Positioning Aerial Apparatus December 2009 Drill of the Month Positioning Aerial Apparatus December 2009 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Student Performance Objective At the conclusion of this session, the aerial apparatus operator will be able to list the general considerations relating to aerial apparatus positioning, and the factors that influence the apparatus positioning decision, and the operator will demonstrate the proper positioning of the aerial apparatus for a given fireground scenario. Drill of the Month - 1 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Overview Introduction Safety considerations General considerations effecting aerial apparatus positioning Tactical considerations effecting aerial apparatus positioning Spotting considerations Staging Practical evolution Drill of the Month - 2 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Introduction Local standard operating procedures and guidelines. Generally there are no specific rules that hold true for all fireground situations. Ensure safe and functional use, consider: department standard operating procedures; weather conditions; road structures and conditions; obstructions; tactical operations to be performed; building designs; and fire conditions. Drill of the Month - 3 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Safety Considerations Safe apparatus driving, backing and positioning techniques. Attitude. Defensive driving. Driving in adverse weather conditions. Moving traffic while positioning. Personnel may be continuously obtaining equipment from the apparatus throughout the duration of the incident. Watch for falling debris. Avoid contact with energized electric power lines. Drill of the Month - 4 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

General Considerations Effecting Aerial Apparatus Positioning Position the apparatus in a position to minimize the required reach and operation of the aerial at low angles. Avoid uneven terrain when possible. Avoid positioning the apparatus where the aerial device will be required to operate beyond its structural and physical limitations. Drill of the Month - 5 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

General Considerations Effecting Aerial Apparatus Positioning Avoid positioning the apparatus where the aerial device will be exposed to high temperatures and direct flame contact. Avoid positioning where the aerial must operate perpendicular to the truck longitudinal axis. This is the weakest loading position. Try to place the aerial device turntable in direct line with the desired target. This minimizes reach and twisting of the aerial device. Drill of the Month - 6 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Tactical Considerations affecting apparatus positioning Rescue. Place the turntable near a building corner. If a rescue is area threatened by fire, position hoselines to protect the victims, crew and equipment. Consider wind conditions; Place the aerial ladder up-wind from the window area or roof area where a rescue situation is anticipated. When a rescue attempt is being made from a down-wind position, the operator may have difficulty seeing through smoke to affect the rescue. Drill of the Month - 7 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Tactical Considerations affecting apparatus positioning Positioning for access to upper floors. Building coverage and aerial-device reach should be maximized and up-wind whenever possible. Consider utilities on the aerial device. Such as, providing water for attack lines, lighting and electrical power. Aerial devices can be used as a means of escape for crews operating inside the fire building. Consider the fire location within the building and be prepared to position the apparatus and aerial for use by interior crews. Apply many of the same principals discussed with rescue operations. Drill of the Month - 8 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Tactical Considerations affecting apparatus positioning Proper apparatus position influences the effectiveness of ventilation operations. Consider equipment needed. Position close to the location where ventilation is to be performed. Consider roof collapse or the need to evacuate the roof. Watch youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm1WQbf8Xq0 Extend the ladder 6’ above the roof level. If the aerial is intended to be used to assist with horizontal ventilation, follow the rules for ground ladder use. Drill of the Month - 9 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Tactical Considerations affecting apparatus positioning Fire suppression (elevated master streams). Do not use if crews are inside in the building. Maximize reach into the building. Deflect the fire stream from the ceiling to extend the reach into the building. Use until the bulk of the involved fire is blackened. Continually monitor the building integrity for collapse scenarios. Drill of the Month - 10 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Spotting considerations Attitude of safety. Surface conditions. Avoid positioning the apparatus on soft soil. Use caution on loose gravel Weather conditions. Icy conditions may require rock salt, anti-skid material or sand In extreme cold weather conditions, consider de-icing fluids. Moderate to high winds can affect the stability. Drill of the Month - 11 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Spotting considerations Electrical hazards/Overhead obstructions. Electric power lines present a serious risk. Avoid coincidental contact with the apparatus and the ground. Trees and other overhead obstructions may effect operations. Angle and location of aerial device operation. Consider the manufacture and unique apparatus design. Stability is improved in line with the longitudinal axis of the aerial apparatus. Tractor-trailer apparatus should be positioned to increase stability by jackknifing. Drill of the Month - 12 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Spotting Considerations Stresses are induced when the ladder rungs are operated nonparallel to the ground. Ladder stresses can occur from one or a combination of the following: Excessive degree of angle; Supported versus unsupported positions; Length of aerial device extension; Personnel on the aerial device; Nozzle reaction; Weight on the aerial device; Heat exposure; and Ice on the ladder. Drill of the Month - 13 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Spotting Considerations Approaching from the uphill, the aerial device should be operated off the back of the truck. Approaching from the downhill side, the aerial should be operated over the cab of the truck. Avoid low operating angles for the aerial device. Drill of the Month - 14 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Spotting Considerations Fire building conditions. Extensive fire damage or buildings in poor condition, before the incidence of the fire, may be subject to collapse. Consider fire spread and exposures. Position the apparatus so as to avoid trapping the apparatus and crew. Consider falling debris when positioning the apparatus. Drill of the Month - 15 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Spotting Considerations A building collapse zone should be considered equal at least to the height of the building. Recognize the indicators that a building may be unstable. Bulging walls; Presence of stars or large bolts and washers on the exterior wall at the floor line; Large cracks in the exterior; Falling bricks, blocks or mortar, and Interior collapses. Drill of the Month - 16 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Staging Level I Staging. initial response and is used on every response. Follow local standard operating procedures. Level II Staging. Used on larger incidents. Located at a remote location, generally near the incident, where they can quickly arrive once called for. Drill of the Month - 17 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Practical Evolution Stage the apparatus away from buildings. Assign a crew; the operator shall be directed to proceed toward the building area. Enroute to the demonstration area, the operator will be given a fireground tactical scenario to position the apparatus for operation. Based on the given scenario, the operator shall position the aerial apparatus in the most reasonable or best location to accomplish the tactical objective assigned. When the operator has progressed through the basic scenarios, additional obstacles may be placed in the area to simulate parked vehicles, overhead wires and obstructions and varying fire conditions. Drill of the Month - 18 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Practical Evolution Evaluation Criteria Practical evaluation considerations; Turntable aligned with the target as closely as possible; Aerial reach and extension, practical for the scenario given; Apparatus on stable ground; and Apparatus positioned correctly for the given scenario. Drill of the Month - 19 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Student Performance Objective At the conclusion of this session, the aerial apparatus operator will be able to list the general considerations relating to aerial apparatus positioning, and the factors that influence the apparatus positioning decision, and the operator will be able to demonstrate the proper positioning of the aerial apparatus for a given fireground scenario Drill of the Month - 20 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

Review Introduction Safety considerations General considerations effecting aerial apparatus positioning Tactical considerations effecting aerial apparatus positioning Spotting considerations Staging Practical evolution Drill of the Month - 21 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute