Policy 2104: Fire Apparatus Operational Safety
YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12
10000 ZIER ROAD
YAKIMA, WA 98908
POLICY # 2104
COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE s/b Marshia Goss, Chair
EFFECTIVE DATE: 1/1/95
REVISED: 9/11/12
POLICY TITLE: FIRE APPARATUS OPERATIONAL SAFETY
REFERENCE: WAC 296-305
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to insure vehicles are operated in a safe manner to protect the responding firefighters and the public and to insure arrival at the scene in an operational manner.
2.0 SCHEDULED EQUIPMENT CHECKS
The equipment on each vehicle will be checked to insure operational readiness on a regular and scheduled basis. And equipment found to be in need of repair shall be removed and reported to the senior officer in charge.
3.0 FIRE APPARATUS SAFE PRACTICES
Fire apparatus shall be brought to a full stop when firefighters are required to step from the apparatus. Firefighters shall ride in crew cabs when available. Firefighters shall not be in the apparatus hose bed while hose in being run out of the bed. Headlights shall be on at all times when emergency vehicles are responding to an incident.
4.0 FIRE APPARATUS OPERATORS TO BE TRAINED
All operators of emergency vehicles shall be trained in the operation of their assigned apparatus before they are designated as driver of such apparatus. The District shall establish a drivers training program.
5.0 SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR BACKING VEHICLES
Operators shall not back vehicles without the use of a signal person when 2 or more members are present (back up guide) and will signal with the horn and emergency lights. In the event an apparatus is staffed with only one member, the driver must exit the cab of the vehicle verify no pedestrians or obstacles are in the backing area, if the area is busy with traffic the operator shall set out cones to cordoned off the backing area.
6.0 INVOLVEMENT IN AN ACCIDENT DURING RESPONSE
If a vehicle is involved in an accident while responding to an incident, the member must stop and render medical assistance. If medical assistance is not needed, photographs of the scene must be taken before the apparatus may leave and one member must remain on the scene. The Washington State Patrol and/or law enforcement having jurisdiction shall be notified if a District vehicle is involved in the accident.
7.0 EVAP REQUIRED FOR VEHICLE OPERATORS
All members are required to complete the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVAP) program before being authorized to operate District Vehicles.
8.0 NON-MEMBERS RIDING IN DISTRICT VEHICLES
Only District members are authorized to ride on responding apparatus. Under special circumstances non-members may be allowed to ride in command vehicles when approved by the senior officer (Policy 2405 Command Vehicle Use).
9.0 TAILBOARD RIDING
No person shall ride on the tailboard of any District apparatus at any time. **Exception: Hose loading, members may ride on the hose bed and tailboard while loading hose only when apparatus is operated at low speed and a spotter is present with visual contact of the driver and riders.
10.0 SEAT BELTS
All members shall ride in a seated position equipped with seat belts and or approved restraining devices. While in transit, all operators and passengers shall be protected from accidental displacement out of or off the apparatus. Means of restraint may include but are not limited to:
For seated passengers, correct use of at least a pelvic seat belt. Seat belts shall comply with Part 49 CFR Section 571, Standards 209 and 210, U.S. DOT Regulations.
11.0 MAXIMUM RESPONSE SPEED
The maximum response speed shall not exceed 10 mph over the posted speed limit. Maximum response speed shall be reduced whenever road, traffic or weather conditions do not permit safe operation regardless of the posted speed limit. The maximum response speed when proceeding through uncontrolled intersections or green lights shall be no greater than the posted speed limit.
12.0 INTERSECTIONS
Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or red traffic light requires prudent action by the emergency vehicle driver. The following steps shall be taken:
12.1 Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic
12.2 Scan the intersection for possible hazards as well as driver options.
12.3 begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the driver’s foot, continue to scan in four directions (left, right, front, back).
12.4 Change the siren cadence not less than 200’ from intersection.
12.5 Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have officer communicate all is clear, reconfirm all visible traffic is stopped.
12.6 Account for traffic one lane of traffic at a time treating each lane of traffic as a separate intersection.
13.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE (CODE III)
During emergency response be prepared to bring the vehicle to a complete stop for any of the following: when directed by law enforcement, red traffic lights, stop signs, negative right of way intersections, when the driver cannot account for visible traffic in the lanes of an intersection, when other intersection hazards are present and when encountering a stopped school bus with flashing warning lights.
14.0 CADETS
Cadets are not permitted to drive or operate any District vehicle on a County, City, or State roadway. However, for the purpose of training and moving vehicles on the drill ground or in the station parking lots, Cadets can drive and operate District owned vehicles while being supervised by a District Officer or their designee. The exception to this rule: At the Fire Chief’s discretion for the purpose of utilizing Cadets for errands and odd jobs during school initiated internships, the Chief may permit Cadets to drive and operate command vehicles for errands only, at no time shall a Cadet operate a vehicle in the code 3 lights and siren mode nor should any Cadet respond directly to an emergency call while out on errands in a command vehicle.