Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Lesson 3 — Introduction to Apparatus Inspection and Maintenance

Skill Sheet 3-1

Clean the Interior and Wash and Wax the
Exterior of a Fire Department Apparatus

Name Date

Prerequisites

None

References

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd edition, pp. 33 – 35

Introduction

The following skill sheet details standard procedures that should be used for cleaning the interior and washing and waxing the exterior of a fire department apparatus.

Criteria

Criteria are to be determined by the authority having jurisdiction. AHJ can choose point value for each skill step, and decide how many points are required to pass this skill. Each AHJ may also denote critical criteria.

Available Equipment and Materials

One or several firefighters

Wheel chocks

Apparatus operator’s manual

Garden hose, nozzle, and water supply source

Automotive shampoo recommended by manufacturer

Automotive wax

Clean soft cloths and chamois and mechanical buffer

Approved grease/tar-removing solvent

Commerical glass cleaner

Approved cleaning agents and protective coatings for interior cleaning

Squeegee

Bucket(s)

Scrub brushes (for tires)

Fire service pumper, mobile water supply apparatus, or wildland apparatus

Skill Steps / Points / 1st Attempt / 2nd Attempt
Yes / No / Yes / No
1. Park the apparatus outdoors, starting, driving and braking according to SOPs.
Note: Park the apparatus near a water source if possible, and without blocking other response vehicles/apparatus.
2. Chock the apparatus wheels.
3. Gather equipment and set up work area.
a. Connect garden hose.
b. Mix vehicle shampoo according to operator’s manual.
Skill Steps / Points / 1st Attempt / 2nd Attempt
Yes / No / Yes / No
Washing Exterior
Note: Newer apparatus require gentler cleaning procedures than do older apparatus to avoid damage to new paint, detailing, and clear-coat protectants. During the first six months after an apparatus is received, while the new paint and protective coating are new and unseasoned, the vehicle should be washed frequently with cold water to harden the paint and keep it from spotting.
4. Apply water to the apparatus from top to bottom using a garden hose without a nozzle.
a. Use a gentle stream no longer than 1 foot (0.3 m).
CAUTION! Higher pressures can drive grit and debris into the finish.
b. Rinse as much loose dirt as possible from apparatus before applying shampoo and water.
Note: Once a new vehicle’s finish is properly cured (according to the owner’s manual), either a garden hose with a nozzle or a pressure washer may be used to speed cleaning of the apparatus. However, soapy water and hand washing on a regular basis are still required to assure proper cleanliness.
Skill Steps / Points / 1st Attempt / 2nd Attempt
Yes / No / Yes / No
5. Wash the apparatus.
a. Use cold water for apparatus 6 months old or under; use warm water for apparatus over 6 months old.
b. Wash from top to bottom.
c. Use a chamois and automotive shampoo mixture, following shampoo instructions and rinsing chamois frequently.
d. Remove grease or tar from unpainted surfaces with approved solvent.
e. Scrub tires and hubs with scrub brush.
6. Dry the apparatus exterior completely, using a clean chamois.
Glass Care
7. Clean exterior glass using warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaner.
a. Use paper towels or cloth rags, but not dry towels or rags.
b. Do not use a putty knife, razor blade, steel wool, or other metal object to remove deposits from the glass.
c. Clean all exterior windows, windshield light covers, and mirrors.
Skill Steps / Points / 1st Attempt / 2nd Attempt
Yes / No / Yes / No
Interior Cleaning
8. Open the cab windows.
9. Sweep or vacuum large, loose dirt particles.
10. Clean the seat upholstery, dashboard and engine compartment coverings, and floor finishes.
a. Use warm, soapy water, commercial cleaning products, or cleaning agents and protective dressings recommended by the manufacturer.
11. Close any open windows and open a door.
WARNING! Do not use the following products to clean interior surfaces: cleaning solvents such as acetone, lacquer thinner, enamel reducer, and nail polish remover; corrosive or caustic substances such as laundry soap or bleach; and hazardous substances such as gasoline, naphtha, or carbon tetrachloride. Be sure that the vehicle is well ventilated when using any cleaning products inside the cab or crew-riding area.
Skill Steps / Points / 1st Attempt / 2nd Attempt
Yes / No / Yes / No
12. Wash the interior vehicle windows and mirrors using warm soapy water or commercial glass cleaners.
a. Use paper towels or cloth rags, but not dry towels or rags.
b. Do not use putty knife, razor blade, steel wool, or other metal object to remove deposits from the glass.
Waxing
13. Wax the apparatus (if the operator’s manual recommends waxing).
a. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
b. Apply wax with a soft cloth and buff with a soft cloth or mechanical buffer.
Total Points

Points Possible Points Required _____ Points Awarded

Evaluator Comments

Pass _____ Fail _____

Evaluator Signature ______Date ______

Proctor Signature ______Date ______

(If applicable)

I was informed of the skill steps missed that resulted in the failure of this skill.

Candidate Signature ______Date ______

Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

Skill Sheet 3-1