2.1 What
is the purpose of this chapter? This chapter establishes safety
requirements for special purpose trucks. Special
purpose trucks include fish distribution, fire, and dump trucks. Use this chapter in conjunction with the other chapters
in Part 243.
2.2 What
are the safety requirements for fish distribution trucks?
A. The tank on fish distribution
trucks must be securely fastened to the frame of the vehicle. The tank's
capacity will match the truck’s capacity and together will not exceed the
total rated gross vehicle weight. All fish distribution
trucks must have a cargo barrier between the tank and vehicle cab/operator
compartment, except when the tank is designed and integrated as part of the
truck’s body and securely fastened to the chassis.
B. The oxygen cylinders carried
on fish distribution trucks must be securely fastened in a vertical mode,
if possible, or in a reinforced cradle if the cylinder must be carried in
a horizontal mode. The valves, gauges, and injection lines must be protected
from damage and be located away from any source of heat, sparks, flames,
grease, or oil. The oxygen lines to remote gauges must not be run in or through
the cab. For inside-cab gauges, audible or electric systems should be used.
The valves of unused cylinders must be covered with protective caps. Oxygen
cylinders must be properly stored in accordance with the provisions of 29
CFR 1910.104 and DOT guidelines.
C. All fish distribution trucks
must be equipped with adequate steps, handholds, and nonskid walks. The tank
lids must lock open with a positive safety catch. Lids heavy enough to be
hazardous will be equipped with torsion counter balance springs to reduce
possible hand injuries.
D. Fish distribution trucks must
be equipped with an adequate back-up warning system (per the requirement
in 243 FW 3).
2.3 What
safety requirements are required for fire trucks/engines?
A. No one is permitted to ride
outside the passenger compartment on Service fire trucks/engines.
B. All fire trucks/engines used
in prescribed burning and wildfire suppression should conform to design requirements
published in NFPA1906. Service fire management
personnel are prohibited from participating in structural firefighting, and
structural equipment, including engines, may not be acquired.
C. All fire trucks/engines must
have an adequate back-up warning system per requirements 243 FW 3.
D. Supervisors will ensure that
operators of fire equipment are thoroughly trained in the proper use of the
equipment that they are expected to operate. When
practical, written instructions will be made available in or on the equipment
or vehicle to improve the safety of their operation.
Arrangements will be made to supply adequate lighting to control panels
for low-light operations.
E. The use of fire trucks/engines
in prescribed and wildland fire operations will conform to the latest version
of the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations.
2.4 What
are the safety requirements for dump trucks?
A. Dump trucks must be equipped
with adequate cab shields made of heavy gauge steel in lieu of roll bars
and cargo barriers.
B. Dump trucks have an adequate
backup warning system as specified in 243 FW 3.
C. Vehicle operators must adhere
to highway limits concerning height, width, length, and weight.
D. Dump trucks must be stored with
the dump bed lowered.
E. All dump trucks used on public
roadways must have a means of covering loaded material available. Where loaded materials may reasonably be expected
to present a hazard to following vehicles, the operator will ensure that
all loads are covered or otherwise secured.
For information on the specific contents
of this chapter, contact the Division of Safety and Health. For additional
information regarding this Web page, contact Krista Holloway, in the Division of Policy
and Directives Management, at Krista_Holloway@fws.gov.
Return to the Series 200 Home Page
Visit the Division of PDM Directives
Home Page
Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page
