WAC 296-305-04501   Automotive fire apparatus design and construction.  (1) All new fire apparatus with the exception of specialized equipment, shall conform to the following minimum safety standards contained in NFPA Booklets No. 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, and other 1900's.

     (2) Fire apparatus, purchased after December 17, 1977, weighing 10,000 pounds or more shall conform with the following U.S. Department of Transportation standards, when applicable:

     (a) 49 CFR Ch. V (10-93 edition) 571.121 "Air brake systems";

     (b) 49 CFR Ch. V (10-93 edition) 571.106 "Hydraulic brake hoses";

     (c) 49 CFR Ch. V (10-93 edition) 571-211 "Hydraulic brake hoses."

     (3) Employers acquiring used apparatus or used equipment shall not be required to bring it under a more stringent code than the one in force at the time the apparatus was manufactured. However, such vehicle must meet applicable U.S. Department of Transportation standards and chapter 296-865 WAC, Motor vehicles.

     (4) Fire apparatus tailboards and steps shall have a nonskid rough surface.

     (5) Exhaust systems shall be installed and maintained in proper condition, and shall be so designed as to minimize the exposure of the fire fighter to the exhaust gases and fumes.

     (6) Spinner knobs shall not be attached to the steering handwheel of fire apparatus.

     (7) The transmission shifting pattern of the apparatus shall be clearly stenciled or labeled and posted so it can be clearly read by the driver while operating the apparatus.

     (8) The height of any apparatus, over seven feet in height from the ground to the top of the beacon or highest point of the apparatus, shall be clearly labeled in a place where it can be easily and clearly read by the driver while operating the apparatus.

     (9) All apparatus in excess of 10,000 pounds loaded weight, shall have the weight of the vehicle in pounds and tons clearly labeled in a place where it can be easily and clearly read by the driver while operating the apparatus.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-17-059, § 296-305-04501, filed 8/10/05, effective 10/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080, § 296-305-04501, filed 2/17/99, effective 6/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and[49.17].060 . 96-11-067, § 296-305-04501, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]