The Chairman's Corner
GARRY ARANDA
SWAC Fire
Well, October is almost gone and before you know it, the rest of the holiday
season will be upon us. Things are either winding down or ramping
up for the next calendar year and it sounds like we had a good year with
the 2008 academy, we didn’t go into the negative column and the classes
had an overall positive feed back.
By the time you read this, we should be meeting about how we are going
to proceed with next year’s academy and to see if any major changes are
needed to be put into place.
The academy staff will be at it again for our 2009 Colorado Fire Mechanics
Academy and the 20th anniversary at AIMS. There are plans for several
different special events for the academy. If you have any special request
for classes or activities, get them to us ASAP so we can try to incorporate
them into the 2009 program.
FYI the association did have a presence at the North Metro open house,
where we took the 900 La France to the static display for the “cares
enough to wear pink “ event, and we did see a few of you there !
Remember this is your program, and any input that you have to improve
the association or its academy is always appreciated.
.…..Garry Aranda
Vice Chairman's Corner
Jay Powell
Vice Chairman
Contact the Association
www.co-fma.com
COLORADO FIRE MECHANIC'S ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 17961 DENVER, COLORADO
80217
Chairman: Garry Aranda, 303-429-3597,garanda@co-fma.com
Vice Chairman: Jay Powell, 303-972-0734, jpowell@co-fma.com
Treasurer: Chris Nelson, 970-389-8659, cnelson@co-fma.com
Secretary: Ken Roland,720-322-7570, kroland@co-fma.com
Academy Coordinator: Larry Thompson,lthompson@co-fma.com
THE 2009 FIRE MECHANIC DUES ARE DUE IN JANUARY. IF YOU HAVEN'T SENT IN YOUR RENEWAL FEE, PLEASE DO SO NOW.
THE RAMBLER
News from the Secretary
Another year almost in the books and
man what a quick one it has been.
Congratulations to both Golden Fire
and North Metro Fire on their new
facilities this year. Both places are
amazing with modern conveniences
that can make you quite envious, but
more importantly, the benefits for
those using the facilities will be priceless.
This year will be the 20th for the
Academy and we really want it to be
something special. We would like to
see some feedback from you. I know
we’ve said it before but we want to
know what you’d like to see happen at
the Academy. I can’t stress this
enough! A little effort on everyone’s
part will go a long way.
Don’t forget to get a handle on the upcoming
changes for 2009! We’re going
to have our hands full. Be sure you read
the highlights of the new 1901 standard
later in the newsletter. Items such as
vehicle recorders, seat belt indicators
and vehicle speed limits are covered.
The next CFMA meeting will be @
North Metro Fire on Jan 28, 2009.
Hope to see you there!
Fellas, a genuine concern has been brought to light about the lack of attendance at the meetings
other than same core. These meetings are important to all of us and it’s up to you to see
the benefits. For instance, Hill Bros provided information on biodiesel fuel that really shouldn’t
have been missed. I mean things like how one of the fuels can be and is used for a top notch
cleaner. Personal experiences were discussed and even though there’s still much debate on
whether it’s the fuel or the equipment that’s the problem, the point is that there’s something that
you could’ve taken back to your various departments and service centers to avoid future problems
or correct current ones.
Yes, we realize budget issues for those who would have to travel a considerable distance to attend.
Those of us here on the Front Range are not opposed to come across the hills to have
meetings on the Western Slope. When we say we want your input and participation, we mean
it! All it takes is for someone to step up and say they would like to host a meeting, for starters.
Another way is to put out in the open what topics are a concern to you. I hate sounding like I’m
trying to start a pep rally, but people this is that important!
Remember, that just like the vehicles we drive or the tools in our boxes, they’re good only if you
use them!
Thanks,
Ken Roland
Association Secretary
Meeting Notes:
Meeting Agenda
Meeting called to order 9am
Hill Petroleum
Biodiesel
B5, B10, B20
Blending of biodiesel doesn’t
work, won’t mix
B100 is used as a cleaner
Cold weather use of biodiesel
is critical
Soy based
-20 F gel point, B20
E85
Burn thru fuel quicker
9:1 burn ratio vs. 14.7:1 for
gas
Looking for alternative
sources to produce
E85 other than corn
Secretary Report
- most email addresses are up to
date
Treasurer Report
Checking $7270
Savings $5219
Jan 28 CFMA meeting @ North Metro Fire
Post email about having a meeting on the
western slope, possibly Carbondale or Aspen
Banner being put on website to announce
future meetings
Putting a database together of common
parts that can used by the Association
IRS form 990 – yearly audit
Encourage more attendance
list of training
20th Academy
come up with commerative items
to acknowledge
Add to Flyer and website
bring crimpers, wiring tools
Meeting adjourned 11am AM
Next CFMA Meeting—
North Metro Fire on Jan 28, 2009.
