SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Backing
All visual-warning lights shall be used when backing fire apparatus. Avoid backing where possible; where
backing is unavoidable a spotter shall be used; where a spotter(s) is unavailable, dismount and walk
completely around the apparatus before backing.
When a spotter is directing a vehicle, the spotter shall be responsible for any accidents that may occur,
unless the driver disregards the spotter’s directions.
Any personnel not adhering to this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Seat Belts and General Safety
A. The driver shall not move the apparatus until all personnel have boarded the vehicle and are seated
with seat belts fastened.
B. Emergency Response
1. During emergency responses, all firefighting personnel riding on fire apparatus shall put
on all required protective clothing before boarding the apparatus. No person shall
remove their seatbelt to don protective clothing or SCBA.
2. When the Company already has the apparatus on the road for a non-emergency
assignment, and they are dispatched to an alarm, they will proceed directly to the scene.
Personnel shall don protective clothing after arriving at the scene if conditions do not
allow protective clothing to be donned before departure.
3. Due to the various roles of the Battalion Commander/Shift OIC, it will be his/her option,
depending on circumstances, as to what level of PPE to wear. A helmet with a turnout
coat and vest designating him/her as IC should be the minimum PPE worn. Under no
circumstances shall the Battalion Commander enter a hazardous area without proper
turnout gear.
C. Non-Emergency Response/Assignment
Protective clothing is not required during non-emergency responses or assignments. Protective
clothing taken on the apparatus shall be secured in compartments or other suitable locations which
will protect against loss or damage. Helmets shall be secured within reach of the riding position so
that they may be donned if upgraded to an emergency.
D. It is the responsibility of the operator and the Company Officer to be certain that all Company
members are properly clothed and in a seated position with seat belts fastened, before the
apparatus leaves the station. Riding on tailboards is not permitted at any time.
E. Smoking or other use of tobacco is not allowed in Fire Department vehicles.
F. Headlights shall be on any time any piece of apparatus is traveling on a public or private road or
way. If headlights are not needed for illumination or marking purposes, they may be turned off
when the apparatus is parked.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 263
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley