Who is responsible for ensuring seatbelts are worn by all personnel, except while loading hose?

• A. The driver/operator
• B. The captain
• C. The safety officer
• D. The crew chief

Answer: (A)

Driver/operator is responsible for seatbelt use because they control the vehicle and must ensure the safety of everyone aboard before it moves. Keeping all personnel belted reduces the risk of serious injury in a crash or sudden stop, so the driver verifies that every seated person is buckled and enforces the rule prior to moving. The exception during hose loading exists because crew members may need to move around the back of the apparatus to access the hose and equipment, which makes staying belted impractical at that moment. The captain, safety officer, and crew chief oversee safety in the broader sense, but the primary duty to ensure seatbelts are worn on the moving apparatus lies with the driver/operator.