Apparatus Inspections
SOP
CIBOLO
Apparatus Inspections
I. Purpose.
To establish a standardize inspection and
maintenance procedure to insure all apparatus and equipment are present and
maintained in an operationally ready state. To reduce the risk of injury by the
use of poorly maintained equipment. To increase the usable life span of tools
and equipment through appropriate maintenance. To increase familiarity and
proficiency with apparatus and equipment.
II. Scope.
This SOP applies to all operational
personnel who operate suppression apparatus, tools, and equipment.
III. Policy.
It is the policy of the Cibolo Fire
Department to maintain apparatus and equipment in a safe and operationally
ready state. This will be achieved through standardized daily and detail
inspection and maintenance routines that will be documented in the FireHouse
software program for each apparatus. It is critical that the operators of
apparatus and equipment have a thorough and proficient working knowledge of
apparatus and equipment, as it is the only way possible to make a competent assessment
as to the safety and usability of apparatus and equipment.
IV. Definitions.
A. Daily Inspection: Inspection of
all items listed under “daily inspection” category; to be performed at the
beginning of each shift.
B. Detail Inspection: Inspection
of all items and completion of tasks listed under the Detail Inspection
category, performed in addition to the daily inspection, performed on the
designated apparatus day each week.
C. Post
Incident Inspection: Inspections will be required for all apparatus involved
in any incident whereby said apparatus and apparatus equipment was utilized.
Post Incident Inspections are performed before apparatus is placed back into
service.
V. Procedure: Daily Inspection.
A. At the start of each shift, the
engineer or designated operator will begin the inspection by completing the
daily or detail inspection the apparatus. If an apparatus does not have a
designated operator for that shift it can be inspected by any qualified
personnel on duty that day.
Engine Compartment:
Oil level.
Coolant level.
Transmission fluid level.
Washer fluid level.
Belts: Present; tight; no signs of wear,
cracks, or frayed cord showing
Hoses: Clamps tight, signs of leaks,
bulges
Oil, fuel, or fluid leaks.
Cab:
Map and reference books present.
Cab equipment and gloves present.
Fuel above ¾ capacity.
Start engine: oil pressure within 10-15
seconds; water temp rises slowly to normal range; warning lights all off after
engine start; seat and mirrors adjusted.
Horn.
Steering wheel free play.
Dash lights, warning devices, and gauges
functioning.
Leave engine running, set parking brake
and continue to Brake Test.
Brake Test:
Chock wheels and clear vehicle of
bystanders.
Note air gauge reading.
1. Check air pressure build rate (engine
running). Should build from 85 psi – 100 psi within 45 seconds at operating
2. Check compressor on/off limits (engine
running). With parking brakes released, fan brake pedal and check that
compressor cycles on and off at appropriate pressures. May vary with vehicle
make and model. Should engage at 90-100 psi and disengage at 110- 120 psi.
3. Check air leakage rate (engine off).
With parking brake release, sir pressure should not fall faster than 2 psi per
minute. Apply brake pedal firmly and hold. After initial drop, leakage rate
should not be faster than 3 psi per minute.
4. Low air warning system (engine off,
electrical power on, parking brake released). Fan brake pedal until low air
pressure lights come on and alarm sounds. Alarm should activate before pressure
drops below 60 psi.
5. Automatic parking brake (continuation
of Step #4, engine off, power on, parking brake released). Continue fanning
brake pedal from previous step until parking brake auto engages at 20-40 psi.
Lights: (Engine running while checking lights)
Turn on headlights, running lights, and
four-way flashers. Walk around vehicle and verify function. Check turn signals
and brake lights. Requires a spotter. Apply brakes and check reverse lights.
Requires a spotter. Turn on emergency and auxiliary lighting. Walk around
vehicle and verify function.
Pump: (Engine continues to run from previous
step)
Shift transfer case from road to pump.
Place transmission in appropriate gear
for pump operation.
Using tank suction and tank fill to
circulate water, verify the following:
Pump produces discharge pressure.
Throttle functions and pressure increases
with throttle change.
All engine monitoring gauges are
functioning.
Primer pump function.
By increasing throttle to appropriate
pressure and set/check pressure control device, verify the function of pressure
control device by opening and closing the tank fill valve to simulate the
operating of a hose line.
Throttle down to idle, shift transmission
to neutral, disengage pump and shut off engine.
Chassis and body:
Glass: clean and free from cracks or
chips which obstruct view.
Body: note any damage; all accessories
should be secure; compartment doors should operate easily and latch securely.
Walk around chassis inspection:
Brakes: missing or broken components;
note pad or shoe thickness, if easily viewed.
Suspension: missing or broken components;
excessive wear; excessive free play in steering components; leaking shock
absorbers.
Tires: air pressure; excessive wear; lugs
tight; mud flaps; tread depth (greater than 3mm); tread damage; cracks in
wheels; dual wheels not touching.
Equipment: (in correct location and working order)
Power Tools: fuel level; leaks, oil
level; blade sharp (if cutting tool), batteries charged, obvious damage.
Hand Tools: handles clean, no damage;
cutting/prying surfaces intact, clean and sharp.
Hose and Nozzles: hose loads neat and
properly loaded; nozzles present and set correctly.
Electronic Equipment: in correct
location, batters charged, accessories present.
VI. Procedure: Detail Inspection. Complete daily inspection with the addition
of the following activities:
Cab:
Spray with acceptable detergent and hose
off engine compartment.
Clean cab interior, glove box, and book
rack.
Charge gas meter, suction and TIC as
required.
Clean glass and mirrors.
Clean cab floor.
Chassis:
Clean emergency light lenses.
Drain moisture from air tanks.
Using mechanic’s creeper, inspect under
carriage for damaged, missing, or non-functioning parts.
Body and Compartments:
Clean and lubricate all latches, hinges,
and slides.
Remove equipment and clean individual
compartments.
Power Tools:
Check fuel and fluid levels.
Test run and exercise all power tools.
Sharpen cutting surfaces in accordance
with manufacturer’s specifications.
Clean according to manufacturer’s
specifications.
Rotate batteries.
Hand Tools:
Clean and inspect.
Sharpen as needed, paint unprotected
surfaces in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
Repair or replace handles as needed.
Appendix: Detail
Inspection Schedule
Monday: Engine 4
Tuesday: Engine 2 and all
Wednesday: Engine 3
Thursday: Brush 4, Brush 1, Brush 3 and
SCBA’s
Friday: Squad 1, Squad 2 and the boat on
3rd Friday of month
Saturday: Mow, clean outside of station
and inside of station and bunkhouse.
Sunday: Currently unassigned
KEEP
APPARATUS CLEAN … WASH as and when necessary
Rainy
Days: Apparatus
accumulate road grime during inclement weather; it is necessary to rinse off
the apparatus before staging in bay