Did you know that riding anywhere on the outside of moving apparatus is dangerous? Apparatus that have outside riding, standing, or operating positions do not comply with NFPA standards. Departments that use them could be held liable.

Riding on the outside of any moving apparatus — whether it is an engine, aerial, or wildland rig — is a dangerous practice. NFPA standards specifically require that all personnel must ride in approved seats with appropriate safety restraint systems inside a fully enclosed personnel area. It further defines a fully enclosed personnel area as “a driver or passenger compartment on the fire apparatus that provides total enclosure on all sides, top, and bottom and has positive latching on all access doors.” Stand-up work stations or walkways anywhere on the body do not comply.

This feature offers a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus specifications, maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome from our readers, subject to editing. Send them to Senior Editor Chris Cavette at cavettes@ix.netcom.com