When must the turntable and pedestal for an Aerial Ladder be staffed?

The requirement to staff the turntable and pedestal for an Aerial Ladder is crucial for safety and operational efficiency. Staffing is necessary until it is confirmed that the aerial ladder is unnecessary for the ongoing incident. This ensures that the unit is fully prepared and can respond immediately if the situation changes, requiring the use of the aerial for firefighting or rescue operations. Having personnel available at the turntable allows for quick maneuverability and reaction, which can be vital in emergency scenarios.

In contrast, staffing the turntable and pedestal when the aerial is not in use or during routine maintenance only does not consider the immediate operational status of the incident. Similarly, having personnel only when the LCC (Ladder Company Commander) is near does not guarantee readiness throughout the incident duration, potentially leading to delays in response. Therefore, the practice of staffing continuously until confirmed unnecessary emphasizes preparedness and safety at all times during incident management.