NFPA 1500 STANDARD ON LDH LOADING
Hose loading operations shall be permitted to be performed on moving fire apparatus only when all of the following conditions are complied with:
Hose loading procedures shall be specified in a written standard operating procedure that included at least these safety conditions. All members involved in the hose loading shall have been trained in these procedures.
- There shall be a member, other than those members loading hose, assigned as a safety observer. The safety observer shall have an unobstructed view of the hose loading operation and in visual and voice contact with the apparatus operator.
- Non-fire department vehicular traffic shall be excluded from the area or shall be under the control of authorized traffic control persons.
- The fire apparatus shall be driven only in a forward direction at a speed of 5 mph (8 kph) or less.
- No members shall be allowed to stand on the tail step, sidesteps, running boards, or any other exterior location on the apparatus while the apparatus is in motion.
- Members shall be permitted to be in the hose bed, but shall not stand while the apparatus is in motion.
- Prior to the beginning of each hose loading operation, the situation shall be evaluated to ensure compliance with all the provisions of the standard operating procedure. If the standard operating procedures cannot be complied with, or if there is any question as to the safety of the operation for the specific situation, then the hose shall not be loaded on moving fire apparatus.
- There is no standard that prohibits hose loading performed with the fire apparatus in motion. However, if this technique is used, the provisions on the standard detailed above must be followed.