The following guideline contains suggested periodic inspections as a means for verifying the operation and maintenance of vehicle braking systems as defined in NFPA 1911 (Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus, 2007 Edition, chapter 7.12 ), and can be conducted on any vehicle used in connection with emergency response. This guideline has been developed STRICTLY as an intermediate supplement and is not intended to supersede any established department inspection procedures already being performed during regular scheduled preventative maintenance (P.M.) service.

All work should be performed by qualified Emergency Vehicle Technicians as defined in NFPA 1071 (Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications, 2004 Edition), in conjunction with the Federal D.O.T. and vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Although the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) can determine who is qualified, essential certifications such as ASE, EVT and FAA should be required as an absolute minimum. These certifications are ongoing and require periodic re-certification.

Vehicle manufacturers have published overall maintenance schedules in the vehicle owner’s manual. Brake and axle manufacturers also have published guidelines on specific intervals for inspecting brake and axle components. It is usually required on an as-needed basis. However, some departments perform these intermediate inspections as often as four times a year depending on mileage. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that these inspections be conducted at least bi-annually between regular scheduled P.M. service. These inspections usually can be conducted in approximately two hours per truck and should be accompanied by a written report on each truck as to the findings.

Without removing the wheels, all inspections are visual in nature and operational functions are demonstrated and witnessed. Minor adjustments should be addressed as required and any further corrective action must be noted in the written report.


1.) REVIEW ALL OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES, POLICIES AND DEPARTMENT SOP’S THAT PERTAIN TO DAILY, WEEKLY AND MONTHLY DRIVER/OPERATOR INSPECTIONS OF THE APPARATUS.

2.) VISUALLY INSPECT ALL BRAKE LINES, FITTINGS AND CONNECTIONS FOR WEAR, ABRASIONS OR LEAKS.

3.) VISUALLY INSPECT ALL BRAKE LININGS, PADS AND SHOES FOR WEAR AND PROPER OPERATION.

4.) VERIFY FOOT PEDAL AND SLACK ADJUSTER OPERATION. CORRECT AJUSTMENT AS REQIURED.
(If equipped)

5.) DRAIN ALL AIR TANKS AND VISUALLY INSPECT AIR QUALITY FOR MOISTURE CONTENT AND OIL CONTAMINATION. (If equipped)

6.) VERIFY THAT ALL LOW AIR PRESSURE WARNING DEVICES AND PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVES ARE OPERATIONAL.

7.) VERIFY THAT ALL PRESET AIR VALUES AND LEAKDOWN RATES ARE CORRECT AND WITHIN PRESCRIBED LIMITS AS PUBLISHED IN NFPA 1911, CHAPTER 7.12. (If equipped)

8.) VISUALLY INSPECT AIR DRYER FOR LEAKS AND PROPER OPERATION. (If equipped)

9.) INSPECT EMERGENCY PARKING (SPRING) BRAKE FOR PROPER OPERATION, AIR LEAKS, RELEASE TIMES AND HOLDING POWER. (If equipped)

10,) INSPECT AND VERIFY PROPER OPERATION OF ANY AND
ALL SECONDARY BRAKING SYSTEMS. (If equipped)

11.) CONDUCT A 20 MINUTE ROAD TEST AND PERFORM
SEVERAL BRAKE APPLICATIONS TO VERIFY VEHICLE MEETS ALL APPLICABLE STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS.

The following guideline has been prepared by FEMCO (Fire & Emergency Maintenance Company LLC) and is strictly the opinion of FEMCO, representing over 40 years of emergency vehicle fleet maintenance.



Al Burnham, Master Mechanic
Fire & Emergency Maintenance Co. LLC