Vehicle Inspection Review

Unit 8 Objectives

• Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance

• Identify the value and importance of regular inspections and

documentation of the inspections on emergency vehicles.

• Identify the major component systems of an emergency vehicle.

• Identify the components of an inspection maintenance program.

Unit 8 Objectives

• Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance

• Identify how to perform pre-and post-trip inspections.

• Identify the various classes of preventative maintenance and the

importance of a preventative maintenance program for emergency

vehicles.

Unit 8 Objectives

• Vehicle inspections and maintenance

• Identify the role of the driver in inspections and maintenance.

• Identify the importance of keeping accurate and complete records.

Value & Importance of Regular Inspections & Documentation

• Safe operations

• 1 in 12 (8%) crashes due to vehicle malfunction or lack of maintenance.

• Achievement of vehicle life expectancy

• Inspection & proper written documentation according to the authority having

jurisdiction’s SOP/SOG’s

Emergency Vehicle Components

• Chassis

• Frame

• Suspension system

• Steering & braking system

• Power train

• Body

Emergency Vehicle Components

• Primary function components

• Pump

• Aerial

• Ambulance patient compartment

Emergency Vehicle Components

• Auxiliary systems

• Electrical systems

• Hydraulic or pneumatic tool systems

• Communication systems

• Emergency lighting & siren systems

• Breathing air or oxygen systems

• Bio-waste disposal systems

• Auxiliary pump systems

• Special extinguishing agent systems

Components of an Inspection Maintenance Program

• Pre-trip inspections

• Daily or weekly schedule recommended

• Post-trip inspections

• Clean vehicle

• Replace supplies

• Re-fuel vehicle

• Check fluids

• Report problems or malfunctions

Performing Pre- and Post-trip Inspections

• Vehicle overview

• Check engine compartment

• Start engine & check inside cab

• Check vehicle & emergency lighting & siren

• Conduct walk around inspection

• Check controls & indicators of special function components

• Check brake system

Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance

• Routine Maintenance

• Primary level

• Responsibility of driver

• Fluid level checks

• Wheels & tires

• Electrical systems & devices

Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance

• Scheduled maintenance

• Manufacturer’s schedule

• Use schedule

• Organizational policy

• Professional standards

Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance

• Crisis maintenance

• Class “A” – Immediate

• All items which require that the vehicle must be removed from service

immediately

• Safety

• Incapacitating

• Expanding

Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance

• Crisis maintenance

• Class “B”

• As soon as possible

• Items which are important and require prompt attention; however, they

do not require that the vehicle be immediately removed from service

Various Classes of Preventative Maintenance

• Crisis maintenance

• Class “C”

• Which next preventative maintenance

• Items which should be corrected, but can be addressed at the next

regularly scheduled preventative maintenance

Importance of Preventative Maintenance (PM)

• Safety

• Cost benefit

• Operational Effectiveness

• Legal liability

• Basis for purchase decisions

EmergencyResponse Driving

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Responsible for conducting routine vehicle inspections

• Check list

• Organizational authority

• Training and equipment

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Battery or batteries

• Correct fluid levels

• Connections tight/clean

• Battery box compartment clean & secure

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Braking system

• Pressure prior to starting engine (air)

• Build-up time, if appropriate (air)

• ABS verification (dash light)

• Braking operation (during run as well as at inspection time)

• Brake pedal (hydraulic)

• Moisture in system/drain air tanks

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Coolant system

• Correct level

• Hose and/or connections wears/leaks

• Electrical system

• All lights & audio devices operating

• Voltmeter reading

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Fuel

• Correct level

• Check any power equipment levels, if applicable

• Hydraulic fluids

• Number & location of check points for systems on vehicles

• Leaks (check floor under vehicle and areas around hose & connections)

• Correct levels

• Cleanliness

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Lubrication

• Leaks (check floor under vehicle)

• Grease thrown (engine compartment, undercarriage, wheels, & tires)

• Oil (Engine)

• Leaks (check floor under vehicle)

• Correct level

• Cleanliness

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Tires

• Condition (sidewalls, rims, tread, road hazards)

• Correct inflation pressure

• Steering systems

• Ease of operation (power ok, no extra play)

• Correct level of fluid

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Items for consideration

• Belts

• Tightness

• Appearance and feel (wear)

• Tools, appliance, and equipment

• Inventory on vehicle

• Critical equipment checked for operational integrity

• Power equipment starts easily and runs properly

Your Role as Emergency Vehicle Driver

• Documents needed for maintenance

• Verifies maintenance completed

Record Keeping

• Maintenance Records

• Inspections

• Repairs

• Malfunctions

• Training Records

• Operational Records