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

2. Objectives Rationale Communication Roles and Responsibilities
Proper Procedures
Special Considerations
Thank You
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3. 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.
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4. 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.
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5. Communication
Prior to any movement of apparatus you must establish a plan of action, placement of apparatus, and determine if backing is necessary.
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6. 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.
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7. Communication
It is of utmost importance for the driver to maintain verbal and visual communications with the backer throughout the process.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
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10. 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.
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11. 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.
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12. 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.
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13. Be Alert, Be Cautious, Back Slowly
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14. 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.
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15. 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.
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16. Backing Hand Signals
Moving a piece of apparatus straight back you will have both hands up, palms facing the guide and motion backwards repeatedly.
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17. 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.
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18. 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.
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19. Backing Hand Signals
Stopping the apparatus you must have both hands up, palms out and held motionless.
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20. Backing Hand Signals
For an immediate stop or “lock the brakes” requires two closed fists. In the event of an emergency, shout “STOP”.
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21. 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.
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22. 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.
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23. Proper Procedures
If any unforeseen obstructions are found during backing, an immediate stop and face to face should happen between the backer and driver.
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24. 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.
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25. 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.
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26. 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.
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27. Don’t Let Accidents Happen…
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28. If They Do, Work As A Team To Fix Them…
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29. 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