STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

WILSON FIRE/RESCUE SERVICES

1.0 Purpose

To establish guidelines for the use of fire department truck companies at fires; to identify the duties of a truck company; to promote coordinated fire attacks; to inhibit freelancing; and to operate within the incident command system as set forth by the Wilson Fire/Rescue Services.

2.0 Duties of the Truck Company

2.1 The following shall be the primary duties of the truck company

            A. Search and Rescue

            B. Ventilation

            C. Forcible Entry

            D. Recon for Fire Extension (Support of Engine Co. Operations)

            E. Illumination

            F. Providing Elevated Streams

            G. Overhaul

            H. Salvage

  I. Control of Utilities

            J. Laddering the Building

Truck company officers and incident commanders should note that the entire truck company complement may be required to accomplish any of the ten functions.

Note that of the ten duties listed only one (F) involves the application of water. Truck companies shall not be used to stand by or establish a water supply for an engine except under extraordinary conditions.

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3.0 Priority of Truck Company Functions

3.1 The priority of the functions shall be dictated by the incident or the company officer.

3.2 When ventilation and search must be accomplished simultaneously, the incident commander should consider supplementing the truck company with manpower from an additional company.

3.3 All truck company members shall be proficient in search & rescue, ventilation, laddering buildings, forcible entry, support of engine company operations, and the tools needed to carry out these operations. No member shall dismount the apparatus without their assigned tools.

3.4 It is accepted that the engine company must work as a team to advance the hose lines to the fire and extinguish it. 

3.5 Truck company duties, by nature, require the separation of members into teams and often perform as a team. This is not considered freelancing and must not be allowed to develop as such. Each member shall have a specific assignment regarding the ten duties identified in section 2.1, and will perform it as prioritized by the company officers.

4.0 Positioning of Truck Company Apparatus

4.1 One Story Structures

Apparatus shall be positioned at the most accessible side of the structure, with consideration to the removal of ground ladders, tools, and lighting equipment. 

Consideration shall also be given to the use of the aerial device for access to the roof of the structure, when possible. Positioning of the apparatus shall not impede the engine company's efforts to advance hose lines or access a water supply.

4.2 Multiple Story Structures and High Life Hazards

Apparatus shall be positioned with primary consideration given to the use of the aerial device for rescue and roof access for ventilation. The company officer shall also give consideration to the use of aerial master stream devices.

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4.0 Positioning of Truck Company Apparatus (continued)

4.3 Mercantile, Industrial, and Other Type Occupancies

Apparatus shall be positioned with primary consideration given to roof access with the aerial. Consideration should also be given to positioning at corners of structures and away from the collapse zone if possible.

4. Truck Company

The Truck Company shall proceed to the scene with the intent to complete the ten functions identified in Section 2.1 and must not commit its position until proper size-up of the scene and conditions has been completed.

4.5 Exceptions

In incidents involving hazardous materials, no apparatus should proceed to the scene until the identification of the material is made.

4.6 Other Fire Department Apparatus

All other apparatus shall not impede access of the truck company as outlined in Section 4.0 of this procedure.

5.0 Truck Company Personnel Assignments

1. Truck Company Officer

The officer in charge of the truck company shall be equipped with portable radio, flashlight, and officers tool.

The Ladder Company Officer will be prepared to assist in search and rescue or forcible entry as the situation dictates.

2. Engineer

The engineer's primary duty shall be the operation of the apparatus and equipment. In the event that the apparatus is not needed for the aerial operation, the engineer shall serve as the outside ventilation technician (OVT). The duties of the OVT shall include: laddering the structure with sufficient ground ladders, assisting the roof technicians (RT) in gaining access to the roof, setting up mechanical ventilation as required by command, and providing further equipment and illumination as needed by the company.

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5.0 Truck Company Personnel Assignments (continued)

3. Firefighter II 

The FF-II's responsibility shall be that of the roof technician (RT). The RT shall gain access to the roof of the structure and prepare to open it upon orders from command. The RT shall take to the roof the necessary tools for opening the roof type, which should include: a pick-axe or power saw, and a proper length pike pole for opening ceilings below. If there is no need for RT the FF-II shall report to the LCO Officer.

