Aerial fire apparatus are probably the costliest expenditures for fire departments, and they are vital for operating in the most dangerous conditions. So, how does a department approach the potential purchase of an aerial vehicle in today’s market?
Fire departments generally perform a Needs and Community Requirements Assessment to identify any changing dynamics that may constitute going to a multipurpose aerial (quint, rescue, EMS). Or, you may want to package the new apparatus in a fashion similar to that of your existing aerial or simply want to update with the latest technology and safety features for safer and more efficient aerial apparatus.
EARLY CONSIDERATIONS
Among the topics generally topping the list of concerns when planning for the purchase of an aerial unit are the types of calls for which the aerial will be used and the aerial features that will best serve the unique construction aspects of the department’s jurisdiction with the greatest safety and efficiency. Other considerations will include conformance to safety standards, cost, delivery time, dependable service, maintenance, and guaranty.
It is up to the fire department to identify the characteristics of its jurisdiction that determine how the aerial will be used in day-to-day operations as well as for those operations that might occur rarely but for which it must be prepared. The department should also be familiar with the safety standards covering aerials and, of course, how the purchase will be financed.
Manufacturers have met the challenges of fire departments’ reduction in personnel and tighter budgets by designing aerials with smart technology to meet departments’ operational needs while improving safety and aerial performance. They also have been working diligently to lower the cost of ownership and reduce maintenance downtime by designing apparatus with easy-to-access components for maintenance or service. Menu-based and easy-to-read maintenance data and diagnostic systems are key to keeping the apparatus in service and out of the service shop.
WORK WITH A DEALER OF A FAMA MEMBER
At first, all of this may seem overwhelming. However, you do not have to gather all of this information without help. Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) members and their dealers are well prepared to assist you in matching your operational needs to the appropriate aerial unit and features. A detailed specification will ensure that your department receives the systems it wants and optimal performance. FAMA members will help you in creating detailed specifications.
The best approach is to work with a dealer of a FAMA member company. The dealer can ensure that all the safety features you want will be incorporated into the truck. FAMA has prepared several publications to assist buyers, including its “Fire Apparatus Safety Guide”1 and “FAMA Buyer’s Guide TC031 Aerial Apparatus.”2
After your unit is delivered, it is recommended that factory-trained personnel conduct the initial training on the aerial truck and that the fire department continue training on it until members have mastered efficient use of all the features under the various conditions under which the department most commonly will operate.
SAFETY FEATURES
There are numerous safety features for you to consider, some of which address the issue of having to deal with cuts in the fire department budget that necessitate fewer firefighters responding on the aerial truck. For example, a wireless radio remote that controls the outriggers or the aerial allows the operator to be mobile while setting the outriggers, placing the aerial, or operating the monitor.
Advancements in the vehicle’s software have brought about safety features that include monitoring and controlling functions such as the position of the stabilizer, extension of the aerial, aerial elevation and rotation angles, and monitoring chassis angles for proper setup. Some innovations have made it possible for departments to obtain lighter and more compact vehicles that meet their requirements for vehicle overall weight, height, and length.
Technology advancements have enhanced firefighter safety while using aerial units as well. They include the following:
- Articulating platforms.
- Halting an operation before running the aerial into the cab or body, protecting the truck from accidental damage and an out-of-service truck.
- Automatic rotation, retraction, and lowering of the aerial into the bed for travel, which protects the truck and assists personnel, especially on late-night calls.
- Operating aerials when the stabilizers are not fully deployed.
- Occupant protection systems, clean cabs, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and obstruction detection systems that help keep firefighters safe while en route to the response location as well as on site.
- Vehicle configurations that allow apparatus to be set up in tight or congested response areas with narrower outrigger spread and no restrictions.
- Automatic level for stabilizers that allows for faster and more precise leveling of apparatus.
- In-cab level indicator that tells the driver if the truck can be leveled within the green zone.
- Electro-hydraulic controllers that allow the operator to feather aerial controls with precision and the smooth starting and stopping of the ladder. Programmable ramping features prevent sudden stops, making it safer for personnel when closing in on windows, rooftops, and tight positions.
- Programmable body/cab collision avoidance systems that give a wider range of aerial operation at low angles.
- Ladder tip controls with safety interlocks that make operating from the ladder tip smooth and safe.
- Turntable operator control console that includes sunlight-readable, full-color display.
- Dynamic load chart display on the control console that allows the operator to reference critical distributed loads with the exact position of ladder rotation, elevation, and extension.
- Advanced rung lighting options for safer operations and the climbing environment.
- A climbing area and tip of the fly section clear of electric cables and wire ropes.
These features are in addition to earlier safety provisions such as high handrails; platform doors that open only inward; slip-resistant steps, rungs, and handholds; occupant harness attach points; load testing on railing and platform doors; and LED rung lighting inside the ladder handrails. Consult your FAMA member companies or their dealers for specific details.
Electric vehicles are being evaluated and eventually will be integrated into aerial devices. This will necessitate significant research and stringent testing since the safety standards must offer guidance on this technology. FAMA manufacturers in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees will develop guidelines for proper testing, use, and maintenance for the new technologies.
There will be continued advancements in lighting, notably LED, which will reduce power consumption and provide a more reliable power supply.
DELIVERY
Lead times are extensive right now because of the backlog of orders coupled with the supply chain’s inconsistency and longer-than-normal lead times. If your department needs a new truck in the next couple of years, place your order as soon as possible to ensure a production slot.
As you no doubt already know, global supply chain shortages have been challenging the entire world market, including the fire service. The delay of one little part can hold up the shipment of an entire unit. Manufacturers must be in constant communication with vendors to strategize how to secure the parts needed to build a fire truck—and the prices continue to rise. Lead times are at an all-time high, extending nearly two years or more in some cases. Consult with your FAMA member company dealer and ask for references from recent deliveries.
Refer to the new FAMA White Paper “Global Supply Chain Struggles: Impact on the Fire Service. 3
SAFETY STANDARDS
NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, is the primary guidance document for aerial apparatus at this time. This standard will be replaced by NFPA 1900, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances (to be released in 2024).
Vehicles must also conform to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Environmental Protection Agency directives.
NFPA 1901 and NFPA 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus, define specific third-party performance testing and certification required on every apparatus built. However, there is no requirement to have a third-party inspect and certify that a truck or product line meets NFPA 1901 in its entirety. There are third-party inspection programs that certify that the vehicle fully meets all NPFA 1901 requirements. Therefore, a good question to ask of your potential supplier is, “Will my vehicle undergo third-party inspection to certify full compliance to NFPA 1901?”
In view of the importance of getting the most appropriate aerial for your department’s needs, the high cost of this investment, and the current market conditions, you cannot get started too early in planning for the purchase and in contacting a dealer of a FAMA member company.
FAMA is committed to the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient emergency response vehicles and equipment. FAMA urges fire departments to evaluate the full range of safety features offered by its member companies.
FAMA Forum creative content is contributed by unpaid volunteer authors. Any opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the author and are not intended to represent the views of FAMA or its member companies.
ENDnotes
1. The guide is available at Fire Apparatus Safety Guide (fama.org).
2. This Buyer’s Guide can be downloaded from the FAMA Resource Library (fama.org): Aerial Apparatus.
3. This White Paper can be downloaded from the FAMA Resource Library (fama.org): “Global Supply Chain Struggles: Impact on the Fire Service.”
Jennifer Bloemer is senior business development manager, Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
Jim Garver is engineering manager, Hilliard Facility, Sutphen Towers, Inc.
Peter Hoherchak is senior product manager, KME Fire Apparatus (REV™ Fire Group).
Randy Hummer is aerial account manager, Spartan Emergency Response (REV™ Fire Group).
Dawn Osborn is vice president, Rosenbauer Aerials, LLC.
David Perkins is director of aerial sales, E-ONE, Inc. (REV™ Fire Group).
