By Bill Adams “Dimmable Warning Lights” is a misleading title. I originally thought the proposed changes to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus were to allow dimming warning lights in the blocking the right-of-way...
Dimmable Warning Lights, Part 1
By Bill Adams Mentioning warning lights and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1901) Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus in the same sentence might elicit emotional and occasional irrational statements from firefighters, the NFPA safety gurus (not a...
Compartment Considerations: Rescue Trucks
Purchasers should consider working closely with more than one qualified vendor when laying out compartments. Ideas and suggestions are free for the asking.
Assembling an Apparatus Purchasing Committee
By Bill Adams Contrary to popular belief and the ramblings of pundits and commentators including myself, there is no single “best way” to assemble an apparatus purchasing committee (APC). Many so-called industry experts tout biased opinions expounding on the past...
Meeting the Intent of NFPA 1901
By Bill Adams During the apparatus purchasing process, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, is the accepted “bible” for fire departments and apparatus manufacturers (OEMs). Unfortunately, both can interpret it...
Observing Data and Traffic Control
By Bill Adams After cruising several apparatus manufacturers’ Web sites and attending local and regional fire service trade shows, I’ve noticed many apparatus manufacturers are making modifications in the various ways they address the marketplace. Some are quite...
Too Many Unnecessary Words Can Frustrate a Vendor
Their possible contentious behavior is illustrated below to substantiate my belief there are too many unnecessary words in apparatus specifications (specs).