5.4 Firefighter I

The FF-I shall be primarily responsible for forcible entry, engine company support, and search functions. The FF-I should be equipped with irons, pike pole, thermal imager, and a flashlight as required. This function shall be carried out with the assistance of additional manpower from the ladder company or other companies based on tactical priorities.

5.4.1 Thermal Imaging Units will enhance efficiency of operation and shall be used by crews in which their assignments require such.

5.5 Position Assignment

The truck company officer shall assign personnel that are proficient in truck company operations to assigned positions on the truck for each tour of duty.

The four positions are standard positions. In the event that the entire company must be committed to a specific tactical function upon arrival, the remaining truck company duties must be assigned to additional responding squad and engine companies.

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      5.5 Position Assignment (continued)

      5.5.3 Position and Tool Assignment

Pike Pole       Radio

Ladders       Handlight

                                                Officers Tool

            PASTE DRAWING HERE

Ladders       Irons

Power Saws      Pike Pole

                                                Hand Light

                                                Thermal Imaging

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6.0 PROCEDURES FOR AERIAL LADDER OPERATIONS (TRUCK 1)

6.1 Properly position Aerial Apparatus

 6.2 Cab Operation

6.2.1 Put transmission in neutral position

6.2.2 Set parking brake (including front brake)

6.2.3 Move Aerial Master switch to “on” position

6.2.4 Move PTO switch to “on” position

6.2.5 Position wheel chocks by front wheels due to rear of truck being lifted by outriggers.

7.0 Outrigger Operation

7.1 Move outrigger switch to “on” position.

2. Extend and lower jacks to level the truck.

3. Check outriggers stability by green indicator lights & by manually shaking.

4. Move outrigger switch to “off” position.

7.5 Place safety pins in jack cylinders.

8.0 Aerial Operation

      8.1 Driver move to position on turntable.

      8.2 Move aerial switch to the “on” position.

      8.3 Move other switches to “on” position as needed.

8.4 Position foot to activate dead-man switch, this will increase engine RPM.

8.5 The three (3), clearly marked, ladder operating handles can be operated individually at this time.

8.6 The trained driver operator must remain at the truntable during the entire operation period of the ladder.

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8. Aerial Operation (continued)

8.7 After ladder has been positioned, move aerial switch to the “off” position, this will lock the ladder in position, and suppress all movement.

8.8 Upon completion of use, the ladder may be bedded by reverse operation of operating handles.

8.9 When ladder is bedded, operate lower operating handle to assure ladder is now being carried by cradle and not by hoist cylinders.

8.10 Move aerial switch to “off” position when operation is complete.

9.0 Safety Factors and Special Notes

9.1 Before operating unit, read and understand all operating and safety information in the manual provided by R.K. Manufacturing, Inc. Aerial Ladders.

9.2 The following safety factors should include, but are not limited to, the following:

9.2.1 All personnel shall wear and lock in with safety belt when working from the ladder.

9.2.2 "Whipping the ladder" should be avoided. Use slow and smooth ladder movements.

9.2.3 Recommended working angle of ladder should be no more than 75 degrees. Angles of ladder are located at the base of ladder.

9.2.4 Do not come in contact with aerial from the ground while ladder is in operation.

9.2.5 Be very careful of all power lines in area of operation.

9.2.6 Aerial operator should constantly observe personnel positioned on aerial ladder, building condition, wind change, gauges and control panel. Safety ranges should never be exceeded.

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10.0 Elevated Streams

1. Properly position apparatus

2. Assure the nozzle is in the FF position

3. The driver operator and FF II will have the responsibility of setring up the apparatus according to procedures for Aerial Ladder Operations.

4. Upon completion of ladder placement, the driver operator may engage pump and place in pump gear.

5. Confirm a sustained water supply has been or is being established by cooperation with engine companies, unless feasible to self deploy.

6. Apply proper discharge psi’s according to flow, elevation, and nozzle psi.

7. Streams can be directed from three (3) locations.

11.0 Considerations for Elevated Streams

11.1 Building Type

11.2 Wind Direction

11.3 Correct placement and operation of elevated streams is mandatory for maximum effectiveness

11.4 Must have adequate water supply for an effective stream.

11.5 Nozzle on Truck 1 operates at 80 psi.

12.0 Procedures For Snorkel Operations (Truck 2)

      Water Tower Operation (3 Men)

12.1 Lay hose lines

12.1.1 Stop apparatus at hydrant.

  

12.1.2 Rider pulls 5 inch hose from bed; gets hydrant wrench and 4 1/2 inch hydrant connection and wraps hose around hydrant.

