b"O P E R A T I O N S STORAGE COMPARTMENTS Storage compartments should be equipped with slide-out trays, M U S C U L O S K E L E T A L which allow for heavier equipment to be brought to the fire fighter and allow for better accessibility and body mechanics. With higher compartments, slide-out and tilt-down trays may be more appropriate. Handles or levers should be located at multiple points to allow for correct body mechanics. All equipment should APPARATUS DESIGN be securely fastened in compartments to prevent items from Apparatus design plays a significant role in preventingfalling out and injuring personnel when opening a compartment. occupational injuries and MSDs. When a fire department isIt is recommended that self-contained breathing apparatus purchasing equipment, its design and the risk for musculoskeletal(SCBAs) be stored outside the crew cab to maintain a clean cab injuries and disorders during use should be considered. Injuriesand reduce carcinogen exposure in the cab. can occur when personnel are getting on or off an apparatus orCABwhen trying to retrieve or store equipment. Table 1 lists a sampleThe NFPA requires that each crew riding position shall be of good design elements to consider. If relevant National Firefully enclosed. Low-hanging ceilings should be padded and Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines exist, they also shouldoutfitted with reflective surfaces to warn and protect personnel. be considered when designing an apparatus.All equipment carried in the cab should be securely fastened Table 1. Good Design Elements of Apparatus/Equipment so that equipment doesnt become projectiles in the event ofProper placement of handrails abrupt braking or motor vehicle collision. Adjustable seats and steering wheels allow for better ergonomics and accommodateProper placement of steps all operators. In-cab headsets should be worn to allow for betterProper positioning of lights communication and hearing protection. Surfaces are of appropriate length and width AERIAL LADDERS Surfaces where fire fighters tread have a non-slip surfaceThe rungs on aerial ladders should be slip-resistant and C ompartment layout allows for equipment storage based indicated with fluorescent and reflective material.on weight, size and frequency of use TAILBOARD AND RUNNING BOARDSCompartment slide-out trays to allow for better accessibility Running boards, tailboards and bumpers should have appropriateWarm-water station length and width to allow personnel to climb, retrieve equipment and dismount safely while wearing full PPE and SCBA. These areas should be outfitted with slip-resistant surfaces, fluorescent and STEPS AND HANDRAILS reflective material, and adequate handrails and lighting to aid Minimum depth and height requirements should be consideredpersonnel in mounting and dismounting these surfaces. to ensure an individuals ability to ascend and descend steps safely. It is recommended that step depth be increased and stepHOSE BEDheight be decreased to prevent injuries or MSDs. Steps shouldHose beds equipped with diamond plate or heavy covers should be slip-resistant and outfitted with fluorescent and/or reflectivebe outfitted with electric/powered openers or sliders and material. Steps should have adequate lighting to illuminate the stepautomatic lighting. and surrounding area. It's also important to look at the boot/step interface to make sure that boots don't get caught on the steps andLARGE-DIAMETER HOSEcause a trip and fall. Slip-resistant handrails should be available toLarge-diameter hose (LDH) is heavy, bulky and awkward to move aid personnel with ascending and descending. and load, making it a common contributor to occupational injuries during training and emergency incidents. It is recommended APPARATUS SURFACESthat LDH be moved with a folding hand truck that can be stored Apparatus surfaces should be slip-resistant and indicated within a compartment or via a two-person carry. A tool such as a New fluorescent and reflective material, and should have adequateYork hook or prybar can be inserted in the middle of the rolled handrails to aid the user. Surfaces that are intended for footLDH to provide the carriers with handles. When loading, it is traffic should be clearly designated. Edges, corners andrecommended that a lazy Susan be used to limit the amount of protrusions should be rounded to minimize contact injuries. bending required to unroll LDH to load a hose bed. LIGHTINGAdequate lighting should be located below running boards, tailboards and bumpers; around steps and ladders; and in the cab. Lights should illuminate automatically when power is turned on, a door is opened or an exterior step is lowered/activated.46"