P-604 Safe Operation of Vehicles

Issued By: Roy Hollett, Deputy Chief
Approved By: Ken Stuebing, Fire Chief
Date of Issue: 1997/04/14
Revision Date: 2018/05/04

PURPOSE: 
To define the safety behaviors required for all members of HRFE, whether they are a passenger, driver or supervisor of a HRFE vehicle during routine use or emergency response. 

OBJECTIVE:
To ensure the Safety of our members and to prevent accidents, injuries and property losses associated with the operation of HRFE vehicles. 

SCOPE:
This policy applies to all members of HRFE.

POLICY:

All passengers, drivers and supervisors of fire apparatus shall do everything reasonable within their control to ensure safety.

Drivers must operate the vehicle in careful and prudent manner at all times.   

When a driver is under the direct supervision of an officer, that officer is responsible to monitor and coach the safe and prudent operation of the vehicle.  Officers shall direct the activities of the driver as required to ensure safety.


TRAINING & CERTIFICATION OF DRIVERS:
•    Drivers shall possess the appropriate class of license and required endorsements (i.e. airbrake endorsement) for the vehicle they will operate.
•    Drivers shall complete driver training provided by the Training Division before operating any Class 3 apparatus.

DETAILED VEHICLE INSPECTIONS:
•    Drivers and supervisors shall ensure that detailed vehicle inspections are conducted in accordance with P-501 “Detailed Vehicle Inspection”.
•    Drivers shall not drive any vehicle with any mechanical deficiency that is likely to impair safety.

CIRCLE CHECKS:
•    Before any vehicle is moved, the driver shall inspect all sides of the vehicle and ensure there are no obstacles or conditions that could interfere with safe movement of the vehicle.
•    The supervisor and passengers may assist the driver with the circle check.  Responsibility for the check shall remain with the driver and the supervisor.

SEATBELTS:
•    The driver shall not move the vehicle until all personnel are seated with seat belts fastened.
•    All personnel shall wear their seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion.

WHEEL CHOCKS:
•    The driver shall ensure that wheel chocks are in place anytime a Class 3 fire apparatus is parked outside, or inside when inspecting the underside of the vehicle or conducting brake checks.

BACKING OF FIRE APPARATUS:
•    Prior to backing up, all passengers shall dismount and act as spotters to assist the driver in backing.  Officers are responsible to ensure that this occurs.  
•    The driver shall illuminate all warning lights before backing unless doing so impairs their vision.
•    Spotters shall use hand signals to assist the driver.
•    If the driver loses sight of a spotter, they shall immediately STOP the apparatus.
•    If no spotter is available, the driver shall dismount and ensure that the planned path of the apparatus is clear of any obstructions.

RELATED POLICIES & OPERATING GUIDELINES:

P-304 Assessment of Vehicle Operation
P-501 Detailed Vehicle Inspection
P-603 Emergency Operation of Vehicles

POLICY REVIEW:

This policy shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the required behaviours for the safe operation of HRFE vehicle.