DRIVER OPERATOR Page 1 of 12 2014 Sutphen Aerial Operations Revised 12-11-17 PROCEDURES FOR ELEVATING THE PLATFORM Placing the aerial platform into service requires qualified personnel trained in the proper methods to deploy the elevating platform. Firefighters or bystanders may be injured or killed if the aerial is operated incorrectly. The following set- up procedure should be adhered to with exceptions only allowed due to life safety. The steps required to place the aerial platform into service could be categorized into the following areas: Power plant/engine power Aerial hydraulic system Generator hydraulic system Stabilization Elevation Aerial Hydraulic System Once the road transmission is in neutral, the aerial hydraulic pump that is driven by the Power Take Off (PTO) may be engaged. The hydraulic pump is driven off of the road transmission. It is marked Aerial PTO. Once activated, a red LED light should illuminate indicating the engagement of the aerial hydraulic PTO. Stabilization Stabilization of the apparatus begins by placing the vehicle in a flat, level location if possible. Once the hydraulic systems are engaged the stabilization of the apparatus follows. This procedure is more efficient using two persons but can be completed with only one. In the following description, a firefighter and an operator will set up the aerial. Firefighter- Proceed to the right side outrigger panel. Check for obstructions and clear any people away from the outrigger panel. Operator- Proceed to the left outrigger panel and open the stabilization control compartment. Signal the firefighter to confirm the right side is clear for operation. Firefighter acknowledges using the same hand signal. NOTE: The hand signals are a method of communication and as such must be repeated. Firefighter always signals after the completion of a task, i.e. after firefighter confirms that it s clear, pads are set, pins pulled, etc.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 2 of 12 2014 Sutphen Aerial Operations Revised 12-11-17 Operator- Extend outriggers, both left and right, simultaneously. Operator may elect to use high idle to perform this operation quicker. A rule of thumb for determining when both outrigger are completely extended, is when the hydraulic pressure gauge suddenly tops out at about 1400 1500 psi. When there is a need to short jack it may be advantageous to have the firefighter that is on the right side of the apparatus use that side outrigger controls to extend the outrigger. That outrigger should be extended the maximum possible distance allowed by the obstruction. This should be done after confirming with the Operator this alternate method will be used. Once it is in position then the firefighter can confirm with hand or verbal signals and proceed as directed below. Operator- Signal the firefighter to place the pad underneath the outrigger footprint. Firefighter- Set the outrigger pad below the outrigger foot. Repeats the signal acknowledging that the pads are set. NOTE: Firefighter always signals after the completion of a task, i.e., after confirming it s clear, pads are set, pins pulled, etc. Operator- Set the outrigger pad below the outrigger foot. Be careful not to place the pad handle directly under the outrigger. Operator- Upon confirming the right side pad is set, lower both the left and right outriggers simultaneously. The operator should pay particular attention to front tire during this evolution. The operator should raise the apparatus until the front tires just clear the ground. The left or right outrigger controls can also be used independently to level the apparatus if it s parked on uneven ground. An inclinometer is mounted on the
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 3 of 12 right-side wall of the stabilization compartment and must be within the green area prior to raising the aerial. Operator- Lower the rear jacks using the single control marked Rear Jack. The operator should attempt to level the rear of the truck sighting along the panel under the ladders. Operator- Stabilize the front suspension using the single Front Jack control. The suspension is stabilized when a slight shudder is observed in the front of the truck. Hydraulic pressure should read 1450 1500 psi. Operator- Signal the firefighter to set the pin in the outrigger stabilizer. Firefighter-Receive the signal from the operator. Set the pin in the lowest possible hole in the outrigger stabilizer. Signal the operator that the pin has been placed upon completion of the task.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 4 of 12 NOTE: Firefighter always signals after the completion of a task, i.e. after confirming that it s clear, pads are set, pins pulled, etc. NOTE: The pin placement should be in the lowest possible hole. However, the pin should be placed in the next higher hole if the fit is too tight, less than 1/2 space between the hole and the safety bar. The pin may become stuck if there is a tight fit and settling of the apparatus takes place. Operator- Transfer the fluid valve to the ladder operation position. The aerial ladder is now ready to be elevated. Keep the following safety points in mind at all times: Make sure there are no overhead obstructions before setting up. Make sure the location of the truck will not affect stabilization efforts. Always signal after tasks are completed. Turn Table Operation (Pedestal) The aerial ladder can be operated from either the platform or the pedestal controls. Each control station has basically the same controls, gauges and monitoring equipment. There are many reasons why one would choose to operate from the pedestal rather than from the platform, lighting an incident scene or flowing water from a master stream are possibilities. The following outline explains in detail the evolutions for setting up the aerial for remote lighting and master stream operations. The pedestal position should be occupied when the aerial is being operated.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 5 of 12 Raising the Aerial Firefighter- Verify that the engineer s side turret valve in the platform is completely open (remote nozzle). Operator- Climb onto the pedestal and turn on the boom lights. Raise the tower using the Tower Raise/Lower lever. TIP: For smoother operation, the operator should first start the aerial ladder movement in low idle, then engage the high idle after the ladder has started moving. When ending a ladder motion, release the high idle and then release the operation lever. CAUTION: Do not move the ladder laterally until the lights have been cleared and the body damage warning devices are no longer in the alarm mode. Operator- Actuate the Rotation lever to move the platform either right or left until the desired location is reached. Actuate the Extend/Retract lever until the desired level is reached. Water Supply to Aerial See Training Form 6.1 for Escondido 4 to Aerial Performance Objectives and position breakdowns. The 4 to Aerial hose lay is utilized to provide water to the master stream appliances of our truck companies. It is structured so that the assigned engine will reverse out 4 hose from the truck and lay to the hydrant. Due to the potential for large GPM needs the supplying engine is best situated by spotting a nearby hydrant and pumping back to the aerial. At that time a second 4 line can be pulled back to the truck to maximize our flow capability. The Captains and or IC will determine what the use of the master streams will be and then make a determination as to whether the second line will be necessary.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 6 of 12 Order of Operations Engine Company Captain Responsibilities Receive assignment to supply Truck/Aerial. Stop at the Truck. Direct Firefighter to pull 4 to the truck, secure it and return to the engine. Direct Engineer to the hydrant. Direct and assist firefighter pulling a second 4 section back to the Truck after the initial line is disconnected. Ensure connection of both 4 lines at Truck. Coordinate communication between the Engine and Truck Engineers to align flow needs. Consider an additional tactical channel for their use. Engineer Responsibilities Spot Apparatus as assigned at Truck. Proceed to hydrant as directed after Firefighter remounts the engine. Complete a front spot to the hydrant. Connect the first 4 inch to the 4 discharge. Charge first 4 to 150 PSI at the truck when called for. Connect second 4 line to 2½ discharge with appropriate fitting. Charge second 4 when called for. Continue to coordinate with the Truck Engineer for adjustments in the hydraulics. Firefighter Responsibilities Receives and repeats order for 4 to the truck. Pulls required 4 hose to reach a 4 intake of truck. Ensures it is anchored. Remounts Engine. May assist with connecting 4 at hydrant.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 7 of 12 Pull 2 nd 4 back to the truck in order to reach open intake of truck as directed. TRUCK COMPANY Order of Operations Truck Company Captain s Responsibilities Receives direction for aerial operations. Coordinates with assigned Engine Company as needed. Enters basket and directs aerial operations with firefighter. Engineer Responsibilities Positions Truck as directed. Sets up for aerial operations. Completes 4 connections to Truck. Calls for water when ready. Coordinates with Engine Engineer for proper pressure. Firefighter Responsibilities Assist with setting up for aerial operations. Collects any tools need in the basket. Enters basket and operates aerial and nozzles as directed. SAFETY WARNING: Only two firefighters are permitted in the platform during master stream operations. Hydraulics Department guidelines have been established to facilitate the hydraulic calculations when pumping to the truck. The initial pressure supplied to the truck will be 150 psi. The engineer supplying water to the truck will then complete the hydraulic calculations based on the following factors: Inlet pressure. Number and length of four-inch (4 ) lines laid. GPM flow desired.