Fort Blackmore Volunteer Fire Department, Inc
S. O. G.’s
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Chapter 6: Tanker Operations
Working Copy | Revised August, 2007
Standard Operating Guidelines
S. O. G.’s
Working Copy
Tanker Operations
The Operations of a Tanker are many and varied. It is the intention of this Chapter to outline how the Fort Blackmore VFD Tanker 706 should respond to an incident. While safety is Number One, it is not the intention of this SOG to list, rank, and describe all the operations of the Tanker as it responds to an incident and performs its tasks. Some "common sense" is required. This SOG will try to give priority to what needs to be done and what should be done as the tanker responds to an incident.
Tanker Operator Responsibilities and Duties
When an alarm is received by the fire department, the qualified tanker operator, as a volunteer, she/he should try to respond as quickly as possible. She/He should speed or break any motor vehicle laws while responding. She/He should drive the speed limit, or a slightly faster speed if possible. She/He should not EXPECT other drivers to give the right of way simply because she/he is responding to an emergency. If the tanker operator/firefighter uses one flashing red light in her/his vehicle, it is to ask for "right of way". This red light in her/his vehicle is not a license to break the law. If the right of way is asked, it may not be received. In that case, the tanker operator/firefighter may not break the law to get to the fire hall. The tanker operator/firefighter must obey all traffic signs and speed limits. It is better to arrive alive and live to fight fire another day. If the other trucks have already rolled, you may respond to the scene by yourself in the Tanker. These important points are emphasized below.
Tanker Operator Responsibilities and Duties:
Tanker Response – FBVFD "Turf"
In FBVFD "Turf" or TAOR [Tactical Area of Responsibility] or Fire District, the Tanker may be used as ‘First In" or as an Auxiliary Fire Unit. The Tanker Operator will respond in a cautious manner to the scene. If he/she is "first in", the Tanker Operator will assume the Incident Commander role and begin to plan/attack the fire. If the Tanker is next in, the Tanker will begin to supply water to the Engine/Pumper. However, at the discretion of the I.C., the Tanker may also be used to attack. The Tanker will usually be 2nd Out of the Fire Hall. However, at the discretion of the Officer, the Tanker may be used as the Primary Fire Truck while attacking the fire. Two fire department members should roll with the Tanker during "First Due" operations. If the Tanker is being used as the Primary Fire Truck, two fire department members should be in the cab. Only one driver/operator is required if the Tanker is used in a Supply role, and responding outside of Fort Blackmore’s TAOR.
Tanker Response – Mutual Aid
When the Tanker is called upon by Sister Fire Departments, the Tanker may proceed to the scene. It is advised that the Tanker, which is top-heavy and extremely heavy, proceed in a cautious manner to the scene. The Tanker may be called upon to be used as Auxiliary Fire Unit. If, by any chance, the Tanker does arrive as "first due", it will wait until the Incident Commander arrives and takes command. The Tanker Operator will respond to the I.C.’s orders in a professional and cautious manner while at the scene. The Tanker operator will remember that he/she is a representative of Fort Blackmore VFD. If the I.C. does not arrive in a timely manner, if the Tanker become the "first due" Truck, the Tanker Operator will assume the Incident Commander role and begin to plan/attack the fire. Remember to leave room for the other Truck. When the Tanker is "next in", the Tanker will begin to supply water to the pumper. However, at the discretion of the I.C., the Tanker may also be used to attack. If this happens, the I.C. under Mutual Aid Agreement, will assign a second firefighter to help the Tanker Operator. Two fire department members should roll with the Tanker during Supply Missions with other Fire Departments. However, the Tanker may also be driven by one driver/operator to the scene. Only one driver/operator is required if the Tanker is used in a Supply role. The Tanker may also be used in a shuttle or relay water supply role.
Water Shuttle --- Tanker Use During Water Supply
Training is required of the Tanker Operator. He/she should be able to drive in a sensible manner, without endangering himself/herself, without endangering civilians on the road, and without damaging the Tanker. The Tanker Operator should also be very familiar with discharge and intake procedures.
Other
Water Relay --- Tanker Use During Water Supply
Training is required of the Tanker Operator. He/she should be able to drive in a sensible manner, without endangering himself/herself, without endangering civilians on the road, and without damaging the Tanker. The Tanker Operator should also be very familiar with discharge and intake procedures.
Sometimes, the Tanker may be required to set up at a water supply area and send hoses to the other Truck at the scene. The Tanker on-loads from the water supply area and discharges to the other Truck at the scene. This is basic Water Relay.
Qualifications of the Tanker Operator
The Tanker Operator must realize that Tanker is carrying lots of weight. Water weighs approximately 8 pounds per gallon. An 1,800 gallon Tanker carries 14,400 pounds of water. That’s 7.2 tons of water!! The tank is baffled to keep water from sloshing around. However, the water will move inside the tank and cause the Tanker to move, also. If you are going to respond to a fire in the Tanker you will do well to remember ……. this water can get you in trouble.
The Tanker Operator should have plenty of experience driving the older Pumpers or current Engine 701{a}. These large trucks are similar in size. Their characteristics of handling are different. This Tanker will not fit everywhere you try to put it.
When responding, keep your speed down. Excessive Speed is the number one killer of Fire Tanker Operators. Do not go above the speed limit. Always drive with "due regard". When going downhill, keep the Tanker under control. Use MODE to select a lower gear. Use RETARD to allow the PAC-Brake to slow you down.
During inclement weather, keep the speed of the Tanker well under the speed limit. Give smaller vehicles the right of way. Never assume that they are going to stop for you or get out of the way.
The Qualifications of the Tanker Operator are as follows:
Tanker Driver/Operator Training
{See Chapter 18, "Emergency Vehicle Operations and Safety" for further information.}
The Tanker Driver/Operator should be a good firefighter. If the Operator knows how the firefighters on Fire Scene require water, this knowledge will go a long way in helping knock down the fire quickly. Water Supply is essential to any Fire Department. If you can’t put the "wet stuff" on the "red stuff" then the fire will quickly spread out of control. Managing water resources is a skill that should be mastered by all fire fighters, especially Tanker Operators. Let the I.C. know your water status continually. Seek to conserve water by tightening fittings at the Tanker and along the Supply hose. Knowing these important tasks and how to perform them is critical for good Tanker Operations. Here are some key training tasks to consider:
Last Updated on 08/07/2007
Contact: FBVFD, Inc., P.O. Box 69, Fort Blackmore VA 24250 | 276-995-2035
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