Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Category: HEALTH & SAFETY
Approved__________
Replaces: N/A
Revised February 26, 2008
REFERENCE
WAC 296-305-02005 • WAC 296-305-04503 • WAC 296-305-04505 • WAC 296-305-04507 • WAC 296305-04509 • WAC 296-305-04511 • WAC 296-305-06001 • WAC 296-305-06005 • RCW 46.37.184 •
RCW 46.61.035 • RCW 46.61.400
SCOPE
All driver operators in South Kitsap Fire and Rescue.
PURPOSE
The operation of fire apparatus creates a high level of risk to both the members and citizens of South
Kitsap Fire and Rescue. All South Kitsap Fire and Rescue driver operators must work within the scope
of both the State and local laws and the standards set by South Kitsap Fire and Rescue. The purpose
of this policy is intended to bring the majority of the rules that govern the operation of fire apparatus
to the member. South Kitsap Fire and Rescue’s emphasis is that the safe arrival of the apparatus at
the scene of the emergency is the first priority.
STANDARD DEFINITIONS
Emergency Vehicle – Any vehicle legally authorized to operate in the emergency mode. The vehicle
is an emergency vehicle whether or not it is operating in the emergency mode.
Emergency Mode – When an authorized emergency vehicle, operating with the emergency warning
devices (lights and sirens when needed) activated, is on a mission involving a (possible) lifethreatening situation.
A True Emergency – A situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an
individual or significant property loss, and actions by an emergency vehicle driver may reduce the
seriousness of the situation.
Non-Priority Response – The response mode used for incidents which do not qualify as a true
emergency and/or for vehicles restricted from being operated in the emergency mode. Vehicles will be
operated without the use of audible or visual warning devices. Drivers shall comply with all the normal
state motor vehicle laws applicable to civilian traffic.
Priority Response – The response mode used for incidents that do qualify as a true emergency.
Vehicles will be operated in the emergency mode.
Private Bridge – Is a structure spanning and providing passage over an obstacle which is on private
property and/or which is maintained with private funds.
POLICY
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue (The District) shall ensure that all operators of emergency vehicles are
adequately trained in the operations of apparatus before they can be assigned as qualified drivers of
such apparatus. Once qualified, the competency of each operator shall be maintained by means of
continued in-service training.
The District shall conduct operational inspections for all apparatus on a routine basis. Inspections are
specifically for the purpose of ensuring the operational readiness of District apparatus. Apparatus will
be inspected in accordance with District policy.
Apparatus responding to alarms shall meet the specifications in RCW 46.61.035, relating to operations
of authorized emergency vehicles.
All personnel riding on District apparatus shall be seated and secured to the vehicle with seat belts any
time the apparatus is in motion. Standing while riding shall be specifically prohibited. Riding on
tailsteps or in any other exposed position such as sidesteps, running boards, or hose beds, shall be
specifically prohibited.
When the vehicle is in motion, personnel providing emergency medical care shall be restrained to the
extent consistent with the effective provision of such care. All other persons shall be seated and
secured to the vehicle with seatbelts.
Where provided, personnel while riding on apparatus shall wear hearing protection. Where provided,
apparatus operators shall wear hearing protection during pumping operations,
All personnel shall be entered into the Passport Accountability system when assigned to an apparatus.
Entering the system requires each individual to don their apparatus helmet shield and to ensure that
their nametags have been placed on both the primary and back-up passports.
PROCEDURE
Responsibilities
The District’s Training Chief shall be responsible for ensuring that all applicable personnel have been
properly trained to operate District apparatus prior to being assigned to the driver’s position. The
Training Chief shall maintain an in-service training program for the purpose of maintaining competent
skills.
The District’s Operations Chief shall be responsible for ensuring that all apparatus and equipment is
operated in accordance with the policies and standard operating procedures adopted by the District
and the minimum safety requirements established by WAC 296-305.
Shift supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that operational inspections are appropriately
completed for their assigned apparatus. Supervisors shall ensure that the personnel conducting the
inspections are adequately trained and qualified to do so.
