By: Ryan Ayres And Tony Nguyen Backing Safety By: Ryan Ayres And Tony Nguyen Cordelia Fire District

Objectives Rationale Communication Roles and Responsibilities Proper Procedures Special Considerations Thank You Cordelia Fire District

Rationale Backing is on of the most dangerous everyday operations for fire apparatus, as they have large blind spots that typical vehicles do not have. Cordelia Fire District

Rationale Putting backing procedures in place ensures the safety of fire apparatus, backing personnel, drivers and bystanders. Consistent compliance with this SOG will help mitigate the frequent occurrence of backing accidents. Cordelia Fire District

Communication Prior to any movement of apparatus you must establish a plan of action, placement of apparatus, and determine if backing is necessary. Cordelia Fire District

Communication Upon determining that backing is a necessity a backer should be in place to help guide the driver into the location that has been predetermined. Cordelia Fire District

Communication It is of utmost importance for the driver to maintain verbal and visual communications with the backer throughout the process. Cordelia Fire District

Roles and Responsibilities It is the responsibility of both the driver and the backer to ensure that backing practices are done safely and in an effective manner every time. Cordelia Fire District

Roles and Responsibilities - Driver It is the drivers responsibility to monitor the backing guide at all times. The operator shall also monitor both sides of the apparatus using the side mirrors to ensure the apparatus will not strike any object during backing. Cordelia Fire District

Roles and Responsibilities - Backer It is the backers responsibility to ensure that all overhead, side, and rear obstructions are clear from the path of travel. Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures Prior to placing the apparatus in reverse it is important for the driver to follow a few simple guidelines: Driver should roll down both windows and silence any background noise that could be a distraction. This will also help if an emergency stop is required so you can hear the backers verbal cue. Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures Communicate with your backer where the proper placement of the apparatus will be, and the path you intend to use. Check all mirrors for any obstructions that are visible, and develop a plan to avoid any such barriers. Wait for your backer to get into the proper place, and to give you the signal to commence safe backing procedures. Cordelia Fire District

Be Alert, Be Cautious, Back Slowly Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures- Backer The backer serves a critical role in backing of an apparatus. The backer must ensure all roadway traffic is clear prior to backing the apparatus. The backer must use clear and concise hand signals to provide proper backing instructions for the driver. Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures- Backer The backer must ensure verbal and visual communications exist and are maintained throughout the backing process. If any obstacles obstruct the path of travel or communication ceases between driver and backer, backing procedures must stop immediately. Cordelia Fire District

Backing Hand Signals Moving a piece of apparatus straight back you will have both hands up, palms facing the guide and motion backwards repeatedly. Cordelia Fire District

Backing Hand Signals Directing the apparatus to the right requires both hands pointing to the right hand side so the driver can clearly see the directions given. Cordelia Fire District

Backing Hand Signals Directing the apparatus to the left requires both hands pointing to the left hand side so the driver can clearly see the directions given. Cordelia Fire District

Backing Hand Signals Stopping the apparatus you must have both hands up, palms out and held motionless. Cordelia Fire District

Backing Hand Signals For an immediate stop or “lock the brakes” requires two closed fists. In the event of an emergency, shout “STOP”. Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures The apparatus backing speed should not be greater than walking speed, to allow for the backing personnel to walk at a normal rate and ensure they see any obstructions in the path of the apparatus. Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures Again, anytime a breakdown in communication occurs the apparatus should cease movement, and the driver will wait to reestablish communication with the backer to continue moving, or readjusting the apparatus. Cordelia Fire District

Proper Procedures If any unforeseen obstructions are found during backing, an immediate stop and face to face should happen between the backer and driver. Cordelia Fire District

Special Considerations The key issue with backing any apparatus is the continuous communication between driver and backer. You must always maintain a clear visual contact during backing. Cordelia Fire District

Special Considerations During situations in limited visibility, there extra precautionary measures that can be taken to ensure visibility. Wearing a traffic vest allows the driver to maintain visual contact with the backer during night or dark conditions. Using a flashlight allows the driver to determine which hand signals the backer is communicating. Cordelia Fire District

Special Considerations In conditions where verbal communication is limited, the backer should carry a portable radio and communicate an emergency stop when necessary. No special channel is required, simply come over Solano 1 and state “Engine 31 Stop!” When a driver/operator hears this or anything similar, they should immediately stop the apparatus and have a face to face with the backer prior to resuming any backing maneuvers. Cordelia Fire District

Don’t Let Accidents Happen… Cordelia Fire District

If They Do, Work As A Team To Fix Them… Cordelia Fire District

Thank You We would like to take this time to thank you for all of your attention and time watching this presentation. When accidents happen in the fire service, it is of the utmost importance that everyone learn from these errors. It is important to remember that our number one priority in the fire service is Safety, and we are confident that if you follow these guidelines, backing the apparatus will be a more safe maneuver. Cordelia Fire District