NRCG
EQUIPMENT
INSPECTION
WORKSHOP
2010
INTRODUCTION
This Job Aid is provided to users as a guideline for the
Pre-award, Pre- use and incident inspection of equipment
listed in the Northern Rockies Supplement to the Interagency
Incident Business Management Handbook (PMS 902)
Equipment may be under Regional or National solicitations.
Inspections should be carried out to ensure that equipment
meets the standards that it was hired under. Northern
Rockies solicitations are listed under the Northern Rockies
Coordinating Group website:
www.fs.fed.us/r1/fire/nrcg/agree-contract/index.html
EERA equipment inspection forms are located at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/fire/nrcg/Committees/business_commi
ttee.htm
This Job Aid is not intended to replace training, nor can every
situation be covered.
Users will need to obtain specific direction from Contracting
Officer’s on questions or when procedures need clarification.
1
GENERAL SAFETY MESSAGE
Safety is our most important product, which also extends to
doing the best possible job in identifying any safety violations
with contract equipment. By doing a complete and effective
inspection we will eliminate much of the potential for
accidents, potential claims, and acquire a higher quality of
Contract Equipment.
FUNCTION
Check-In and Demob Center. Brief contractors on
inspection and re-inspection process.

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Clipboards

Pens

Table & Chairs

Tape Measure – 16 FT

Inspection Forms (OF 296)

Calculator
Federal Motor Carriers Safety Handbook

File Box

Chapter 20 Supplement or Solicitation

Tire Tread Depth Gauge
Steer Axle Tires Min. 4/32
Rear Tires Min. 2/32
Flashlight

