HARTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
DRIVER TRAINING
SAFETY PROCEDURES
1-1 Preventative Maintenance
1-1.1 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall demonstrate the performance of routine tests, inspections and
servicing functions required assuring the operational status of fire department vehicles, including:
a. battery check
b. braking system
c. coolant system
d. electrical system
e. fueling
f. hydraulic fluids
g. lubrication
h. oil levels
i. tire care
j. steering system
k. tools, appliances and equipment.
1-1.2 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall demonstrate the recording and reporting, as specified by the
authority having jurisdiction, of all servicing functions.
1-2
Driving/Operating
1-2.1 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall identify all applicable state and local laws of the authority
having jurisdiction, including all rules and regulations governing the safe driving and operating of fire
department vehicles.
1-2.2 The fire apparatus driver/operator, given a fire department vehicle, shall identify all automotive
gauges and demonstrate their usage.
1-2.3 The fire apparatus driver/operator, give a fire department vehicle, shall demonstrate the following
driving skills:
a. serpentine
b. alley dock
c. opposite alley pull in
d. diminishing clearance
e. straight line
f. turn around
g. lane change
h. stopping procedures
i. parking procedures.
1-2.4 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall identify and demonstrate the theory and principles of
defensive driving techniques, both emergency and non-emergency.
1-2.5 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall, according to the authority having jurisdiction, identify all
applicable state and local laws, including rules and regulations governing the safe driving and operation of
all fire department vehicles of the authority having jurisdiction on emergency response.
1-2.6 The fire apparatus driver operator, under emergency response conditions, shall demonstrate the legal
and safe driving, positioning and operating of assigned fire department vehicles of the authority having
jurisdiction.
1-2.7 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall describe the safety precautions necessary when driving
during adverse environmental conditions.
1-2.8 The fire apparatus driver/operator shall describe the effects on vehicle control of:
(a) braking reaction time
(b) load control factors
(c) general steering reactions.
1-3
Driver Safety
1-3.1 When responding to emergency calls under Code 3 conditions, Department vehicles may exceed the
posted speed limit, but shall be regulated AT ALL TIMES by existing road and traffic conditions. Both
audio and visual emergency warning signals shall be used when exceeding the speed limit and when you
want other vehicles to yield their right of way to you.
1-3.2 Under wet or foggy or any other hazardous weather or road conditions, Fire Department vehicles
should react pessimistically to the conditions encountered, and in no case exceed the posted speed limit.
1-3.3 Unless all lanes can be accounted for by the driver during an emergency response, Fire Department
vehicles shall come to a complete stop at all red light intersections and negative right-of-way situations.
Rule of thumb: "If you can't see, STOP." In any case, the driver shall slow down.
1-3.3.1 The driver of a Department vehicle shall operate both audio and visual emergency warning signals
whenever the vehicle is being operated in opposition to traffic signals, stop signs, or rules governing
direction of movement.
1-3.4 Avoid backing where possible; where backing is unavoidable, use guides; where guides are
unavailable, dismount and walk completely around apparatus before backing.
1-3.5 All employees are required to use seat belts when operating a town vehicle equipped with seat belts.
Anyone riding as a passenger in a vehicle is required to use seat belts where provided. Members must ride
in seats where provided.
1-3.6 Members shall not ride in exposed positions such as the tailstep.
1-3.7 During an emergency response, fire vehicles should avoid passing other emergency fire vehicles. If
unavoidable, the passing arrangement should be conducted through radio communications.
1-3.8 We must respond and react according to the conditions encountered; neither poor road conditions, or
inclement weather, or the actions of others relieves the driver in the slightest degree of his responsibility to
drive safely. These are situations likely to be encountered at any time and we must drive accordingly.
While driving during the winter, be aware of the possibility of encountering ice at any time. Also
remember when the highway department "wings" back the snowbanks, it creates the illusion that the
shoulders are much wider than they actually are. Don't stray to close to the edge!
1-3.8.1 Chains should be put on the trucks when there is more than 4" of snow on the ground or if a major
storm has started. When the need for chains has passed, the chains shall be dried and put in the
compartments of the respective trucks.
