Fire Station Apparatus Daily Readiness Inspection Checklist

This comprehensive fire station apparatus daily readiness inspection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with NFPA 1911, NFPA 1901, OSHA, State Fire Marshal. Daily pre-response inspection of fire apparatus including engines, ladders, rescue trucks, and support vehicles per NFPA 1911 Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus. Ensures all equipment is operational and ready for immediate deployment to emergency incidents. Complete

  • Industry: Emergency Services
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 30 minutes
  • Role: Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead
  • Total Items: 21
  • Compliance: NFPA 1911, NFPA 1901, OSHA, State Fire Marshal

Cab, Chassis, and Drive Systems

Inspect chassis per NFPA 1911 Chapter 4.

  • Does engine start immediately and are oil pressure, coolant temp, and voltage gauges in normal range?
  • Do service brakes and parking brake function correctly per driver test?
  • Are all warning lights, headlights, taillights, and siren systems functional?
  • Is steering responsive with no unusual play, binding, or vibration?
  • Are all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, hydraulic, fuel, foam tank) at correct levels?
  • Are tires properly inflated per apparatus specification and free of damage, cuts, or uneven wear?

Pump and Water System

Inspect pump per NFPA 1911 Section 14.

  • Is booster tank full to capacity and tank-to-pump valve operational?
  • Does pump engage and disengage smoothly?
  • Are all discharge valves and caps present, operating correctly, and free of leaks?
  • Is pressure relief valve set at correct pressure per apparatus specifications?
  • Is foam concentrate tank full and foam system functional per apparatus design?
  • Is hose load complete, properly loaded per department SOP, and hose free of damage?

Ground Ladders and Aerial Device

Inspect ladders per NFPA 1932 and 1904.

  • Are all required ground ladders present, properly secured, and free of damage per NFPA 1932?
  • For aerial apparatus, does aerial ladder/platform extend, rotate, and retract properly per NFPA 1904?
  • Do outriggers/stabilizers deploy and lock correctly for aerial operations?
  • Are aerial device lights and communications functional?

Tools, PPE, and Assigned Equipment

Verify assigned equipment per department inventory.

  • Are all SCBA units on apparatus fully charged, masks clean, and within annual inspection per NFPA 1981?
  • Are powered rescue tools (hydraulic, electric, pneumatic) charged/fueled and fully operational?
  • Is EMS/first aid kit stocked and within medication expiration dates?
  • Does compartment inventory match the apparatus equipment list with no missing items?
  • Have all defects found been documented, reported to officer, and apparatus status updated?

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Why Use This Fire Station Apparatus Daily Readiness Inspection Checklist?

This fire station apparatus daily readiness inspection checklist helps emergency services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for station captain / shift commander / ems lead professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with NFPA 1911, NFPA 1901, OSHA, State Fire Marshal. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Fire Station Apparatus Daily Readiness Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 21 inspection items across 4 sections: Cab, Chassis, and Drive Systems, Pump and Water System, Ground Ladders and Aerial Device, Tools, PPE, and Assigned Equipment. It is designed for emergency services operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 30 minutes.

Who should use this Fire Station Apparatus Daily Readiness Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead professionals in the emergency services industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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