Maintenance Tips 2007

Maintenance procedures and intervals are critical to Emergency Vehicle’s (EV’s) and their being able to start up, get out of quarters, to the scene, and perform their functions in a safe and efficient manner—EVERY TIME. This is why maintenance should be Preventative and not Breakdown driven.

You should follow the OEM’s guidelines for maintenance and service intervals as stated in each vehicle and component manual The service intervals for maintenance vary by the number of calls, mileage and operation hours on each component Unlike personal and over the road vehicles where mileage is the determining factor; EV’s need to be monitored by engine hours,, aerial operation, generator and pump operation times.
An EV may drive less than a mile to a scene and then spend many hours there doing their job but still operating and accumulating no mileage but lots of hours. Each component of an EV has a manual and it should state its maintenance requirements and intervals.

There is an NFPA (1071) requirement that sets the standards and qualifications for a qualified emergency Vehicle technician (EVT). There are many ways to qualify. Vocational, factory, component manufacturers and formal college training are all excellent. ASE, EVTCC certifications and relative prior experience as well as Seminars and Symposiums are also good ways to qualify. Many OEM’s, component manufacturers’ training facilities and Expo’s offer certificates of achievement for training.

Regular periodic testing of all components will show which ones are worn and need replacement. NFPA states its requirements and procedures for testing in its manuals for Pumps, aerials, hose, and ground ladders

Accurate record keeping of all maintenance, tests and data is paramount in order to defend law suits but most important to adjust and verify by experience that the service and maintenance intervals are adequate. This can be accomplished on a database computer program or the good old fashioned log book for each vehicle.

Sooner or later EV’s wear out or become functionally obsolete. Materials, Technology and Safety issues are constantly evolving and improving.  While some older EV’s are still functional they do not meet the Safety and performance criteria of NFPA 1901, annex “D”. This standard sets the frequency and need for replacement of EV’s.