In the last installment of the Apparatus Architect (May 2002), we reviewed several concepts to improve the safety and design of the front bumper area of pumpers. Front-end and intersection accidents are quite common with all types of apparatus. With a little thought during the design process, the integrity of the frontal area of your new pumper can be greatly enhanced as well as improving the safety for your personnel riding in the crew area.

Photo by Tom Shand Freeland, PA, operates this well-equipped Seagrave pumper with four low mounted crosslays and a pre-piped Stang gun over the pump. Each gauge is labeled with the required pump pressure for the attack line that is attached to the discharge.

With this article we will discuss the layout and design of the pump panel area and the associated plumbing that is required for the engine company to deliver its rated capacity through pre-connected attack lines and appliances.

Once your apparatus committee has determined the basic fire pump and water tank size, the job of designing the pump panel and piping configuration has just begun. Many departments will carefully discuss the merits of a 1,500-gpm vs. a 1,750-gpm pump or a 750-gallon booster tank vs. a 1,000-gallon booster tank. Whether you are attempting to "buy up" one size or have a repeat performance from an existing design, the pump operator's panel is one of the most important yet overlooked areas regarding engine company design.

The engine chauffeur/pump operator is one of the most important personnel who operate on the fireground. This individual is responsible for obtaining a continuous and reliable water supply and for insuring that the first attack line gets water when called for by the engine company officer. The layout and design of the pump panel is one of the most important pieces of real estate on the apparatus.

While most manufacturers have a standard pump panel design, it is important for the fire department's apparatus committee to specify the location of certain pump instrumentation, suction and discharge valve controls and other components. Unlike buying a car, where you can choose the exterior and interior colors but have no choice on the dashboard layout, the pump panel design on an engine company should be laid out in a logical fashion that meets the operational characteristics and standard operating guidelines of your department.