fama forum By Grady North

Beginning with the 1991 edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, safety has been a focus for apparatus design. Over the years, the NFPA addressed many of the issues facing the industry.

A number of Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies sit on the NFPA 1901 committee and worked with other members to draft safety improvements. However, many FAMA companies go above and beyond the NFPA 1901 standard and have initiated many apparatus safety improvements. Many of these improvements we take for granted today but, as we look back in history, it is amazing how far we have come. This article will feature some of the highlights of both the NFPA and industry improvements over the years.

Cab Improvements

Since 1991, the most significant improvement was the fully enclosed cab. Some younger fire service members may not remember when custom cabs were open to the rear with jump seats on either side of the engine. Firefighters were exposed to noise and the elements on the way to a fire. The enclosed cab brought improved firefighter safety in the event of an accident plus improved comfort and communication.

Sirens and air horns were moved off the roof to low and in front of the apparatus, reducing noise and improving communication for firefighters. Tilting and telescoping steering wheels helped accommodate the diversified range of firefighter sizes.

Since 1996, safer mounting of equipment in the cab with interior equipment mounting criteria and interior compartment performance standards have helped reduce injury. Requirements were specified for mounting self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in cab seat backs. Type II shoulder harnesses are now required for outboard seating positions.

Beginning in 2003, another milestone in cab design saw side rollover protection air bags for firefighter safety. Red or orange seat belts are now required for better identification by responsible drivers and officers. Minimum head clearance in the cab seating positions increased. Reflective material is required inside the cab and crew cab doors. Additionally, there is now cab integrity testing—roof crush, frontal impact, and side crush.

Since 2009, seat belt warning devices and vehicle data recorders have been required as well as displays that show who is belted and who is not and are visible to the driver or officer. We also saw the first implementation of front driver and officer air bags.

Chassis Improvements

Beginning in 1991, air disc brakes became available, reducing stopping distance and eliminating brake fade. Automatic tire chains, which provide tire traction in adverse weather conditions, improved through remote activation without stopping the vehicle or leaving the operator’s position. Air ride suspension has improved ride quality, and the system’s height adjusts to the load.

Beginning in 1994, we started to see electronically co