12.1.3  Apparatus lays supply line (Do not exceed 10 mph)

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12.0 Procedures For Snorkel Operations (Truck 2) (continued)

12.2 Spot as designated by officer-in-charge.

12.3 Cab operation (driver).

            12.3.1 Set parking brake.

            12.3.2 Move transmission selector lever to the "drive"

            position.

      12.3.3 Engage PTO.

12.3.4 Move transmission selector lever to the "neutral" position.

12.3.5 Engage throttle.

12.4 Driver connects 5 inch hose gate valve to the supply line.

(Make sure valve is closed)

12.5 Driver signals rider to turn hydrant on.

12.6  Driver places wheel chocks and bearing pads in position.

12.7 Tailboard operator initiates boom operation at beavertail.

            (3 steps)

12.7.1 Switch throttle to "on".

12.7.2 Switch master switch to "on".

12.7.3 Make sure platform control shutoff (beavertail) is pushed in.

12.8  Tailboard Operator sets outriggers correctly.

            12.8.1 Set lowest side first.

12.8.2 Raise truck approximately 1" to 2" on each side or until truck is as level as possible. (Caution) do not lift rear of truck off the ground!!!

12.9  Rider returns to apparatus.

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12.0 Procedures For Snorkel Operations (Truck 2) (continued)

12.10 Rider places necessary equipment into platform, check platform nozzle to make sure it is in the "open" position, and remain in platform. 

12.11 Tailboard operator assumes position on beavertail, disconnects upper boom hold down lock, disconnects platform stabilizing bar, turns intercom system on, turns scott air tank on (if necessary), and pulls platform control shutoff (beavertail) out to energize platform.

12.12 Bucket Operator (rider) pulls platform control shutoff (platform) up and maneuvers platform into position.

12.13 Driver connects 25' or 50' sections of 5-inch hose (if needed) to apparatus intake and to 5-inch hose gate valve. Caution Make sure 5" supply line is away from exhaust heat.

12.14 Driver opens 5-inch hose gate valve to turn water into pump.

12.15 Driver returns to cab to put pump in gear.

12.15.1 Move throttle switch to "off". (If boom is in operation, the person operating it should be notified.)

12.15.2 With transmission selector lever in neutral, switch pump control to on".

12.15.3 Move transmission selector lever to drive and lock in position.

12.16 Driver assumes position on the pull-out platform at pump panel, opens aerial discharge gates and coordinates pump pressure with platform via intercom.

12.17 Note:  Platform control shutoff (beavertail) must be left in the energized position at all times while platform is in operation.

12.18 Caution:  The 1,250 GPM pump is dry. Do not engage pump until water is taken into pump. Never exceed 200 PSI pump pressure for water tower operation.

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13.0 Disengaging the Pump and Boom on Truck (2) Two (Snorkel)

13.1 Disengaging the Pump

13.1.1 Throttle down to idle speed;

13.1.2 Return to cab and place transmission in neutral;

13.1.3 Pause 10 to 15 seconds or until speedometer indicates zero MPH;

13.1.4 Disengage the pump shift inside the cab;

13.1.5 Turn throttle switch to on position for continued use of the boom.

13.2 Disengaging the Boom

13.2.1 Turn throttle switch, master switch, and platform control on the tailboard to the off position;

13.2.2 Return to the cab, turn the throttle switch and PTO switch inside the cab to the off position;

THE VEHICLE IS NOW READY FOR ROAD USE.

14.0 Water Tower Operation (2-Men)

14.1 Lay hose lines

            14.1.1  Stop apparatus at hydrant.

14.1.2 Pull 5-inch hose from bed; get hydrant wrench and 4 1/2 hydrant connection, and wrap hose around hydrant.

            14.1.3 Apparatus lays supply line.(Do not exceed 10 mph)

14.2 Spot apparatus as designated by officer-in-charge.

14.3 Cab operation (driver).

            14.3.1 Set parking brake.

14.3.2 Move transmission selector lever to "drive" position.

14.3.3 Engage PTO.

14.3.4 Move transmission selector lever to "neutral" position. 17.3.5 Engage throttle

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14.0 Water Tower Operation (2-Men) (continued)

14.4 Driver connects 5-inch hose gate valve to supply line. (Make sure valve is closed)

14.5 Driver signals hydrant operator to turn hydrant on.

14.6 Driver places wheel chocks and bearing pads in position correctly.

14.7 Hydrant operator returns to apparatus to assist driver with placing wheel chocks and bearing pads, if not completed.

