1. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator — Lesson 1 Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2 nd Edition Chapter 1 — The Driver/Operator

2. Learning Objectives 1.List responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator. 2.List the NFPA standards that set qualifications for fire apparatus driver/operators. 3.List the skills and physical abilities needed by the fire apparatus driver/operator. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–11–1 (Continued)

3. Learning Objectives 4.Answer questions about the selection of fire apparatus driver/operators. 5.Select facts about driving regulations and licensing requirements for driver/operators. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–21–2

4. Responsibilities Safely transporting firefighters, apparatus, and equipment Vehicle maintenance Vehicle safety checks Operating the apparatus properly, swiftly, and safely Ensuring readiness of apparatus and equipment Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–31–3

5. Training Requirements NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (for Fire Fighter I) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–41–4

6. Needed Skills and Physical Abilities Reading skills, used for: – Reading maps – Reviewing manufacturer’s operating instructions – Studying prefire plans – Reviewing printed computer dispatch instructions – Reading and working on a mobile data terminal (MDT) Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–51–5 (Continued)

7. Needed Skills and Physical Abilities Writing skills, used for: – Completing maintenance reports – Completing equipment repair requests – Completing incident reports Mathematical skills, used for: – Hydraulic calculations – Equations such as those used in friction loss problems Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–61–6 (Continued)

8. Needed Skills and Physical Abilities Physical fitness, including: – Connnecting to a hydrant with an intake hose – Stretching a supply line to a hydrant by hand – Deploying a portable water tank Vision requirements, required by NFPA 1582 Hearing requirements, required by NFPA 1582 Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–71–7

9. Selection of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operators Driver/Operators are most often promoted from the rank of firefighter. All fire departments must have an established and thorough training program for prospective fire apparatus driver/operators. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–81–8

10. Driving Regulations Driver/Operators are regulated by: – State or provincial laws – City ordinances – Departmental SOPs – All statutes, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle operator Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–91–9 (Continued)

11. Driving Regulations Some states or provinces may exempt emergency vehicles from certain laws or statutes. Driver/Operators must obey all traffic signals and rules in nonemergency driving, including when returning to quarters from an alarm. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–10

12. Licensing Requirements United States — Established by federal DOT Canada — Established by TC Special requirements for licensing drivers of trucks and other large vehicles are determined by each individual state or province. Most Canadian provinces require drivers to obtain an air brake endorsement to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–11

13. Summary The position of driver/operator is one that demands certain mental and physical aptitudes or skills and abilities. Driver/Operator candidates must possess the required licenses or be able to obtain them within their probationary period. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator1–12