1006 Weld County Rd 11
Erie, CO
Ken Roland
News From the Academy Coordinator
Larry Thompson
Scuttlebutt
NFPA 2001 UPDATES
By Chris Cavette, Senior Editor
Highlights of the New NFPA 1901
Oct 14, 2008 12:42 PM
By Chris Cavette, Senior Editor
Vehicle Data Recorder. One of the most expensive and potentially controversial new requirements is that all vehicles must be
equipped with an electronic vehicle data recorder, similar to the “black box” on aircraft. This device keeps a second-by-second record
of the vehicle speed, acceleration and deceleration, engine speed, throttle position, antilock braking system events, master warning
light switch position, date and time and other conditions on a running 48-hour loop. It also keeps a minute-by-minute summary of
this data on a running 100-hour loop. Software to download the information onto a computer is provided.
The vehicle data recorder can be used as a driver training tool, but its primary purpose is to provide accurate evidence of the operating
conditions of the vehicle in case of an accident. Among other things, it will show whether the driver braked or not, whether the
warning lights were on or not and how fast the vehicle was traveling at the time of the accident. All departments need to advise their
drivers of this feature and explain what it records. Departments also need to establish formal operating procedures to take vehicles
out of service immediately after an accident and have a qualified third-party download the information from the vehicle data recorder.
Don’t let your shops do it, and don’t alter or erase the information -- that’s equivalent to an admission of guilt.
Seat Belt Indicators. Another important requirement is that all seats must be equipped with a sensor that sounds an alarm when a
seat is occupied and the seat belt is not fastened. More importantly, if the belt is buckled before the seat is occupied --for example, if
the belt is left buckled all the time -- the alarm also goes off. To make sure the correct procedure is followed, all seat belt alarm incidents
are recorded on the vehicle data recorder, thus providing a basis for disciplinary action and eliminating the potential for false
claims that a seat belt was fastened if someone is killed or injured in an apparatus accident.
Other changes to seat belts include a requirement that two-point belts be a minimum of 60 in long, and three-point belts be a minimum
of 110 in long. This will help eliminate complaints that current belts are too short to be comfortably fastened and worn with full
turnout gear.
Tire Pressure Indicators. Each tire must have a visual indicator or monitoring system to show when the air pressure is low. The
simplest solution is probably a valve stem cap with a red/green indicator built into the end. Low tire pressures significantly decrease
tire life, decrease fuel economy, increase steering effort and increase the possibility of catastrophic tire failures.
Traffic Safety Equipment. All apparatus must now carry five 28-in high fluorescent orange traffic cones with double reflective
markings, five illumination warning devices such as flares, and one traffic safety vest meeting current ANSI standards for each seating
position. These requirements apply to pumpers, initial attacks, water tenders, aerials, rescues, haz-mats and other apparatus, regardless
of their size. Departments may want to increase the number of traffic cones and illumination warning devices based on local conditions.
The requirements in the next edition of NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Apparatus take effect for apparatus ordered on or
after January 1, 2009. Departments need to work these requirements into their specs now.
The NFPA 1901 standard applies to all vehicles used for structural firefighting, mobile water supply, rescue situations, hazardous
material releases, and other incidents not involving wildland firefighting. Here a few of the more important changes:
Rear Reflective Markings. Fifty percent of the rear-facing vertical surface of all vehicles must now be covered with reflective red
and yellow stripes in a chevron pattern sloping downward from the center of the vehicle at a 45-degree angle. The stripes must be 6
in wide, instead of the minimum combined width of 4 in specified on the sides and front. Although there is some latitude on the exact
shade of yellow to be used, other colors may not be substituted.
