1. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator — Lesson 1
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd Edition
Chapter 1 — The Driver/Operator

2. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Learning Objectives
1. List responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator.
2. List the NFPA standards that set qualifications for fire apparatus driver/operators.
3. List the skills and physical abilities needed by the fire apparatus driver/operator.
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

3. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Learning Objectives
4. Answer questions about the selection of fire apparatus driver/operators.
5. Select facts about driving regulations and licensing requirements for driver/operators.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

4. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Responsibilities
Safely transporting firefighters, apparatus, and equipment
Vehicle maintenance
Vehicle safety checks
Operating the apparatus properly, swiftly, and safely
Ensuring readiness of apparatus and equipment
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

5. Training Requirements
NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications
NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (for Fire Fighter I)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

6. Needed Skills and Physical Abilities
Reading skills, used for:
Reading maps
Reviewing manufacturer’s operating instructions
Studying prefire plans
Reviewing printed computer dispatch instructions
Reading and working on a mobile data terminal (MDT)
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

7. Needed Skills and Physical Abilities
Writing skills, used for:
Completing maintenance reports
Completing equipment repair requests
Completing incident reports
Mathematical skills, used for:
Hydraulic calculations
Equations such as those used in friction loss problems
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

8. Needed Skills and Physical Abilities
Physical fitness, including:
Connnecting to a hydrant with an intake hose
Stretching a supply line to a hydrant by hand
Deploying a portable water tank
Vision requirements, required by NFPA 1582
Hearing requirements, required by NFPA 1582
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

9. Selection of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operators
Driver/Operators are most often promoted from the rank of firefighter.
All fire departments must have an established and thorough training program for prospective fire apparatus driver/operators.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

10. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Driving Regulations
Driver/Operators are regulated by:
State or provincial laws
City ordinances
Departmental SOPs
All statutes, laws, and ordinances that govern any vehicle operator
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

11. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Driving Regulations
Some states or provinces may exempt emergency vehicles from certain laws or statutes.
Driver/Operators must obey all traffic signals and rules in nonemergency driving, including when returning to quarters from an alarm.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

12. Licensing Requirements
United States — Established by federal DOT
Canada — Established by TC
Special requirements for licensing drivers of trucks and other large vehicles are determined by each individual state or province.
Most Canadian provinces require drivers to obtain an air brake endorsement to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

13. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Summary
The position of driver/operator is one that demands certain mental and physical aptitudes or skills and abilities.
Driver/Operator candidates must possess the required licenses or be able to obtain them within their probationary period.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

14. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Discussion Questions
1. What are the responsibilities of the fire apparatus driver/operator?
2. Which NFPA standards are requirements of the fire apparatus driver/operator?
3. What are reading skills used for?
4. What are writing skills used for?
5. What are mathematical skills used for?
(Continued)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator

15. Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Discussion Questions
6. What types of physical tasks should the driver/operator be able to perform?
7. What are fire apparatus driver/operators regulated by?
8. Who determines the requirements for licensing of driver/operators in the United States? Canada?
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator