Pumping Apparatus DriverOperator Lesson 1 Pumping Apparatus DriverOperator

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator — Lesson 1 Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2 nd Edition Chapter 1 — The Driver/Operator Instructor

Learning Objectives 1. List responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator. 2. List the NFPA standards that set qualifications for fire apparatus driver/operators. 3. List the skills and physical abilities (Continued) needed by the fire apparatus Pumping Apparatus driver/operator. Driver/Operator 1

Learning Objectives 4. Answer questions about the selection of fire apparatus driver/operators. 5. Select facts about driving regulations and licensing requirements for driver/operators. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 2

Responsibilities • Safely transporting firefighters, apparatus, • • and equipment Vehicle maintenance Vehicle safety checks Operating the apparatus properly, swiftly, and safely Ensuring readiness of apparatus and equipment Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 3

Training Requirements • NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications • NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (for Fire Fighter I) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 4

Needed Skills and Physical Abilities • Reading skills, used for: – – – Reading maps Reviewing manufacturer’s operating instructions Studying prefire plans Reviewing printed computer dispatch instructions Reading and working on a mobile data terminal (MDT) (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 5

Needed Skills and Physical Abilities • Writing skills, used for: – Completing maintenance reports – Completing equipment repair requests – Completing incident reports • Mathematical skills, used for: – Hydraulic calculations – Equations such as those used in friction loss problems (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 6

Needed Skills and Physical Abilities • Physical fitness, including: – Connnecting to a hydrant with an intake hose – Stretching a supply line to a hydrant by hand – Deploying a portable water tank • Vision requirements, required by NFPA 1582 • Hearing requirements, required by NFPA 1582 Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 7

Selection of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operators • Driver/Operators are most often promoted from the rank of firefighter. • All fire departments must have an established and thorough training program for prospective fire apparatus driver/operators. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 8

Driving Regulations • Driver/Operators are regulated by: – – State or provincial laws City ordinances Departmental SOPs All statutes, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle operator (Continued) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 9

Driving Regulations • Some states or provinces may exempt emergency vehicles from certain laws or statutes. • Driver/Operators must obey all traffic signals and rules in nonemergency driving, including when returning to quarters from an alarm. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10

Licensing Requirements • United States — Established by federal DOT • Canada — Established by TC • Special requirements for licensing drivers of trucks and other large vehicles are determined by each individual state or province. • Most Canadian provinces require drivers to obtain an air brake endorsement to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 11

Summary • The position of driver/operator is one that demands certain mental and physical aptitudes or skills and abilities. • Driver/Operator candidates must possess the required licenses or be able to obtain them within their probationary period. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 12

Discussion Questions 1. What are the responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator? 2. Which NFPA standards are requirements of the fire apparatus driver/operator? 3. What are reading skills used for? 4. What are writing skills used for? 5. for? Pumping Apparatus What are mathematical skills used Driver/Operator 13 (Continued)

Discussion Questions 6. What types of physical tasks should the driver/operator be able to perform? 7. What are fire apparatus driver/operators regulated by? 8. Who determines the requirements for licensing of driver/operators in the United States? Canada? Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 14