Which is a valid exception to the recommendation that all riders must be seat belted while apparatus is in motion?

• A. While donning self-contained breathing apparatus
• B. While loading hose
• C. Responding at slow speeds
• D. While backing apparatus

Answer: (B)

The safety concept here is that seat belts protect riders from being tossed around or ejected if the vehicle stops suddenly. But there’s a practical exception when you’re actively loading hose. While loading hose, you often need to reach into the hose bed, bend, twist, and position heavy hose pieces. A seat belt can get in the way, restrict your movement, or even trap you as you maneuver the hose. Allowing a brief unbuckled moment for this task lets you work more safely and efficiently, provided you maintain awareness and control of the vehicle and maintain three points of contact with solid supports when needed. The other tasks don’t require the same level of unrestricted movement, so they don’t justify removing the belt during motion.