Aerial, Waterway, or Launch Position
Most people only know of the first two positions when dealing with the multi position waterway. Unfortunately we are now learning of a third, the launch position.
(photo from the NIOSH saftey advisory document)
This is one of the many times where the “set it and forget it” mentality does not apply. If your aerial has the adjustable waterway, you need to verify its position every time prior to charging the waterway. EVERY TIME!
Many modern aerials are being equipped with an adjustable position waterway. This allows the aerial operator to choose whether the waterway will be in the standard position up at the tip, or pinned back into the rescue position. This multi-position design is a great idea, allowing the tip of the aerial to be less cluttered when being used as a ladder. One of the many problems associated with an aerial that has a pre-piped waterway is that the tip became so cluttered that it made positioning the tip near the roof or window difficult.
For some reason there have been numerous incidents involving these types of aerials in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, on April 8, 2008, Lawrence Park (PA) Asst Chief Mike Crotty died in the line of duty while serving as the Incident Commander. He was struck by an unsecured aerial waterway that launched over 75 feet. Details of this event can be found in the NIOSH Safety Advisory . Please take the opportunity to read the report and share it with everyone at the firehouse. Firefighterclosecalls.com also has some details of another recent incident that can be found by clicking here.
Some people may ask then: “why not store it in the waterway position for safety?” Well, let’s think about that. Of the two main functions you need the aerial for which is more time sensitive: Aerial access or defensive water stream? Exactly, the aerial position (or rescue position it’s sometime called) is the obvious choice. So how do we prevent this from happening? It’s easy. Check it, EVERY TIME. Check it every morning when you get on the rig, and check it EVERY TIME prior to using it as a waterway. You shouldn’t have to, but why not place a reminder label on the aerial master discharge valve at the pump panel that reminds the operator to verify the position of the waterway? Don’t just place this label next to the valve, place it on the valve so the operator would need their head up their @$$ not to see the thing. Of course this would only work for the rigs that have their own pump. For rigs without a pump, the label can be placed over the aerial inlet, so it would have the same effect. Another contributing factor to the launching of the waterway is the fact that the actual valve on the master stream would have to be closed. Why not leave it open and primarily control it from the pump panel? There may be a reason to leave it closed, but can’t think of one off hand. The other benefit to storing the waterway in the rescue position is that it would force the operator to go up and change positions prior to charging the waterway.
So the moral of the story is this, check the position of the waterway. There are enough things that can hurt us on the fireground, let this not be one of them.
4 commentsDesperate Times
We have all heard of the saying “desperate times call for desperate measures.” The unfortunate part of that story is that more times than not those desperate measures affect US! Here’s a perfect example:
Nick Lawlor from Folsom (CA) Fire sent in these photos. Apparently the crew from Station 36 ran into this and took the photos. We don’t want to get into the step by step instructions here, but it seems pretty obvious what they were doing. Gas prices are ridiculous… Park this thing at a gas station, a little suction hose into the underground… you get the idea. Now imagine pulling up on a pin job with this vehicle involved. Would everyone think to look in the back? What about this thing on fire? Not really a situation for a truckie, but still worth mentioning. This is not an isolated incident. Do a little Google search; it’s happening all over the place.
We’re not sure if the combination of poly tanks, rubber hose, and metal pump causes any grounding or bonding issues. We’ll stick to the things we know, but maybe some of HAZMAT guys could enlighten us. Regardless, we’re sure there is a couple of hundred of gallons of fuel sitting in an unexpected place. Good things are not going to happen here.
18 commentsNo Bolts
We always advocate trying to identify and visualize what is locking the door we are working on. Sometimes this is easier said then done. Captain Jerry Calabrese from Westminster (CO) Fire sent in these photos of a door they recently ran into.
Some doors, like the one pictured above, do not present us with the tell tale sings of what additional locking mechanisms may be present. The absence of exterior bolts makes it difficult to read what additional locking mechanisms we are facing. The absence of any handle, latch, or key should at least let us know we have something securing the door. It goes without saying, when working the rear door of a commercial occupancy we should expect some sort of supplemental locks.
26 commentsSize Up Matters
We have often said that the “industry” doesn’t build buildings to make our job any easier. This one is a perfect example. John Occhipinti from Hempstead Fire (NY) sent in these photos of an interesting structure they found in their area.
A look from the A/D corner reveals nothing of true significance. We would probably call this ordinary construction, and may estimate the building size to be about 60×20. Building size is a good thing to know for estimating hose (those engine guys always say we forget about them on this site), visualizing search, or a number of other things. But don’t stop there; don’t forget to perform the ever important 360 of the structure.
A look from the B/C corner may give a different perspective. The building is shaped like a wedge! It’s only 6 feet wide on side B. Count the bricks if you doubt our guess. While searching the structure it may be a little confusing or disorienting in this area of the building. What about those crazy locking mechanisms on the doors on side C. Didn’t see them? Look again…
That’s right, no exits on side C! That could certainly complicate things. Many would have “assumed” the presence of exits on side C. Believe it or not the code doesn’t require any to be there. The need for exits is determined on travel distance from the furthest part or the building to the nearest exit. Then the code only requires the doors to be “remote” from each other. They determine remoteness by a mathematical equation calculating ½ or ⅓ the diagonal distance of the structure.
Well that code explanation was probably a little too much detail for this discussion. Bottom line is that the layout of the building could be confusing, and there are no rear exits. Just goes to show you that you have to keep an eye out for this stuff.
13 commentsSecondary Egress
When a secondary means of egress is not enough…
These photos are of Boston Fire making it happen. We count 5 devices in the first picture. Judging by the second photo, they just about needed a shoehorn to get all the rigs in there! These photos are from firefighterclosecalls.com, originally taken by Chief David Traiforos of Franklin Park, IL.
37 commentsWater Can Revisited
A few weeks ago we had a post describing how to attach a carrying strap to the water can. Some people wondered why we discussed such an involved process. Those pictures were based on a can that had a plastic ring on the bottom. The presence of plastic ring created a need to use the large hose clamp at the base. The original post and comments can be found here.
Trevor Holmberg from Poulsbo (WA) Engine 71 sent in a method of attaching the carrying strap to a can with a metal base. They simply drilled 2 small holes in the base of the can and put a key ring through the holes. On the top they used another key ring on the wall hanger tab. The strap is actually an unused flashlight strap. Easy on, easy off.
Engineer Jeff Spinelli from Winter Park (FL) Engine 62 created a strap with a quick disconnect. He simply used an old stretcher strap with an automotive style seat belt release. These straps have pre-sewn loops at the ends that can be girth hitched around the wall hanger tab on top, and fed through the clamp on the bottom.
Obviously there are a million different ways to attach a strap to the water can. The main focus should be to make carrying the can more convenient so it’s carried more often.
6 commentsBaltimore Bailout
We have been sitting on this video for a while; we simply forgot to post it. It’s a video from the Maryland Fire Network of a Baltimore City firefighter having to perform an emergency bailout. Great job by the firefighter inside for “reading” the signs that warned of what was about to happen, and of course great job to the guy on the ladder for the assist.
Two quick observations that could have made the egress even quicker: The ladder just a bit lower, and the sash being removed. Regardless, it had a positive outcome because of some “dialed in” firefighters, it obviously wasn’t their first time trying the ladder bail technique.
36 commentsDon’t Forget the Jacks!
Just because you can drive an engine does not mean you can operate a ladder truck…
We don’t know where it’s from, and it doesn’t really matter. Just don’t forget to set the jacks!
85 commentsDipped Irons
Scotty Shelton, Chief of Training for Baton Rouge Fire sent in this tip he spotted out on the training ground. The tip is actually credited to Captain John Braud of Engine 6. He used 3/16 cord and tool dip to create a non-slip grip surface on his set of irons. It’s cheap, easy, and makes the tools readily identifiable. The set of irons are held together with a bungee cord that can also be used to hold back screen and storm doors. Check out the Tips from the Bucket Page for other great tips.
Happy 2nd Birthday to Us!
Two years ago, we decided to create a neutral, unbiased and un-intimidating medium were we could share ideas, methods, and techniques of this great profession. We truly believe that firefighting is an art, and we want to protect the art for generations to come. The avenue to a safer fire service is by being pro-active rather than re-active in both our training and our tactics. We want to bring back the aggressive yet safe attitude to the fire service, in order to continue to protect each other on the fire ground. This can only be accomplished through educating each other and sharing ideas, tips and tricks.
We can honestly say this site has been much more of a success then we could have ever possibly imagined. We started this website with the intentions of sharing some information on the local level. Thanks to each of you, it quickly became so much more than that. We have gotten emails, comments, and material from people all over the world! The thought never crossed our minds that this is what would have become of the site after two years. The overwhelming success of this site would not be possible without each and every one of you. No amount of thanks could possibly be enough. It is because of you, our loyal readers, that this site is what it is!
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We have some big things in the works for the future. We are extremely excited about them and will be unveiling some new things very soon. Thanks again for an amazing two years! Stay safe, and train hard!
32 comments