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Security & DefenceISCO 5411

Pump operator

A pump operator in the fire service is a person who supports firefighting operations by controlling the pumps that deliver water and other extinguishing agents to the fire. The appliance is driven to the scene, connected to a supply, and from that point the operator decides what reaches the hose line.

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Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

extinguish fires

manage major incidents

maintain hydraulic systems

operate hydraulic pumps

use different types of fire extinguishers

About pump operator

Pressure and volume are the whole of the technical task. The operator sees that the agent arrives in the right quantity and at the right pressure through the fire hose, works the hydraulic machinery control panel, and runs the hydraulic pumps as the demand on the line changes. A line that loses pressure at the wrong moment puts the firefighters holding it in danger.

The operator is a firefighter as well. Different types of fire extinguisher are used according to what is burning, fire safety regulations govern how the scene is approached, and the operator deals with major incidents as part of a crew. Emergency care and first aid for casualties at the scene belong to the same person.

Between calls the work is preventive. The operator carries out preventive maintenance on the fire vehicles, so that the appliance is always ready for a call-out.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

hydraulic fluidhydraulic fluidThe various types, qualities and applications of hydraulic fluids used in metalworking processes such as forging and moulding, consisting out of mineral oils and water.fire safety regulationsfire safety regulationsThe legal rules to be applied for fire safety and fire prevention in a facility.hydraulicshydraulicsThe power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.fire prevention proceduresfire prevention proceduresThe regulations concerning fire and explosion prevention, and the equipment, systems and methods used in it.fire-fighting systemsfire-fighting systemsThe devices and systems used to extinguish fires; the classes and chemistry of fire.first aidfirst aidThe emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.extinguish firesextinguish firesChoose the adequate substances and methods to extinguish fires depending on their size, such as water and various chemical agents. Use a breathing apparatus.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.manage major incidentsmanage major incidentsTake immediate action to respond to major incidents that affect the safety and security of individuals in private or public places such as road accidents.maintain hydraulic systemsmaintain hydraulic systemsPerform routine maintenance and repairs on systems which use pressurised fluids to provide power to machines and equipment.operate hydraulic pumpsoperate hydraulic pumpsOperate hydraulic pumping systems.use different types of fire extinguishersuse different types of fire extinguishersUnderstand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.operate hydraulic machinery controlsoperate hydraulic machinery controlsUse correctly the controls of specialized machinery by turning valves, handwheels, or rheostats to move and control flow of fuels, water, and dry or liquid binders to machines.operate pumps for fire extinguishingoperate pumps for fire extinguishingControl and operate the pumps of a firetruck or water supply to ensure the firehose is supplied with the right substances under the appropriate hydraulic pressure.perform preventive maintenance on fire fighting vehiclesperform preventive maintenance on fire fighting vehiclesKeep firefighting vehicles ready for use at any time. Maintain all aspects of firefighting vehicles and ensure that vehicles function correctly.manage emergency care situationsmanage emergency care situationsManage situations in which decision making under time pressure is essential to save lives.operate fire extinguishersoperate fire extinguishersUnderstand the operation of fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing techniques.
Optional (11) — show
environmental policyenvironmental policyLocal, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state o...pollution legislationpollution legislationBe familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.environmental legislationenvironmental legislationThe environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.maintain safety systemsmaintain safety systemsPerform activities for the maintenance of fire fighting and related safety systems.perform risk analysisperform risk analysisIdentify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.operate emergency equipmentoperate emergency equipmentUtilise emergency equipment and tools such as fire extinguishers, wheel chocks, pocket lamps, and warning signs.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.relay messages through radio and telephone systemsrelay messages through radio and telephone systemsPossess the communication abilities to relay messages through a radio and telephone system.perform minor repairs to equipmentperform minor repairs to equipmentConduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.operate emergency vehicleoperate emergency vehicleDrive and maneuver an emergency vehicle and operate its fixed equipment following standard procedures.educate public on fire safetyeducate public on fire safetyDevelop and execute educational and promotional plans to educate the public on fire prevention knowledge and methods, fire safety such as the ability to identify hazards and the use of fire safety equ...

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

fire service vehicle operator10 shared essential skillsfirefighter10 shared essential skillsindustrial firefighter10 shared essential skillsmarine firefighter10 shared essential skillschief fire officer8 shared essential skillsfirefighter instructor6 shared essential skillsfire protection technician5 shared essential skillsfire prevention and protection engineer4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a pump operator do?

Pump operators assist firefighting operations by controlling the pumps which supply water and other substances for extinguishing fires. They ensure the substance is delivered in the right amount and under the correct pressure through the firehose.

What skills does a pump operator need?

A pump operator needs 17 essential skills, including hydraulic fluid, fire safety regulations, hydraulics, fire prevention procedures, fire-fighting systems.

Will AI replace pump operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for pump operator is 15/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: fire safety regulations, environmental legislation, pollution legislation. Most resilient: hydraulic fluid, manage emergency care situations, first aid.

AI Replacement Risk

15/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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Quick Facts

SectorSecurity & Defence
ISCO GroupProtective services workers
Essential Skills17

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