Pumping Apparatus: Driver Operator*s Handbook

This second edition of the Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook is designed to educate driver/operators who are responsible for operating apparatus equipped with fire pumps. The information in this manual aids the driver/operator in meeting the objectives found in Chapters 1, 4, 5, 8 and 10 of NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications (2003 edition). The information contained in this new edition is intended to update that in the first edition of the manual. The first edition incorporated material that was previously found in three separate IFSTA Fire Department Pumping Apparatus, Fire Stream Practices, and Water Supplies for Fire Protection. The purpose of this manual is to present general principles of pump operation, along with the application of those principles wherever feasible. It is also meant to guide driver/operators in the proper operation and care of apparatus. This manual includes an overview of the qualities and skills needed by a driver/operator, safe driving techniques, types of pumping apparatus, positioning apparatus to maximize efficiency and water supply, fire pump theory and operation, hydraulic calculations, water supply considerations, relay pumping principles, water shuttle procedures, foam system operation, and apparatus maintenance and testing.