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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: Jan 1, 2019

Ground Ladder Considerations for Fire Apparatus

BY BILL ADAMS

When departments specify a new rig, the ground ladder complement is something they take for granted and seldom evaluate. The purpose, fireground value, and usefulness of ground ladders is not a subject for debate, nor should it be.

Some apparatus purchasing committees (APCs) look at ground ladders as necessary evils rather than as integral tools in supporting fire suppression and effecting life saving in multistory occupancies. This article looks at some basic considerations when addressing how many, what type, and what size ladders could be or should be carried. Hopefully, it makes purchasers mindful of decision-making factors they might have overlooked.

Interbody ladder storage is very popular. On rigs with traditional midship pump enclosures, it is possible for ladders to extend into the pump house. This rig has a traditional side operator’s panel with an extension ladder extending into the pump house on the curb side. Note the “stop” to prevent the ladder from moving forward. This rig is plumbed with mostly rigid piping. (Photos by author.)

1 Interbody ladder storage is very popular. On rigs with traditional midship pump enclosures, it is possible for ladders to extend into the pump house. This rig has a traditional side operator’s panel with an extension ladder extending into the pump house on the curb side. Note the “stop” to prevent the ladder from moving forward. This rig is plumbed with mostly rigid piping. (Photos by author.)

The two recognized criteria for ground ladders are National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), which establish quantities and types of ground ladders to be carried on various types of apparatus. NFPA 1901 also makes several recommendations regarding sizes. Bear in mind that NFPA 1901 is an unenforceable minimum standard. The FSRS recently mirrored NFPA 1901’s ladder requirements; however, it may be advisable to check your local ISO for its interpretation of the subject. The two standards are what some APCs solely dwell on. That could be a mistake.

COMPLACENCY

John Mittendorf, battalion chief (ret.) from the Los Angeles City (CA) Fire Department, has lectured about and authored many books and articles on truck company (aka ladder company) operations. In “Ground Ladders” (http://lacountyfirefighters.org/items/Ground_Ladders_by_John_Mittendorf.pdf), he states, “Remember, the initial purchase of ground ladders (which normally coincides with the purchase of new apparatus) will often affect fireground operations (and considerations) 15 to 20 years later.” In nonbusy suburban, rural, and cash-strapped departments, apparatus replacement schedules can be in the 25- to 30-year range. Not anticipating the future is an oversight that should be avoided.

When purchasing pumpers in departments with ladder company service, some APCs fall into the “That’s what we’ve always done” mindset when spec

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Article rating: No rating

Posted: Jan 1, 2019

Ground Ladder Considerations for Fire Apparatus

BY BILL ADAMS

When departments specify a new rig, the ground ladder complement is something they take for granted and seldom evaluate. The purpose, fireground value, and usefulness of ground ladders is not a subject for debate, nor should it be.

COMPLACENCY

When purchasing pumpers in departments with ladder company service, some APCs fall into the “That’s what we’ve always done” mindset when spec

659
0
Article rating: No rating

Posted: Jan 1, 2019

FAMA Fire Apparatus and Component Resources

BY DOUG MILLER

Member companies of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) have created many useful resources for the fire service in recent years relating to safe fire apparatus. Areas that have seen an influx of informative materials are the buyer’s guides created by members of the FAMA Technical Committee and its subcommittees.

Technology integration has been at the forefront in developing and designing fire trucks for many years. This growth in technology comes from many sources and many reasons. Much of the technological advancements are to provide safer, longer lasting, easier to use, and easier to maintain emergency vehicles. Many manufacturers also use technology as a means to differentiate their products in the marketplace.

Whatever the reason, let’s face it—today’s fire trucks are an integration of many technologies that can be confusing to an apparatus committee trying to specify the newest addition to its fleet.

BUYER’S GUIDES

FAMA comprises member companies that manufacture fire apparatus and apparatus components. One of its missions is to educate the fire service about safe fire apparatus. In recent years, FAMA members have been working diligently to create buyer’s guides to help inform the fire service about the various functional areas of fire apparatus. These include topics such as pumps, emergency lighting, scene lighting, suspensions, auxiliary braking systems, occupant protection, seats, batteries, alternators and chargers, and foam proportioning systems, to name a few.

These buyer’s guides offer a noncommercial look into the details of the subject and many times call out the pros and cons of various types of systems and components. FAMA buyer’s guides can help educate those who are new to buying and selling fire apparatus and help create questions to ask your apparatus salesperson as you move along the path to purchasing a new rig. Even the seasoned apparatus purchaser is likely to gain insight on newer technology or at least may see things from a different perspective.

Each buyer’s guide delves deep into the topic and may provide photos and drawings to help represent the topic in a no-nonsense way. Representing the latest technology as well as tried and true methods and product designs, the buyer’s guides can be great tools whether you are specifying the most basic apparatus or need to have all the bells and whistles.

OTHER FIRE SERVICE RESOURCES

Along with the buyer’s guides, many other useful resources are available to help guide you. There are Fire Apparatus Common Safety Signs, offering many signs that can be used on the apparatus to meet certain National Fire Protection Association criteria. The Safety Sign artwork is available to download for printing to add or replace safety signs as needed on new and existing apparatus. Graphical symbols are becoming more common on everything we use, including fire apparatus. There is a document that shows many common symbols used universally as well