Keeping It Safe
By Robert Tutterow

Overcoming ApparatusWeight/Space Problems
The fire service has historically struggled with overweight apparatus and a lack of storage space. Granted, the problem may not be as pronounced as it was 30 years ago, but it still remains a significant concern.

There has been no reliable way for fire departments to determine their compartment space requirements and their equipment weight. Often, this unknowingly leads to overloaded apparatus. The problem exists with new apparatus as well as existing apparatus. Apparatus may be within weight limits when it is new, but become overweight during its service life as additional equipment is added.

An overweight vehicle creates safety hazards for the firefighters riding the apparatus, as well as for other motorists. Overweight problems include increased braking distance, increased chance of brake failure, increased brake maintenance costs, and lateral stability.

Storage Affects Service
Lack of adequate compartment space reduces a fire department’s ability to deliver service. Lack of adequate storage creates problems that include: needed equipment not being carried on the rig; equipment being damaged from improper storage; and firefighter injuries from equipment not being readily accessible.

A fire department’s ability to predict the weight and space requirements for a new apparatus has been based on the proverbial SWAG method (scientific wild “asset” guess).

Space Calculations
Today, there is a better way thanks to the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA). FAMA provided a grant to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) to develop a software program for weight and cube calculations. Under the direction of EKU’s Jim Martin, a Microsoft Excel software package has been successfully developed and is now available to the fire service. The program can be downloaded at no cost from the FAMA website at www.fama.org.

So, how does it work? It could not be simpler. The program contains an easy-to- understand instruction sheet detailing how to enter the data. All a fire department needs is access to a computer, access to the Internet, Microsoft Excel software and knowledge of what equipment will be carried on the apparatus. The software package contains three comprehensive equipment lists. There are lists for engines, aerials, and rescues.

In addition, there is a master list, including over 600 items, containing each item from the three apparatus specific lists. The only data that must be entered is the quantity of each piece of equipment. The equipment descriptions, weights and dimensions are already provided. The Excel program will automatically calculate the total cubic inches and total weight. The spreadsheet also allows a department to number each compartment, and totals can be calculated for each.

As a bonus, there are additional benefits. The spreadsheet has fields for the unit costs and the total costs. This can be a valuable tool in budget development and for substantiation to the bean counters and body politic.

Equipment Inventory
The spreadsheet can also serve as an equipment inventory sheet. In addition to the equipment description and quantity, there are fields for listing the manufacturer and model number, the date purchased, NFPA required or not and whether the equipment is new or existing.

It must be noted that the dimensions and weights are generic and there are variations among manufacturers. But this should not deter fire departments from using the program. If you think about it, the differences in weight and dimensions among manufacturers are negligible.

About the only thing not included in the equipment lists are the weight and dimensions of turnout gear. This is not usually a concern, however, since volunteers typically keep the gear in their personal vehicles and career departments keep it in
the apparatus cabs. If your department stores turnout gear in compartments, don’t overlook that extra storage requirement.

Once a fire department has determined its weight and space requirements, it would be wise to specify an additional 20 to 25 percent of “unallocated” space and weight to accommodate unforeseen needs. Most of us are carrying equipment today that we never envisioned when the apparatus was purchased. New target hazards, more accessories, leadership changes and new technologies drive additions to equipment needs.

Closet Organizers
For example, think of the equipment additions that have emerged since 9-11 or the advent of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) or the development of thermal imaging cameras or the adoption of Class A foam or increased need for specialized rescue or air monitoring or, well – you get the drift.

What else can a fire department do to facilitate equipment storage? Think of the popularity and concept of closet organizers. Closet organizers take advantage of available cubic space rather than square footage space. These systems benefit from maximizing storage through shelves, drawers and hanging hardware – a concept now being adopted for fire apparatus. And, as an added benefit, everything is very visible. If an item is missing, it is more likely to be apparent.

Sliding Panels And Trays
For fire apparatus, sliding or hinged vertical panels create substantially more hanging space. Adjustable shelving allows for future changes and increases available square footage. Tilt-down trays help with access to equipment stored above eye level.

Sliding trays on the bottom of compartments are recommended for heavier items. This enables accessibility and reduces the chances of a firefighter injury while removing or stowing the equipment. In addition, storing the heaviest items as low as possible lowers the center of gravity of the apparatus, thus increasing its stability.

All equipment should be secured – even in compartments. Drawers or trays provide an excellent way to organize and contain smaller items. This prevents a compartment civil war – equipment damaging other equipment. And, it provides a margin of safety so firefighters can open doors without fear of the “stacked locker” syndrome.

Limit Equipment In Cab
Keeping safety in mind, always store equipment in compartments rather than in the cab. Only those items essential for use during the response should be carried in the cab. And folks, there is not much equipment needed during the response. It’s hard to force entry, ventilate or attack until you get there. And it’s equally difficult  justifying those kinds of tools in the cab.

Take a look at www.fama.org and click on the “Resource Library” tab and then on the “Weight and Cube Calculator.” Take a look at what it has to offer. I think you will like what you see.

And, thank your apparatus and equipment dealers for making this tool available at no cost.

Editor’s Note: Robert Tutterow, who has 30 years in the fire service, is the Charlotte (N.C.) Fire Department health and safety officer. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Department Apparatus Committee and is on two other NFPA committees, the Structural and Proximity Firefighting Protective Ensemble Technical Committee and the Technical Correlating Committee for Fire and Emergency Services PPE.