From the Drawing Board to the Apparatus Floor with the Apparatus Architects
This month’s show covers the gamut of fire apparatus design and safety, but starts with the sobering facts of safe vehicle operations. In recent months, three apparatus operators were indicted after vehicle accidents that killed a fellow firefighter and injured civilians.
Mike Wilbur mentions the fact that investigators immediately check the weight of the vehicle and often times the units is over loaded. Tom Shand starts the discussion on becoming compliant with NFPA 1901 Standards for apparatus, including weight and how important it is for department’s to specify the weight of their unit in the contract. Other 1901 standards include deck guns and scrub areas on ladder trucks that are often affected by the height of the cab.
The idea of “tag-on” orders is another theme in this show, but the Apparatus Architects caution department’s to make sure the unit is specified and sized for each department involved. This podcast ends with thoroughly checking for pitfalls in the contract for a unit. Does your committee read the fine lines? Do you know the ins and outs of contracts for new apparatus? The Apparatus Architects talk in-depth about the pros and cons of the final paperwork that everyone signs on the dotted line.
If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please e-mail them to: podcast@firehouse.com
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Guys- I want to compliment you on your radio program. I have new members on a rescue truck committee and this help them to understand their positiona and concerns I have been speaking about with regards to the specification, in particular the weight issues.
I would like to comment on the penalty clause that I have used (yes after a bad experiance) I go very aggressive and have it set at a 1,000.00 per day and In the cover letter I make it known the time period to be built will be a strong factor in picking the builder. The reason I have done this and it’s worked so far. I have allowed a clause to be put in that I have the right to remove the penalty clause at any time. What I am seeing is that it weeds out those fly by night builders or the “Hugo’s” of fire apparatus manufacturers to even bid on what I want to be a quality peice. I have always been concerned that a low budget company would low ball a bid and the town fathers would say “but look at the money we can save” and force the issue and I get a pice of junk. On the other hand I have used it like that ACE you hold back and have seen the high end builder push ours up the line to be built to avoid any potential problems. It also become a bargaining tool if it does go longer in getting “extras” on the truck because they really don’t want to pay the penalty…..
Just a few thoughts to consider..
DC Rick Swan
Old Saybrook Fire
Old Saybrook CT 06475
Nice post
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