chapter 09

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook

2nd Edition

Chapter 9 — Operating Articulating Aerial Equipment

Learning Objective 1

Discuss raising and lowering the articulating aerial device.

9–2

Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator

• Have two or more sections called booms

• Water towers• Aerial platforms• Booms hydraulically operated by

controls located on turntable• Unique concerns

Articulating Aerial Apparatus

9–3


Articulating Water Towers

9–4


Courtesy of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue

Articulating Aerial Platforms

9–5


• Elevating entire assembly from its stored position to a desired angle and useful position

• Consists of a series of motions that include elevating, rotating, extending, and lowering device to its objective

Raising the Aerial Device

9–6


Series of Motions

9–7


• Place apparatus in proper position.• Apply all parking brakes.• Place apparatus into proper gear,

and activate power take-off (PTO). • Deploy stabilizers.• Switch selector valve from

stabilizer position to aerial device position.

Tasks Before Deploying Aerial Device

9–8


• Release the hold-down locks.

• Move hose connections.

• Check path of aerial device for obstructions.

Procedure for Raising the Aerial Device

(Continued)

9–9


• Energize platform’scontrols.

• Elevate lower boomand move platformto ground level.


(Continued)

9–10


DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why should an operator be stationed at the lower control pedestal even when a firefighter is operating the aerial device from the platform?

9–11


• Place in desiredworking position.

• Charge waterwaysystem and operatemaster stream.

• Engage cylinder and/or turntablelocks.


9–12


• Disengage cylinderand/or turntable locks.

• Drain waterway system.

• Check intended pathof aerial device forobstructions.

Lowering the Aerial Device

(Continued)

9–13


• Rotate aerial device until booms are in line with boom travel cradle.

• Lower platform to ground to allowpersonnel to exit.


(Continued)

9–14


• Check lower boomhold-down hooks.

• Lower aerial deviceonto boom travelcradle.

• Hook and latch upperboom locks and platform stabilizers arms.


9–15


Describe operating an articulating aerial device under adverse conditions.


9–16


• Dynamic stress placed upon aerial device and its related components

• Can result in twisting force on entire aerial device system

• Static load requirements established by NFPA® 1901

Operating on a Grade

9–17


• Optimum positioning• Proper stabilization of apparatus• Knowing load restrictions for given

grade

Keys to Operating on a Grade

9–18


• Can adversely affect operating capabilities of aerial device

• Gusts can impose significant dynamic loads to device.

High Wind Conditions

(Continued)

9–19


• Sustained winds of sufficient velocity can cause deformation or twisting.

• Most manufacturers allow full operation in winds of up to 35 to 40 mph (56 km/h to 64 km/h).

• Wind speeds beyond 40 mph (64 km/h) can be very dangerous.

High Wind Conditions

9–20


• Most reliable – Calibrated wind-measuring equipment

• Information relayed by dispatch center

• Internet resources• Rough estimate using information

in Table 8.1

Determining Wind Speed

9–21


• Result in increased viscosity of hydraulic oil, slowing overall operation of equipment

• Physical changes in properties of steel structural members of device

Low Air Temperature Conditions

9–22


• Precipitation and/or water droplets from elevated master stream operation

• Reduces rescue capability and adversely affects stability

• Damage to structural members or auxiliary systems

Ice Formation

(Continued)

9–23


Ice Formation

(Continued)

9–24


Ice Formation

(Continued)

9–25


• Application of grease– To exposed sliding surfaces – Effective

to prevent immediate ice adhesion– Facilitates “shrugging off” – Extending

and retracting device

Ice Formation

9–26


Deicing

9–27


Courtesy of Ron Jeffers

• Should be avoided whenever possible

• Can be cooled by protective water hose streams

• Elevating platformsequipped with spray-curtain nozzles

Exposure to Fire

9–28


Courtesy of Harvey Eisner

• Discoloration• Disfiguration• Deformed weld• Improper mechanical response• Heat sensors

Signs of Heat Damage

9–29


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done when heat damage is noted to the aerial device?

9–30


• Leaking fuel• Leaking hydraulic fluid • Leaking water from engine• Leaking motor oil• Overheating of any component• Unusual noises or vibrations

Aerial Device Mechanical or Power Failure

(Continued)

9–31


• Drifting of the aerial device when raised

• Overloading of the electric system• Gauges indicating abnormality• Odor of burning fluids• Interlock failure

Aerial Device Mechanical or Power Failure

9–32


DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done if any of these indicators are present?

9–33


Identify general safety guidelines for operating telescoping aerial devices.


9–34


• Designed to be used on firm level ground

• During master stream operations, maximum load capacity of platform decreases

• Apparatus brakes and stabilizers must be securely set before operation

Safe Operating Practices for Articulating Aerial Devices

(Continued)

9–35


• Caution must be exercised when operating near power lines

• Caution of water hammer when closing nozzles during master stream operations

• Avoid sudden movement of fire stream from side to side


(Continued)

9–36


• Aerial operator on the ground should always standing on operator’s platform when operating aerial device

• When securing apparatus for road travel, the driver/operator must make sure booms are locked in transport position and stabilizers are fully retracted


(Continued)

9–37


• To avoid unsafe positioning of tip of aerial platform, operator should always rotate turntable until it faces the working area before final position

• If unsure about the safe operating principles and limitations of specific apparatus, contact manufacturer for more detail


9–38


• Never extend or retract with firefighters on ladder.

• Be aware of overhead obstructions in ladder’s path of travel.


9–39


Raise and lower a telescoping aerial device.

Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 8-1.


9–40


Summary

• Failure of the aerial device can usually be blamed on improper maintenance or lack of operator knowledge and awareness.

9–41


• This chapter reminds the driver/operator of his/her responsibilities with regard to the safe operation of an articulating aerial device as well as the knowledge required to evaluate potential failure.

Summary

9–42


Review Questions

1.What types of study sessions and drills are recommended while learning how to operate articulating aerial equipment?2.What are the types of articulating aerial apparatus?

(Continued)

9–43


Review Questions

3.What are the concerns relevant to positioning articulating aerial apparatus?4.What procedure may be followed to raise an aerial device to its working position?5. What is an anti-electrocution platform?

(Continued)

9–44


6.What procedure may be followed to lower an aerial device?7.What types if adverse situations may result in a twisting force on an entire aerial device system?8.How can low air temperature affect the job of the aerial apparatus driver/operator?

Review Questions

(Continued)

9–45


9. What should the driver/operator do when the device is in danger of being exposed to extreme heat?

10.How should the auxiliary hydraulic pump be operated?

Review Questions

9–46


chapter 09

Education

aerial device position

articulating aerial

lower aerial device

check path of aerial

place apparatus

proper position

lower platform

stabilizer position