or training in the specific area and that he has the experience and has essentially demonstrated the abilities necessary to get the job done.

Far and wide the most common or accepted way to demonstrate this is by certification through nationally recognized programs offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) a

By Alan M. Petrillo

An engine company’s minimum complement of ground ladders, as dictated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016 ed.), comprises one extension ladder, one straight ladder equipped with roof hooks, and one attic ladder.

But, sometimes, those ladders don’t fit a situation where firefighters find themselves because of a tight space, inadequate room, hard-to-access ingress, uneven surfaces, or another type of issue. However, there are ladder types that go beyond the typical ladder complement to fit those situations.

1 The model 35B is a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder made by Duo-Safety Ladder that can be converted from a straight ladder to an A-frame. (Photo courtesy of Duo-Safety Ladder.)

Combination Ladders

Randy Vandersee, plant manager of Duo-Safety Ladder, says Duo-Safety makes two versions of an A-frame or combination ladder that work well in unusual circumstances. “Our 300A model works as an extension ladder where the fly slides up, as well as an A-frame ladder that has a spreader assembly similar to a step ladder,” Vandersee says. “This ladder is available in a six- to nine-foot length (six feet A-frame and nine feet extension), an eight- to 13-foot length, and a 10- to 15-foot length.”

2 Little Giant Ladder Systems makes the Overhaul, a multipurpose, triple combination ladder that can serve as an A-frame, a roof, or an attic ladder and has a carrying handle. (Photo courtesy of Little Giant Ladder Systems.)

Duo-Safety also makes the model 35B, a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder, Vandersee points out. “It’s often used to bridge a fence or wall,” he notes. “It folds in the center and comes in six- to 12-foot, seven- to 14-foot, and eight- to 16-foot lengths.”

Sam Cramer, chief executive officer at Alco-Lite, a product line made by Sam Carbis Solutions Group, says that Alco-Lite makes the CJL series ladder, which is a short extension and A-frame combination ladder. “We’ve made the CJL series for years, and it has traditionally sold well in the New York and Pennsylvania areas,” Cramer says. “It can be an A-frame or stepladder when needed or be reconfigured into an extension ladder in 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-foot lengths. In the A-frame configuration, it runs from six to 10 feet high.”

3 This MT-22 model ladder, made by Werner Company, can function as a straight ladder or as an adjustable A-frame stairway ladder as shown. (Photo courtesy of Werner Company.)

Lyndon Walpole, vice presiden

By Alan M. Petrillo

An engine company’s minimum complement of ground ladders, as dictated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016 ed.), comprises one extension ladder, one straight ladder equipped with roof hooks, and one attic ladder.

But, sometimes, those ladders don’t fit a situation where firefighters find themselves because of a tight space, inadequate room, hard-to-access ingress, uneven surfaces, or another type of issue. However, there are ladder types that go beyond the typical ladder complement to fit those situations.

1 The model 35B is a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder made by Duo-Safety Ladder that can be converted from a straight ladder to an A-frame. (Photo courtesy of Duo-Safety Ladder.)

Combination Ladders

Randy Vandersee, plant manager of Duo-Safety Ladder, says Duo-Safety makes two versions of an A-frame or combination ladder that work well in unusual circumstances. “Our 300A model works as an extension ladder where the fly slides up, as well as an A-frame ladder that has a spreader assembly similar to a step ladder,” Vandersee says. “This ladder is available in a six- to nine-foot length (six feet A-frame and nine feet extension), an eight- to 13-foot length, and a 10- to 15-foot length.”

2 Little Giant Ladder Systems makes the Overhaul, a multipurpose, triple combination ladder that can serve as an A-frame, a roof, or an attic ladder and has a carrying handle. (Photo courtesy of Little Giant Ladder Systems.)

Duo-Safety also makes the model 35B, a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder, Vandersee points out. “It’s often used to bridge a fence or wall,” he notes. “It folds in the center and comes in six- to 12-foot, seven- to 14-foot, and eight- to 16-foot lengths.”

Sam Cramer, chief executive officer at Alco-Lite, a product line made by Sam Carbis Solutions Group, says that Alco-Lite makes the CJL series ladder, which is a short extension and A-frame combination ladder. “We’ve made the CJL series for years, and it has traditionally sold well in the New York and Pennsylvania areas,” Cramer says. “It can be an A-frame or stepladder when needed or be reconfigured into an extension ladder in 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-foot lengths. In the A-frame configuration, it runs from six to 10 feet high.”

3 This MT-22 model ladder, made by Werner Company, can function as a straight ladder or as an adjustable A-frame stairway ladder as shown. (Photo courtesy of Werner Company.)

