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Home My WebLink About313.005 - Standard Pump OperationEffective Date: December 2015 Robert J Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 7/13/2022 Section 313.005 Next Revision (1) Date: 7/13/2024 Page 1 of 6 300 Training and Equipment Manual SECTION 313.005 STANDARD PUMP OPERATION PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to define standard operating procedures for spotting and preparing a fire pumper or a quint to supply handlines from its tank supply. APPLICATION Determining the safest and most effective placement of apparatus and preparing to pump water is fundamental in successful foreground operations. OPERATIONAL POLICY This section intentionally left blank. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE Spotting the Apparatus: Spotting the apparatus correctly is the first of several key steps which must be given careful consideration. Among commonly accepted safe practices with apparatus placement, the following principles are worth noting: 1. During approach, always look for hazards (i.e., low overhead, downed power lines, upwind, upstream, etc.) 2. Slow down approaching the scene. a. This gives the captain (and engineer) time to observe and think. b. Slowing the pace allows for a controlled, careful size-up. 3. Look for a hydrant and assess feasibility for creating a supply. As necessary, discuss options with the captain prior to size-up. Fresno City Fire Department Effective Date: December 2015 Robert J Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/13/2022 Section 313.005 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/13/2024 Page 2 of 6 4. Listen to the captain’s size-up and ensure you both are seeing the same thing, especially as it applies to imminent hazards (i.e., power lines down). 5. For most single-family residences, spotting the apparatus just past the structure helps in several ways as follows: a. It allows the captain to see the three sides of the structure. b. It leaves room for truck operations. c. Depending on the structure “setback”, it reduces trip hazards and congestion in front of the structure by reducing the amount of fire hose in front of the structure access. d. If using the exterior radio speaker at the pump panel, parking past the involved structure will significantly decrease the occurrences of radio transmission feedback by those in command positions in front of the structure. 6. Pay attention to the workspace around the apparatus. a. Do everything possible to provide a clear avenue for the firefighter to pull hose from a cross-lay. b. Provide ample workspace around the apparatus, allowing room for incoming apparatus to move past you. c. Consider which side of the apparatus the feeder is attached. PROCESS Preparing the Apparatus to Pump Water: 1. Place the transmission in neutral and set the parking brake. 2. Move the pump shift control switch from ROAD to PUMP, stop in the neutral position for 5 seconds to prevent gear grind. 3. Place the transmission in DRIVE. 4. Listen for the engine to take the load of the pump engagement. Effective Date: December 2015 Robert J Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/13/2022 Section 313.005 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/13/2024 Page 3 of 6 5. Confirm the green lights (if equipped) at the pump shift control switch are lit. 6. The speedometer should display 5 to 15 mph. You can now safely remove your foot. Note: Newer generation apparatus equipped with a PumpBoss does not display a change on the speedometer. 7. Depress the accelerator gently to ensure the apparatus transmission is disengaged from the drive line. Note: The accelerator is inoperable when the pump shift is complete on apparatus not equipped with a PumpBoss. Apparatus equipped with a PumpBoss throttle does not disengage the accelerator until the panel throttle is used. 8. Confirm the apparatus radio and the portable radio are on the correct channel. 9. Exit the cab and immediately confirm the pump is generating pressure. Look for a pump discharge pressure (PDP) of around 50 psi. The green “OK to Pump” light at the pump panel throttle should be lit. a. If there is no pressure and the green light at the panel is not lit, return to the cab, and disengage the pump using reverse order and re-engage the pump using the previously stated steps. b. If there is pressure and the green light is not lit, the indicator light is inoperative. c. If there is no pressure and the green light is lit check the following: i. Confirm the speedometer is registering 5 to 15 mph. ii. Confirm the Tank-To-Pump valve is open. iii. Confirm the tank is full of water. iv. Confirm the Tank Fill Valve is closed. Effective Date: December 2015 Robert J Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/13/2022 Section 313.005 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/13/2024 Page 4 of 6 v. Confirm the Pressure Relief Valve is turned in, clockwise. vi. Confirm there are no discharge valves open. vii. Confirm there is no water dumping onto the ground. viii. “Burp” or prime the pump as necessary. 10. Don all appropriate personal protective equipment. 11. Place the wheel chocks. a. Minimum (on flat ground) one chock in front of a tire, any axle. b. If parked on a grade, which may cause the apparatus to roll backward, at a minimum two chocks must be used, front and rear of a tire, any axle. 12. Activate the exterior radio speaker at the pump panel as needed. 13. Confirm the Tank-To-Pump valve is all the way open and there are no open valves or water dumping onto the ground. Note: On some water tenders, the Tank-To-Pump valve operation is opposite -- OUT is CLOSED and IN is OPEN. 14. Throttle up slowly to: a. Confirm pressure rises relative to the engine RPM. b. Confirm anticipated PDP can be developed. c. Confirm the Pressure Relief Valve is turned in (clockwise) enough to ensure it does not interfere with achieving anticipated operating pressures. 15. Throttle down back to an idle. 16. Ensure the Pump Cooling Valve is open. a. During summer months, hot conditions, a good practice is to slightly crack the Tank Fill valve to ensure enough cool tank water is constantly recirculating through the pump. Effective Date: December 2015 Robert J Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/13/2022 Section 313.005 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/13/2024 Page 5 of 6 17. Anticipate the need for a supply and make any preparations when practical. See Training and Equipment Manual, Section(s) 313.007, Change-Over from Tank to Hydrant and/or 313.008, Tank Supply from another Engine. 18. Take note of the following throughout any pumping operation: a. The intake and pump discharge pressures. b. Ensure the relief valve is not constantly relieving excessive pressure. c. Normal / abnormal noises. c. Water or other fluids leaking / dumping onto the ground. d. The fuel levels. e. The water tank level. f. The oil pressure gauge. g. The engine coolant temperature gauge. h. The engine RPM. i. Test the pump overheat light. Placing the Apparatus Back in Service: 1. Ensure the tank water is full. 2. Slowly throttle down and slowly close any discharges which were opened. 3. Shift the apparatus transmission into neutral and wait 5 seconds. Make sure the speedometer returns to 0. 4. Move the pump shift control switch from the PUMP to the ROAD position. 5. Ensure all hose is replaced, all equipment is returned to a stowed position, all compartment doors are closed, and running boards are clear of equipment or debris. Effective Date: December 2015 Robert J Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 07/13/2022 Section 313.005 Next Revision (1) Date: 07/13/2024 Page 6 of 6 6. Pick up chock(s). INFORMATION This section intentionally left blank. DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS-REFERENCES IFSTA Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd Edition NFPA Fire Service Pump Operator, 2011 Training and Equipment Manual Section 310.101, 2005 Smeal Pumper Owner’s Manual Section 313.007, Change-Over from Tank to Hydrant Section 313.008, Tank Supply from another Engine