1-3.9 The unique hazards of driving on or adjacent to the fireground require the driver to use extreme
alertness, and also requires that he/she utilize a prudent speed for the conditions encountered, in order that
he/she may react to the unexpected.
1-3.10 When driving apparatus on the fireground, drivers must resist the tendency to drive hastily or
imprudently. This tendency is mostly due to the urgent nature of fireground operations.
1-3.11 Drivers must consider the dangers their moving vehicle poses to fireground personnel and spectators
who may be preoccupied with the emergency, and inadvertently step in front of or behind a moving
vehicle.
1-3.12 Drivers must also be aware of the potential that exists for vehicle accidents on or near the fireground
due to the distractions caused by the emergency.
1-3.13 Dispatch will close the doors for us when responding to an alarm. You must tell them to do it over
the air. They will shut the door at their earliest convenience. It is preferred that you have them close the
door when the entire crew is responding on the engine.
Revised 8/21/98
TO: Hartford Fire Department
FROM: Suppression Training
RE: Driver/Operator Training Program
1. Based upon the requirements of NFPA 1500 and the guidelines of
NFPA 1002 and IFSTA, a driver/operator training program has been
established. The intent of this program is to provide a
structured objective, easily manageable and flexible system for
acquiring driver/operator rating within Hartford Fire
Department.
2. Driver/operator candidates must complete an approved pump
course, aerial ladder course and Hartford Fire Department driver
training program when applicable.
The following personnel are designated Driver Trainers:
FF Jeffrey Libbey
FF Michael Bedard
FF Dean Stearns
FF Florian Voghell
3. The system functions at a pace set by the ability of the
driver/operator candidate. Unless followed by C-2 or C-4, the
spaces on the checklists are for the initials of the trainer
who:
a. confirms the candidate complies with the specific
requirement or
b. has trained the candidate to meet the requirement
and is satisfied with his/her performance.
4. A candidate for driver/operator shall qualify for each unit
using a checklist for each one. While the process shall appear
cumbersome, it should flow easily with the ability of the
candidate.
5. Should you have any suggestions or questions please do not
hesitate to contact me.
NAME ____________________________________
UNIT QUALIFYING FOR _____________________
APPROVED FOR TRAINING ___________________ C-2
Candidate is to demonstrate, explain and receive guidance in
qualifying to drive the above unit. The driver instructor shall
demonstrate satisfactory completion of an item by signing his/her
name in the appropriate blank. Items 1-5, 8,9,13-15 can only be
signed off by C-2 or C-4 as noted. All references are NFPA 1002
requirements.
The driver candidate will:
1. Have a current valid license (2-2.1).
________ C-2
2. Be medically able to operate the unit and the
equipment (2-2.2).
________ C-2
3. Possess a High School diploma or equivalent (2-2.3) ________ C-2
4. Understand the Vermont Emergency Vehicle Statutes.
(2-2.4 and 2-3.2)
________ C-4
5. Have read and understand Hartford Fire Department
Standard Operating Procedures.
________ C-4
6. Properly complete (3) weekly checks on the unit and
record it on the maintenance records. (2-1.1 and 2-1.2)
Week 1 ________ Week 2 ________ Week 3 ________
7. Identify the use and meaning of all cab instruments.
(2-2.5)
________
8. Complete a Vermont Defensive Driving Course (2-2.7) ________
9. Understand the principles of Emergency Driver Operations
(2-3.3).
________ C-4
10. Demonstrate proper apparatus placement (3-6.6). ________
11. Be able to locate and operate all equipment carried
(complete and attach equipment operation checklist)
(3-6.8, 4-3.9).
________
12. Drive to the satisfaction of (3) driver instructors.
(Attach driver-training evaluations)
1. ________ 2. ________ 3. ________
13. Satisfactorily pass the driving course (2-2.6) ________ C-4
14. Recommended for driver rating.
________ C-4
15. Approved as a driver.
________ C-2
Pump operator’s course completion date: ________________________
Ladder operators course completion date: ______________________