Adams
NFPA 1901 & FAMA Signs: Sensible or Nonsensical? Part 1

NFPA 1901 & FAMA Signs: Sensible or Nonsensical? Part 1

By Bill Adams The tones dropped and everyone headed for the rig. The chauffer fired up the motor as the lieutenant impatiently waited for the crew to load up. One jumped in behind the officer’s seat while two others stood outside intently staring at the opened...

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Roll-Up Doors

Roll-Up Doors

Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment publishes a monthly list showing photos of about two dozen new apparatus deliveries. In the last three months, 66% of the deliveries featured roll-up compartment doors, 23% had hinged doors, and 11% had a combination of both.

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What Is A Light Rescue Truck?

What Is A Light Rescue Truck?

In comparing dozens of OEMs’ Web sites, there is no common industry-wide description for a light rescue except for the intimation they’re support rather than suppression vehicles.

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Where Have All the Apparatus Builders Gone?

Where Have All the Apparatus Builders Gone?

The size an OEM is not necessarily reflective of the quality of the apparatus manufactured, nor does the size of a local dealership indicate the expertise and knowledge of its vendor that knocks on your firehouse door.

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NFPA 1901 & Generators

NFPA 1901 & Generators

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, does not require an onboard generator on any of its various apparatus classifications. Nor does it require one under what specific minor equipment “shall be available” before a rig is placed in service.

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Is a Single Pump Discharge Pressure Feasible?

Is a Single Pump Discharge Pressure Feasible?

As long as the rig has an adequate water supply, and no one is screaming on the radio to raise or lower pump pressures, pump operators might let the pump do its own thing. Regardless of the reason, a lackadaisical attitude might develop that could be inherently dangerous on the fireground.

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Defending Specification Requirements

Defending Specification Requirements

Mandating service requirements is admirable. However, purchasers should realize there can be and probably should be a difference in providing “service” applicable to warranty issues and providing general “everyday” service and general maintenance capabilities.

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Why Is This in Your Specs?

Why Is This in Your Specs?

If the real intent of writing what could be considered proprietary dimensions is to ensure the success of a preferred vendor, then so be it. Just bear in mind that the decision to write such a specification may have to be justified in a public forum.

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Warning Light Glare and the SAE

Warning Light Glare and the SAE

Lately the fire service, warning light manufacturers, pundits, commentators, and safety gurus alike have advocated doing something about the glare or distraction of warning lights that people say can, could, may, or might be a cause or a contributing factor of accidents.

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