During a recent review of our fire apparatus driver/operators, the question was asked regarding the use of the directional arrow mounted on the rear of apparatus. The one consistent answer to the question was, once they arrive at the emergency scene the arrow is to be used for directing traffic away from personnel working on the scene. After that as you can imaging the answers were all over the board as to how they are to be used. What’s the scoop?

Flashing arrow devices are very useful for controlling traffic when installed and used correctly. Flashing arrow boards and signs are an integral part of both temporary and long-term roadway work zones. Some states have specific guidelines or laws that apply to work zone arrow devices and some states have laws about color for various types of mobile lighting including emergency lights. Arrow devices that are typically found on fire apparatus (i.e. arrow sticks) are not sufficient in size to provide proper traffic control and guidance by themselves at incident scenes. Some FDs have experimented with larger arrow boards typically found in construction work zones. They are difficult to mount on fire apparatus and usually create some operation challenges for the truck equipment.

Start by checking with your state police to find out if there are any specific laws in your state regarding arrow devices on fire apparatus (or any other type of vehicle).  NFPA 1901 allows for amber warning devices on the rear of trucks but does not specify that they have to be used. That means that as far as NFPA is concerned you can mount/install arrow warning devices on fire apparatus (NFPA 1901 – Chapter 13).  The bigger, the better! Some FDs have been experimenting with arrow devices mounted on the side of the truck so that when it is parked at an angle at an incident, it is more visible to oncoming traffic. I happen to think that is a good idea. See attached photos. Also, arrows should be mounted as high as possible (preferably above hose bed level) for more clear visibility especially when actively involved with laying lines and pulling attack lines. (see photo in the respondersafety.com gallery as example) Arrow sticks mounted below hose beds are often obstructed by tarps or hose from the bed.  

As for operation, I strongly suggest that the devices not be activated unless they are being used for traffic control at an incident. In reality, every fire truck or ambulance I see here in VA that has an arrow device has it blinking randomly at all times. That simply helps to desensitize the driving public to the intended use of the arrows. They become just another blinking light on a fire truck and they are not perceived as a traffic control device. Add to that problem the fact that many FDs do not activate the arrow device properly on scene to route traffic around the scene. There is no national law or standard that requires the arrows to flash all the time as many seem to think. The problem is that most manufacturers ship the apparatus with the arrow device programmed to flash continually. That can be changed and should be. Arrows should be OFF at all times except when directing traffic at an incident is the preferred option. At the scene, the arrow device should be activated to move traffic right or left as needed.   

Finally, some fire dept’s in about 22 states have “fire-police” who specialize in traffic and crowd control at emergency scenes. Some of these departments have started to equip their fire police units with pretty sophisticated trucks equipped with all types of traffic control equipment including larger arrow devices (see photo in the respondersafety.com gallery as example). I’m not sure if Illinois has fire police but if they do, that is another angle you might want to investigate.

Hope that helps!    

Jack Sullivan, CSP, CFPS

Director of Training CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute

E-Mail: JSullivan@LCInnovations.com

Click to see Jack’s Photos referenced in his answer Respondersafety.com Gallery

We have in our possession prototypes of the new public safety vests produced by manufactures to meet the proposed standard. Respondersafety.com believes new standard will be very similar to the draft proposal. Nothing is for sure until the standard is published which we expect will take place in the summer of 2006.

Our general review of the draft standard is favorable except for Chapter 6 Optional Features that lists Tear Away as "should" be used. The ESRI will propose that this language be deleted from Chapter 6 and replaced by a new paragraph in Chapter 5 Design stating “Tear Away shall be used when applicable”. It is our position that Tear Away is an integral part of a Public Safety Vest. Consumers who want sewn shoulders and other type of permanent fasteners already have the option to purchase a Class II or III garment.

Respondersafety.com also is concerned with the confusion with the pre 1999 Class III garment standard that was once referenced in the old edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The current edition of the manual does not relate the Class of garment to the posted speed of the highway. We recommend that Public Safety Agencies select either a Public Safety or Class II vest for all roadway responses.