Preventive Maintenance Vehicle Inspection Program

TRAINING BULLETIN Preventive Maintenance Vehicle Inspection Program

TOPIC:

EFFECTIVE DATE: CROSS REF:

05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

INTRODUCTION It is extremely important that all District equipment function properly at all times. It is the responsibility of everyone within this agency to ensure all equipment performs well when needed. The apparatus engineer is primarily responsible for ensuring that the District vehicles perform effectively. To accomplish this goal, the District implements a preventive maintenance inspection program. Check sheets have been designed to assist the inspector accomplish this task. These check sheets are not designed to include each and every item that is necessary to inspect, but to act as a guide to ensure the inspector checks the most important items.

INFORMATION Following is a brief description of the items that appear on the check sheets and a brief description of the minimum standard or items that the vehicle inspector should be checking. Any deficiencies noted should be taken care of immediately, if possible. Any repairs completed should be noted in the District’s computer program. Any deficiencies noted, that are unable to be immediately repaired and do not pose an immediate problem, should be reported through the computer system and forwarded to the District’s mechanics. Any deficiency that takes the unit out of service must be reported to the duty Battalion Chief immediately.

DAILY INSPECTION 1. FUEL TANK:

Ensure all fuel tanks are full. This includes the vehicle as well as all power equipment that requires fuel. 3/4 full is the minimum allowable.

2. ENGINE OIL:

Engine oil level should be kept at full at all times. This includes all equipment carried on the engine company that requires oil.

3. RADIATOR LEVEL:

Check the coolant level; check for oil that may be floating on the surface. Maintain proper concentrate.

AUTHOR: REVIEWED: APPROVED: ORIGIN DATE:

Page 1 of 8 Craig Bowen, Fire Chief Craig Bowen, Fire Chief 11/00

REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

4. TANK WATER LEVEL: Water tanks are to be kept full at all times. 5. BUMP TIRES:

With spanner or mallet strike each tire listening for tone. Any change in tone could denote a tire pressure problem, and the tire must be checked with a pressure gauge. The minimum standard tread depth is 1/32 of an inch; anything less is illegal.

6. VISUAL CHECK ALL EQUIPMENT:

Note that engine company inventory is complete and equipment is in the proper location.

7. VALVE POSITION:

Confirm that all pump valves are in proper pre-operation position. This eliminates the problem of adjusting valves during actual fire operation.

8. WIPE DOWN/WASH:

The apparatus and equipment must be clean. Apparatus should be cleaned daily, and all equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after operating.

TOUR INSPECTION The items listed below are to be inspected and/or completed on the first shift back from four days off. 1. ALL HOSES:

Check radiator, heater, hydraulic hoses and by-pass hoses for leakage, swelling, cracks, kinks, soft or spongy hose walls. If hose is found to be defective, it is to be replaced immediately.

2. ALL BELTS:

Belts are to be inspected for cracks, delamination, concave belt surface, glazed sides and proper tension. If any belt is found to be defective, it is to be replaced immediately.

3. ALL INSTRUMENTS:

Check that all gauges and other instruments are functioning properly.

4. POWER STEERING:

Check the power steering reservoir for proper level of fluid, the condition of the fluid, i.e. burnt smell, color. Check system, including hoses, for any leaks. Check reservoir fluid level in accordance with standard procedure, i.e. normal operating temperature.



REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

5. BRAKE FLUID/ AIR BRAKE CHECK:

Check fluid level; check for noticeable leakage around master cylinder, cylinders or backing plates. Maintain fluid at required level. Perform air brake check in accordance with District procedures. Failure to meet the standards of the air brake check shall be reported immediately to the Battalion Chief.

6. TIRE PRESSURE:

Tire pressures are to be maintained at + or - 5% of posted pressure on sidewall of tire. Pressures on duals should not exceed 5% differential between tires.

7. MIRRORS:

Check that mounting brackets are secure and have proper tension to allow for adjustment, but unit will not vibrate out of alignment during operation of vehicle. Mirror does not have any cracks or scratches that may interfere with vision.

