chapter 06

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook

2nd Edition

Chapter 6 — Positioning Aerial Apparatus

Learning Objective 1

Discuss typical standard operating procedures (SOPs) for positioning an aerial apparatus.

6–2

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is positioning of the aerial apparatus so important?

6–3


• Function of preincident planning• Procedures for positioning aerial

apparatus• Placement based on building

height

Apparatus Placement Procedures

6–4


Less Than Five Stories

6–5


Greater Than Five Stories

6–6


Identify tactical considerations that affect positioning of an aerial apparatus.


6–7


DISCUSSION QUESTION

How does stress to the aerial device impact where the apparatus should be positioned?

6–8


• Maximum stability, climbing angle, and adequate extension

• Affected by condition of fire building

• Impacted by stress

Proper Distance

6–9


• Excessive degree of angle• Operation in nonparallel positions• Operation in supported vs.

unsupported positions• Length of aerial device extension• Nozzle reaction from elevated

master stream

Conditions Causing Stress

(Continued)

6–10


• Weight and/or movement of hose, water, personnel, and/or equipment on the aerial device

• Wind reaction• Improper operation • Heat exposure


(Continued)

6–11


• Ice on ladder or platform• Impact with the building• Improper stabilization• Wear caused by road travel


6–12


• Best rescue approach – Upwind of target

Rescue

(Continued)

6–13


• Position at corner of building

Rescue

(Continued)

6–14


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are two reasons for positioning aerial apparatus for rescue at the corner of a building?

6–15


• Area threatened by fire• Placement of apparatus equipped

with elevating platform device– Over top rail– Through hinged gate

Rescue

6–16


• Operations requiring access to upper levels

• Position should– Maximize building coverage and

aerial device reach– Be upwind and provide safety

• Position on side of building opposite the fire

Access to Upper Levels

6–17


• Ventilating a pitched roof• Ventilating a flat roof• Horizontal ventilation

Ventilation

6–18


Discuss elevated master streams.


6–19


Blitz Attack

6–20


Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

Close To Ground Level

6–21


Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

• Used directly attack the fire, cool brands and gases within thermal column, and protect exposures

• Consideration of building collapse• Position at corner of building

Defensive Operations

6–22


Discuss spotting the apparatus in various conditions.


6–23


• Position in a location that provides efficiency for operating on fireground

Spotting the Apparatus

6–24


• Soft surfaces• Surfaces that are stable but

become unstable as incident progresses

• Thin-skinned paved surfaces• Vaulted surfaces• If soft or unstable surfaces are

present

Surface Conditions

6–25


DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is it important to have a preincident plan regarding

vaulted surfaces?

6–26


Weather Conditions

6–27


Courtesy of Chicago (IL) Fire Department

• Avoid parking and deploying aerial device on snowy or icy surfaces.

• Monitor icy ground for melting conditions.

• Icing of ladders, booms, and platforms.

• Decrease weight added by firefighters and equipment.

Cold Weather

(Continued)

6–28


• Avoid parking where raised aerial device will be in contact with fire streams or overspray

• Ice shrugging

Cold Weather

6–29


• Extreme heat may weaken marginal or otherwise firm paved surfaces

Hot Weather

6–30


• Moderate to high winds impose a dynamic load

• Raise aerial device to minimum extension needed

• Position parallel to wind• Gusting wind conditions

Windy Conditions

6–31


• Overhead powerlines• Avoid spotting where maneuvering

around obstructions is required• Caution around other overhead lines• Jump clear of an energized apparatus.• Avoid trees, overhangs, parked

vehicles, trash containers, and similar obstructions.

Electrical Hazards and Ground/Overhead Obstructions

6–32


Energized Apparatus

6–33


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the desired distance between the aerial device and overhead electric lines?

6–34


• Jackknifing • Stress in aerial devices• Choosing a supported position

Angle and Location of Aerial Device Operation

6–35


DISCUSSION QUESTION

How can stability of aerial apparatus be improved?

6–36


• Indicators of an unstable building• Fire intensity• Falling debris

Fire Building Conditions

6–37


DISCUSSION QUESTION

How large of a collapse zone should the driver/operator consider before spotting the aerial apparatus?

6–38


Collapse Zone

6–39


Discuss staging of aerial apparatus.


6–40


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What does an apparatus staging procedure facilitate?

6–41


• Used on every emergency response when two companies performing similar functions are dispatched

• First-due engine company, truck company, rescue or squad company, and command officer proceed directly to scene

Level I Staging

(Continued)

6–42


• Later arriving units park or stage at least one block before reaching scene in their direction of travel

• Staged apparatus should not allow their paths to become blocked

Level I Staging

(Continued)

6–43


Level I Staging

6–44


• Used when numerous emergency vehicles respond to an incident

• Incidents that require mutual aid or result in multiple alarms

• Parking lot or open field• First-arriving company officer

becomes Staging Area Manager

Level II Staging

(Continued)

6–45


Level II Staging

6–46


Discuss positioning the aerial for unique responses.


6–47


• Accessing the scene• Water supply• Responding to incident• Steps to ensuring firefighter safety• Safety considerations

Approaching and Positioning on Highways

(Continued)

6–48


Approaching and Positioning on Highways

6–49


• Always stop well short of incident scene.

• Do not park over manholes or storm drains.

• Obtain information on wind speed and direction.

• Park and approach upwind and uphill.

Approaching and Positioning at Hazardous Materials Incidents

6–50


• Position accordingly if hazardous material incident involves ignited flammable or combustible liquids.

• Avoid staging all apparatus in same location.

Approaching and Positioning at Hazardous Materials Incidents

6–51


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are the three most common names for the hazardous materials zones?

6–52


Control Zones

6–53


• Always treat railroad track as an active railroad line.

• Park apparatus far enough away so that it will not be struck by train.

• Park on same side as incident.• Keep apparatus 25 feet (8 m) from

tracks.

Approaching and Operating Near Railroads

(Continued)

6–54


• If necessary to raise aerial device across tracks– Confirm railroad traffic halted– Keep aerial device at least 25 feet (8

m) above level of rails

• Consider additional cribbing.

Approaching and Operating Near Railroads

6–55


• Allow ambulance best position for patient loading.

• Position apparatus to shield firefighters from traffic.

Approaching and Positioning at Emergency Medical Incidents

(Continued)

6–56


Approaching and Positioning at Emergency Medical Incidents

6–57


• Basic types of incidents• Tactical uses for aerial • Positioning in area where

emergency aircraft comes to halt• Safety requirements

Approaching and Positioning at Aircraft Incidents

(Continued)

6–58


Approaching and Positioning at Aircraft Incidents

6–59


• Be sure load capacity is safe to drive on and operate from.

• Use caution when raising aerial device if bridge has superstructure above road surface.

• Be sure road surface is in good repair.

Approaching and Operating on Bridges

(Continued)

6–60


• Principles for setting up on an incline

• Wind conditions on large bridge• Large bridges move by wind,

traffic, and water movement below• Bridges and elevated road surfaces

first to freeze

Approaching and Operating on Bridges

6–61


• Never spot inside dike.• Position outside dike’s walls, unless

roadway is built on top of dike.• Upwind location is most desirable

for direct fire attack.• Discharge foam streams

downwind.

Approaching and Operating at Petroleum Storage/Processing Facilities

(Continued)

6–62


• Challenges– Narrow driveways– Dead-end access– Overhead obstructions


6–63



6–64


• Place in position that minimizes the angle and extension to which aerial device will be raised.

• Avoid spotting on unstable surfaces.

• Be aware of dangling debris and unstable structures.

Approaching and Operating at Technical Rescue Incidents

(Continued)

6–65


• Do not stress aerial with “shock load” or overloading.

• Do not block other apparatus.• Avoid parking where exhaust

fumes, noise, or vibration affect victims and rescuers.


(Continued)

6–66


• Maintain adequate distance from trench walls and other unstable terrain.

• Do not block scene access to later arriving fire vehicles.

• Shut down engine if solely used for person-power.


(Continued)

6–67



6–68


Summary

• Positioning aerial apparatus will never be a perfect science. There are many variables which affect the parking distance from the building.

(Continued)

6–69


Review Questions

1.What procedures may fire departments use to position aerial apparatus assigned to the initial response?2.What factors may cause aerial device stress?

(Continued)

6–70


Review Questions

3.How should an aerial apparatus be positioned when providing access for ventilating a flat roof?4.What factors must be considered when determining the final operating position of an aerial apparatus?

(Continued)

6–71


5. How can cold affect the spotting of an aerial apparatus?6. How can a driver/operator prevent jackknifing?7. What are the signs of an unstable building?

Review Questions

(Continued)

6–72


8.How is water supply a problem on limited-access highways?9.What are some considerations that should be made when a driver/operator responds to a potential hazardous materials emergency?

Review Questions

(Continued)

6–73


10.What guidelines should be adhered to when approaching and operating on bridges?

Review Questions

6–74


chapter 06

Education

positioning aerial apparatus

aerial apparatus placement

placement of apparatus

aerial device impact

aerial device reach

corner of building rescue

building coverage

target rescue