Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator (1st Edition)
Chapter 3 - Intro to Apparatus Inspection & Maintenance
Test Review

Many of the items in this chapter have been left out of notes because they are just plain common sense.

  • Maintenance mean keeping apparatus in a state of readiness or usefulness.
  • Repair means to restore or replace that which has become inoperable.
  • Repair function are almost always carried out by qualified mechanics.
  • Maintenance SOPs should contain who performs repairs, where repairs are made, how problems are reported, and how items are documented.
  • Apparatus should be inspected on a weekly or biweekly basis as a minimum.
  • The most common cleaning of an apparatus is washing the exterior.
  • Apparatus should not be washed with extremely hot water or while the surface of the apparatus is hot.
  • Gasoline or solvents should never be used to remove grease or tar from painted surfaces.
  • Dry towels or rags should not be used to clean windows as they may allow grit to scratch the glass.
  • Metal objects should not be used to remove deposits from glass.
  • Cleaners that are toxic/flammable, such as acetone, lacquer thinner, enamel reducer, nail polish remover, laundry soap, bleach, gasoline, naptha, or carbon tetrachloride, should never be used to clean the interior of apparatus.
  • The circle (walk-around) method of inspection consists of starting at the driver's door and working around the apparatus in a clockwise direction.
  • Gasoline and diesel engines should not be allowed to run in unvented areas.
  • Diesel exhaust is known to emit benzene derivatives which have been shown to be carcinogenic in lab tests.
  • Tires should be checked for proper inflation, valve stem condition, and tire condition (tread depth, cuts, & wear).
  • A systematic inspection consist of (in order): Left/Right side front, front, Left/Right side rear, rear, in cab, and engine compartment.
  • The first portion of an apparatus inspection should be the right and left side front.
  • Front bumpers commonly contain equipment such as pump intakes/discharges, winches, and hydraulic rescue tool systems that should be inspected for proper operations.
  • Left and right rear side inspections should cover everything from the back of the cab to the tailboard.
  • The in-cab inspection should occur after the outside inspection.
  • A speedometer that shows above zero after starting the engine likely means that it is defective or the engine is in pump gear.
  • Load sequencers turn various lights on at specified times so that start-up electrical load for devices does not occur at the same time.
  • Load monitors keep track of electrical loads that may overload the electrical system.
  • Load shedding is when a load monitor shuts down less important electrical items to prevent overload of the electrical system.
  • Free play, in regards to clutches, is the distance the pedal must be pushed before the throw-out bearing actually contacts the clutch release fingers.
  • Insufficient free play of clutch pedals will cause the clutch will slip, overheat, and wear out sooner than normal.
  • Excessive free play of clutch pedals will cause the clutch to not release completely, resulting in gears clashing, harsh shifting, and damage to gear teeth.
  • On apparatus with air brakes, the parking brake control is most commonly a push-pull switch.
  • Transmission fluid and power steering fluid are the only fluids that may require the engine to be running during inspection.
  • Coolant level is best inspected when the engine is cool.
  • Some air intake systems have an air filter restriction gauge that tells when to change the filter.
  • Plain water may be used for windshield wiper fluid, however, freezing is an issue during cold weather.
  • Most modern batteries are sealed type and require no internal inspection.
  • Corrosion around battery cables can be removed by mixing baking soda (a base) with water and pouring on the connections to neutralize the corrosive (acidic) buildup.
  • The SAE number for engine oil only indicates the viscosity.
  • Some essential characteristics of oil are corrosion protection, foaming, sludging, and carbon accumulation.
  • Lubrication fill connections are similar in appearance to valve stems of tires.
  • Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas when charging.
  • When using a battery charger, attach the red (positive) cable first to the red (positive) battery post, then attach the black (negative) cable to the black (negative) post. Reverse procedure to take off.
  • Items that should be inspected daily include pump gear operation, auxiliary fuel tanks (full), gauges/valves on pump panel, pump and booster lines drained (in freezing weather), water/foam tank levels, underside of rig for leaks, auxiliary winterization systems (if present), turrets (if present), and auxiliary fire suppression systems (extinguishers).
  • Items/actions for weekly inspections should include flushing the pump, intake strainers, pump gear box, changeover valve (for 2/3 stage pumps), pump primer, packing glands, flowmeters, pump pressure control devices, and foam systems.
  • When flushing a pump, it should be done while pump is out of gear.