Backing Up Apparatus

Question 1

Who is primarily accountable for adherence to the policy?

Answer 1

Each officer or acting officer and each individual driver

Accountability includes responsibility for actions taken while operating vehicles.

Question 2

What are drivers of RFPS emergency fire apparatus directly accountable for?

Answer 2

The safe and prudent operation of the vehicle under all conditions

This includes adherence to safety protocols during operation.

Question 3

What role does the officer play in relation to the driver’s actions?

Answer 3

The officer assumes accountability for the driver’s actions

This reflects the supervisory responsibility of the officer.

Question 4

What safety measure must be followed when backing up any apparatus?

Answer 4

Having spotters at the rear to check for clearance, pedestrians, or obstructions

This is crucial to prevent accidents during backing maneuvers.

Question 5

What is required when backing personnel apparatus into stations?

Answer 5

Two personnel must be used for guidance and exhaust hook up

This is an exception when the Quint only has two personnel.

Question 6

When must spotters be used during vehicle maneuvers?

Answer 6

When vehicles negotiate forward turns with restricted side clearances and where height clearances are uncertain.

Question 7

What must operators of apparatus equipped with back-up camera/monitor systems comply with?

Answer 7

They must comply with the SOP; the camera/monitor does not replace the requirements identified in the procedure.

Question 8

Under what condition may vehicles one ton and under back up without authorized REPS personnel?

Answer 8

If the driver has an unobstructed view of the direction of travel through the rear window or rear-view mirrors.

Question 9

What must a driver do if their view is obstructed while backing up?

Answer 9

Get out of the vehicle and make a complete 360-degree survey of the area around the vehicle.

Question 10

What must Apparatus Driver/Operators observe when backing up a vehicle over one ton?

Answer 10

Authorized RFPS personnel must guide the driver from the rear of the vehicle.

Question 11

What is a recommended practice to limit reversing operations?

Answer 11

Drivers should attempt to stage apparatus in a position that limits the need for reversing operations.

Question 12

What should a driver do to improve visibility and hearing when backing up?

Answer 12

Roll the window down completely.

Question 13

Who must be the spotters during backing operations?

Answer 13

Spotters must be RFPS personnel.

Question 14

What must the driver do regarding visual and verbal contact with the spotters?

Answer 14

The driver and spotters must maintain eye contact at all times.

Question 15

What must the driver know in terms of communication with spotters?

Answer 15

The driver must have knowledge of the authorized hand signals.

Question 16

What is the driver’s responsibility before proceeding after backing up?

Answer 16

Ensure that all cab and cabinet doors are fully closed and latched.

Question 17

In congested areas, how many spotters are needed and where should they be positioned?

Answer 17

One at the rear (primary position) and one at the front of the apparatus.

Question 18

What must be operating when the apparatus is backed up and other vehicle traffic exists?

Answer 18

The apparatus emergency lights shall be operating.

Question 19

What should a driver do if they lose visual contact with the primary spotter?

Answer 19

Stop immediately!

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The driver must make visual and verbal contact with the _______.

Answer 20

spotters

Question 21

True or False: The primary spotter should be on the driver’s side.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What type of clothing must spotters wear?

Answer 22

Reflective clothing or reflective traffic safety vests

This is part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regulations.

Question 23

Where should the primary spotter be located?

Answer 23

2.5 - 3 metres (8-10 feet) behind the vehicle at the driver’s side rear

The primary spotter must be in plain view of the driver.

Question 24

What is the role of the secondary spotter?

Answer 24

Located 2.5 - 3 metres (8-10 feet) behind and to the passenger side of the apparatus

The secondary spotter must be able to see the primary spotter and the other side of the apparatus.

Question 25

What must spotters survey for potential obstructions?

Answer 25

The apparatus on both sides, the front, the rear, and overhead ## Footnote This is to prevent damage during operations.

Question 26

What should spotters never do until the apparatus has come to a complete stop?

Answer 26

Dismount the apparatus ## Footnote Safety protocol requires waiting until the vehicle is fully stopped.

Question 27

True or False: Spotters are allowed to turn their back to a moving apparatus.

Answer 27

False ## Footnote Spotters must always maintain awareness of their surroundings.

Question 28

What must spotters always carry to communicate with the driver?

Answer 28

A radio to give verbal commands ## Footnote This includes commands to 'stop' if necessary.

Question 29

During nighttime operations, what is essential for spotters to carry?

Answer 29

A flashlight ## Footnote The light should not be shined at the mirrors; instead, illuminate oneself.

Question 30

What should be discussed before backing operations?

Answer 30

The backing operation plan with the driver ## Footnote Communication is key for safety.

Question 31

Are spotters permitted to ride on the tailboard of the apparatus when it is in motion?

Answer 31

No ## Footnote Riding on the tailboard is prohibited for safety reasons.

Question 32

What must the driver do before entering or leaving the fire station?

Answer 32

Ensure the designated bay door is in the fully open position and has come to a complete stop ## Footnote This is crucial for safe entry and exit.

Question 33

What should the driver activate before pulling into the roadway?

Answer 33

The emergency lights ## Footnote This alerts others of the vehicle's intention to back into the station.

Question 34

Where should spotters remain when backing up an apparatus into the station?

Answer 34

On the apron and not enter the roadway ## Footnote This is to maintain safety during the procedure.

Question 35

What is the primary spotter's responsibility when backing up the apparatus?

Answer 35

Direct the driver to back up far enough inside the station to connect the exhaust hose ## Footnote The driver must come to a complete stop to allow for safe connection.

Question 36

What must never be connected to an apparatus that is not completely stopped?

Answer 36

The exhaust hose ## Footnote Safety protocols require the apparatus to be fully stopped before connection.

Question 37

What action should the individual connecting the exhaust hose take after completing the connection?

Answer 37

Signal the primary spotter at the rear and stand clear ## Footnote This ensures safety before resuming operations.

Question 38

How should the primary spotter communicate with the driver to resume backing up?

Answer 38

Using the correct hand signals ## Footnote Proper signaling is critical for safe operations.