1. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
Hydraulic Platform
Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre

2. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
HISTORY
Developed in the 1920`s for use by the American fruit growing industry.
Hence the name “CHERRY PICKER” given to commercial H.P.
Chicago F.D. adapted a hydraulic platform for fire brigade use in 1958.
Newspaper article led to the name. “SNORKLE”
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3. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
HISTORY
Continuous development.
Sophisticated.
Simple to operate.
Heights have developed to 26m. 30m. and 60m. machines
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4. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TYPE. S.C.A. 160.
Simon compensating articulated 16 metre. hydraulic platform.
Safety link.
Max. working height 17.5m
Max cage floor height. 16.0m.
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5. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TYPE. S.C.A (continued).
Max. outreach 9m.
S.W.L. dry 340kg.
S.W.L. wet 165kg.
Length m.
Width m.
Height m.
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6. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
USES
Rescue.
Water tower.
Ventilation.
Inspection.
Ship incident.
Access (special service).
B.A. entry point. ?
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7. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
B.A. entry. ?
The dept. of the environment guidelines states.
The cage of a H.P. is not to be used as the site of an entry control point.
Paragraph and
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8. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
WORD PICTURE.
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9. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TERMINOLOGY.
Booms.
The two or three jointed sections which carry the cage
Cage.
The personnel compartment / platform fitted at the top of the upper or third boom.
Depress.
To reduce the height of the cage. N. B. only applies to the cage.
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10. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TERMINOLOGY (CONTD).
Elevate.
To increase the height of the cage.
N.B.. only applies to the cage.
Height.
The distance from the bottom of the cage to the ground.
Knuckle.
The pivot joint between the first and second booms.
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11. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TERMINOLOGY (CONTD).
Train/Rotate.
To move the cage in a circular route by moving the turntable.
USE THE COMMAND TRAIN / ROTATE CLOCKWISE / ANTICLOCKWISE.
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12. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TERMINOLOGY (CONTD).
S.W.L.
Safe working load.
A H.P. can carry its S.W.L. in any position.
N.B. THE S.W.L. WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE FOLLOWING.:-
GRADIENTS.
WIND CONDITIONS.
EXTRA LOADS ON THE BOOMS (WATER TOWER)
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13. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TERMINOLOGY (CONTD).
Turntable.
The revolving platform, exactly on the centre line of the chassis, which carries the fulcrum frame and one end of the lower boom.
House.
To return the booms to the travelling position.
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14. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
TERMINOLOGY (CONTD).
Projection.
Projection is the distance from the edge of the cage to the centre of the turntable on a horizontal plain.
Over-ride.
A control at the base operators position.
Plumbing.
Use of the jacks to bring vehicle level.
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15. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
Capabilities H.P.`S.
Rescue (no setting up)
Max. safe working load (in any position)
Large monitor attack (in any position)
Pitching
Getting to work (speed)
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16. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
Limitations of H.P.`S
Size of vehicle
Operation of “Booms”
Weight of vehicle
No plumbing
S.W.L. (limits the number of people in cage)
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17. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
CONSTRUCTION.
Axle overload.
Platform stability.
Chassis bending.
Legal requirements.
Travelling stability.
Engine Hydraulic system ratio.
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18. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
CONSTRUCTION
Safety.
Booms Corten steel.
Cage design.
Size Comfort
Size S.W.L.
Easy access.
Toe board.
Lightness + Rigidity.
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19. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
GETTING TO WORK.
Site vehicle in correct position.
Apply hand brake.
Engage P.T.O.
Place wheel chocks under front wheels.
Extend jacks in correct sequence and plumb if required.
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20. GETTING TO WORK (CONTD).
Elevate upper boom.
Elevate lower boom off headrest.
Ensure booms and cage are clear of all obstructions on vehicle.
Operate as required.
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21. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
MAKING UP.
Train and depress booms as required.
Centralise turntable.
Fully house lower boom.
Fully house upper boom.
Raise jacks.
Remove wheel chocks.
Disengage P.T.O.
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22. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
PROJECTION.
Projection is the distance from the edge of the cage to the centre of the turntable on a horizontal plain.
It varies according to height.
A H.P. normally has its max. projection at about half its max. height.
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23. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
PROJECTION. (CONTD).
The method to assess projection is pacing at measured heights.
The H.P. is made down.
The lower or first boom must be fully elevated.
A measured line is attached to the leading edge of the cage floor.
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24. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
PROJECTION. (CONTD).