2

Camera

Coveralls

Creeper
PUMP TEST ORIFICE SIZES

Engine Pump Test Tips:
While using a 1.5” Hoseline T with a pressure
gauge installed in the .5 “ outlet, the following
square cut holes will result in the following
pressures and flow rates
Type 3 –.716 = 150 GPM @ 250 PSI
Type 4, 5 & 6 –.520 = 50 GPM @ 100 PSI
Type 7 – 3/16” = 10 GPM @ 100 PSI
Skidgine or Pumper Cat – .441 = 30 GPM @ 70
PSI
NOTE!
While using a 1.5” test kit and the following
square cut holes, the following pressure readings
will result in the required pressures. The variance
in pressures is a result of static pressures being
overcome by the dynamic pressure which results
in lower pressures shown on the gauge.
Support Water Tender Test Tips:
Type 1 – 1.340 @ 45 PSI = 300 GPM @ 50 PSI
Type 2 & 3 – 1.235 @ 30PSI = 200 GPM @50 PSI
3
DETAIL
CONTRACTOR: Must be consistent with name used on the
Solicitation or the EERA.
PHONE NO: Telephone number that will be used for
dispatching equipment. If contractor has pager or cell phone,
list additional phone numbers under remarks.
ADDRESS: Address that will be used by the government and
cooperators as mailing address for payments.
ICS CLASSIFICATION: Equipment can not be signed up as a
different type. A Type 3 Engine can not be signed up as a
Type 6 Engine.
VIN NUMBER: Number stamped on vehicle, usually found on
the driver’s side of the dash. On larger trucks will be found on
driver’s side door jamb, or behind the seat or under the dash.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION: Assure vehicle meets
registration requirements. All equipment must have a current
license plate and registration that meets state requirements
MODIFIED EQUIPMENT: Modified equipment must have an
Aftermarket Equipment Certification at time of inspection and
before an agreement is issued.
TANK SIZE: Actual volume of tank. Tank volume can not
exceed maximum gallons.
4
VOLUME CALCULATIONS
RECTANGLE: When your measurements are in feet multiply
Length by Width by Height, then multiply by 7.5 = Gallons.
When your measurements are in inches multiply Length by
Width by Height, then divide by 231 = gallons.
CYLINDER: Multiply the Square of the Radius of the Base by
3.1416. Multiply by Length. Multiply by 7.5 = Gallons.
OVAL: Add Diameter of Widest Point of the Base to the
Diameter of the Narrowest Point of the Base. Divide by 2. This
will give you the Diameter. Divide Diameter by 2 to find
Radius. Continue as for Cylinder.
WATER WEIGHT: Weigh vehicle before filling. Subtract the
full weight from the empty weight divide by 8.33 = gallons.
DETAIL
BAFFLE BALLLS: Baffle balls should be fairly tight inside
the tank. They should not be able to move around freely. Ask
contractor to provide manufactures recommendation on the
number required for the size of tank being inspected.
5
DETAIL
MANUFACTURES GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT:
Manufactures GVWR plate can be found on the driver’s side
door post, driver’s door, or in the glove box. If missing or
illegible, contractor must provide a GVWR certificate from
manufacturer stating front, rear and total GVWR. Only GVWR
from manufacturer will be accepted.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: All engines, tenders, and water
trucks will be weighed fully loaded and fully equipped. No
fillers will be allowed in tanks. This also includes the vehicles
fuel tanks to be full.
Total weight will include the weight of a three person crew on
engines and a one person crew on tenders and water trucks.
If the crew is not present add 250 pounds per crew member
which includes gear.
If vehicle is equipped with foam capabilities, insure a full 5
gallon foam container is on the vehicle.
WEIGHT RATINGS FOR TIRES: figures are determined by
the tire manufacturer. Weight ratings are imprinted on the
side-wall.
Example: Maximum Load Single 138kg (3042 lbs) at
550KPa (80 P.S.I.) Cold. Maximum Load Dual 1260kg (2778
lbs) at 550KPa (80 P.S.I.)
Tires must be inflated at the proper pressure rating.
Multiply weight rating by the number of tires per axle to get the
amount of weight axle can carry. The vehicle can not carry
anymore per axle than the total weight rating of the tires.
6
CERTIFIED WEIGHT TICKET: If scales are not available at
incident inspection, certified scales may be used. If certified
weight ticket is used, government official can be present at
actual weighing to assure equipment is full of fuel, fully loaded
with water and fully equipped. Adjust certified weight ticket as
needed to include all weight.
WATER: Water weighs 8.33 lbs. per gallon. There is 231 in³
per gallon, 7.5 gallons per ft³, and 62.4 lbs. per ft³.
GATE VALVES: At 6’ of head, gravity feed, a 3” valve flows
588 gpm, and a 4” valve flows 945 gpm.
FUNCTION
Responsible for assuring all required accessories and
minimum inventory items are present and in working
condition.
DETAIL
ACCESSORIES: Check to make sure all accessories are
present and in useable condition.
GATED WYES: Check for washers. Make sure gates work.
NOZZLES: Check for washers. Make sure nozzles work.
.
HEADLAMPS: Turn on to make sure bulbs and batteries are
good.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER: Check charge. Make sure needle is
in the green area of the gauge. Verify current inspection by a
company certified to inspect fire extinguishers. Fire
extinguisher must be easily accessible and mounted.
7
CHAINSAW: Minimum 3.0 C.I. engine and a minimum 18
inch bar. (Only required on IBPA Engines)
RADIOS: Required
ENGINES: 2 programmable radios with batteries,
programming cables and software.
TENDERS: 1 programmable radio with batteries,
programming cable and software.
Authorized radios my be found at the Wildland Fire
Communications Site
http://radios.nifc.gov
WHEEL CHOCKS:
Type 5 & 6 Engines – Equipped with 2 wheel chocks
constructed with a height of 8” or more and a width of 6” or
more.
Type 3 & 4 Engines and ALL Tenders – Equipped with 2
wheel chocks constructed with a height of 8” or more and a
width of 7” or more.
Wheel chock must have a solid bottom or ribbing on the
bottom to prevent sinking in loose soil or mud.
Wheel chock must have the face beveled at a 30 to 40
degree angle.
Chock base must be 1.4 times the height or greater.
Or the manufacturer specifies the chocks meet SAE J-348,
NFPA 1901, or NFPA 1906 for the size of the vehicle.
8
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: At initial inspection
fire shelters must be present. At incident inspection all
personal protective equipment must be present and shirt,
trousers and boots must be worn by crew before leaving
incident staging area.
FIRE SHELTERS: Must be in good condition. Make sure they
are NFPA approved. (Shelter will be stamped.)
SUMMARY
All accessories and minimum inventory must be present at
incident inspection. Re-inspection will not be considered
unless it is to the Governments best interest and will be
dependent on the time the equipment is needed.
FUNCTION
INSPECTORS, to the best of their ability will insure that the
equipment and personnel meets the standards set forth in the
Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook
Chapter 20 or Northern Rockies Equipment Solicitation.
SAFETY: Make sure wheels are chocked and the operator is
aware you are under the vehicle. Always be aware of pinch
points on articulating equipment or hydraulic equipment,
safety glasses shall be worn while under vehicles.
DETAIL
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS VEHICLE AND OPERATOR:
Meets state requirements. Vehicles 10,001 lbs and greater
operator must have a current medical card. Operator does
not need a CDL unless vehicle has a GVWR greater than
26,001 lbs.
9
TIRES: Tread depth on front and rear tires must be a
minimum of 4/32 on the steering axles and 2/32 on the rear
axle.
Lug nut must have a full nut of threads if spacers are used
between tires.
Check for deep cuts or weather checking that could affect
performance.
Check tire clearance on fenders and frame when turning.
STEERING: If power steering, check with equipment running.
Check tie rods and drag link ends for tightness.
BRAKES: Check brakes for leaks at wheels, along frame and
under hood or dash.
Brakes must have firm pedal, engine needs to be running to
check power brakes.
Make sure no warning lights come on.
Manually test emergency brake.
There should be no unusual noises when equipment is
moving.
MISCELLANEOUS: Make sure windshield wipers work and
contact window.
Make sure windshield washers work.
Electrical wiring should be in good working order.
Mirrors should not be cracked or broken.
10
Windshield meets criteria for cracks and other damage. Note
any damage to windshield on inspection sheet.
Test seat belts to make sure they work.
Test Horn for Operation
Test Back-up Alarm (Passenger cars, support vehicles
excluded). Ensure backup lights are working.
DETAIL
ENGINE: Engine should run smooth, no cylinder miss. Should
not flood and die when idling.
Exhaust system sound, hangers in place, no leaks.
POWER TRAIN: Check for lubricant and coolant leaks.
ACCEPTABLE LEAKS:
Seep: a wet area on any seal should have slight dust
collected on fluid.
Leak: a wet area with fluid that is running down the housing
but not pooling under the vehicle.
NOT ACCEPTABLE:
Pooling: is a leak that is dripping more than a few drops of
fluid during the inspection period leaving a pool on the
ground.
SUSPENSION: Check front and rear axle for broken springs
or loose bushings.
Check for broken shocks or worn out bushings.
11
Check for cracks in any housing’s.
Make sure springs are not over extended when equipment is
fully loaded.
FRAME: Inspect frame, outside and inside. Make sure there
are no cracks around rivets or cross members. Make sure
cross members are in correct position.
BODY: Doors should open and shut properly.
Check hood, fenders and bumpers to make sure they are
securely attached to vehicle.
Note any body damage on inspection sheet.
BED: Bed must be securely attached to frame. Clearance
between bed and rear tires must be sufficient to clear when
