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HomeMy WebLinkAbout313.041 - Standard Stabilizer Deploy TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL DRIVER / OPERATOR SKILLS 313.041 STANDARD STABILIZER DEPLOY EFFECTIVE: MARCH 2016 Current Revision Date: 10/27/21 Next Revision Date: 10/27/23 Author’s Name/Rank: Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Review Level: 1 Administrative Support: Tammy Williams Management Analyst II ADA Section 313.041 Page 1 of 11 PURPOSE To provide Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) members standard operating procedures for standard stabilizer deployment on aerial apparatus. APPLICATION The following procedure is the standard process for deploying an FFD aerial ladder on an aerial apparatus. OPERATIONAL POLICY This section intentionally left blank . OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE Department members should follow this procedure as the standard process for deploying stabilizers on Department aerial apparatus. PROCESS Pre-Stabilizer Deployment: 1. Appropriately spot the apparatus. a. Slow down when approaching the scene giving ample time to think and observe. This also eases pressure off the company officer, allowing time for a careful size-up. b. Know the apparatus’ lengths and limitations. FFD trucks have a chart at the pedestal and/or a diagram depicting height/distance Section 313.041 Page 2 of 11 relationships. This demonstrates how close you need to be to reach a certain height. c. You must have ground under your apparatus that supports its weight during all operations. d. Working off the rear of the apparatus is generally preferable; this allows optimal working length of the ladder. e. Avoid parking in the collapse zone or areas of a structure, which may fail or become involved in the fire as it progresses. Plan for the worst, avoid positioning your apparatus where it may be exposed to falling structures or debris. f. Never position on or near a railroad track or active airport runway unless it has been deemed safe to do so by the IC. g. Position apparatus at the corner of a structure. This is the strongest point of the building, and it enables a two-sided sweep of the structure. h. Position apparatus in such a way that the stabilizers clear other vehicles or obstructions. Fully extended, the stabilizers span approximately 18 feet. i. In 2021 and newer straight stick aerial apparatus allow for stabilizer deployment to only 16 feet and give green lights. This operation is rated at 100% operation of the aerial. Although it allows you to only extend to 16’, the preferred method is to extend the stabilizer all the way (18’) unless the situation does not allow the full 18’ extension then 16’ extension is acceptable. ii. If space is limited, the apparatus can be short set (short jack). Place the apparatus where the stabilizers on the working side of the apparatus can be fully extended. This requires a minimum of 13 feet. Note: Never rotate the aerial ladder over a short set side. iii. Do not deploy or operate apparatus on an initial side slope of greater than 5º to 7º (12%) [red on the bubble level] at any time. Should slope deployment become necessary, the turntable should be leveled to within 3.5º (6%) [middle of the yellow on the bubble level] by placement of the stabilizers. Section 313.041 Page 3 of 11 i. If the turntable, after deployment, is level within the green on the bubble level, the full capacities of the aerial are allowed. j. If the turntable, after deployment, is level within the yellow on the bubble level, the full capacities are reduced by 50%. iv. If the turntable, after deployment, is within the red on the bubble level, the aerial is unable to be deployed safely. Do not deploy aerial until level correction to the yellow or green is made. v. When positioning on a slope, if possible, face the apparatus uphill. vi. SAFETY WARNING! The primary operator is responsible for keeping the apparatus and device a safe distance from the power lines. Electricity can arc from power lines, so understanding contact with the lines is not necessary to become energized. Follow these guidelines when working in the vicinity of power lines. vii. Do not work within 20 feet of power lines energized up to 350K. viii. Do not work within 50 feet of high-voltage transmission lines if the voltage is unknown. ix. Look up and live. Always check the operating area for power lines before driving into it. Tree branches can hide power lines or cables from view. If operating at night, use lights to search for power lines or poles. 2. Prior to exiting the cab: a. Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral. i. Engage the “Ladder Power” or “Aerial Master” switch. ii. Engage the Aerial PTO and/or generator switches as applicable. . b. Engage pump where applicable. iii. Unless there is an immediate need for quint pumping operations, the pump should be engaged (if needed) after the aerial deployment so high-idle can be used. Section 313.041 Page 4 of 11 iv. If it can be anticipated that handlines are placed in service, the Power Take Off (PTO) and Aerial Power should be activated at the time the pump is engaged prior to throttling up for pump pressure. When the pump is engaged, the high-idle function for aerial operations is disabled. v. If the aerial PTO and Aerial Power switch are to be activated after hand lines are already being supplied from the fire pump. Engine RPM must be below 1000 RPM prior to engaging the aerial PTO. Do not engage the PTO at RPM’s higher than 1000. This may require throttling down, which reduces pump pressure. Notify fire attack prior to reducing pressures. Note: When the pump is engaged, the high-idle function f or aerial operations is disabled. vi. Confirm the apparatus radio and/or portable radio is on the correct channel. vii. Activate scene lighting, as necessary. (If located inside apparatus) viii. Prepare to pump water (as required); (Refer to IPE Section 313.005a). 