Crew Compartment Storage

Prepared by the FAMA Chassis Subcommittee

This guide does not endorse any manufacturer or product

NFPA 1901 provides guidelines for securing helmets, SCBA tanks, and equipment in crew compartments.  For the safety of your personnel it is strongly suggested that your department abide by these guidelines when planning the design of your apparatus. There are many types of fire truck equipment mounts for items stored in the crew compartment.

There are three areas to consider when planning the safe outfitting of your crew cab – SCBAs, tools, and helmets. All should abide by the NFPA standard, and tools should be limited to the absolute necessities. Proper SCBA brackets should be installed as well as enough helmet holders to match the capacity of the cab.

The NFPA states that if SCBA tanks are carried within the crew compartment, they “must be stored in a bracket with a positive mechanical means of holding the SCBA in the event of a 9-G force in any direction.”  SCBA tanks can become a deadly, pressurized, flying projectile capable of injuring occupants. Keeping them secured is a key safety consideration.

Many companies offer a range of SCBA brackets that are included as part of the seat. These include manually operated brackets in which you release the SCBA by pulling a release, electric locking systems tied into the air brake, or inertia based brackets that lock tight when acted upon by a sudden force. Be sure to research all your options to find the SCBA Bracket that works best for your operational needs and budget. Refer to TC036 Buyers Guide – Apparatus Seating for more information.

To prevent potential neck and spine injuries, firefighters should no longer be wearing their helmets while in the crew cab. Helmets should be properly secured in the cab using a helmet holder bracket which is usually a metal bracket with a hooked elastic strap or a soft pouch with a buckle. The number of helmet holders should match the seating capacity of the cab.

Tools stored in the cab should be limited to only absolute necessities.  In the event of a collision, these often sharp or pointy tools can become dangerous projectiles. All tools and equipment should be secured in the cab.

Tool mounts should provide security against force in multiple directions.  NFPA 1901 states that “all equipment carried in the cab must be enclosed in a latched compartment capable of withstanding a longitudinal 9-G force and a 3-G force in any other direction.”

Anything sharp or pointed should be capped or covered. For example, if mounting tools in the cab, include a stop for additional safety. Oddly shaped items can be secured with multiple heavy-duty nylon hook & loop straps.