Pierce Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower User manual

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Part No. PM-A-OM1000-0521
Operator’s Manual
Mid-Mount Steel Aerial
Tower
Command Zone™Controls
1000 Lb Tip Load
100ft

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD
1PURPOSE OF MANUAL ................................................................................................................................... vii
2S
COPE .......................................................................................................................................................... vii
3W
HO SHOULD USE, SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN THIS EQUIPMENT ...................................................................... vii
4B
EFORE PLACING THE AERIAL IN SERVICE .................................................................................................... viii
4.1 HYDRAULIC OIL ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................ viii
4.2 INSPECTING THE AERIAL ................................................................................................................... viii
5C
USTOMER ASSISTANCE INFORMATION ......................................................................................................... viii
6A
CCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION ..................................................................................................... ix
SECTION 1. SAFETY
1-1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1-1.1 TO THE OWNER .............................................................................................................................. 1-1
1-1.2 TO THE OPERATOR ......................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-1.3 MULTIPLE MANUALS REQUIRED ....................................................................................................... 1-2
1-1.3a CHASSIS ............................................................................................................................. 1-2
1-1.3b PUMP & BODY .................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-1.3c FOAM ................................................................................................................................. 1-3
1-1.3d ALL-STEER ......................................................................................................................... 1-3
1-1.4 INTENDED USE ................................................................................................................................ 1-3
1-1.5 FAMA SAFETY GUIDE ..................................................................................................................... 1-3
1-1.6 PARADES AND PUBLIC EVENTS ........................................................................................................ 1-3
1-2 SAFETY ALERTS ........................................................................................................................................... 1-3
1-2.1 DESCRIPTION OF “DANGER,” “WARNING,” AND “CAUTION” ......................................................... 1-3
1-3 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...............................................................................................................................1-4
1-4 PREPARE FOR SAFE OPERATION .................................................................................................................. 1-5
1-4.1 AERIAL DEVICE INSPECTION ............................................................................................................ 1-5
1-5 SECURE YOUR EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................... 1-6
1-5.1 AERIAL APPARATUS HOSE CHUTES ................................................................................................. 1-6
1-5.2 HOSE RESTRAINT ............................................................................................................................ 1-7
1-5.3 EQUIPMENT MOUNTING AND STORAGE ............................................................................................. 1-7
1-6 ACCESS YOUR APPARATUS SAFELY ............................................................................................................. 1-8
1-6.1 CLIMBING AND WORKING ON THE APPARATUS .................................................................................. 1-8
1-6.2 NFPA DESIGNATED WALKWAYS ...................................................................................................... 1-9
1-6.3 COMPARTMENT DOORS ................................................................................................................... 1-9
1-7 RIDE SAFELY ............................................................................................................................................. 1-10
1-7.1 RIDING ON EXTERIOR .................................................................................................................... 1-10