Personnel assuming the role of company officer become the driver’s immediate supervisor and shall be
responsible for ensuring that the driver operates the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner at all times.
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 2 of 8
Drivers must constantly monitor and minimize the amount of risk and exposure to potential losses
during each and every response. Safe arrival at the emergency scene shall be, and must always
remain, the first priority of all emergency vehicle drivers. All emergency vehicle drivers shall be
responsible for becoming familiar with and constantly abiding by District policies and standard
guidelines for emergency vehicle operations.
Qualified drivers shall familiarize themselves with any apparatus prior to operating such apparatus.
This includes newly assigned apparatus as well as apparatus that the driver may be regularly assigned
to, but has not operated for a period of time, even if for only brief periods of time.
Drivers of District apparatus shall drive and operate assigned vehicles in a safe and responsible manner
at all times.
District personnel shall be responsible for ensuring that they operate on or around all apparatus and
equipment in accordance with the policies and standard operating procedures adopted by the District,
as well as the minimum safety requirements established by WAC 296-305.
Standard Guidelines
Any item found to be in need of repair shall be immediately corrected or reported to the appropriate
supervisor. District personnel must be certain to only take on repairs that are within their scope of
authority. No unauthorized repairs shall be made.
If at any time District apparatus is found to be in an unsafe condition, it shall be immediately reported
to the appropriate supervisor. If, in the supervisor’s determination, the apparatus cannot be used in a
safe manner, it shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to a safe operating condition.
Following any repair and maintenance, apparatus and equipment shall be thoroughly inspected and
tested prior to being placed in-service to ensure reliability and operational readiness.
Circle (Sphere)-of-Safety
Prior to starting the vehicle, the driver shall ensure that a circle (sphere)-of-safety is completed. A
circle (sphere)-of-safety is defined as a walk-around inspection of the vehicle that ensures all
equipment is secured, all compartment doors securely closed, and any physical obstructions moved
clear of the vehicle. Crewmembers may assist the driver by completing a designated portion of the
circle-of-safety, but the driver is ultimately responsible for the circle-of-safety. During the circle
(sphere)-of-safety, designated personnel shall completely encircle the vehicle to visually inspect all four
sides and the top and underside of the vehicle before entering the cab. Ensure that bay doors are
completely opened. This shall be conducted prior to moving the vehicle regardless of whether the
vehicle is about to leave on an emergency or a non-emergency.
Ordinary Travel Procedures
All drivers shall obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices when driving any fire department vehicle
under ordinary travel conditions. Any driver observed breaking any traffic laws or driving any vehicle in
an aggressive manner will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension of driving privileges.
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 3 of 8
Priority Response
Only when responding priority to a true emergency may an emergency vehicle driver exercise the legal
exemptions granted to emergency vehicles. These exemptions may only be claimed when the driver
makes use of visual signals (emergency warning lights). Audible signals (sirens) shall also be used
when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation. Sirens shall be used when
negotiating through intersections or areas of heavy congestion, when overtaking traffic, and so on.
Drivers should use sirens with discretion when traveling through residential areas, during late night
response, etc. Drivers should avoid use of sirens when approaching persons riding or driving animals.
The driver must slow and pass with extreme care.
All emergency vehicle drivers must understand that warning devices only request the right-of-way;
they do not ensure the right-of-way.
Bridge Safety
A driver shall ensure it is safe to proceed over a private bridge with respect to the posted emergency
vehicle weight and the bridges posted approved weight limit sign. Drivers may not cross or proceed
onto a private bridge that is not clearly marked and in their judgment, may not be safe to its apparatus
or personnel.
Vehicle Control and Right-of-Way
All drivers shall maintain control of their vehicle in such a manner as to provide the maximum level of
safety for both their passengers and the general public. Emergency vehicle drivers should be aware
that civilian vehicle operators might react in a manner which is unexpected or felt to be inappropriate.