14.8 Driver initiates boom operation at beavertail. (3 steps)

            14.8.1 Switch throttle to "on".

14.8.2 Switch master switch to "on".

14.8.3 Make sure platform control shutoff (beavertail) is pushed in.

14.9 Driver sets outriggers while someone watches.

14.9.1 Set lowest side first.

14.9.2 Raise truck approximately 1" to 2" on each side- or until truck is as level as possible. (CAUTION) Do not raise rear of truck off the ground.

14.10 Driver connects 25' or 50' sections of 5-inch hose to apparatus intake and to 5-inch hose gate valve. (CAUTION) Make sure the 5" supply line is away from exhaust heat!

14.11 Bucket operator places necessary equipment into platform, check platform nozzle to make sure it is in the "open" position, and remain in platform.

14.12 Driver assumes position on beavertail, disconnects upper boom hold down lock, disconnects platform stabilizing bar, turns intercom system on, turns scott air tank on (if necessary) and pulls platform control shutoff (beavertail) out to energize platform. (Driver remains on beavertail until platform is clear of obstructions and/or hazards, and it is clear to rotate.)

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14.0 Water Tower Operation (2-Men) (continued)

14.13 Bucket operator pulls platform control shutoff (platform) up and maneuvers platform into position.

14.14 Driver opens 5-inch hose gate valve to turn water into pump.

14.15 Driver returns to cab to put pump in gear.

14.15.1 Move throttle switch to "off". (If boom is in operation, the person operating should be notified.)

14.15.2 With transmission selector lever in neutral, switch pump control to "on".

14.15.3 Move transmission selector to drive and lock in position.

14.16 Driver assumes position on pull-out platform at pump level, opens aerial discharge gates and coordinates pump pressure with platform via intercom.

14.16.1 For 100 psi nozzle pressure on fog nozzle in bucket you need 130 psi on the bucket gauge.

14.17 Driver moves back to beavertail and remains there while platform is in operation.

14.18 Note:  Platform control shutoff (beavertail) must be left in the energized position at all times while platform is in operation.

14.19 Caution:  The 1,250 GPM pump is dry. Do not engage pump until water is taken into pump. Never exceed 200 PSI pump pressure for water tower operation.

14.20 Special Note: The procedure should be stopped when you get to step 17.17 and wait for another operator to assist at the beavertail.  Step 17.17 should be carried out only as a last resort and only after the order from the commanding officer is issued.

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15.0 Platform Rescue Operation (3-Men)

15.1 Spot apparatus as directed by officer-in-charge.

15.2 Cab operation (driver).

            15.2.1 Set parking brake.

15.2.2 Move transmission selector lever to "drive".

15.2.3 Engage PTO.

15.2.4 Move transmission selector lever to "neutral".

15.2.5 Engage throttle.

15.3 Driver and rider places wheel chocks and bearing pads in position.

15.4 Tailboard operator initiates boom operation at beavertail. (3 steps)

15.4.1 Switch throttle to "on".

15.4.2 Switch master switch to "on".

15.4.3  Make sure platform control shutoff (beavertail) is pushed in.

15.5 Tailboard operator sets outriggers correctly.

15.5.1 Raise truck approximately 1" to 2" on each side or until truck is as level as possible. Raise lowest side first. (Caution) Do not raise rear of truck off ground.

15.6 Bucket operator places necessary rescue equipment into platform.

15.7 Tailboard operator assumes position on beavertail, disconnects upper boom hold down lock, disconnects platform stabilizing bar, turns intercom system on, and pulls platform control shutoff (beavertail) out to energize platform.

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15.0 Platform Rescue Operation (3-Men) (continued)

15.8 Bucket man assumes position in platform.

15.9 Bucket man pulls platform shutoff (platform) up and maneuvers platform into rescue position under supervision of Captain.

