On Spot Scales specializes in helping emergency service providers meet the requirements of NFPA 1911 Chapter 16. (Annual weight verification of apparatus). Using certified portable scales, our licensed Weighmaster will come to your department and conduct a comprehensive series of weight inspections that will fulfill these requirements without having to take your apparatus out of service.
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Why should you use on spot scales?
On Spot Scales offers the convenience of bringing our professionals to YOUR DEPARTMENT. On Spot Scales can usually provide our service right in your facility (condition of the floors, surface of the ground or grade may require a location nearby). This reduces the amount of “out of service” time for that apparatus and will often only require you to employ one apparatus operator during the weighing operations. The wheel load scales that we use allow for closer compliance to the NFPA regulations. We are able to isolate the individual axle of the apparatus, allowing us to determine just how much weight is on the individual axle(section 16.2.3). In addition, we can determine the axle weight from left to right and calculate the percentage difference from side to side (addendum A16.2.3).
Why is it important to know the weight of our apparatus? How will we benefit from these services?
Limiting the weight on your department’s apparatus is a crucial aspect that will prolong the useful life of the apparatus, and the fleet. An overweight vehicle can cause undue stress and wear on the apparatus frame, suspension and steering components while over-taxing the brake system.
Another critical component of monitoring the weight of your apparatus is its’ use in civil and criminal court proceedings, should your apparatus be involved in a collision or incident. The question of weight will certainly be brought up. Your ability to know and correct the violation before anything happens will prove far more cost effective then the unthinkable alternative of dealing with a civil or criminal case, injury or worse to one of your members or a member of the community. Your department’s ability to produce documentation stating the vehicle’s actual “in service weight” may prove to be a critical piece of information to have at your disposal should an accident/incident occur.
