By Bill Adams
What can reduce the usable width, depth, and height of equipment compartments; that costs from $500 to more than $1,000; and might not really be necessary? A slide-out tray mounted on a compartment floor.
Why would an apparatus purchasing committee specify a slide-out tray on the floor of every compartment without knowing exactly what’s going on it? It could be laziness or “the way it’s always been done.” The intent is not to “squeeze pennies” or make firefighters’ lives harder. When specifying a new rig, it might be advisable to step back and look at the big picture.
Photo 1 by Allan Smith shows a slide-out tray holding rolled hose. It is neat and orderly, but it could be expensive to modify later.
Photo 1
Photo 2 shows a compartment without a tray. The equipment on the floor appears accessible and easy to reach. Note: I’d recommend a retaining strap to keep the equipment from banging into the door.
Photo 2
Which layout can easily allow relocating or adding different size equipment in the future? There’s always that possibility.
NFPA 1900
COVID-19 is still keeping the “raisin squad” out of firehouses, so we’re relying on social media and fading memories to find things to pontificate about. An easy target is the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) proposed NFPA 1900, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances.
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