Washington Fire Chiefs > Sections

HomeExpand
- WFCExpoExpand
MembersExpand
- Fire Service DirectoryExpand
  - Associate MembersExpand
  - County Fire Chiefs AssociationExpand
- NPPGOV Member ProgramExpand
- IAFC ForumExpand
About UsExpand
- WFC BoardExpand
- MembershipExpand
  - Department MembershipExpand
  - Affiliate MembershipExpand
  - Bugle MembershipExpand
- Contact UsExpand
NewsExpand
CalendarExpand
ResourcesExpand
- Legislative ResourcesExpand
- Job AnnouncementsExpand
- Classified AdsExpand
- EVIP InformationExpand
- WFC BookstoreExpand
- LODD ResourcesExpand
- Memorial WallExpand
- Safety CalendarExpand
- LinksExpand
- Volunteer ResourcesExpand
- Timeloss ResourcesExpand
- RFA Implementation GuideExpand
- COVID-19 ResourcesExpand
- WFC MagazineExpand
DocumentsExpand
- Association DocumentsExpand
  - Bylaws & PoliciesExpand
  - FormsExpand
  - Position PapersExpand
  - Minutes & Board BooksExpand
- Chief DocumentsExpand
  - State Chiefs RatesExpand
  - GEMT DocumentsExpand
  - NFIRS Annual ReportsExpand
  - Model PoliciesExpand
  - Training DocumentsExpand
- Legislative DocumentsExpand
- Event PresentationsExpand
- EMS Section DocumentsExpand
- Fire Administrative Support Section DocumentsExpand
- Fire Mechanics Section DocumentsExpand
- Fire Training Safety and Officers Section DocumentsExpand
- Public Fire Educators Section DocumentsExpand
SectionsExpand
- Emergency Medical ServicesExpand
- Fire Administrative SupportExpand
  - DocumentsExpand
  - Discussion Forum & RFI'sExpand
  - Member DirectoryExpand
  - MerchandiseExpand
  - Photo GalleryExpand
- Fire MechanicsExpand
  - Photo GalleryExpand
  - Training & TestingExpand
  - EVT Discussion ForumExpand
  - ScholarshipExpand
  - Award NominationExpand
- Fire Training Safety and OfficersExpand
  - Firefighter ProgramExpand
  - ScholarshipExpand
  - Photo GalleryExpand
- Public Fire EducatorsExpand
- HazMat CommitteeExpand
County Fire ChiefsExpand
- King County Fire Chiefs AssociationExpand
- Pierce County Fire Chiefs AssociationExpand
- Snohomish County Fire Chiefs AssociationExpand
- Thurston County Fire Chiefs AssociationExpand
FRWCExpand
WSAFMExpand

Welcome

The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Dec 1, 2018

FDSOA Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium

Richard Marinucci

The expenses associated with fire apparatus are second only to those for personnel in most departments.

I say most because fire apparatus expenses would be the biggest cost in many volunteer departments.

Besides the cost, reliability and functionality are extremely important. Organizations, regardless of size or type, cannot deliver quality service if they don’t arrive in the moments that matter with the proper resources for the emergency. This would include personnel, equipment, and apparatus. Obviously, the apparatus must get personnel to the scene safely, but the work is not done once the operation starts. Fire trucks are essential to successful operations and the safety of firefighters.

I would hope that what I stated above is obvious and you are wondering why it needs to be stated. It reinforces the importance of apparatus and, therefore, stresses the value of gaining the most information as possible regarding vehicles—from purchasing to maintenance and everything in between. Making good decisions requires information and knowledge. Gathering the information for vehicles involves various sources, and one of those should be the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Annual Apparatus Symposium. Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) are partners in the symposium.

This conference is unique in that it brings together subject matter experts from the industry, including fire department personnel, apparatus manufacturers, and suppliers (and others with an interest) to discuss the latest trends and various needs in the apparatus world. It is a chance for detailed discussion along with topical workshops that provide the valuable information to help those with responsibilities for fire trucks to make good choices.

Fleet management includes specifications to maintenance and everything in between. It also involves leadership and knowledge of current standards and regulations. A quick look at the agenda for the FDSOA Apparatus Symposium will show you that all aspects are covered. Besides the scheduled workshops, there is ample opportunity to network and share experiences with a wide variety of experts and interested parties. There are sessions on specification writing and newer topics such as “clean cab designs.” Those who participate will get ideas to save money and produce more reliable and functional apparatus. There is no other single place to discuss fire trucks in detail with so many interested parties. Whether you are in the market, developing specifications, looking for ideas for your apparatus committee, or hoping to improve your routine preventive maintenance or other truck repairs, there are sessions to help you.

The 31st annual FDSOA Apparatus Symposium will be held in Orlando, Florida, January 20-23, 2019, at the Wyndham Hotel. There are preconference sessions on Sunday, and the conference will conclude with nationally known body language expert Janine Driver on Wednesday. If you have any responsibility in the procurement or maintenance of your department’s fleet, you should attend.

For more information, visit the FDSOA Web site at Read more

378
0
Article rating: No rating

Posted: Dec 1, 2018

FDSOA Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium

Richard Marinucci

The expenses associated with fire apparatus are second only to those for personnel in most departments.

I say most because fire apparatus expenses would be the biggest cost in many volunteer departments.

For more information, visit the FDSOA Web site at Read more

350
0
Article rating: No rating

Posted: Dec 1, 2018

Using TIC to Search for Hazardous Containers

Manfred Kihn

One of a fire department’s biggest fears is fear of the unknown when responding to a call. When information is relayed over the radio while en route, firefighters and officers are trained to mentally prepare themselves for what they are about to encounter. When firefighters hear they are responding to a warehouse fire that contains 45-gallon drums of fuel oil and a bulk propane tank is adjacent to the warehouse building, the crew is now preparing their attack plan.

Using a thermal imaging camera (TIC) can be an effective tool to give firefighters valuable information to help mitigate circumstances such as the example above. The air space in two propane tanks and 45-gallon drums (photos 1 and 2) gives the crew a better understanding of what they are facing, and they can pull a line faster for exposure protection to prevent a catastrophic event.

Another scenario involves a residential structure with an attached garage. Think about what’s in your garage. Now, think about your next-door neighbor. I’ll bet your neighbor is a handyman who stores lots of hazardous liquids such as gas, oil, propane, and paints in his garage. Photos 3 and 4 show the liquid levels in your typical five-gallon fuel container and a propane tank for use with outside grills.

Consider one more scenario: You respond to a residence and find a closet full of chemicals (photo 5). Even worse would be to find these chemicals sitting open in plain sight, which could turn out to be a clandestine lab. If this scenario happens, your day just got a whole lot worse.