vehicle is fully loaded and off improved roads.
Check bed frame for cracks or breaks.
All appliances, pumps, plumbing, water tank and boxes must
be securely attached.
PUMP: The pump may be an auxiliary powered pump or a
PTO pump.
If the pump is of the gear type, a bypass or pressure relief
valve shall be provided.
Ensure all pump motors including secondary pumps have the
proper muffler and spark arresters.
12
TEST for GPM RATING:
Contractor will connect a short hose approximately 10ft in
length to an overboard discharge valve. The Inspector then
will attach the appropriate tip to the end of the hose. The use
of 1”, 1½” and 2½” discharge caps with the proper size holes
drilled in them are acceptable. Contractor will engage pump
and run up to maximum pressure. If pressure exceed
appropriate tip size, pump then passes inspection, if it does
not, then it fails.
To pass inspection, pump must be able to achieve the
required pressure at the nozzle with the noted tip size.
Example: A Type 4,5,& 6 Engine must be able to achieve 100
PSI at the nozzle while discharging 50 GPM. This is done
with a .520 In. opening.
SAFETY
It might be necessary to use two people on the end of the
hose while pump testing Engines and Water Tenders with the
higher PSI’s.
13
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ENGINES
TYPE
PUMP CAP.
GPM
PSI
TANK CAP.
MIN. GAL.
MAX. GAL.
HOSE REEL
1” HOSE
¾” INSIDE
DIA.
1½” HOSE
1” HOSE
¾” HOSE
PERSONNEL
PUMP & ROLL
FOAM
SYSTEM
MAXIMUM
GVWR
PERSONNEL
REQ.
3
4
5
6
7
150
250
50
100
50
100
50
100
10
100
500
1500
750
1500
400
749
150
399
50
200
100
FT
100
FT
1000
FT
500
FT
300
FT
3
Yes
Yes
3
300
FT
300
FT
300
FT
3
Yes
Yes
3
14
100
FT
100
FT
300
FT
300
FT
300
FT
3
Yes
Yes
300
FT
300
FT
300
FT
3
Yes
Yes
26,000
19,500
3
3
200
FT
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SUPPORT WATER
TENDERS
TYPE
PUMP CAPACITY
1
2
3
GPM
PSI
300 @
50
200 @
50
200 @
50
MIN. GAL.
MAX. GAL.
MAX. REFILL TIME
(MINUTES)
SPRAY BAR
DRATING CAP. MAY USE
PORTABLE PUMP THAT
MEETS MIN. STDS.
1½” HOSE
2½” HOSE
PERSONNEL
4000
NONE
2500
3999
1000
2499
30
YES
20
YES
15
YES
YES
YES
YES
100 FT
50 FT
1
100 FT
50 FT
1
100 FT
50 FT
1
TANK CAPACITY
15
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR TACTICAL WATER
TENDERS
TYPE
PUMP CAPACITY
GPM @ PSI
TANK CAPACITY
MIN. GAL.
MAX. GAL.
SPRAY BAR OR
EQUIVALENT
PUMP & ROLL
FOAM SYSTEM
DRAFTING CAP. MAY
USE PORTABLE PUMP
THAT MEETS MIN.
STDS.
HOSE REEL
1” HOSE
¾” INSIDE DIA.
1½” HOSE
2½” HOSE
PERSONNEL MIN.
1
2
250 @ 150
250 @ 150
2000
NONE
1000
1999
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
100 FT
100 FT
200 FT
50 FT
2
200 FT
50 FT
2
16
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SKIDGINES, PUMPER CATS
AND SOFTTRACKS
SKIDGINES
TYPE
TANK CAPACITY
MIN. GALLONS
MAX. GALLONS
FLYWHEEL H.P.
RANGE
PUMP CAPACITY *
GPM @ PSI
HOSE REEL
1” HOSE
¾” INSIDE DIA.
1½” HOSE
1” LINEN HOSE
DISCHARGE
OUTLET
PUMP & ROLL
FOAM SYSTEM
WINCH OR
GRAPPLE
PERSONNEL
1
2
3
4
1200
NONE
176+
400
799
100+
400
399
69-99
50 @
100
800
1199
75175
50 @
100
30 @
70
30 @
70
150FT
150FT
150FT
150FT
300FT
300FT
300FT
300FT
200FT
200FT
1½”NH
YES
OPT.
NOT
REQ.
1
1½”NH
YES
OPT.
NOT
REQ
1
1”NPSH
YES
OPT.
OPT.
1”NPSH
YES
OPT.
OPT.
1
1
17
PUMPER CATS
TYPE
TANK CAPACITY
MIN. GALLONS
MAX. GALLONS
FLYWHEEL HP RANGE
PUMP CAPACITY
GPM @ PSI
HOSE REEL
1” HOSE
¾” INSIDE DIA.
1” LINEN HOSE
DISCHARGE OUTLET
PUMP & ROLL
FOAM SYSTEM
WINCH OR GRAPPLE
PERSONNEL
1
2
3
500
NONE
200
325
499
100-199
200
324
60-99
30 @ 70
30 @ 70
30 @ 70
150 FT
150 FT
150 FT
200FT
1”NPSH
YES
OPT.
OPT.
1
200FT
1”NPSH
YES
OPT.
OPT.
1
200FT
1”NPSH
YES
OPT.
OPT.
1
18
SOFT TRACKS
TYPE
TANK CAPACITY
MIN. GALLONS
MAX. GALLONS
FLYWHEEL HORSEPOWER
RANGE
PUMP CAPACITY *
GPM @ PSI
HOSE REEL
1” HOSE
¾” INSIDE DIA.
1” LINEN HOSE
DISCHARGE OUTLET
PUMP & ROLL
FOAM SYSTEM
WINCH OR GRAPPLE
PERSONNEL
1
600
NONE
170 +
30 @ 70
150 FT
200 FT
1”NPSH
YES
OPT.
OPT.
1
* All pumps shall have pressure gauges that meet the
minimum pump pressure rating.
* No fiberglass or plastic tanks will be accepted on skidgines,
superskidgines, pumper cats, or soft tracks unless
surrounded by steel to prevent puncture damage. All tanks
must be certified and baffled in compliance with NFPA 1906
Standards.
* Operator for skidgines, superskidgines, pumper cats, and
soft tracks must be accompanied at all times by agency
personnel qualified at or above the Firefighter I level while on
the fireline.
PUMP TESTING STANDARDS FOR ENGINES
19
TYPE
TIP SIZE
PSI @ NOZZLE
GPM
3
.716
250
150
4
.520
100
50
5
.520
100
50
6
.520
100
50
7
3/16
100
10
PUMP TESTING STANDARDS FOR SUPPORT WATER
TENDERS
TYPE
TIP SIZE
PSI @ NOZZLE
GPM
1
1.513
50
300
2
1.235
50
200
3
1.235
50
200
PUMP TESTING STANDARDS FOR SKIDGINES
TYPE
TIP SIZE
PSI @ NOZZLE
GPM
1
.520
100
50
2
.520
100
50
3
.441
70
30
4
.441
70
30
PUMP TESTING STANDARDS FOR PUMPER CATS
TYPE
TIP SIZE
PSI @ NOZZLE
GPM
1
.441
70
30
2
.441
70
30
3
.441
70
30
PUMP TESTING STANDARDS FOR SOFTTRACKS
TYPE
TIP SIZE
PSI @ NOZZLE
GPM
1
.441
70
30
20
NRCG
EQUIPMENT
INSPECTION
WORKSHOP
2010
JOB AID
21