3. Exit the C ab: a. Don personal protective equipment. (Minimum helmet and gloves) b. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind both apparatus front wheels. c. Activate generator and or 110v lighting as necessary. (If located outside apparatus) d. Supply handlines, as required; (Refer to IPE Section 313.006a). i. Proceed to the stabilizer control panel. (See Figure 1) Section 313.041 Page 5 of 11 ii. Switch the diverter valve to “Stabilizer” or “Outrigger”. Where applicable, confirm the aerial PTO indicator light is illuminated. iii. Activate the High-idle switch, unless currently engaged in a pumping operation. iv. Fully extend out (horizontally) all stabilizers. e. When rapid deployment of the stabilizers is required, simultaneous operation of the “down” and “out” functions is acceptable under the following conditions: i. The operator is thoroughly familiar and experienced with the truck being used. ii. Stabilizers are not being deployed near any object. iii. At no time does the operator attempt to extend or retract a stabilizer horizontally while any part of the foot is contacting or may contact the ground. f. If set up space is limited for stabilizer deployment (less than 18' or 16’ for 2021 aerial and newer), it may be necessary for the operator to perform a Short-Set procedure. During the positioning of the apparatus, it is essential the operator position the apparatus so the (Figure 1) Section 313.041 Page 6 of 11 stabilizers on the side the Aerial Ladder is to be used can be fully extended. This is known as a “Short-Set” condition. g. The Short–Set Process. Follow all prescribed steps listed above with the following exceptions: i. The stabilizers located on the side of the apparatus where the aerial is to be used (the non-short-set side) is the first to be deployed. ii. The operator deploy s all stabilizers on the short set side of the apparatus, as far as possible. This is the side of the apparatus the aerial is not operated on. Warnings: Under no circumstances is any attempt made to set up or operate the aerial without the stabilizers fully extended and fully deployed on at least one side of the apparatus. iii. Never rotate the aerial on the side of the apparatus where the stabilizers are not fully extended and fully deployed. iv. The stabilizers on the opposite (Short-Set) side of the apparatus are extended out horizontally as far as possible and vertically down until each is properly weight supporting. All safety pins and auxiliary pads are to be in place. v. Place and adjust jack plates (“auxiliary stabilizer pads”). h. Never allow the stabilizers to be deployed on or near manhole covers, storm sewers, or any surface that has the potential for collapse or movement. i. Always use stabilizer jack plates (“auxiliary stabilizer pads” per Smeal). i. Extend down (vertically) all stabilizer jacks. Apparatus is to be fully supported. j. Operate controls on one side at a time. Extend down the front and rear stabilizers simultaneously to avoid excessive twisting stresses on the torque box. Always listen for abnormal noises indicating excessive stress. Section 313.041 Page 7 of 11 k. On flat ground (no grade), lower the first set of stabilizers (one side , front and rear together) until both stabilizers meet the jack plates. On a grade lowers the high side first to avoid running out of vertical lift on stabilizers. l. Lower the second set of stabilizers on the opposite side until the stabilizers begin to take the load off the suspension on that side. m. Ensure the appropriate stabilizer deployed “green” indicator lights illuminate as each foot takes a load, confirming the lights work correctly. n. Alternate the deployment of stabilizer jacks “down” function, side-to - side, in a stair step method to limit stress against the suspension and torque box. A good rule of thumb is to limit one side downward stabilizer movement to less than 6” before moving to the other side. Note: To avoid damage to the apparatus always ensure all stabilizer jacks are in contact with ground prior to attempting to lift the apparatus. o. The main goal of stabilizer deployment is to transfer all the apparatus weight off the suspension and onto the stabilizers providing a level platform from which to operate the aerial. To ensure this occurs, there should never be any evidence of weight on any tire, i.e., a slight bulge in the tire where it meets the road surface. When there is uncertainty whether a tire is transferring weight to the chassis suspension and a “slippery surface” is not and would not be a factor, slightly lifting all wheels of f the ground may be acceptable. p. In the