An attempt should be made to have options available when passing or overtaking vehicles. If another
vehicle operator fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver
cannot force the right-of-way, nor can he/she assume the right-of-way; therefore, drivers shall not
assume they have been granted the right-of-way until the other vehicle yields.
Response Speeds
Drivers shall operate their vehicle within the posted speed limit whenever possible. When responding
to a true emergency, with conditions permitting, drivers may exceed the posted speed limit so long as
they do not endanger life or property. No driver shall drive at speeds greater than is reasonable and
prudent under the conditions. Drivers shall constantly maintain a due regard for actual and/or
potential driving hazards. Examples of conditions requiring slower response speeds include, but are
not limited to:
Slippery and rough road conditions
Heavy or congested traffic conditions
Inclement weather
Sharp curves and blind corners
Poor visibility, nighttime response
School and construction zones
When pedestrians are present
Residential areas
District operated water tenders and ladder trucks shall not exceed the posted speed limits at any time.
This pertains to both emergency and non-emergency responses.
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 4 of 8
Intersection Practices
Intersections are the locations responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving
emergency vehicles. Therefore, extreme care must be taken when approaching any intersection.
Emergency vehicle drivers should always be prepared to stop. If another vehicle operator fails to yield
the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver cannot force the right-of way
until the other vehicle yields. Drivers shall practice the following guidelines during all emergency
responses:
Uncontrolled Intersections – Any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield,
or traffic signal) that is consistent with an emergency vehicle’s direction of travel.
Opticom – A traffic control device that, upon approach of an emergency vehicle, captures control of a
traffic signal by either holding or turning the light green in the emergency vehicle’s direction of travel.
Use of Opticom stops cross traffic and clears traffic from the intersection in the direction of travel.
Under no circumstances shall Opticom be used during normal driving conditions or a nonpriority transport.
For uncontrolled intersections and/or when using Opticom, drivers shall:
Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast,
etc.). Observe traffic in all four directions (left, right, front, rear)
Slow down if any potential hazards are detected and cover the brake pedal
Prior to approaching the intersection, change the siren cadence
Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic, if at all possible
Controlled Intersections
Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, or a traffic light. Entering and proceeding
through controlled intersections requires the driver to slow the vehicle’s rate of approach to a degree
that provides the ability to stop the vehicle immediately.
For controlled intersections drivers shall:
Not rely on warning devices to clear traffic.
Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast,
etc.) as well as driver options.
Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal, continue to
scan in all four directions (left, right, front, back).
Prior to approaching the intersection, change the siren cadence.
Scan the intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.). Avoid using the
opposing lane of traffic if at all possible.
Slow the vehicle to a speed that allows for an immediate stop, or slows to a complete stop.
Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all clear; reconfirm all
other vehicles have stopped.
Proceed one lane of traffic at a time treating each lane of traffic as a separate intersection.
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 5 of 8
Railroad Intersections
Any time an emergency vehicle driver approaches an unguarded rail crossing, they shall bring the
apparatus to a complete stop before entering the grade crossing. In addition, the driver shall perform
the following prior to proceeding:
Turn off all sirens and air horns
Turn off any other sound producing equipment or accessories
Open the windows and listen for a train’s horn.
Backing of Apparatus
Backing of apparatus shall be performed in accordance with the procedures established in the District’s
Training Manual. Whenever possible, drivers should avoid backing. The safest way to back up a
vehicle is to not back it up at all. When it is necessary to back-up, drivers shall follow one of the
following:
a. The driver shall use a back-up person. Before the vehicle is put in reverse, ensure that a back-up
person is in place near the rear of the vehicle. The back-up person should be safely positioned so
that the driver can see them at all times. During nighttime backing operations rear scene lights
should be utilized to increase visibility.
If at any time the driver loses sight of the back-up person, they shall stop immediately
until the back-up person is visible again. Drivers and back-up person should watch for frontend clearance during back-up maneuvers.
b. If conditions exist that make use of a back-up man impossible, all drivers, before attempting to
back-up shall make a circle (sphere)-of-safety to ensure that no obstacles, person, or persons are
directly behind the vehicle or in its intended path of travel.
Fire Apparatus General
All fire apparatus shall be operated in accordance with the following standard guidelines:
a. Drivers of fire apparatus shall not move the vehicle until all personnel are securely seated in
approved riding positions with seat belts securely fastened.
b. Headlights shall be on whenever an emergency vehicle is in operation. Lights should not be turned
on until after the vehicle’s engine has been started and shut off before the vehicle’s engine is
turned off.
c. Fire apparatus shall be brought to a full stop before personnel dismount.
d. All emergency vehicles provided with a “Park” selection shall be parked with the transmission in
Park and the parking brake securely set when parked outside of station facilities. Vehicles without
a “Park” shall be placed into Neutral and the parking brake set.
e. All fire apparatus over 20,000 lbs. GVW shall utilize wheel chocks when parked outside of station
facilities.
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 6 of 8
Driving Apparatus Down Steep Hills
Heavy fire apparatus shall be driven down steep graded roads only in emergency situations and for
training purposes. Heavy fire apparatus are defined as any engine, water tender, or aerial ladder. A
steep graded road is defined as any road with a 6% grade or more. Examples include Retsil Hill,
Lidstrom Road, North Street, and Salmonberry Road.
When driving down steep hills:
The apparatus shall be slowed prior to cresting the hill to allow the transmission to drop into low
gear.
Compression brakes shall be used in accordance with the District Training Manual’s procedures and
manufacture’s recommendation.
The driver shall manually place the apparatus into low gear.
The driver shall proceed down the hill, keeping the RPM below 2200 by using the service brake.
Fire apparatus shall not be driven down roads with excessive grades when there is visible ice or snow
on the road surface.
Water Tenders
All water tenders shall be operated in accordance with the following standard guidelines:
a. Tenders shall only respond in the non-priority mode. This precludes the use of warning
lights, sirens, and air horns during response.
b. Tenders shall not be operated at speeds in excess of the posted speed limit.
c. Once at the scene, warning lights should be activated to provide warning to approaching vehicles.
Aerial Apparatus
All aerial apparatus shall be operated in accordance with the following guidelines:
a. The number of personnel permitted on aerial apparatus shall be in accordance with the
manufacture’s instruction.
b. Aerial ladders shall not knowingly be positioned under dangerous cornices or other loose
overhanging objects that may endanger members working on, around, or climbing the ladders
except where rescue operations are essential.
c. When working near energized electrical wires, the operator shall maintain a minimum 15-foot
clearance between the wires and any part of the apparatus.
d. Aerial apparatus shall be positioned on the fire ground in a manner that affords the greatest
stability feasible.
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 7 of 8
e. The parking brake, wheel chocks, ground jacks and/or outriggers shall be deployed before the
aerial device is put into operation. Wheel chocks shall be rated by their manufacture for the
apparatus they are used on.
f.
Ground plates shall be deployed under outriggers or jacks any time they are utilized. Sand, beauty
bark, or any other abrasive material shall be placed under apparatus jacks and outriggers when
operating on snow or ice.
g. The aerial apparatus operator shall remain positioned at the controls whenever personnel are
working on the aerial. Members working on the ladder shall maintain constant communication
capability with the aerial apparatus operator. If the ladder is used only as a ground ladder, no
operator is needed on the turntable.
h. The operator shall maintain the ability to communicate with personnel operating on the aerial
device.
i.
The tip of the aerial ladder shall not be forcefully extended against a structure.
j.
Aerial ladders shall not be extended or retracted while personnel are climbing the ladder.
Leg locking into the ladder portion of the aerial shall not be permitted. If it is necessary for personnel
to be positioned on the ladder portion, they shall be secured by an approved life safety harness.
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
Operating Fire Apparatus
SOP 5-12
Approved by__________
Revised February 26, 2008
Page 8 of 8