The cage is depressed to the lowest mark on the line.
Each operator then paces the distance from the centre of the turntable ring to a point on the ground vertical below the leading edge of the cage.
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25. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
PROJECTION. (CONTD).
The process is then repeated as the second or upper boom is raised in measured amounts (using the drop-line) until the cage is at its max. elevation.
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26. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
PROJECTION. (CONTD).
If the appliance has a third boom this must be kept in line with the second boom.
As the size of a pace differs from person to person the results of this process is kept by each individual.
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27. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
Assessing pitches.
Siting.
One of the most important functions of the driver.
Considerations.
More targets may develop.
Having to re-site takes time and could cost lives.
Clearance.
The jacks.
The knuckle.
Vehicle body.
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28. Assessing pitches. (contd).
Ground conditions.
A solid working base is required.
Paving slabs maybe laid on a bed of sand.
Large volumes of water may change ground conditions.
Avoid parking too close to kerbs.
Watch out for hydrant pits manhole covers drains etc.
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29. Assessing pitches. (contd.)
Canal banks danger of ground collapse
Overhead obstructions.
Wires.
Cables.
Balconies.
Advertisement signs.
Flag poles.
Other vehicles.
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30. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
SAFETY DEVICES.
Boom travelling position.
Positive stop on front “A” frame.
Positive stop at rear lower boom.
Self levelling device.
Cable.
Positive stop on cylinder ram.
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31. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
SAFETY DEVICES.
Powered movement on turntable ring.
Worm gear.
Isolator valve.
Safety stop.
Safety link.
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32. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
SAFETY FEATURES.
All hydraulic platforms have safety features built into them.
But additional safety features are built into hydraulic platforms for fire brigade use.
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33. SAFETY FEATURES. Type “A”.
Maximum load and yield stress.
The calculated stress on the machine when it is in its maximum load position does not exceed one third of the yield stress.
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34. SAFETY FEATURES. Type “A”.(contd.)
Stability.
Is calculated at a weight above that of the safe working load.
N.B. At no time should the safe working load be exceeded
Hydraulic failure.
Restrictor valve.
Rotation.
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35. SAFETY FEATURES. Type “A”.(contd.)
Dual controls.
Controls for the cage are fitted at the base and in the cage.
The base operator can override or isolate the cage controls if required.
N.B. At no time should members of the public or untrained personnel be allowed in the cage alone.
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36. SAFETY FEATURES. Type “A”.(contd.)
Jacks.
“A” frame type jacks which cause a wedging action between the outer and inner casings when the jack is down and loaded.
Safety stop.
All machines are fitted with a mechanical safety stop or safety link.
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37. SAFETY FEATURES. Type “B”.
Mechanical jack interlocks.
Mechanical device which prevents the jacks being retracted when the booms are raised.
Lock valves.
Prevents boom movement in the event of hydraulic failure.
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38. SAFETY FEATURES. Type “B”.(contd.)
Hydraulic jack interlock.
Prevents boom operation if the jacks are not down correctly.
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39. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
SAFETY PROCEDURES.
Pace for projection.
Do not exceed R.P.M.
Use wheel chocks.
Use controls gently.
Do not exceed S.W.L.
No jumping on or off the cage.
Never steady appliance by using booms or cage.
Never place cage on roof.
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40. SAFETY PROCEDURES. (CONTINUED)
Ensure booms / jacks are fully housed.
It is vital to maintain good communication between base and cage operator at all times.
Always bring a drop-line aloft.
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41. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
OPERATIONAL SAFETY.
The driver has overall responsibility for the platform and its safety.
Officers will only give orders in a general sense.
When ever any members of the public or untrained personnel are in the cage the base operator will take full control of all manoeuvres where possible.
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42. OPERATIONAL SAFETY. (CONTINUED).
When the cage operator is controlling, the cage the driver / base operator must maintain good communications with the cage while watching all its manoeuvres and be ready to take over in an emergency.
Full P.P.E. must be worn at all times.
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43. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
S.C.A. 160 CHECKS.
Weekly.
Oil/water/fuel Main/Standby.
Hydraulic oil.
Equipment check.
Check for hyd. oil leaks, jack feet, general condition of appliance.
Every 2nd. week.
Run standby engine for 5 mins.
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44. Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre
S.C.A TESTS
Weekly.
Operations test. (full range)
ALL other TESTS ON THE H.P. WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY WORKSHOP.
Standard test (pump).
N.B.
Any faults/ problems report to O.I.C.
Records to be kept as usual.
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