CH17: Stabilizing Aerial App

Question 1

Even if an aerial device only rises a few feet from the cradle to tilt the cab, the stress on the suspension may exceed design limit

598

Question 2

IFSTA recommends, fully deploying, stabilizers and stabilizer pads (Jack plates, landing pads and fully leveling the turntable. Every time an aerial is set up.

598

Question 3

Rotating the aerial will trace a gravity circle as long as gravity circle is inside the base of stability, the apparatus will remain stable

598

Question 4

Overloading the aerial can reduce stability of the apparatus, even on a level surface with stabilizers deployed

599

Question 5

NFPA 1900 sets the minimum tip loads for aerial devices, but manufacturers can exceed these limits

599

Question 6

Excessive loading on Ariel’s will result in gravity circle expansion

599

Question 7

D/O should only engage the PTO after properly positioning, the aerial apparatus to accommodate scene condition conditions

600

Question 8

Pneumatic systems require between 50 and 140 psi air pressure for PTO to be operated

601

Question 9

Apparatus manufacturers, recommend that apparatus is equipped with engine, brakes or retarders may need to have that system shut off prior to engaging the PTO

Question 10

When the fire pump operates and hydraulic systems need to be activated later, lower engine speed near idle prior to engaging the PTO
601

Question 11

Setting stabilizer begins with assessment of the set up area

606

Question 12

Manufacturers may recommend setting the high side stabilizer first then the low side

606

Question 13

Preliminary checks for stabilizers: target the best area for pad placement, remove any obstructing objects, activate front brake lock, make sure the PTO light is lit before exiting cab, chalk the wheels
606

Question 14

Wheels should be chalked behind and in front on both side sides of the apparatus with approximately 1 inch of extra space for the apparatus to move without causing a wheel hawk to be stuck under the tire

607

Question 15

Watch the travel path of stabilizers for the following obstructions: personnel, vehicles, utility poles, hose lines, fences, signs

607

Question 16

Stabilizer controls are typically found on the rear step, tail board area, or mid ship on one or both sides

608

Question 17

Arm band or short pipe poles can be used to establish travel path of the stabilizer

608

Question 18

General principles of stabilizer controls: many are lever typed valves, moving up to 90°, operating them can regulate idle speed, operations may affect engine speed so avoid rough jerky movement, when operating one fast idle control at a given part of an apparatus it is best practice to shut off the fast idle before moving to the next part

608

Question 19

Some apparatus feature pads with permanently mounted stabilizer shoes and some come with 24” x 24” portable pads with built-in handles

608

Question 20

Load and range of safe movement significantly decrease if the extension arms failed to extend to the maximum position

610

Question 21

Do not conduct waterway activities, and short jacking situations. Nozzle reaction may transfer weight to the opposite side of the apparatus, causing a rollover.

610

Question 22

Near level pavement, serves as the ideal location to stabilize (approximately within 2° latitude and longitude on the gauge prior to the stabilizer deployment.)
610

Question 23

Always activate, stabilizers, and multi step side to side or front to back process

610

Question 24

In a four Jack system, operate stabilizers in parallel

610

Question 25

The aerial can be set to work below grade. Common reach is 5° below the level of the turntable. 611

Question 26

Stabilizers can overcome approximately 5° of grade and terrain unevenness 611

Question 27

If the manufacturer recommends a rear mount being kneeled with front wheels off the ground, it can reach 10° below the level of the turntable 611

Question 28

D/owes can only deploy from type stabilizers and fully extended position and not at all if the obstructions are present 612

Question 29

Exception to matching fulcrum , and Box stabilizer is on the fulcrum lower to a few inches off ground before placing stabilizer pads 612

Question 30

Double acting stabilizer cylinders with counter balance valves, autolock, stabilizing position 612

Question 31

Cylinders with counter balance valves only move when hydraulic pressure rises above cracking pressure 612

Question 32

Cracking pressure: minimum pressure needed for an apparatus check valve to open and permit detectable flow 612/619

Question 33

Box stabilizer a.k.a. H – Jack or H – stabilizers 619

Question 34

Fulcrum type stabilizers, a.k.a. a Dash frame, scissor, or X – style stabilizers 619

Question 35

Correcting lateral unevenness remains possible on grades up to 5% or 3° 612

Question 36

A slope of 5% means arise and terrain of 5 feet over a 100 feet run 612

Question 37

Slopes, and level gauges, and inclinometers readings are in degrees 612

Question 38

After stabilization, operate the aerial over the uphill side of the apparatus, but if not possible reduce extension and loading 613

Question 39

Many older aerial stabilizers include at least one manual locking system. I.e. lockdown device flipped down and inserted, or large steel pen through a hole. 616

Question 40

Before the D/O climbs onto the turntable, make sure all/off switches are in the correct position 616

Question 41

Generally, an interlock also provides safety, so the aerial stays bedded until the stabilization is completed 616

Question 42

D/O should always raise stabilizers and reverse order of deployment to avoid unused stress on any aerial components 618

Question 43

Apparatus stabilization may be the most critical aspect of prepping aerial for use 597

Question 44

Apparatus may come equipped with limit switches, a.k.a. rotational interlock to prevent aerial movement to the short Jack side 599

Question 45

FD/O parks the apparatus on a lateral grade the center of gravity/gravity circle will shift to the low side 599

Question 46

When PTO transfer is complete, the PTO indicator light should come on 602

Question 47

D/O should ensure all stabilizers contact the ground and bear weight 611

Question 48

Many manufacturers recommend lowering the uphill stabilizers first until they make solid contact with the ground 613

Question 49

Working off the side of the apparatus on a longitudinal grade puts lateral and torsional stresses on the structure of the aerial when raised and firefighters will be unsteady while working 613

Question 50

On longitude, no grades operate, articulating aerials off of the rear of the vehicle if possible 614

Question 51

On most in-service aerials, the combination of counterbalance valves and selector valves in the aerial position provide auto locking capabilities 615

Question 52

On mid ship aerials, the manual extension, arm stores perpendicular to the ground 618

Question 53

On Tiller aerials, the manual extension, arm stores recessed beneath the gooseneck portion of the trailer 619

Question 54

Gravity Circle: the theoretical safety zone that surrounds the center of gravity on all aerials 620