Lyndon Walpole, vice presiden

By Alan M. Petrillo

An engine company’s minimum complement of ground ladders, as dictated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016 ed.), comprises one extension ladder, one straight ladder equipped with roof hooks, and one attic ladder.

But, sometimes, those ladders don’t fit a situation where firefighters find themselves because of a tight space, inadequate room, hard-to-access ingress, uneven surfaces, or another type of issue. However, there are ladder types that go beyond the typical ladder complement to fit those situations.

1 The model 35B is a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder made by Duo-Safety Ladder that can be converted from a straight ladder to an A-frame. (Photo courtesy of Duo-Safety Ladder.)

Combination Ladders

Randy Vandersee, plant manager of Duo-Safety Ladder, says Duo-Safety makes two versions of an A-frame or combination ladder that work well in unusual circumstances. “Our 300A model works as an extension ladder where the fly slides up, as well as an A-frame ladder that has a spreader assembly similar to a step ladder,” Vandersee says. “This ladder is available in a six- to nine-foot length (six feet A-frame and nine feet extension), an eight- to 13-foot length, and a 10- to 15-foot length.”

2 Little Giant Ladder Systems makes the Overhaul, a multipurpose, triple combination ladder that can serve as an A-frame, a roof, or an attic ladder and has a carrying handle. (Photo courtesy of Little Giant Ladder Systems.)

Duo-Safety also makes the model 35B, a traditional jackknife-style combination ladder, Vandersee points out. “It’s often used to bridge a fence or wall,” he notes. “It folds in the center and comes in six- to 12-foot, seven- to 14-foot, and eight- to 16-foot lengths.”

Sam Cramer, chief executive officer at Alco-Lite, a product line made by Sam Carbis Solutions Group, says that Alco-Lite makes the CJL series ladder, which is a short extension and A-frame combination ladder. “We’ve made the CJL series for years, and it has traditionally sold well in the New York and Pennsylvania areas,” Cramer says. “It can be an A-frame or stepladder when needed or be reconfigured into an extension ladder in 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-foot lengths. In the A-frame configuration, it runs from six to 10 feet high.”

3 This MT-22 model ladder, made by Werner Company, can function as a straight ladder or as an adjustable A-frame stairway ladder as shown. (Photo courtesy of Werner Company.)

Lyndon Walpole, vice presiden

By Doug Miller

Nearly two years ago, you may have read an article about pump intake valves in the May 2014 issue of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment.

In the article, I mentioned a work-in-progress Pump Selection Guide. Here is a quick recap and an update on where the guide stands today.

Guide’s Origin

Over the past several years, shrinking budgets have forced many fire departments to evaluate and make changes in their business models. Every expenditure is scrutinized in an effort to make every dollar count and to spend limited funds wisely.

Many departments have had to delay purchasing much-needed fire apparatus during this time. However, these delays can only happen for so long as aging fire apparatus may be costing too much in repairs, may no longer be safe, or may not be the proper tools for the changing missions of the agencies. If this sounds like your department, then it’s likely that fire apparatus replacement may be one of the top line items in your budget. But, will you replace an old, worn-out pumper with something that has nearly the same layout? Or, will the fire apparatus be specified with the latest technology and a different layout to accommodate more equipment to serve multiple types of missions?

Fast forward to today, and it appears a growing number of departments are able to purchase those much-needed fire apparatus replacements. When doing so, departments should consider many factors for fire apparatus, specifically a new pumper, which may be the workhorse of the fleet. These factors typically include the following:

• The vehicle’s mission. What has changed since the previous truck was built 20 or more years ago?
• Cab design. How many firefighters will ride the new rig?
• Overall size. Can a smaller unit be just as effective?
• Pump capacity rating. How much water is really available?
• Compartment size and layout. How much “stuff” do we need to take along to cover the various missions?

As needs have changed in recent years, fire apparatus manufacturers have responded to those needs. There are many more options available today for nearly everything fire apparatus-related. To get more compartment space to carry all the “stuff” and keep the overall size of the rig within reason, truck design has seen many changes and many additional options concerning pump location, pump operator’s position location, and pump drive options.

Pumps are the heart of many of today’s fire apparatus, and understanding the various configurations will help fire apparatus committees make informed decisions when specifying a new rig. A new tool is now available from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) that provides information on the many pump options available today.

Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide

The Fire Apparatus Pump Selection Guide gives the reader information on pump types, pump locations, how pump capacity ratings are determined, and many other aspects of pumping apparatus design. The information covers several topics, including pump drive methods, intake valve types, pump discharge options, and other components critical to safe operation.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Apparatus, cover minimum standards for new apparatus. Departments should reference them when creating spec