Chapter 09

Aerial Apparatus
Driver/Operator Handbook
2nd Edition
Chapter 9 — Operating
Articulating Aerial Equipment

Learning Objective 1
Discuss raising and lowering the
articulating aerial device.
9–2
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator

• Have two or more sections called
booms
• Water towers
• Aerial platforms
• Booms hydraulically operated by
controls located on turntable
• Unique concerns
Articulating Aerial Apparatus
9–3

Articulating Water Towers
9–4
Courtesy of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue

Articulating Aerial Platforms
9–5

• Elevating entire assembly from its
stored position to a desired angle and
useful position
• Consists of a series of motions that
include elevating, rotating, extending,
and lowering device to its objective
Raising the Aerial Device
9–6

Series of Motions
9–7

• Place apparatus in proper position.
• Apply all parking brakes.
• Place apparatus into proper gear, and
activate power take-off (PTO).
• Deploy stabilizers.
• Switch selector valve from stabilizer
position to aerial device position.
Tasks Before
Deploying Aerial Device
9–8

• Release the
hold-down locks.
• Move hose
connections.
• Check path of
aerial device for
obstructions.
Procedure for
(Continued)
9–9

• Energize platform’s
controls.
• Elevate lower boom
and move platform
to ground level.
Procedure for
(Continued)
9–10

DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why should an operator be stationed
at the lower control pedestal even
when a firefighter is operating the
aerial device from the platform?
9–11

• Place in desired
working position.
• Charge waterway
system and operate
master stream.
• Engage cylinder
and/or turntable
locks.
Procedure for
9–12

• Disengage cylinder
and/or turntable
locks.
• Drain waterway
system.
• Check intended path
of aerial device for
obstructions.
Lowering the Aerial Device
(Continued)
9–13

• Rotate aerial device
until booms are in
line with boom
travel cradle.
• Lower platform to
ground to allow
personnel to exit.
(Continued)
9–14

• Check lower boom
hold-down hooks.
• Lower aerial device
onto boom travel
cradle.
• Hook and latch upper
boom locks and
platform stabilizers arms.
9–15

Describe operating an articulating
aerial device under adverse conditions.
9–16

• Dynamic stress placed upon aerial
device and its related components
• Can result in twisting force on entire
aerial device system
• Static load requirements established by
NFPA®
1901
Operating on a Grade
9–17

• Optimum positioning
• Proper stabilization of apparatus
• Knowing load restrictions for given
grade
Keys to Operating on a Grade
9–18

• Can adversely
affect operating
capabilities of
aerial device
• Gusts can impose
significant dynamic
loads to device.
High Wind Conditions
(Continued)
9–19

• Sustained winds of sufficient velocity
can cause deformation or twisting.
• Most manufacturers allow full operation
in winds of up to 35 to 40 mph (56 km/h
to 64 km/h).
• Wind speeds beyond 40 mph (64 km/h)
can be very dangerous.
High Wind Conditions
9–20

• Most reliable – Calibrated wind-
measuring equipment
• Information relayed by dispatch center
• Internet resources
• Rough estimate using information in
Table 8.1
Determining Wind Speed
9–21

• Result in increased viscosity of
hydraulic oil, slowing overall operation
of equipment
• Physical changes in properties of steel
structural members of device
Low Air Temperature
Conditions
9–22

• Precipitation and/or water droplets from
elevated master stream operation
• Reduces rescue capability and
adversely affects stability
• Damage to structural members or
auxiliary systems
Ice Formation
(Continued)
9–23

Ice Formation
(Continued)
9–24

Ice Formation
(Continued)
9–25

• Application of grease
– To exposed sliding surfaces – Effective to
prevent immediate ice adhesion
– Facilitates “shrugging off” – Extending and
retracting device
Ice Formation
9–26

Deicing
9–27
Courtesy of Ron Jeffers

• Should be avoided
whenever possible
• Can be cooled by
protective water
hose streams
• Elevating platforms
equipped with spray-curtain nozzles
Exposure to Fire
9–28
Courtesy of Harvey Eisner

• Discoloration
• Disfiguration
• Deformed weld
• Improper mechanical response
• Heat sensors
Signs of Heat Damage
9–29

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done when heat
damage is noted to the aerial
device?
9–30

• Leaking fuel
• Leaking hydraulic fluid
• Leaking water from engine
• Leaking motor oil
• Overheating of any component
• Unusual noises or vibrations
Aerial Device
Mechanical or Power Failure
(Continued)
9–31

• Drifting of the aerial device when raised
• Overloading of the electric system
• Gauges indicating abnormality
• Odor of burning fluids
• Interlock failure
Aerial Device
Mechanical or Power Failure
9–32

DISCUSSION QUESTION
What should be done if any of these
indicators are present?
9–33

Identify general safety guidelines for
operating telescoping aerial devices.
9–34

• Designed to be used on firm level
ground
• During master stream operations,
maximum load capacity of platform
decreases
• Apparatus brakes and stabilizers must
be securely set before operation
Safe Operating Practices for
Articulating Aerial Devices
(Continued)
9–35

• Caution must be exercised when
operating near power lines
• Caution of water hammer when closing
nozzles during master stream
operations
• Avoid sudden movement of fire stream
from side to side
(Continued)
9–36

• Aerial operator on the ground should
always standing on operator’s platform
when operating aerial device
• When securing apparatus for road
travel, the driver/operator must make
sure booms are locked in transport
position and stabilizers are fully
retracted
(Continued)
9–37

• To avoid unsafe positioning of tip of
aerial platform, operator should always
rotate turntable until it faces the working
area before final position
• If unsure about the safe operating
principles and limitations of specific
apparatus, contact manufacturer for
more detail
9–38

• Never extend or retract with firefighters
on ladder.
• Be aware of overhead obstructions in
ladder’s path of travel.
9–39

Raise and lower a telescoping aerial
device.
Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 8-1.
9–40

Summary
• Failure of the aerial device can usually
be blamed on improper maintenance or
lack of operator knowledge and
awareness.
9–41

• This chapter reminds the
driver/operator of his/her responsibilities
with regard to the safe operation of an
articulating aerial device as well as the
knowledge required to evaluate
potential failure.
Summary
9–42

Review Questions
1. What types of study sessions
and drills are recommended while
learning how to operate articulating
aerial equipment?
2. What are the types of
articulating aerial apparatus?
(Continued)
9–43

Review Questions
3. What are the concerns relevant
to positioning articulating aerial
apparatus?
4. What procedure may be
followed to raise an aerial device to its
working position?
5. What is an anti-electrocution
platform? (Continued)
9–44

6. What procedure may be
followed to lower an aerial device?
7. What types if adverse situations
may result in a twisting force on an
entire aerial device system?
8. How can low air temperature
affect the job of the aerial apparatus
driver/operator?
Review Questions
(Continued)
9–45

9. What should the driver/operator do
when the device is in danger of being
exposed to extreme heat?
10. How should the auxiliary hydraulic
pump be operated?
Review Questions
9–46

Chapter 09

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Chapter 09