The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About208.002a - Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)Effective Date: July 2022 Lawrence French, Battalion Chief Current Revision Date: 7/26/2022 Section 208.002a Next Revision (1) Date: 7/26/2024 Page 1 of 5 200 Standard Operating Procedures Manual Responding to Emergencies SECTION 208.002a UTILITY TASK VEHICLE (UTV) PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to promote the safe and effective use, training, and operation of Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) for members of the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department). APPLICATION Personnel should operate within these general guidelines while operating the UTV(s). OPERATIONAL POLICY Personnel operating UTV(s) shall utilize the risk management policy while operating UTV(s). Only FFD personnel who have completed the didactic based course, exam, and field evaluation driving course shall operate UTV’s. Authorized operators will be issued a UTV operators’ card. Operators will complete didactic, exam, and field evaluation every three years to maintain currency in UTV operations. While operating or riding in the UTV seatbelts shall be always worn. Driver operators are directly responsible for the safe operation of the UTV. The first and top priority of the UTV driver operator shall be the safe operation of the vehicle to provide safety for department members and the public. Operators shall drive with “due regard” at all times on or off road while operating the UTV. The UTV(s) shall be driven under its intended design and use. Under no circumstance is any aspect of safety to be sacrificed to increase the speed of response. When moving through pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-vehicles, traffic operators will proceed with caution, at a safe distance and rate of speed. Operators will alert pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-vehicle traffic participants in requesting the right of way. Department personnel riding on UTV(s), while assigned to an emergency incident or off road, shall wear Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets. While assigned to a closed course special event; (i.e., Fresno State Game, Fair, PR event) DOT helmets are not required while operating the UTV. Department approved eye protection shall be always worn. The UTV(s) shall be hauled on a trailer in a manner consistent with DOT. The UTV(s) shall not be towed in an emergency fashion (i.e., lights and siren). Before existing the UTV, the parking brake (if equipped) or park Fresno City Fire Department Effective Date: July 2022 Lawrence French, Battalion Chief Current Revision Date: 7/26/2022 Section 208.002a Next Revision (1) Date: 7/26/2024 Page 2 of 5 will be engaged. A T-CLOC check shall be performed by the operator before and after operation. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE UTV’s should not be driven faster than 35 mph unless life safety is at risk. If safer means of transport for a patient are available, they should be considered first. While transporting a patient, the UTV should not be operated at speeds greater than 15 mph. Headlights should be on for all operations. Patient helmet should be considered based on the patient acuity and reasonable accommodation. Fuel cans of any type should not be stored in the bed of the UTV. UTV’s should not be driven on the road unless for a closed course special event or deemed necessary by the officer. If the UTV is operated on paved surfaces, the operator should turn gradually and slowly. UTV’s should not be used for any ride along purposes. Business purposes may require non-Fire Department personnel to be a passenger. When this is the case, prior approval must be granted by the chief officer. UTV’s can be utilized for emergency/event patient extrication during an incident to the nearest medical care (i.e., ambulance/helicopter). Patient(s) should be transported with safety system restraints in place. While the UTV is moving, one emergency medical personnel should be next to the patient properly secured in the attendant seat and any medical treatment performed while moving should be limited to what can be accomplished while seat belted. PROCESS UTV Pre-Use Inspection, Post-Use Inspection, Weekly Inspection and Maintenance: 1. Pre-Use Checklist a. T-CLOC check i. Tires and wheels ii. Tire pressure and condition of tire iii. Rim bolts iv. Axle nut v. Wheel bearing b. Controls and Cables i. Cables and switches operate smoothly ii. Brakes are adjusted properly and fluid at required level iii. Shifter operational Effective Date: July 2022 Lawrence French, Battalion Chief Current Revision Date: 7/26/2022 Section 208.002a Next Revision (1) Date: 7/26/2024 Page 3 of 5 c. Lights and electronics i. Ignition switch operates properly ii. Engine stop switch operates properly iii. Lights are operational d. Oil, fuel, fluids, and air filter i. Oil in crankcase is at proper level, no leaks ii. Fuel tank is full iii. Air Filter is clean and not damaged iv. Coolant is full, with no visible leaks e. Chassis, suspension, driveshaft, and external equipment i. Ensure smooth belt engagement ii. Check drive shaft for oil leaks, missing nuts, or bolts iii. Shake the chassis to ensure nothing is loose iv. Ensure shocks are operating properly v. If the UTV is has a winch inspect the cable, hooks, and controls f. Trailer and Towing i. Ensure the UTV trailer has proper size ball and capacity ii. Ensure all attached equipment is secure and properly loaded iii. Ensure correct tire pressure iv. Ensure Safety Chain is connected properly 2. Post-Use Inspection a. UTV’s and equipment should be cleaned and placed back into service b. Any damaged or missing equipment should be documented using PS Trax and email the appropriate Battalion Chief 3. Weekly Inspection a. Members should perform and document in PS Trax 4. All routine repairs and maintenance of the UTV is to go through the Fire Shop INFORMATION Recreational Off Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) 2021 Polaris 1000XP Manual Effective Date: July 2022 Lawrence French, Battalion Chief Current Revision Date: 7/26/2022 Section 208.002a Next Revision (1) Date: 7/26/2024 Page 4 of 5 DEFINITIONS UTV- Multi-terrain vehicle intended to carry people (side by side) that is equipped with seat belts, a roll cage, and a rear cargo bed. CROSS REFERENCES Standard Operating Procedures Manual Section 208, Responding to Emergencies Section 208.002, Department Response Procedures Training and Equipment Manual Section 310.002, Apparatus Section 310.007 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT (UTV) Section 310.011 Polaris 1000XP (UTV) Effective Date: July 2022 Lawrence French, Battalion Chief Current Revision Date: 7/26/2022 Section 208.002a Next Revision (1) Date: 7/26/2024 Page 5 of 5 UTV OPERATOR FIELD EVALUATION Operator Information: Name: ID: Date: Skill Evaluation: Instructors: All blanks need to be filled in to pass. Use a “X” for complete and leave blank for incomplete. N/A applicant was not evaluated in those areas. Safety Requirements: Fresno Fire Approved DOT Helmet Appropriate PPE for Incident/Event Transportation: Trailer attachment Loading Unloading Safe Operating Practices: Pre-Use T-CLOC check Seat belt fastened and doors secure Start Up Steering Throttle use Brake use Baking up Post-Use inspection Pass: Yes _______ No _______ Comments: Use this space to make additional comments such as technical skill, verbal skills, etc: Evaluator Information: Evaluator: ID: Date: