Apparatus Exterior Inspection Procedures
Complete these detailed inspection steps at the beginning of each shift to ensure your fire apparatus is operationally ready for emergency response. A thorough exterior inspection helps identify potential issues before they affect performance during critical incidents.
Chassis Inspection Process
- Position vehicle on level surface with engine off
- Perform complete 360° walk-around of apparatus
- Inspect frame for cracks, deformation, or corrosion
- Check all tires for proper inflation and tread depth
- Inspect wheels for cracks and verify lug nuts tight
- Check suspension components for damage or leaks
- Examine exhaust system for security and leaks
- Verify no fluid leaks under the vehicle
Compartment & Equipment Check
- Open and inspect each compartment door operation
- Check door gaskets for integrity and proper sealing
- Verify compartment lighting functions correctly
- Confirm equipment is properly mounted and secured
- Check inventory against department requirements
- Verify equipment is clean and in serviceable condition
- Test operation of equipment slide-out trays
- Ensure compartment door latches lock securely
Emergency Lighting Inspection
- Start engine and activate emergency master switch
- Verify all emergency lighting patterns function
- Check operation of front warning lights
- Inspect rear warning light operation
- Verify side warning lights function properly
- Test intersection warning lights if equipped
- Check all scene lighting/floodlights function
- Verify light lenses are intact and free of damage
Fluid Level Verification
- Check engine oil level with dipstick on level surface
- Verify coolant level in overflow reservoir
- Inspect power steering fluid level
- Check transmission fluid level per manufacturer specs
- Verify hydraulic fluid level for aerial or pump
- Check windshield washer fluid level
- Inspect fuel level (minimum 3/4 tank required)
- Verify DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) level if applicable
Pump & Water System Inspection
These procedures ensure that the fire pump, water delivery systems, and related components are functioning correctly and ready for emergency operations. Testing these systems daily prevents failures during critical fire suppression activities.
Pump Transfer Case Procedure
- Check pump transmission fluid level
- Engage pump by shifting transfer case
- Verify proper engagement indicator light
- Listen for abnormal noises during engagement
- Check for proper shift from road to pump mode
- Verify pump panel gauge illumination
- Check primer oil level if applicable
- Test throttle control operation at pump panel
Water Tank & Valve Inspection
- Verify water tank is filled to capacity
- Check tank fill line valve operation
- Operate tank-to-pump valve and check indicator
- Inspect tank overflow/vent system
- Test tank level gauge accuracy
- Check for leaks around tank connections
- Operate and verify all drain valves function
- Ensure tank fill valve returns to closed position
Discharge & Intake Verification
- Check all discharge valve operation
- Verify discharge caps are present and tight
- Inspect discharge valve drains function properly
- Check intake valve operation and indicators
- Verify intake screens are in place and clean
- Inspect intake cap gaskets for integrity
- Test relief valve control operation
- Verify all gauges read zero when system at rest
Foam System Check
- Verify foam tank level is adequate
- Check foam system piping for leaks
- Test foam system control valves
- Inspect foam proportioner operation
- Verify foam concentrate type is correct
- Check foam system flush mechanism
- Test foam percentage selector if equipped
- Verify foam discharge outlets are operational
Aerial Device Inspection Procedures
For aerial apparatus, these inspection steps are critical to ensure safe and effective operation of aerial ladders, platforms, or water towers. These procedures help identify hydraulic issues, mechanical problems, or safety concerns before aerial operations.
Stabilizer/Outrigger Inspection
- Check hydraulic fluid level in reservoir
- Inspect stabilizer beams for damage
- Check stabilizer pads for condition
- Verify stabilizer controls function properly
- Test stabilizer warning indicators and alarms
- Check stabilizer interlock system operation
- Inspect stabilizer cylinders for leaks
- Verify stabilizer extension markers are visible
Aerial Device Operation Check
- Visually inspect all aerial sections for damage
- Check for hydraulic leaks in aerial cylinders
- Test ladder extend/retract function smoothly
- Verify ladder raise/lower operation
- Test rotation mechanisms through full range
- Check for unusual noises during operation
- Verify aerial position indicators function
- Test emergency power system for aerial operation
Aerial Safety System Verification
- Test load moment indicator system
- Verify aerial bedding alignment indicators
- Check operation of all safety limit switches
- Test rung alignment system if applicable
- Verify operation of aerial spotlights
- Check communication system to aerial tip
- Test wind speed indicator if equipped
- Verify platform leveling system if applicable
Aerial Waterway Inspection
- Check waterway valve operation
- Inspect aerial waterway for leaks
- Verify waterway drain valve functions
- Test waterway flow indicator if equipped
- Check aerial nozzle operation and pattern
- Verify nozzle control functions (remote/manual)
- Inspect waterway pressure gauge accuracy
- Check waterway connection points for integrity
Cab & Operational Systems Check
These procedures focus on the apparatus cab, driving controls, communications systems, and operational readiness. Regular verification of these systems ensures crew safety and effective emergency response capabilities.
Cab Interior Inspection
- Check all seat belts for operation and damage
- Verify SCBA brackets secure and functional
- Test operation of all interior lighting
- Check door latches and window operation
- Verify all gauges and indicators function
- Test heating/cooling system operation
- Check windshield for cracks or damage
- Verify mirrors properly adjusted and secure
Warning Device Testing
- Test electronic siren in all modes
- Verify air horn operation
- Check mechanical siren if equipped
- Test public address system function
- Verify all audible backup alarms
- Check inter-seat communications system
- Test evacuation alert system if equipped
- Verify headset intercom functionality
Driving Controls Check
- Test parking brake operation and indicator
- Check service brake pedal feel and operation
- Verify steering wheel free play within specs
- Test horn operation (standard vehicle horn)
- Check accelerator pedal for smooth operation
- Verify transmission shift operation
- Test all dash switches and controls
- Check operation of windshield wipers/washers
Communications Equipment Check
- Perform radio check with dispatch
- Test mobile data terminal/computer
- Verify portable radio chargers function
- Check cellular/satellite phone if equipped
- Test thermal imaging camera and charging
- Verify GPS/mapping system operation
- Check status of backup communication systems
- Test station alerting system if apparatus-mounted
NFPA Compliance & Documentation
These procedures help ensure compliance with NFPA standards and department requirements for documentation, record-keeping, and accountability. Proper documentation of inspections is critical for liability protection and maintenance tracking.
Documentation Requirements
- Record inspection date, time, and personnel
- Document odometer reading and engine hours
- Note fuel level and fluids added
- Record all defects or issues found
- Document repairs or maintenance needed
- Verify previous issues have been addressed
- Log any equipment removed or replaced
- Obtain officer signature for completed inspection
NFPA 1901/1911 Compliance Check
- Verify annual pump test is current
- Confirm aerial certification is up to date
- Check ground ladder testing documentation
- Verify hose testing records are current
- Confirm SCBA testing and certification
- Check electrical system testing records
- Verify weight/load compliance documentation
- Confirm all required warning labels are present
Out-of-Service Criteria Verification
- Review department out-of-service policy
- Identify critical safety issues requiring downtime
- Verify procedure for marking apparatus OOS
- Document communication protocol for OOS status
- Check backup apparatus availability
- Verify maintenance notification procedures
- Confirm process for equipment transfer if needed
- Document return-to-service requirements
Electronic Record Management
- Log into department inspection software
- Enter all inspection data accurately
- Attach photos of defects if applicable
- Verify maintenance history is up to date
- Check preventive maintenance due dates
- Generate inspection report for department files
- Update inventory tracking system if required
- Verify data backup and synchronization