Apparatus / Vehicle Backing

Question 1

The purpose of this policy is to ….. during vehicle backing operations and to reduce the incidence of firefighter injuries and fatalities.

Answer 1

prevent vehicle operators from striking objects or people

Question 2

The purpose of this policy is to prevent vehicle operators from striking objects or people during vehicle backing operations and to ……

Answer 2

reduce the incidence of firefighter injuries and fatalities

Question 3

Define - Any department vehicle that is designed and equipped to support firefighting and rescue operations, including those equipped with an aerial ladder, elevating platform or water tower that may position members, handle materials, provide continuous egress or discharge water at positions elevated from the ground.

Answer 3

Apparatus

Question 4

The member charged with driving the vehicle or apparatus. This member is in control of the vehicle or apparatus and therefore is responsible for its movement.

Answer 4

Driver or Operator

Question 5

The member responsible for the operation of the vehicle or apparatus and its personnel.

Answer 5

Officer

Question 6

A member designated to direct the driver while backing up the vehicle or apparatus. This position may also be referred to as a backer.

Answer 6

Spotter

Question 7

902.2 POLICY
To promote firefighter safety and reduce property damage, it is the policy of the Elyria Fire Department that drivers shall always…..and, when feasible, will adjust driving practices to avoid backing an apparatus or vehicle.

Answer 7

use a spotter when backing any department apparatus or vehicle

Question 8

902.2 POLICY
To promote firefighter safety and reduce property damage, it is the policy of the Elyria Fire Department that drivers shall always use a spotter when backing any department apparatus or vehicle and, when feasible, will …..

Answer 8

adjust driving practices to avoid backing an apparatus or vehicle.

Question 9

902.3 OFFICER AND DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
Firefighter safety is extremely important. ….. are the most common cause of fire service vehicle crashes. Training and awareness of the potential dangers of backing operations is anticipated to reduce the incidence of firefighter injuries and fatalities.

Answer 9

Backing operations

Question 10

902.3 OFFICER AND DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
Firefighter safety is extremely important. Backing operations are the most common cause of fire service vehicle crashes. ….. of backing operations is anticipated to reduce the incidence of firefighter injuries and fatalities.

Answer 10

Training and awareness of the potential dangers

Question 11

Before backing-up an apparatus or vehicle, all ….. should be reviewed to ensure that obstructions are clear to avoid a crash.

Answer 11

potential backing-up impediments

Question 12

The ….. is responsible for deploying spotters when backing-up or as necessary to allow the safe movement of an apparatus.

Answer 12

officer

Question 13

The driver’s responsibilities include:

Do not back-up the vehicle or apparatus until the …..

Answer 13

spotters have been deployed.

Question 14

The driver’s responsibilities include:

If the driver ….., the driver shall stop the apparatus until the spotter is back in sight.

Answer 14

loses sight of the spotter

Question 15

The driver’s responsibilities include:
If more than one spotter is being used, the driver will need to …… This means shifting attention from one spotter to another frequently so as to safely move the apparatus, while maintaining the safety of the spotters. This will require the apparatus to be moving at a slower than normal rate.

Answer 15

maintain contact with both spotters

Question 16

The driver’s responsibilities include:
In situations where a spotter is not available and the apparatus must be moved, the driver should park the apparatus and ….. to identify any potential hazards. The driver should back the apparatus, attempting to use minimal reverse motion prior to being able to proceed forward. In the event that the apparatus must be backed repeatedly or for more than a short distance, the driver should repeat the walk around as many times as necessary.

Answer 16

walk around the unit completely

Question 17

The driver’s responsibilities include:
If at any time the driver feels that the situation is ….., he/she should stop the vehicle or apparatus until the situation is corrected. This may mean getting out and physically walking around the apparatus or in the direction the apparatus is headed.

Answer 17

not safe

Question 18

The driver’s responsibilities include:

Use caution when backing into fire stations, make sure bays are clear of ……, other apparatus, vehicles, etc.

Answer 18

personnel, visitors

Question 19

Spotters are generally used when backing-up large vehicles or…..

Answer 19

fire apparatus.

Question 20

Voice communication between the spotter and driver is good, but the driver may not hear the spotter over the noise of the vehicle or apparatus and other background noise. The use of portable radios to communicate between the spotter and driver may prove beneficial in certain circumstances. The spotters, the driver and the officer should maintain radio contact as well as eye contact. ….. may also be used to communicate between the driver and the spotter. Hand signals should be understood by all members to avoid confusion and to facilitate the process.

Answer 20

Universal hand signals

Question 21

In congested or tight areas, one spotter may be needed at the rear and one at the front of the vehicle being moved either forward or backward. Spotters should also be used when going forward in ….. areas.

Answer 21

tight