Christian P. Koop

Performance testing of fire pumps, once commonly referred to as service testing, is a basic requirement under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus, that is in place to help ensure the heart of your fire truck, the fire pump, performs as designed so it can be reasonably expected to pump rated capacity every time it's needed during an emergency on the fireground.

It is a yearly requirement and also required after major pump system repairs have been done. As most know and will appreciate, a fire scene is not the place to find out that your rig's most important component will not deliver rated capacity or pressure when it is needed the most.

Over the past several years, I have noticed more companies are offering mobile pump testing services. This is probably a good option for those fire departments that do not have the time or staffing levels to get this very important requirement accomplished. However, I think it would be a great learning experience and more beneficial over the long run if done in-house. I truly believe having several key people on staff, fully trained, with the required test equipment to test fire pumps will pay dividends and is something departments should strive for. Keep in mind that performance testing is not only required by the NFPA once a year but it is also required after major repairs have been done to any part of the pump or the major components of the pumping system. This includes the drivetrain, fire pump, pump transmission (transfer case), and plumbing system.

Performance testing is a great training aid for pump operators and other crew members if they are present to assist during the actual test. Pump operators and other crew members can learn many important pump characteristics during testing that will help them gain more knowledge of the entire pumping system, which will translate to more experience and which could prove helpful during actual pumping situations at fire scenes.

My department for many years has had an emergency vehicle technician (EVT) present during testing for two main reasons: (1) to be readily available to address any minor mechanical/electrical problems that arise that can be repaired on scene without having to abort or reschedule the test; and (2) for training purposes, because being present and involved in the testing process will also help the EVT gain more knowledge and experience of the entire system just like it can for fire crew members.

Ensuring your rig is properly prepared for the test is an important step of the process. If the rig has been in service with no reported pump system issues and preventive maintenance (PM) is up to date, you should be good to move forward with the test. However, if PM is not up to date, it would be a good idea to have the shop's EVT fully service the rig prior to testing. If the unit is being tested because of major repairs, the shop should check to make sure PM services are up to date. If your rig's PM is not up to date, it is recommended to service the entire unit to include the engine, transmission, fire pump, pump transmission, and all chassis lubrication (including the discharge valve handles and all valve linkages) before the test. Operating all intake and discharge valves and test running the pump are essential parts of this service. This includes ensuring the pump governor and all relief valves, pump gauges, tank level gauges, pump drains, bleeders, and warning devices are operating

By Chris Mc Loone

Interschutz 2015 was an educational experience on many levels.

The magnitude-approximately 1,500 exhibitors spread over six buildings and outside exhibits with 51 nations represented-is probably the most striking feature of the show. Learning how to navigate a show of that size for the first time is definitely a "baptism by fire." But, there is far more to Interschutz than just being a big trade show. With 51 nations sending manufacturers, the show's international attendees get a chance to see apparatus and equipment designs from across the globe. There is something to learn from everything you see because none of it is the norm you are used to.

Specifically, attendees from North America are exposed to apparatus designed around tactics that differ greatly from the States. But, just because tactics differ does not mean there aren't design aspects United States fire departments can use on their next apparatus purchases. As Rod Carringer, chief marketing officer of Task Force Tips (TFT) , says, roll-up doors originally gained popularity in Europe before gaining traction in the United States. Today more and more apparatus are rolling off assembly lines with roll-up doors.

1 Task Force Tips introduced its IMPULSE nozzle to the global market at Interchutz 2015. The nozzle's trigger controller operates smoothly throughout the nozzle's rated flow and pressure range and allows operators to hold multiple valve positions at their discretion. (Photos by author unless otherwise noted.)

The show also represented proof that the United States fire service industry no longer confines itself to the States or even North America. Approximately 100 United States companies ranging from apparatus to apparatus components to equipment manufacturers displayed at the show. Some introduced new products for use in the States and abroad; some introduced products designed specifically to European standards; and some use Interschutz as a means of meeting with international customers and distributors. The show is truly a platform for a variety of purposes.

Product Introductions

In the category of bringing a new product already introduced in the States to the global market is the IMPULSE nozzle, by Task Force Tips. This product, which debuted at FDIC International 2015, was actually developed based on European firefighting tactics. "A lot about this trigger nozzle had to do with the European market specifically," says Carringer. "It's a lot about meeting the needs of our customers in the European market, especially the northern European market. [We] have talked about some of the tactical applications, where there are very quick little bursts of small droplets and trying not to disrupt the thermal balance in the room. A trigger does so much better than our traditional nozzle with the bail handle on top, where they'll very quickly try to pulse it to try to get those little droplets to come out. So, the IMPULSE nozzle was born from the European market."

2 The garment Fire-Dex had on display at Interschutz 2015 was the company's first manufactured to meet the EN-469 European standard.

Conversely, Fire-Dex used Interschutz as an opportunity to debut a line of personal protective clothing designed specifically to meet European standards. The garment

By Bill Proft

Most Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association (FAMA) member companies will provide receivers and anchors for rope and removable winches as optional features.