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 8 of 12 The combination nozzle operates at 100 psi and will maintain the pressure at any flow. The shut off leading to the nozzle will be stored in the open position. The nozzle will be left in a full fog pattern and pointed down. The straight bore nozzle shut off will be stored in the closed position to decrease the danger to individuals of being struck by an unexpected discharge from the nozzle. Nozzle operations require the basket capacity to be no more than 500 lbs and two firefighters. With one nozzle in operation the nozzle should not deviate more than 90 degrees from center. When both nozzles are in operation each nozzle must not deviate more than 45 degrees from centerline. Putting Hose lines into Service The aerial platform has a connection on each side of the yoke that allows for elevated hand lines to be placed directly into service. Each connection is a 2 ½ male that has been reduced to a 2 ½ to 1 ½ gated wye attached to a 2 ½ shut off or a 2 ½ shut off reduced to a 1 ½ outlet. The connection is in front of the gate valve on the yoke which allows operation of either side without using the turret nozzles. The water flow can be controlled using the 2 ½ shut off. For a 2 ½ hand line, the preferred hand line connection is the removal of the 1 ½ cap from the 2 ½ shut off on the combination nozzle side and connect the hose. For a 1 3/4 hand line using the 2 ½ to 1 ½ gated wye on the smooth bore side is the preferred method. Climbing The Ladder The aerial ladder is designed to move firefighters and equipment on the fire ground. The Sutphen aerial ladder truck allows the movement of personnel from street level to above ground floors without moving the aerial ladder by way of the built-in climbing ladder. The aerial is built with a box type configuration. The ladder is simply placed on top of the telescoping box sections of the aerial and handrails are installed for use by climbers for balance.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 9 of 12 When climbing the ladder, the rungs must be aligned at angles above 60. Extend or retract the aerial until the three yellow lights are illuminated on the Aerial Status Indicator. The indicator notifies the operator that the rungs are aligned for climbing. When climbing angles are low, the alignment of the rungs is not as critical as when the angle is steeper, due to the fact that the climber is walking on top of the rungs rather than between them. Gate Keeper Function The Gate Keeper procedures were developed to reduce injuries of personnel who need to climb the aerial while it is in operation. Anyone wanting to climb the aerial while it is in operation must first check with the Gate Keeper. The Gate Keeper is whoever is assigned to the pedestal position. In the absence of someone at the pedestal communications with personnel in the basket must be established before climbing. This must be a coordinated event for the safety of the climber and those in the basket. Contact the basket operator and advise them of the person requesting access to the ladder Once the basket operator advises they are ready, the pedestal operator will turn off power to the basket and advise the basket operator of the same. The person may now access the ladder The pedestal operator will monitor the position of the climber and once off the ladder will advise the basket operator that the power has been returned to the basket controls. Both basket and pedestal operators will also pay attention to the fire as to identify any developing conditions that may place the basket in danger. Scene Lighting Lighting is important for safe operation of the truck. The two lighting systems, the unit and the generator powered lights, should be used simultaneously to provide maximum illumination. As mentioned previously in the Elevating Platform section, the platform lights, both 12- volt and 120-volt are stored in the On position. The 120-volt lights will illuminate when the generator is engaged. The 12-volt lights will illuminate when the Upper Power switch is turned on. The 12-volt light on the basket will illuminate only when both the Upper Power and boom light switches are on. If the 120-volt lights do not illuminate, check the following items: generator PTO engaged, individual light switches on, and circuit breakers in the generator compartment in the On position.