The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
How do you check out your rigs in the morning?
Fire Truck Maintenance
I was recently asked by a new Captain if I could help him motivate his engineer to get more involved with things like daily checks and such. He asked me if I had a list of things that I did when I was an engineer and if I didn't, could I come up with something written to provide some guidance.
Well, I did put my thoughts down in writing after talking to few buddies who were engineers (apparatus driver and pump operators). Here's what I came up with but can you add anything else? Do you have an established routine that you can share? Keeping our equipment in top notch condition is always going to be a priority.
Hopefully, this post will provide both direction and thought toward how you keep things running and happy and how you can help new folks learn how to make sure that you are always ready for the big one...
Daily Apparatus Check Punchlist:
• Visual Check / No equipment fallen under rig
• Water Site Gauge / Water Filled / Verify Visually Using Bubble Gauge
• Tires / Physical Inspection for low air pressure, nails or excessive tread wear, nails or screw in tire, gouges
• Turn On Batteries / Ignition
• Check Fuel Level and Other Gauges (Air, Voltage, Etc.)
• Adjust Seat and Steering Wheel and Mirrors
• Change out portable radio batteries
• Pens and Paper for logging calls
• Start Apparatus
• Move out to front apron
• Emergency and Running Light Check (Use Firefighter to Confirm)
• Engine Pump Check (put in gear, engage pump, exercise relief valve, foam pump)
• Open All Compartments - Visual Inventory / Note Things Out of Place or Missing
• Firefighter / Checks out medical compartment equipment and all SCBA's (& Extra Bottle PSI)
• Engineer / Check Out All Rescue Tools and Associated Fluid Levels, Damaged Hoses, Air Bags
I was recently asked by a new Captain if I could help him motivate his engineer to get more involved with things like daily checks and such. He asked me if I had a list of things that I did when I was an engineer and if I didn't, could I come up with something written to provide some guidance.
Well, I did put my thoughts down in writing after talking to few buddies who were engineers (apparatus driver and pump operators). Here's what I came up with but can you add anything else? Do you have an established routine that you can share? Keeping our equipment in top notch condition is always going to be a priority.
Hopefully, this post will provide both direction and thought toward how you keep things running and happy and how you can help new folks learn how to make sure that you are always ready for the big one...
Daily Apparatus Check Punchlist:
• Visual Check / No equipment fallen under rig
• Water Site Gauge / Water Filled / Verify Visually Using Bubble Gauge
• Tires / Physical Inspection for low air pressure, nails or excessive tread wear, nails or screw in tire, gouges
• Turn On Batteries / Ignition
• Check Fuel Level and Other Gauges (Air, Voltage, Etc.)
• Adjust Seat and Steering Wheel and Mirrors
• Change out portable radio batteries
• Pens and Paper for logging calls
• Start Apparatus
• Move out to front apron
• Emergency and Running Light Check (Use Firefighter to Confirm)
• Engine Pump Check (put in gear, engage pump, exercise relief valve, foam pump)
• Open All Compartments - Visual Inventory / Note Things Out of Place or Missing
• Firefighter / Checks out medical compartment equipment and all SCBA's (& Extra Bottle PSI)
• Engineer / Check Out All Rescue Tools and Associated Fluid Levels, Damaged Hoses, Air Bags
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Oldman on
-
I just checked... yep, it's still there!
Actually, ours is about 3 pages long, and things still get missed.
Of course they still haven't grasped the concept when I ask them; Are you sure you've checked everything.
-
Permalink Reply by rfdjumper on
-
Adjusting the seat.... Especially after a sasquatch was on the previous shift. (trust me on this one).
If I'm on an aerial or the rescue I'll check the saws and the generators too.
-
Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
-
Oldman, you are really funny, what a crack up it would be to work with you...
-
-
sounds identical to our weekly apparatus checks...
-
-
nice...
-
Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
-
Mike-
Your check list is about the same as our Daily check list. Then we've got a weekly check list that's the same as the Daily, with the addition of raising the cabs and checking the engine, battery & transmission fluid levels.
Just a side note; if I ever had to work a shift with you or Oldman, I'd have to go on disability because my sides would hurt from laughing too much! Stay safe guys!
-
Permalink Reply by T.J. on
-
yes Mike we do all that and more engine stuff, but its a weekly thing not a daily.
-
-
I can see it now Brian, you, oldman and me... history repeats itself!
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