8. ALL LIGHTS, HORN, SIREN:

All lights function properly, no cracks, High & Low beams operate on headlights. Operate horn and siren to check function.

9. RUN PUMPS:

Operate all pumps, checking for proper pressures; by-pass valve (Tank Filler) should be opened to allow water to circulate. Do not overheat pumps.

10. PUMP RELIEF VALVE:

Check for proper operation. Run valve in to its limit, out to its limit, and reset pressure.

11. TRANSFER VALVE:

Check for proper operation.

12. RUN AUX. GENERATOR:

Allow unit to operate under a load. (Plug in a Circle "D" light) Operate unit until normal operating temperature is achieved.

13. CHECK OIL LEVELS GENERATOR, AUX. PUMP MOTOR, ETC.:

Check oil reservoir levels in all areas: Engine, aux. generator, pump motor, transmission, primer reservoir, etc.

14. DRIVER INITIALS:

By initialing you are certifying you have completed all of the above.

15. ROAD TEST:

Indicates vehicle has been tested under normal operating conditions and found to perform up to standard.



REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


16. RESERVE EQUIPMENT:

05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

Operate unit until normal operating temperature is reached. Observe all operating conditions of vehicle, braking, steering, acceleration, etc. Check all or any of the above that may require normal operating temperature prior to checking.

Oil levels that require the removal of a plug (no dipstick) are to be inspected only on a Monthly Inspection.

MONTHLY APPARATUS INSPECTION 1. TIRE CONDITIONWEAR:

Tires are to be inspected for defects and wear. Condition of sidewall and tread is to be observed. Any condition that may affect the performance of the tire should be reported. Minimum tread depth is 1/32". Any tire that is close to or exceeds minimum tread depth is to be reported for replacement.

2. TIRE PRESSURES:

Tire pressures are listed on the sidewall of each tire. Standard pressures are not to exceed + or - 5% of listed psi. Pressure in duals is not to exceed 5% differential between tires.

3. MIRRORS:

Mirrors are to be inspected for cracks, scratches or other defects that will adversely affect the use of those devices. Mounting brackets secure.

4. UPHOLSTERY CONDITION:

Upholstery is to be checked for tears, rips or areas that have become brittle.

5. EXHAUST SYSTEM:

Check entire system for leaks. Check condition of muffler and pipe for rust or deterioration.

6. UNDERCARRIAGE/ HANGING WIRES:

Check entire undercarriage for any electrical wires that may have come loose or disconnected.

7. LOOSE NUTS/ BOLTS:

Check entire unit for any loose bolts or nuts.



REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

8. INSPECT FOR OIL LEAKS:

Check undercarriage for indications of any oil leaks, i.e. fresh oil dripping, trails of oil along undercarriage. Check for source and repair.

9. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES:

Check condition of wiper blades. Replace if needed.

10. MASTER CYLINDER LEVEL/LEAKS:

Check brake master cylinder for fluid level and leaks. Report any deficiencies immediately.

11. BLEED AIR TANKS:

Bleed moisture from air tanks and perform brake operation test as per District procedures.

12. BATTERY HYDRO:

Perform hydrometer test to help determine condition of batteries.

13. BATTERY CABLES/ CLEAN BOX:

Clean battery cables, connections and box to eliminate the possible corrosion of the connectors and possible electrical failure.

14. RADIATOR HOSES/ HEATER HOSES:

Inspect radiator hoses and heater hoses for leaks and cracks. Any hose that you suspect may pose a problem should be reported for replacement.

15. RADIATOR COOLANT:

Check radiator coolant level and quality. If you suspect that quality of coolant has been diluted by the addition of too much water, you should submit a repair request order for coolant.

16. AIR CONDITIONER BELTS:

Check belts for proper tension and condition. Check for cracks, delamination, con-cave surface and glazed sides. If belt is found to be defective, it is to be replaced immediately.

17. POWER STEERING BELTS:

As with the air conditioner belts, power steering belts are to be inspected for the same possible problems.

18. ALTERNATOR BELTS:

Check to ensure belts do not exhibit any of the above problems. If belt is found to be defective, replace immediately.

