Pump Ops Chap 3

Question 1

What NFPA® standard establishes minimum qualifications for fire apparatus driver/operators?

Answer 1

NFPA® 1002

Question 2

What is the legal term for a conscious awareness of danger while ignoring consequences?

Answer 2

Reckless Disregard

Question 3

What is the most common location for fire apparatus collisions?

Answer 3

Intersections

Question 4

What causes brake fade?

Answer 4

Excessive use of the brakes, which leads to overheating of brake components

Question 5

What does the High Exhaust System Temperature (HEST) indicator signify?

Answer 5

That the exhaust system is very hot, usually due to active regeneration

Question 6

What should be done before removing an inlet or discharge cap?

Answer 6

Open the bleeder valve or drain valve between the control valve and the cap to ensure no trapped pressure.

Question 7

What is the recommended maximum speed for loading large-diameter hose while driving?

Answer 7

5 mph (10 km/h)

Question 8

What should firefighters never do during hose loading?

Answer 8

Ride on any part of a moving apparatus.

Question 9

What does NFPA® 1901 require regarding hose restraints?

Answer 9

Positive restraints for all hose to prevent unintentional deployment during normal operations.

Question 10

What safety procedure must be followed before moving an apparatus?

Answer 10

All personnel must be onboard and wearing seat belts, confirmed verbally.

Question 11

What is the weight difference between a full and empty 1,000-gallon tank?

Answer 11

8,000 lbs (4,000 kg)

Question 12

What percentage of collisions involved operators unaware of danger, according to SAE?

Answer 12

0.42

Question 13

What must driver/operators do during parked regeneration of the DPF?

Answer 13

Keep personnel away from the exhaust outlet and avoid connection to an exhaust extraction system.

Question 14

What happens if the DEF tank is empty?

Answer 14

Engine speed may be reduced to 5 mph and will require dealer service.

Question 15

What does the DPF indicator light mean?

Answer 15

The filter is loading with soot and may require regeneration.

Question 16

What should be done before starting the apparatus?

Answer 16

Ensure the battery is on, parking brake is set, and transmission is in neutral (manual).

Question 17

What does NFPA® 1500 say about loading hose while driving?

Answer 17

Requires training, at least one safety observer, traffic exclusion, and forward motion only.

Question 18

What is the purpose of auxiliary braking systems?

Answer 18

To reduce brake fade and lower maintenance costs.

Question 19

What are the four types of auxiliary braking systems?

Answer 19

Exhaust brake, engine compression brake, transmission output retarder, and electromagnetic retarder.

Question 20

What does ‘overthrottling’ mean?

Answer 20

Injecting more fuel into a diesel engine than can be burned, leading to inefficiency.

Question 21

What must be ensured before shutting down the engine?

Answer 21

Allow it to idle for 3–5 minutes to cool, especially after full-load operation.

Question 22

How much hose is pulled out each second when driving at 5 mph?

Answer 22

7 feet (2 meters)

Question 23

What is the total stopping distance composed of?

Answer 23

Reaction distance plus braking distance.

Question 24

What causes a locked wheel skid?

Answer 24

Braking too hard at high speeds and locking the wheels.

Question 25

What is the most likely place for a collision involving emergency vehicles?

Answer 25

Intersections

Question 26

What is the minimum visual lead time?

Answer 26

Time needed to safely stop or take evasive action at current speed.

Question 27

How should mirrors be adjusted?

Answer 27

At the start of each shift and whenever the driving responsibility changes.

Question 28

What should you do if sight of the spotter is lost while backing?

Answer 28

Stop the vehicle immediately.

Question 29

What is the definition of torque?

Answer 29

Force that produces or tends to produce a twisting or rotational action.

Question 30

What is the braking recommendation for descending steep grades?

Answer 30

Use service brakes, auxiliary brakes, and manual gear selection without exceeding engine rpm.

Question 31

What must be used to detect hydraulic leaks safely?

Answer 31

A piece of wood or cardboard—never bare hands.

Question 32

What should be done if a high-pressure hydraulic leak is suspected?

Answer 32

Shut down equipment and seek immediate medical help—this is a surgical emergency.

Question 33

When should DCDL (Driver Controlled Differential Lock) be disengaged?

Answer 33

When road conditions improve or during turning downhill.

Question 34

What is the risk of overtillering?

Answer 34

Loss of control due to overcorrection in trailer alignment.

Question 35

What training standard governs vehicle operations?

Answer 35

NFPA® 1451

Question 36

What are signs of a poorly maintained braking system?

Answer 36

Failure to stop, increased stopping distance, and potential collisions.

Question 37

What does ESC (Electronic Stability Control) do?

Answer 37

Applies brakes independently to steer the vehicle and reduce engine power when needed.

Question 38

What is the function of a tiller operator?

Answer 38

To steer the rear trailer for proper ladder placement and turning.

Question 39

What should you never do with a diesel engine before shutting it down?

Answer 39

Rev the engine—can damage internal components.

Question 40

What is a confined space turnaround?

Answer 40

A driving exercise testing the ability to turn an apparatus within a restricted area.

Question 41

What does the brake fade warning relate to?

Answer 41

Loss of braking function from overheated components.

Question 42

What is the best practice when passing civilian vehicles that fail to yield?

Answer 42

Avoid passing if possible; if necessary, do so on the left and only when safe.

Question 43

What is NFPA® 1500’s rule on seat belts?

Answer 43

All occupants must be seated and belted before vehicle motion, with limited exceptions.

Question 44

What causes an acceleration skid?

Answer 44

Applying throttle too quickly, causing drive wheels to lose traction.

Question 45

What are common driver impairments?

Answer 45

Fatigue, illness, prescription drugs, emotional stress, and substance use.

Question 46

What must the driver/operator ensure before shutting off engine?

Answer 46

No coolant is trapped, and oil is circulating to avoid heat damage.

Question 47

What information must a fire apparatus placard contain?

Answer 47

Vehicle height and weight per NFPA® 1901.

Question 48

What are typical nonemergency driving considerations?

Answer 48

Mirror adjustment, adverse weather, road hazards, and visual lead time.

Question 49

What can cause a poor vehicle design?

Answer 49

Exceeding GVW, retrofitting surplus chassis, and top-heavy modifications.

Question 50

What is the main hazard of improperly secured equipment?

Answer 50

Becoming a projectile during a crash, risking serious injury or death.