Basic guidelines for these features are provided in section 15.12 of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. While the guidelines are quite specific, there are several additional items to consider when specifying a rope or winch receiver on your next vehicle. The intent of this article is to identify these items and help you make a more informed decision on your next purchase.

Plan Ahead

Regardless of the type of apparatus you plan to purchase, the first and most important step is to plan ahead. Consider how it will be used, the number of firefighters that will be on board, and the equipment they will be using. When it comes to the specific features of the vehicle, proper planning is also essential. Identify and specify exactly what you need first; then do your homework and consider different manufacturers and what they offer. In many cases, their standard offerings will meet your requirements without modification. This saves everyone time and expense. If you have requirements that necessitate special designs, there is nothing wrong with specifying them. However, be aware that there are usually increased costs associated with custom requests.

Portable Winch Receivers

Let's start with receivers required for installing and using portable winches. Paragraph 15.12.1 of NFPA 1901 reads, "Receivers or anchors installed at any location on the apparatus for use as removable winch anchors shall be designed and affixed to provide at least a 2 to 1 straight line pull no-yield safety factor over the load rating of the removable winch." This requires that the vehicle manufacturer test the strength of the device designed to hold the winch to twice the rating of the winch. If you plan to carry a 9,000-pound winch, the receiver needs to be able to handle a straight-line pull of at least 18,000 pounds without any permanent deformation.

In today's world, there are portable winches with 9,500-pound ratings. Therefore, the receiver needs to withstand 19,000 pounds of straight line pull. The issue is that as winches become more and more powerful, the receivers and their mounts need to be designed for correspondingly higher loads. That means more structure is required on the truck for these devices. More structure means more cost, more weight, and less storage space for other items. Therefore, carefully consider what you really need when it comes to winch ratings. If you need anything larger than a 9,000-pound rating, consider a permanently mounted electric or hydraulic winch in the front or rear of the vehicle.

Most fire apparatus manufacturers have locations predefined on their trucks where winch receivers can be mounted. These are typically at the front and rear and also in the rear wheel fender panel. Use their standards first and foremost if they can meet your needs. The apparatus manufacturer will have already done the testing to meet the standard. Going to something more unusual will mean added design, material, and testing cost that you may ultimately have to pay for.

When considering the locations to mount a portable winch, evaluate the ease of installation. A pin is required to secure the winch to the receiver tube, and the 12-volt electrical connection must be made. If either of these items is not readily accessible, the setup time will increase.

Portable winches are relatively large in size and

Chris Mc Loone

We've been having some interesting truck discussions in and around the firehouse recently. The recent Independence Day holiday brought fire company members out for extra work nights to prepare the apparatus for the four parades we were scheduled to attend.

One of these parades is a "judging" parade for us. Judges are in different locations on the parade route, and at the end of the parade route we park the apparatus so judges can scrutinize the rigs a little more closely. The work paid off as we brought home first-place trophies for our engine and rescue this year.

At one work night as the Fourth of July got closer, we were discussing our old trucks. One in particular came up because of recent pictures circulated around social media. Our 1989 Spartan/Saulsbury, which we sold in 2002, had been the subject of several Facebook conversations in recent months because photos surfaced of its "for sale" flyer. It was fun to look at the truck and reminisce. It and our current rescue, a 2002 Spartan/Saulsbury, have reflected the trends in how fire department needs have changed. The 1989 was a walk-through rescue. And, I will attest, it was a dream to drive. When I first joined the fire company, we were often special called with that truck to fires. Back then, we filled the truck and, because it was a walk-through, we poured out of the crew cab and rear from three different openings when we arrived on scene. Back then, anyone who had a scanner would be listening and filter into the firehouse because we "just knew" we'd be going, so it was easy to fill the truck. Today, dispatch procedures are more sophisticated, and we are on the initial dispatch with our rescue for fires. But, staffing levels have changed as well as the equipment we carry. So, the 2002 rescue is a walk-in.

Most recently, more photos made their way around Facebook of the 1989 rig in pieces. The truck is being stripped. It's not clear whether the company we sold it to sold it to someone to strip it or if the fire company is stripping it itself and selling the parts. Either way, it's tragic to see. That truck served us well during its time with Weldon Fire Company.

One conversation about old trucks during a different work night revolved around another local fire company discovering its 1937 Buffalo fire apparatus on eBay and the company's efforts to secure a piece of its history. As I write this, a special meeting is planned to discuss how much money the company is willing to spend to acquire the antique. I've seen the pictures, and the truck looks good. What's more, its owner states that it runs and drives.

It was an interesting juxtaposition to me. On one side is a 78-year-old apparatus that still runs and drives and is sought after. On the other side is a truck just 26 years old unfortunately being used for parts at this point. On one side is a truck destined for parades again as a slice of a fire company's history. On the other is the former pride and joy of a fire company whose parade days are over.

I look around at the fire apparatus being replaced today and wonder: Are the days of holding onto trucks as part of a fire company's history gone? It's not like today's trucks can be stored in someone's garage if there's no room at the fire company-they're pretty big. It also makes me wonder what's coming.

As we discussed the Buffalo rig, the conversation transitioned into how much electronics are on today's vehicles and how "back