19. POWER STEERING HOSES/LEAKS:

Check power steering hoses for obvious leaks, chaffing or other areas that may cause problems.



REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

20. AIR FILTERS:

Inspect all air filters to ensure proper cleanliness. Replace if necessary. Oil bath filters should be changed.

21. ALL GLASS:

Inspect all glass for cracks, scratches or other defects that could cause problems.

22. RUNNING LIGHTS:

Make sure all running lights function properly.

23. HORN/SIREN/ BACK-UP WARNING DEVICE:

Check all safety warning devices for proper operation. Any warning device that fails to operate properly should be reported immediately to the station Captain.

24. INSTRUMENTS:

Check that all gauges and other instruments are functioning properly.

25. LADDERS:

All ladders are in good working condition and do not pose a safety problem to those using them.

26. EXTINGUISHERS:

Check all extinguishers for proper tags, weight. Dry powder extinguishers should be removed from unit and turned upside down to loosen the powder and prevent it from becoming packed too tightly to operate properly.

27. FITTINGS:

Check all fittings against inventory to ensure all are accounted for and operate properly.

28. NOZZLES:

Check all nozzles for proper operation.

29. LUBRICATE ALL NOZZLES/FITTINGS:

Lubricate all nozzles and fittings to ensure proper, smooth operation.

30. AUX. GEN. OPERATION:

Operate unit under a load. Plug in a Circle D Light. Run unit until normal operating temperature is obtained.

31. AUXILIARY LIGHTS:

Check all auxiliary lights to ensure proper operation.

32. POWER SAWS:

Run all power saws to check for proper operation. Check chain tension on chain saws; check all safety features for proper operation.



REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

33. INVENTORY SHORTAGE:

Any equipment listed on the inventory that is not accounted for must be reported to the Battalion Chief.

34. PUMP OIL LEVEL:

Check all pump levels. Oil reservoirs are to be kept at the full mark at all times.

35. PRIMER OIL LEVEL:

Primer oil reservoirs are to be kept at the full mark at all times.

36. OPERATE BALL VALVES AND LUBRICATE:

All ball valves are to be operated and lubricated with silicone spray.

37. OPERATE RELIEF VALVE:

As with the tour inspection, the pump should be engaged and the relief valve operated to ensure proper operation.

38. OPERATE TRANSFER VALVE:

For those units so equipped, operate transfer valve to check for proper operation.

39. OPERATE AND LUBE TANK SUCTION VALVE:

Check the valve functions smoothly and properly. Does valve open and close completely? Check the screen of the suction in-take to ensure it is clear of debris.

40. ALL DRAIN VALVES: Check that all drain valves operate properly; lubricate, if necessary. 41. TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL:

Check that transmission fluid level is at full and that fluid is not discolored or burned. Proper procedure requires transmission to be at normal operating temperature for true indication of fluid level.

42. POWER STEERING OIL LEVEL:

Check that fluid reservoir is full and fluid is in good condition. As with the transmission, the power steering fluid should be at normal operating temperature to give a good indication of proper level.

43. OPERATE PRIMER:

Activate primer pump to check for proper operation. Unit should pull a vacuum on the compound, if operating properly.

44. AUX. TOOLS AND APPLIANCES:

Check any and all other auxiliary tools or appliances not otherwise listed.

45. BRAKE LIGHTS:

Check that brake lights function properly.



REVISED DATE:

05/06


TOPIC:


05/06

DOC NO:

TB063

46. EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHTS:

Check all for proper operation.

47. DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS:

Check all for proper operation. If any are malfunctioning, check bulbs, fuses, circuit breakers. All repairs that cannot be made must be reported to the Battalion Chief.

48. ROAD RUN:

Road run the unit until normal operating temperature is reached. Check operating conditions as outlined in tour inspection specs. Gasoline units are not to be allowed to sit at idle for long periods of time.

COMMENTS: THIS AREA IS PROVIDED FOR THE INDIVIDUAL COMPLETING THE INSPECTION TO RECORD ANY AREAS OF CONCERN THAT, IN HIS JUDGEMENT, DO NOT REQUIRE A "REQUEST FOR REPAIR REPORT".



REVISED DATE:

05/06