While you are performing maintenance on an apparatus engine, transmission, brakes and other components, take a few minutes to check the cab as well. On most apparatus, the cab windows, doors, tilt system, instruments and many other components need regular maintenance.

Here are a few points to add to your regular maintenance program.

Windows. Clean the outsides of all windows with an approved glass cleaner after washing the apparatus to remove mud and dirt. Occasionally, clean the insides of the windows as well to remove built-up fingerprints and vaporous films emitted by upholstery and plastics in the cab. Ensure that the windshield wipers work correctly and replace any worn wiper blades. Any roll-down windows that do not fully close should be repaired to prevent blowing embers from entering the cab and causing fires. If any cab window is severely cracked to the point that it obscures the driver’s vision, the apparatus must be taken out of service until the window is replaced.

Doors. All cab doors must close and latch securely to provide safety for the occupants. Repair or replace any door hinges, latches, stops, handles or other components that do not function properly. An apparatus with doors that do not close and latch securely must be taken out of service until the problem is fixed. Departments may want to consider adding reflective striping to the insides of cab doors on older apparatus to provide additional safety when stopping along roadways.

Mirrors. All mirrors must be positioned to provide adequate visibility along both sides of the apparatus. Replace or repair any mirrors with loose mounts or cracked glass. An apparatus with a mirror that is damaged such that it obstructs the driver’s vision must be taken out of service until the problem is fixed. Departments should consider adding convex mirrors to provide additional visibility to blind spots along the sides or across the front or rear of apparatus. The upcoming NFPA 1901 standard will require motorized mirrors to allow remote adjustment from the driver’s seat. These will require additional maintenance checks.

Steps. Ensure all cab steps are securely fastened and free of obstructions. If an add-on, non-slip material has been applied to the steps, replace or repair it as required. Check the step and ground illumination lights to ensure proper operation when the cab doors are opened.

Grab-handles. Check all grabhandles for damage and loose mounting. Repair or replace as necessary. Consider adding non-slip surfaces to grabhandles on older apparatus. Install additional grabhandles inside and outside the cab as necessary to provide continuous three points of contact for personnel entering or exiting the cab.

Tilt system. On apparatus equipped with tilting cabs, secure loose items inside the cab and activate the cab-tilt system until the cab is fully tilted. Secure the safety locking device to prevent the cab from falling back in case of hydraulic system failure. Never work under the tilted cab without first securing the safety locking device. Release the safety lock and return the cab to its lowered position. Observe the operation and listen for unusual sounds. Repair or replace components as required. Be aware that some tilt systems require different hydraulic fluids when operating in very cold temperatures.

Seats. Check all seat mounts to ensure they are securely fastened to the floor. Sit in each seat and check the vertical, horizontal and tilt adjustments. Seats that cannot be adjusted to provide adequate head clearance to the cab roof present a safety hazard and can result in head and neck injuries to occupants. Repair or replace components as required. Check the condition of all seat belt webbing, latches and retractors. Replace any damaged, missing, or inoperable components. Any seat with a damaged, missing or inoperable seat belt must be taken out of service until the problem is fixed. No one may sit in it while the apparatus is in motion. If the driver’s seat belt is damaged, missing or inoperable, the entire apparatus must be taken out of service until the problem is fixed.

Instruments. Check all instruments and dash warning devices for proper operation. This requires a knowledge of the proper sequence of operation for certain devices, such as ABS warning lights, which normally come on briefly when the engine is started, then go out. If the ABS light fails to come on at all, or if it fails to go out after a certain period of time or under certain conditions, that may be an indication of improper operation and possible malfunction in the system. Likewise, certain gauges have normal operating ranges. If the gauges indicate values outside those ranges, there may be a problem — oil pressure, air pressure, ammeter and voltmeter gauges are typical examples. Replace or repair all instruments that do not perform correctly. This is important. In many cases, the instruments are the first and only indicators of potential problems on the apparatus — they need to operate correctly.

Climate control. Check the cab heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems for proper operation and distribution of air flow. Repair or replace components as required. Pay special attention to the windshield defroster system, which is critical for safe operation in cold weather.

Paint. Wash an apparatus only when it is dirty, not on a daily or weekly basis. Use warm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent to remove dirt and mud. Use an approved tar remover for road oil and asphalt. Never use high-pressure washers, hot wash solutions or abrasive cleaners on painted surfaces. Rinse the washed surfaces with clear, warm water and gently wipe them dry with soft cotton cloths. Do not let the apparatus sit wet. Open the cab doors and compartments and wipe the sills and jambs dry as well.

For further information about cab maintenance, consult the apparatus manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual, or refer to NFPA 1911, Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus, 2007 edition.