Positioning Aerial Apparatus (Ch. 17, Pado)

Front 1

Factors Determining Aerial Apparatus Placement

Back 1

1. Aerial objective

2. Placement of turntable

3. Scene conditions

4. Proper stabilization

Front 2

One Aerial Response to Scene

Back 2

Apparatus takes a strategically sound location in front of the building for offensive op's, or at a corner (out of the collapse zone) for defensive op's.

Front 3

General Aerial Placement

Back 3

• If fire building is 5 stories (~60 ft.) or less, engine companies should park closest to building with aerial outside of that position.

• If building is greater than 5 stories (>60 ft.), the aerial takes the inside position.

• This general rule is for aerials operating at 100 ft.

Front 4

Vaulted Surfaces

Back 4

Ground above underground vaults such as;

- Underground parking structures

- Utility chases

- Drainage culverts

- Basements

- Underground transportation systems (subways).

• Manhole covers are good indicators of these.

Front 5

Asphalt Compromise Indicator

Back 5

Asphalt will "Bleed", creating a shiny, glass-like surface in extreme heat.

Front 6

Dynamic Load (Shock Load)

Back 6

Loads that involve motion. They include forces arising from wind, moving vehicles, earthquakes, vibration or falling objects, as well as the addition of a moving load force to an aerial device or structure.

Front 7

Wind Conditions

Back 7

• Spot the apparatus in a manner that minimizes the extension needed

• Aerial device should be positioned over the front or rear of the apparatus, & parallel to wind direction.

Front 8

General Guidelines for Positioning Around High-Voltage Lines

Back 8

• General fire department rule is 10' clearance around high-voltage lines of 600 - 50,000 volts.

• 50' clearance for lines over 50,000 volts

OSHA Guidelines:

• 20 ft between device & overhead lines of less than 350 kilovolts.

• 50 ft for lines over 350 kv.

Front 9

Jack Knifing

Back 9

• In tillered apparatus, greatest stability occurs when the jackknife angle is 60 deg from inline, and the aerial device is extended away from the angle.

• Good stability occurs at angles up to 90 deg, and beyond that stability decreases rapidly.

Front 10

Torsion

Back 10

Twisting action in a ladder or boom and the turntable that causes stress on the apparatus when the apparatus is parked on an incline & the aerial operates over the side.

• This stress may be reduced by spotting the turntable downhill from the point of operation.

• Ideally the apparatus should be operated in the uphill position (turntable downhill).

• If the truck has only two jacks, the apparatus must be operated facing uphill.

Front 11

Positioning at Highway Incidents

Back 11

• Position apparatus as a shield between fire fighters & oncoming traffic.

• Position operator's panel away from flow of traffic.

• Turn front wheels away from incident.

• Block at least one lane next to the incident lane.

• Consider parking additional apparatus 150' - 200' behind shielding apparatus as additional barrier.

• At scene, place headlights in low-beam setting.

• At night, use minimum number of warning lights at scene.

Front 12

25 ft.

Back 12

It is advised to park how far away from a railroad track?

Front 13

Positioning Factors at Structural Incidents

Back 13

• Building height & condition

• Rescue needs

• Ventilation needs

• Elevated master stream needs

Front 14

Building Instability Indicators

Back 14

• Bulging walls

• Sagging roofs

• Large exterior cracks

• Falling bricks, blocks or mortar

• Interior collapse

Front 15

3 Basic Types of Aircraft Incidents for Aerial Apparatus

Back 15

• Aircraft incidents involving extrication.

• Incidents involving extrication complicated by fire.

• Non-accident related aircraft fires.

Front 16

Apparatus Positioning Challenges at Refineries & Processing Facilities

Back 16

• Narrow Driveways

• Dead-end accesses

• Overhead obstructions.

Front 17

Factors Affecting Apparatus Deployed on Highways & Elevated Roadways

Back 17

• Frequently check stabilizers to ensure they're in solid contact with stabilizer pads & ground.

• Passing traffic may cause vibrations that affect the stability of the apparatus (especially on elevated roadways).

• Make sure apparatus isn't placed where it may be struck by another apparatus or passing vehicle.

Front 18

Railroad Placement

Back 18

• Always assume a railroad track is active.

• Apparatus should be kept at least 25 ft. from the tracks when possible.

• Park on the same side of the tracks as the incident so as not to raise the aerial over the tracks.

• If it's absolutely necessary to raise the aerial over the tracks, keep the aerial at least 25' above the tracks (even if the railroad company confirms all rail traffic is halted).

Front 19

Aerial Apparatus Roles at Aircraft Incidents

Back 19

• Apparatus will primarily be used to transport fire fighters & portable equipment as needed to upper levels.

• On paved surfaces with direct access to aircraft the aerial may be used for:

1. Ventilation

2. Passenger rescue

- Tip of device in aircraft door is same position as window rescue in bldg.

- Tip of aerial over wing is same as roof rescue.

3. Deploying hand lines to aircraft interior.

4. Master stream applications.

Front 20

Responding on Runways for Aircraft Incidents

Back 20

• Watch for pools of jet fuel, do not drive through them or close enough to provide ignition source.

• Position upwind of any fire conditions or vapors from un-ignited fuels.

• Watch for other wreckage/debris obscured by smoke or dark that could destroy tires.

• Stage apparatus near expected touchdown, and complete response only after aircraft has touched down.

Front 21

Unsupported (Cantilever) Position

Back 21

Maximum loading for any unsupported aerial device occurs when operated at angles between 70 & 80 degrees from horizontal.