CLICK ON HIGHLIGHTED TITLES  TO DOWNLOAD ARTICLE

.

Basic Wheel Maintenance -  Most mechanics don't ever look at the wheels on an apparatus until they have a problem. That's too bad, because some basic wheel maintenance could help avoid those problems and potentially prevent a serious accident.

.

Used Frame Bolts are Dangerous - Did you know that it’s dangerous to re-use old frame bolts? Old bolts no longer have their rated strength and can fail under load. 

Too Much Antifreeze Can Hurt, Not Help - Did you know that too much antifreeze can 

actually raise the coolant freezing point, rather than lower it? 

Understanding CAFS Performance -  

Some departments view compressed-air foam systems as extensions of standard apparatus water pump systems. They assume that all the performance ratings and conditions that apply to water pump systems also apply to CAFS. That is not true. Here is a summary of some of the factors used to determine CAFS performance.

Basic Electrical Trouble Shooting - Electrical problems can put emergency vehicles out of service as fast as flat tires. Technicians who follow some basic electrical troubleshooting procedures can often get these vehicles up and running with a minimum of time and expense.

Understanding the Vehicles Center of Gravity - It is important to understand vehicle weight ratings, however, departments also need to understand how the distribution of that weight determines a vehicle center of gravity, which can affect vehicle performance and safety

Basic Steering Maintenance - All steering maintenance procedures should be included in your department's apparatus preventive maintenance program.

Highlights of the New NFPA 1901 - The requirements in the next edition of NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Apparatus take effect for apparatus ordered on or after January 1, 2009. Departments need to work these requirements into their specs now..

Seal of Approval  - Are the technicians and mechanics who work on your emergency vehicles qualified? Most departments would like to think they are, but what does it really take and what could happen if they aren’t?

Impact of 2007 Engine Changes on Fire Apparatus