Maximum Speed. Vehicles are now subject to a maximum speed limit that varies according to the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) and the water or foam tank capacity. Vehicles with GVWRs over 26,000 pounds must not exceed 68 mph or the rated speed
of the tires, whichever is lower. Vehicles with GVWRs over 50,000 pounds, or those with water or foam tank capacities that are more
than 1,250 gallons, individually or combined, must not exceed 60 mph or the rated speed of the tires, whichever is lower.
Aerial Devices. Aerials equipped with “envelope controls” may now be operated without fully extending the stabilizers. The controls
electronically sense the stabilizer extension on each side and limit the rotation, extension and elevation of the aerial to keep the load
within the envelope of safety and prevent tip-over accidents. Although this may seem like an advantage to departments that regularly
have to short-jack stabilizers on congested streets, those departments should also recognize that the range of aerial movement may
be severely restricted as a result. In some cases, an aerial with short-jacked stabilizers may not be able to reach the roof or upper
windows of buildings with large setbacks from the street.
Trailers. Trailers and other towed equipment are now subject to requirements under NFPA 1901. Areas covered include suspensions,
brakes, hitches, electrical systems, work lights, warning lights and reflective markings -- yes, warning lights on trailers.
List of Deviations. Some departments like to install or modify minor items on new vehicles themselves or have someone locally do
it. Special reflective tape designs, hosebeds covers and tool mounts are typical examples. Under the new NFPA standard, vehicle
manufacturers must provide a list of all items that do not comply with the standard or that need to be installed in order to comply.
This list will appear on the final specifications, and customers will be required to sign an acknowledgement that these items must be
corrected or installed before the vehicle is placed in emergency service.
Contrary to what some departments may think, this is not a legalized waiver system that allows them to install non-compliant components
or omit other components by simply signing them off. Instead, it is a legally binding document that places full responsibility on
the customers to make the vehicle compliant before operating it. In some cases, manufacturers may even refuse to install noncompliant
items or omit other items if they feel the customers can not, or will not, do the work properly after delivery.
Other Requirements. The new standard also contains many other requirements affecting product demonstrations, mirrors, ground
ladders, vehicle stability, brakes, generators and other systems and components. Departments need to get a copy and review their
specs against the new requirements. Maintenance personnel need to be made aware of any new service procedures and equipment.
Consult your apparatus manufacturer for clarifications.
Projected Cost Increase. The financial impact of the new standard will probably vary from one model to another and one manufacturer
to another. One industry expert estimated the new requirements will add about $8,000 per vehicle. Consult your apparatus
manufacturer for specific figures.
How to Obtain a Copy of the New Standard. The 2009 edition of NFPA 1901 is now available. To obtain a copy, call NFPA at
800-344-3555 or go to www.nfpacatalog.org
Apparatus Makers to Offer Service Training
Dec 6, 2007 9:55 AM
Mechanic Crushed Under Cab
Sep 9, 2008 5:17 PM
A mechanic working on the engine of a tilt-cab fire apparatus in California died when the cab
lowered and crushed him against the left front tire.
The accident occurred in a commercial truck shop that specializes in fire apparatus, school
buses and construction equipment. The mechanic had been working alone for about 30 minutes.
When other employees found the victim, they immediately lifted the cab and began efforts
to revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident was under investigation, and no cause had been determined.
Drug-resistant staph infections at CO fire academy
Greely Tribune, Colorado (October 21, 2008)
Oct. 21--A Greeley firefighter is one of five trainees who have been diagnosed with a drug-resistant staph infection at a Fort Collins
firefighter training center.
The name and conditions of the five were not released because of medical regulations, but the Greeley firefighter is in the hospital
at this time.
Greeley and Laramie, Wyo., fire departments pulled their trainees out of training at the Poudre Valley Fire Authority Center. Union
Colon Fire spokesman Dale Lyman said there were three trainees from Greeley at the center.
In Greeley, newly-hired firefighters go to the academy for certification.
According to Academy Chief David Gelderloos, there are usually 15 trainees at the academy, and despite the pullout of some of the
firefighters, the academy remains open for training.
The infection, named Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is resistant to most antibiotics, and can affect almost any part of
the body. The infection mostly causes skin infections, such as boils and abscesses. But it can sometimes be life-threatening.
Gelderloos said the center has been thoroughly cleaned and the health department has been contacted
Employment Corner
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