15.10 Bucket man pushes platform control shutoff (platform) down when platform is in operational position.

15.11 Note: Platform control shutoff (beavertail) must be left in the energized position at all times while platform is in operation.

15.12 Caution: The 1,250 GPM pump is dry. Do not engage pump until water is taken into pump. Never exceed 200 PSI pump pressure for water tower operation. 

16.0 Platform Rescue Operation (2-Men)

16.1 Spot apparatus as directed by officer-in-charge.

16.2 Cab operation (driver).

16.2.1 Set parking brake.

16.2.2 Move transmission selector lever to "drive".

16.2.3 Engage PTO.

16.2.4 Move transmission selector lever to "neutral".

16.2.5 Engage throttle.

16.3 Driver and/or other operator places wheel chocks and bearing pads in position.

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16.0 Platform Rescue Operation (2-Men) (continued)

16.4 Driver initiates boom operation at beavertail. (3 steps)

16.4.1 Switch throttle to "on".

16.4.2 Switch master switch to "on".

16.4.3 Make sure platform control shutoff (beavertail) is pushed in.

16.5 Driver sets outriggers under supervision of Captain.

16.5.1 Raise lowest side first.

16.5.2 Raise truck approximately 1" to 2" on each side or until truck is as level as possible. (CAUTION) Do not raise rear of truck off the ground.

16.6 Bucket operator places necessary rescue equipment into platform.

16.7 Driver assumes position on beavertail, disconnects upper boom hold down lock, disconnects platform stabilizing bar, turns intercom system on, and pulls platform control shutoff (beavertail) out to energize platform.

16.8 Bucket operator assumes position in platform, pulls platform control shutoff (platform) up, and maneuvers platform into rescue position. Push platform control shutoff (platform) down when platform is in operational position.

16.9 Note: Platform control shutoff (beavertail) must be left in the energized position at all times while platform is in operation.

16.10 Caution: The 1,250 GPM pump is dry. Do not engage pump until water is taken into pump. Never exceed 200 psi pump pressure for water tower operation.

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17.0 Emergency Lights

17.1 When turning on emergency lights. Switch on master switch then turn on each light individually. Do not switch on all light switches at one time. This puts to much of a load on the alternator and could possibly damage it.

18.0 Emergency Procedure for Throttle Failure

18.1 If after going through all the procedures you find that the throttle does not work, repeat all procedures. If   it still does not work, raise the engine hood on the drivers side. There you will find on the top right fire wall two (2) valves. One is marked throttle and the other is marked PTO. Turn the switch on the throttle valve clockwise until it stops. The engine should now increase RPM's.

19.0 Emergency Procedure for PTO Failure

22.1 If you find the PTO does not engage, follow the same procedure as stated under throttle failure using the PTO air valve.

20.0 Emergency Operations for Pump Shift Failure

20.1 If the pump switch does not engage the pump, repeat procedures. If the pump switch still fails to engage the pump, follow the following procedure.

20.1.1 Place transmission in neutral

20.1.2 Place one snorkel operator in the cab and one at the pump panel.

20.1.3 The operator at the pump panel should pull the lever that reads "pull to disengage electric pump shift."

20.1.4 While pulling the pump shift lever the operator singles the operator in the cab to put the transmission in the drive position. The operator should feel the pump engage while the operator in the cab should see the speedometer rise.

20.1.5 Caution Do not have the pump engaged with no water on the pump.

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21.0 Relief Valve Operations

21.1 After the pump operator arrives at desired pump pressure, the following procedure should be taken to operate the relief valve.

21.1.1 Turn the valve switch to the one position.

        21.1.2 Turn the relief valve handle counter clockwise until relief valve    open light comes on, then stop turning the valve. You should    wait 15-10 seconds.

21.1.3 After the pause, turn the handle clockwise. (approximately 2 or 3 clicks) until the relief valve closed light comes on. The valve is now set for operations.

21.1.4 Reminder: If you need to add another line to the snorkel, the relief valve will have to be reset.

22.0 Bucket Nozzle Shut Off

22.1 The nozzle in the bucket of the snorkel should not be cut off inside the bucket. The bucket man should call back down to the pump operator and let him cut off the pump.

23.0 Snorkel Operations Guide

23.1  Further training and information can be found in the snorkel operations guide located in each station.  Note this information should be studied thoroughly by all snorkel operators.