HomeMy WebLinkAbout310.001a - Front Line Emergency Vehicle Hydraulic-Brake System Inspection
Fresno City Fire Department
300 Training and Equipment Manual
SECTION 310.001a FRONT LINE EMERGENCY VEHICLE
HYDRAULIC-BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to instruct members on the correct procedures for
performing a basic inspection of hydraulic-brake systems.
APPLICATION
To ensure proper operation and to determine if the brakes are within acceptable
adjustment tolerance, front line emergency vehicles with hydraulic brakes will be
checked daily in accordance with this policy.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
It is the policy of the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) that all front-line
emergency response vehicles equipped with hydraulic-brake systems have a basic
brake inspection completed daily.
Routine inspections will assist in proactively locating potential mechanical issues. The
inspection shall include a daily visual inspection and/or an applied-brake test.
Note: Front-line emergency vehicles shall have a daily inspection
completed and properly documented in the Department
inventory and maintenance program.
For information on checking Department apparatus air-brake
systems, refer to Training and Equipment Manual, Section
310.001, Air-Brake System Inspections.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Routine monitoring of brake systems may assist in identifying existing or potential
brake problems such as broken or cracked brake drums and rotors, marginal or
defective calipers, or other brake system components.
Effective Date: June 2011 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 04/14/2022 Section 310.001a
Next Revision (2) Date: 04/14/2027 Page 1 of 3
The Department utilizes several front-line emergency response vehicles equipped
with hydraulic-brake systems. These vehicles include:
Patrol units
Battalion Chief (BC) vehicles
Squads
PROCESS
1. Visual Inspection:
The operator is to perform a visual daily inspection of the hydraulic-brake
system. The inspection needs to be documented, with results being
reported to the Fire Shop immediately via an alert. A more detailed
weekly vehicle and brake inspection should be completed and
documented. The visual inspection includes:
A visual check for leaks around the engine area including the
pooling of fluids on the ground.
2. Applied Brake Test:
Applied brake tests are to be done weekly or before use. Applied vehicle
brake inspections are to be properly documented. Any issues resulting
from the test are to be reported to the Fire Shop immediately via an alert.
The applied-brake test procedure is as follows:
With the vehicle turned off and secured, the parking brake is to
be released and the operator will make three (3) slow brake
applications. By the third application, the operator should meet
considerable resistance. If the operator is unable to continue
pushing the brake pedal to the floor, this indicates there are no
major leaks in the braking system.
3. Operator’s Responsibility:
While driving a vehicle with a hydraulic-brake system, operators are to
be cognizant of any of the following brake issues:
Activated ABS (amber) or brake warning lights (red).
Soft brakes.
Effective Date: June 2011 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 04/14/2022 Section 310.001a
Next Revision (2) Date: 04/14/2027 Page 2 of 3
Screeching sound emitting from brake system.
Grinding sound emitting from brake system.
Glazing of brake system.
If any of the above issues occur while operating the vehicle, members are to
contact the Fire Shop for assistance and complete an alert in the Department
inventory and maintenance program.
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Training and Equipment Manual
Section 310.001, Air-Brake System Inspection
Section 310.009, Pre-Trip Inspection
Section 310.301, Staff and Light Fleet Vehicle Maintenance
Effective Date: June 2011 William J. Veiga, Battalion Chief
Current Revision Date: 04/14/2022 Section 310.001a
Next Revision (2) Date: 04/14/2027 Page 3 of 3