Fire & Emergency Training Network

has scheduled two 30-minute programs in May and June focusing on Annex D of NFPA 1901, Automotive Fire Apparatus. So why should you care?

These programs are of particular importance if you are riding in, driving, or are responsible for firefighters riding in a fire truck that is more than 15 years old. According to a recent U.S. Fire Administration report, more than 54% of the estimated 125,000 pieces of fire apparatus in the United States are over 15 years old, and 13% of those fire trucks are more than 30 years old. The safety of those vehicles and how these trucks are maintained remain important questions for fire departments.

Bear in mind, about 15 years ago significant changes were made for safety's sake to NFPA 1901, including such things as prohibiting open cabs and riding on tailboards. About the same time, mechanics from state mechanics' associations, fire chiefs organizations and others, were creating the first national network to support and implement safer fire apparatus, resulting in the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Apparatus Maintenance Section. From that effort evolved the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission program and the National Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians. Partially fueled by new technology, tightening budgets, and lawsuits involving firefighters injured and killed by falling off fire trucks, these efforts all raised the importance of safer fire apparatus.

To support these initiatives, FIRE CHIEF created the special section "In Service" in 2003. We wanted to help fire chiefs and chief officers understand the changes in fire trucks, particularly new technology, and liability and budget issues. We also believed that mechanics needed a stronger voice in specifying apparatus and better educational opportunities to improve vehicle maintenance.

Over the years, more state and local mechanics associations were formed, and the terms "technician" and "EVT" replaced older terms. And on its cycle, NFPA 1901 sub-committees, technical committees and others pushed for safer, more sophisticated fire apparatus for firefighters to safely perform their tasks and to keep their communities safe.

So where did Annex D come from? When NFPA 1901's most recent version was published last year, a number of recommendations were put into that annexed section, best described as the "shalls" versus the voluntary NFPA 1901 standard's "shoulds." Will they be included in the next revision of 1901? Probably! So consider Annex D as a heads up.

"NFPA 1901: Annex D," appearing on FETN, subtitled "Refurbish or Replace?" is significant because it will help you and your department determine the safety of your apparatus. The program is designed to help chiefs, chief officers and EVTs to evaluate apparatus and determine what, if any, action they can take to make their fleets safer for firefighters and their communities.

FIRE CHIEF is working closely with FETN on this project because we believe it's important to protect firefighters and citizens from unsafe or faulty fire apparatus. If you don't believe the necessity for Annex D, just take a look at vehicle close calls at www.firefighterclosecalls.com.

This program is not going to solve all apparatus safety problems -- many involve a human element -- but it's one more tool to help educate you, your department and local government about the importance of investing in safe fire trucks. As part of your apparatus evaluation process, see the program to attend the conference or seminars that are available to you. Ask questions and determine what's right for your department.

When was the last time you saw a 30-year-old garbage truck or a 25-year-old police car?

Janet Wilmoth, Editor