event of slippery conditions, Smeal’s recommendation is “one set of tires can allow to stay in contact with the ground. This is done to provide additional resistance to aid in preventing sliding on slippery surfaces.” This recommendation applies to potentially “slippery” conditions only. Note: Previous generations of teaching allowed for testing the readiness of the stabilizer deployment by physically kicking the jack plates to ensure they are under a load. This instruction has very limited application and does nothing to ensure the correct am ount of load is being applied. The “stabilizer deployed” indicator lights are activated by load sensors and are the recognized method of determining readiness, as per the manufacturer. Section 313.041 Page 8 of 11 In practical application and in the event of an inoperative indicator light, an experienced operator can judge weight distribution by slightly raising and then lowering each stabilizer independently after the final placement. All stabilizer movement should cause equal amounts of flex to the torque box and there should be no evidence of weight on any tire. 4. Deploying on a grade: a. If deploying on a grade, the stabilizers on the uphill side should be extended down (only until they rest on their jack plate) before the stabilizers on the downhill side are extended. The “stabilizer deployed” indicator lights may or may not illuminate at this time on the control panel. b. Extend the stabilizers on the downhill side to the extent the pedestal is level or as close to level as possible. i. These principles apply the same with grades front-to-back as side-to-side. When the apparatus is facing uphill or downhill the “set” of stabilizers operated simultaneously would be the front and back sets, instead of the right and left side sets. ii. Observe the leveling bubble(s) to level the apparatus both side to side and front to rear, keeping in mind all “stabilizer deployed” indicator lights must remain illuminated. Note: When operating on a slope, the aerial is to retain full operational ratings provided the turntable has been leveled to within the green on the bubble level. (See rated capacities placard at the pedestal) iii. Ensure the leveling bubble(s) are not outside the yellow scale. c. If the turntable, after deployment, is level within the green on the bubble level, the full capacities of the aerial are allowed. d. If the turntable, after deployment, is level within the yellow on the bubble level, the full capacities are reduced by 50%. e. If the turntable, after deployment, is within the red on the bubble level, the aerial is unable to be deployed safely. Do not deploy aerial until level correction to the yellow or green is made. Section 313.041 Page 9 of 11 i. Disengage the High-idle switch and place the Diverter Valve into the “Aerial” position. ii. Insert the stabilizer safety pins in the uppermost pin hole located on each jack cylinder. f. It is a good idea to insert the pins with the pin handle facing the rear of the apparatus. In this position the operator, when standing at the stabilizer control station, can easily see the pins are in place. In the past, handles facing forward have contributed to stabilizer damage because the operator was told by a crew member the pins had been removed and briefly did not see that the front pins had not been removed. (Figure 2) g. In the event the apparatus is leveled on a grade it is of utmost importance the apparatus is positioned as level as possible for optimum performance and safety. As per Smeal Manufacturing, on the uphill side of a slope grade, “it may not be possible to utilize the auxiliary safety pins to position the truck at optimum level status. It is encouraged that the D epartment utilize the auxiliary pins whenever possible, but the holding valves allow safe set-up and aerial operation in situations where the pins cannot be utilized.” i. Note abnormal noises or concerns. 5. Stabilizer Stowing: a. Stow rear folding step. b. Remove all stabilizer safety pins and place back in holders. c. Place diverter valve to “Stabilizers” or “Outrigger”. Section 313.041 Page 10 of 11 d. Engage fast idle if not pumping to handlines. e. Stow stabilizers appropriately. f. When rapid stow of the stabilizers is required, simultaneous operation of the “up” and “in” functions is acceptable under the following conditions: i. The operator is thoroughly familiar and experienced with the truck being used. ii. Stabilizers are not being stowed near any object. iii. At no time does the operator attempt to stow or retract a stabilizer horizontally while any part of the foot is contacting or may contact the ground. iv. Disengage fast idle and switch diverter valve to neutral position. v. Stow jack plates. vi. Stow wheel chocks. vii. Disengage pump where applicable. viii. Disengage the Aerial PTO and/or generator switches as applicable. ix. Disengage the “Ladder Power” or “Aerial Master” switch. INFORMATION This section intentionally left blank . DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank . Section 313.041 Page 11 of 11 CROSS-REFERENCES IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook , 3rd Edition Smeal SFA Aerial Ladder/Platform Operations and Service Manual December 2017 Training and Equipment Manual Section 313.005, Standard Pump Operation