Apparatus Inspection & Maintenance

Sugar Land Fire DepartmentDriver/Operator-Pumper

AcademySpring 2003

Apparatus Inspection & Maintenance

Maintenance v.s. Repair

Preventive Maintenance

To ensure apparatus reliability To reduce the frequency and cost of

repairs To lessen out-of-service time Purpose of preventive maintenance—to try

to eliminate unexpected and catastrophic apparatus failures that could be life and/or property threatening

Systematic Maintenance

Pierce

Warranty

Claim Form

Cleanliness

Washing & Waxing

Washing & Waxing

Washing & Waxing

Washing & Waxing

Once a new vehicle’s finish is properly cured, you may use garden hoses with nozzles or pressure washers may be used to speed cleaning of the apparatus

In addition to pressure cleaning, hand wash with soapy water on a regular basis to ensure proper cleanliness.

Glass Care

Interior Cleaning

Interior Cleaning

Do not use volatile cleaning agents or protective dressings specified by the manufacturer

Be sure that the vehicle is well ventilated when using any cleaning products inside the cab or crew-riding area

Waxing

Follow the apparatus manufacturer’s instructions regarding the application of wax or similar polishes.

Generally, do not apply waxes or polishes until the paint is at least 6 months old

Wash and dry the apparatus before waxing Apply wax with a soft cloth and buff with a soft

cloth or mechanical buffer.

Specific Components & Systems Maintenance

Steering Wheel Freeplay

Braking System

Most large, modern fire apparatus are equipped with air-operated braking systems

Smaller late-model apparatus and some older large apparatus are equipped with hydraulic braking systems

Most newer apparatus, regardless of the brake system, are equipped with antilocking braking systems (ABS)

Braking System

Braking System

Electrical Load Management System

Purpose of apparatus electrical load management systems (ELMS) is to prevent an overload of the vehicle’s electrical generation system

ELMS Load Sequencer turns various lights on at specified intervals

ELMS load monitor “watches” the system for added electrical loads that threaten to overload the system

Electrical Load Management System

When an overload condition occurs, the ELMS load monitor shuts down less important electrical equipment to prevent overloading. This process is called load shedding

Chains

Windshield washer fluid reservoir

Chassis

Chassis

Some essential characteristics of oil are corrosion protection, foaming, sludging, and carbon accumulation, which may be controlled by the refiner.

Different types of engine oils should not be mixed.