1. Aerial Apparatus Operator
Apparatus Stabilization
IFSTA Chapter 5

2. Apparatus Stabilization
Most critical aspect of preparing aerial
Broaden base of vehicle to avoid tipping over
Widen chassis beyond the wheels
Apparatus Stabilization
Most critical aspect of preparing an aerial device for use
Broaden the base of the vehicle to avoid the possibility of tipping over
when aerial device is extended over the side of the apparatus
Widening the chassis beyond the wheels
IFSTA Recommends
stabilizers be used every time the aerial is raised from the bed
Follow local SOP’s

3. Hydraulic System Hydraulic pump Oil Reservoir
Filters and exchange type oil coolers
Hydraulic oil supply tubing
Valves
Auxiliary hydraulic pump
Hydraulic System
Hydraulic Pump
powered by power take off from vehicle’s engine
pump may be either rotary vane or rotary gear
pressure
maybe 3500 psi or more
pressure gauge required console
Oil
manufacturer specification
incompressible
Reservoir
designed to supply an adequate amount of oil to operate the system
stores and conditions oil
baffles located in tank are designed to slow movement of oil
allows air, heat and foreign matter to be released from the oil

4. Transferring Power to Hydraulic System
Position according to conditions
Engage PTO
according to transmission type
Transferring power to the hydraulic system
Position apparatus depending on conditions at the scene
Engage power take-off system
Control located at drivers position
pneumatic
psi air pressure needed
electric
hydraulic
combination
Visual signal to indicate engagement

5. Setting Stabilizers Chock wheels Check around vehicle
Check surface where stabilizers will rest
place foot plates
Setting the Stabilizers
Chock wheel if recommended by manufacturer
Check around vehicle to avoid problems
other vehicles
power poles
other personnel
Check surface where stabilizer will rest for loose objects
place foot plates

6. Selector Valve Location midship rear step Method of Operation
varies by manufacturer
Once in place apparatus read for stabilization
General Principles About Stabilizer Controls
Controls are located for viewing movement
audible movement alarm
Types of Stabilizers
fulcrum-type, A-frame
box-type (most common)
straight down
Stabilizers that protrude from the body shall have a reflective strip or paint and have red warning lights
Deployed in less than 90 seconds
no more than 75 psi can be exerted over the ground contact area with the apparatus fully loaded and carrying the rated capacity in every position

7. Stabilization on Even Terrain
Allows for maximum stabilization
Lift weight off one side
until tire bulge is removed
Then lift other side and alternate lifting
Stabilizing on Even Terrain
Allows for maximum stabilization
Lift weight off one side until tire bulge is removed
Lift other side and alternate lifting

8. Stabilizing on Uneven Terrain
Should only be done when unavoidable
Correcting lateral unevenness
can correct up to 5-6% grade
stabilize high side first
Longitudinal unevenness
maximum varies from 6-14%
Stabilizing on Uneven Terrain
Should be done only when unavoidable
Correcting lateral unevenness
can be achieved on up to a 5 to 60 percent grade
high side stabilization first
then low side raised up till level with high side
work off high side if possible
Longitudinal unevenness
maximum longitudinal grades vary from 6 to 14 percent (consult manufacturer)
work off ends of apparatus
most apparatus have restricted loads when working in this position

9. Stabilizing on Curbs Should be avoided if possible
Same as lateral incline
Reposition if possible
Object must be capable of withstanding weight
Stabilizing on Curbs or other obstructions
Avoid if possible
Treated same way as on lateral incline
Reposition rather than deploying in unsafe manner

10. Locking Stabilizers Assures stabilizers stay in place
Holding valves and interlock are most common system
Box stabilizers have holes for safety pins
Position wheel chocks at this time
Locking the Stabilizers
Once stabilizers are in place operator must assure they stay in place
Holding valves and interlock
most common type of locking system
interlock prevents the flow of hydraulic fluid in or out of the stabilizers while aerial device is in use
holding valves prevent the movement of fluid within the stabilizers
Box type stabilizers have series of holes for safety pins
steel pins inserted to act as an additional safeguard
Wheel chocks should be repositioned at this time if necessary

11. Stabilizing Tractor-Trailer Type Apparatus
Stability given by way apparatus is parked
Angle should be placed between tractor and trailer
60 degrees
never more than 90 degrees
Stabilizing Tractor-Trailer Type Apparatus
Critical amount of stability is given by the manner in which apparatus is parked
An angle should be placed between the tractor and trailer portions
maximum stability occurs when the angle of tractor is 60 degrees from center line
aerial ladder is operated toward outside of the angle
never position at an angle of greater than 90 degrees
To put the vehicle in the angle position
approach the intended object until turntable is right next to it
cut wheels of tractor sharply toward center of street (away from object)
truck is pulled slightly forward
cut tiller wheels sharply toward building
back up truck slightly

12. Stabilizing Aerial Apparatus Action Training Systems
Video
Stabilizing Aerial Apparatus
Action Training Systems