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 10 of 12 Platform Operations: Placing Equipment & Personnel on a Roof Many times crews will access the roof of structures by using the platform. Using the aerial platform on two or more story buildings may sometimes be quicker and safer than using traditional ground ladders. The operation only takes two people to stabilize the aerial while the other truck company members prepare by loading equipment in the platform. The operation with personnel ready to step on the roof can be accomplished in approximately two and a half minutes. One crewmember must be stationed at the pedestal during the operation of the aerial. Crewmembers climb into platform with the equipment needed and the upper power toggle switch is turned on. Crewmember tests the upper power by depressing the high idle foot pedal. Actuate the Raise/Lower lever until the desired angle is reached or the audible warning stops. Actuate the Left/Right lever until the desired direction is reached. Actuate the Extend/Retract lever until the desired height is reached. Adjust the controls as needed to safely place the platform within three feet of the roof or parapet. Turn off the upper power toggle switch and transfer personnel and equipment to the roof. NOTE: Do not place the ladder in a cantilever position, as damage to the ladder may result. To stow the ladder, the steps above are performed in reverse as described in the Stowing Aerial Platform section. Stowing the Aerial Platform Stowing the platform is essentially the reverse of setting it up. The tower will go into a low power mode as it nears the bedded position. When on a side hill, the aerial can drift off of alignment while being lowered. This will cause the body damage alarms to sound. The operator should fine tune the alignment before proceeding. When on non-level surface front to back the basket will align to the non-level surface. This will cause the platform leveling system to re-align the next time the upper power is turned on. Operator- Communicate with the water supply engine to shut down the water supply. Open the waterway drain and raise the ladder to a minimum of 70 elevation before retracting the ladder. NOTE: After flowing water, the ladder should always be raised to a minimum of 70 elevation before retracting. This reduces the wear on the Teflon seals in the waterway and helps maintain the lubrication on the fly ladders. The ladder cannot be retracted with water in the system. Damage to the seals may occur due to over-pressuring the system. A relief valve has been placed at the bottom of the waterway to help prevent
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 11 of 12 damage, but it should not be depended on to relieve over-pressuring. Operator- Actuate the Left/Right lever until the alignment light is illuminated. Lower the ladder using the Raise/Lower lever until the ladder is bedded with a slight bow. Stabilizer Stowing Operations With few exceptions, the process of stowing the jacks and outriggers follows the same procedure used to set up the aerial, but in reverse order. One of the major exceptions is that the operator will use the hydraulic pressure gauge as the main reference for stowing outriggers and jacks. When the hydraulic pressure reaches maximum, approximately 1500 psi, the operation has been completed. The following process will be used for stowing outriggers and jacks: Operator- The operator signals to the firefighter to remove the yellow outrigger pin by pulling and showing the firefighter the pin in hand. The operator then inserts the pin into the storage slot. Firefighter- Observes the operator showing the pin in hand, pulls the pin and shows it to the operator. Place the pin into the storage slot. Operator- Turns the upper power switch off (stabilization control compartment) and transfers the hydraulic fluid to the outriggers. Operator then retracts the front jacks while observing the hydraulic pressure. When the gauge reads approximately 1500 psi, the jacks are fully retracted. Operator- Retracts both rear jacks simultaneously paying attention to the hydraulic pressure reading. The gauge should read 1500 psi when fully retracted. Operator- Raises both left and right outriggers, simultaneously observing the hydraulic pressure gauge. When the gauge reaches approximately 1500 psi, the outriggers are fully retracted. Operator- Signals the firefighter to store the stabilizer pad using correct hand signals and then stows the outrigger pad. The operator waits for the signal from the firefighter that the opposite side pad has been stowed.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 12 of 12 Firefighter- After receiving the signal to store the pad from the operator, properly stows the pad. Acknowledges stowing the pad using the proper hand signal. Operator- Retracts the outriggers fully, paying attention to the hydraulic pressure gauge. When either the gauge reads approximately 1500 psi, or the butt end of outrigger is visible underneath the panel, the outrigger is fully retracted. Operator- Enters the cab and disengages the generator PTO and the aerial PTO. Shuts off the four-way flashers and picks up the safety cones.