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ii / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-8 KNOW YOUR AERIAL DEVICE ...................................................................................................................... 1-10
1-8.1 EMERGENCY STOP ........................................................................................................................ 1-10
1-8.2 EMERGENCY POWER UNIT ............................................................................................................. 1-10
1-8.3 MANUAL VALVE CONTROLS ........................................................................................................... 1-11
1-8.4 AERIAL INTERLOCKS ...................................................................................................................... 1-11
AERIAL/STABILIZER ..................................................................................................................... 1-11
BODY COLLISION ........................................................................................................................ 1-12
ROTATION INTERLOCK (SHORT-JACK) .......................................................................................... 1-12
MAXIMUM ELEVATION SLOW-DOWN ............................................................................................. 1-12
AERIAL FUNCTION INTERLOCKS ................................................................................................... 1-12
1-9 SAFE AERIAL SET-UP................................................................................................................................. 1-12
1-9.1 AERIAL APPARATUS POSITIONING .................................................................................................. 1-12
1-9.1a GROUND BEARING SUPPORT ............................................................................................. 1-12
1-9.2 AERIAL STABILIZER DEPLOYMENT .................................................................................................. 1-13
1-9.3 STABILIZER SHORT-JACK DEPLOYMENT ......................................................................................... 1-13
1-9.4 CRIBBING AND BLOCKING .............................................................................................................. 1-14
AERIAL STABILIZER CRIBBING AND BLOCKING .............................................................................. 1-14
1-9.5 ELECTROCUTION HAZARD FROM OVERHEAD POWER LINES ............................................................. 1-15
1-9.5a POWER LINE CONTACT EMERGENCY PROCEDURE ............................................................. 1-15
1-10 SAFE OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................... 1-16
1-10.1 OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 1-16
1-10.1a PRIMARY CONTROL OPERATOR ......................................................................................... 1-16
1-10.1b SECONDARY CONTROL OPERATOR .................................................................................... 1-16
1-10.1c COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................................. 1-17
1-10.2 USE OF A SPOTTER ....................................................................................................................... 1-17
1-10.3 OPERATING WITHIN SAFE LOAD LIMITS ........................................................................................... 1-18
1-10.4 AERIAL OPERATION AROUND STRUCTURES .................................................................................... 1-19
1-10.4a APPROACHING STRUCTURES ............................................................................................. 1-19
1-10.4b OPERATING ABOVE STRUCTURES ...................................................................................... 1-19
1-10.5 OPERATING WITHIN SAFE LEVEL LIMITS ......................................................................................... 1-19
1-10.6 AERIAL DEVICE FALL PROTECTION ................................................................................................. 1-20
FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................... 1-20
SAFETY TETHER ANCHOR POINTS ............................................................................................... 1-20
1-10.7 LADDER BASE PINCH AND CRUSH .................................................................................................. 1-21
1-10.8 RUNGS ALIGNED ........................................................................................................................... 1-21
1-10.9 OPERATING WITH PERSONNEL NEAR THE AERIAL APPARATUS ......................................................... 1-21
1-10.10 OPERATING WITH PERSONNEL ON THE AERIAL DEVICE ................................................................... 1-22
1-10.11 CLIMBING THE AERIAL LADDER ...................................................................................................... 1-22
1-10.12 AERIAL WATER FLOW OPERATION ................................................................................................. 1-22
1-10.12a AERIAL WATER MONITOR OPERATION ............................................................................... 1-22
1-10.12b AERIAL LADDER WATER PIPE OPERATION .......................................................................... 1-23
1-10.13 SEVERE WEATHER ........................................................................................................................ 1-23
1-10.13a LIGHTNING THREAT ........................................................................................................... 1-23
1-10.14 AERIAL OPERATION IN COLD WEATHER .......................................................................................... 1-23
1-10.14a SLOW OPERATION POSSIBLE ............................................................................................. 1-23
1-10.14b ICING CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................ 1-23
1-10.14c ICE BUILD-UP LIMIT ........................................................................................................... 1-24
1-10.15 AERIAL OPERATION IN HIGH WINDS ............................................................................................... 1-24
1-10.16 AERIAL DEVICE WIRE ROPE CABLE ............................................................................................... 1-24
1-10.16a GLOVES AND CLOTHING .................................................................................................... 1-25
1-10.16b SHEAVE OR CABLE FAILURE .............................................................................................. 1-25

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1-11 SAFE USE OF OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................... 1-26
1-11.1 ROPE RESCUE .............................................................................................................................. 1-26
1-11.2 LIFTING EYES ................................................................................................................................ 1-26
1-12 PERFORM MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE SAFELY .......................................................................................... 1-27
1-12.1 MODIFICATION ...............................................................................................................................1-27
1-12.2 AERIAL MOUNTED EQUIPMENT ADDITIONS ...................................................................................... 1-27
1-12.3 DRILLING HOLES OR WELDING ....................................................................................................... 1-27
1-12.4 DISSIMILAR METALS ...................................................................................................................... 1-27
1-12.5 CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT) ................................................................ 1-28
1-12.6 HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC FLUID ............................................................................................... 1-29
SECTION 2. GENERAL
2-1 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR COMPONENTS ................................................................................. 2-1
2-1.1 IN-CAB POWER CONTROLS .............................................................................................................. 2-1
2-1.2 GENERAL CONTROL LOCATIONS ...................................................................................................... 2-2
2-1.3 STABILIZER CONTROLS .................................................................................................................... 2-4
2-1.4 STABILIZER AND OVERRIDE CONTROLS ............................................................................................ 2-6
2-1.5 STABILIZER JACKS AND GROUND PADS ............................................................................................ 2-7
2-1.6 TURNTABLE CONTROL CONSOLE ...................................................................................................... 2-8
2-1.7 BASKET CONTROLS ....................................................................................................................... 2-11
2-1.8 BASKET CONTROLS (CONTINUED) .................................................................................................. 2-12
2-1.9 AERIAL BASKET LIFTING EYES ....................................................................................................... 2-13
2-1.10 MANUAL OVERRIDE CONTROLS ...................................................................................................... 2-14
2-1.11 MANUAL ANGLE INDICATORS (BUBBLE GAUGES) ............................................................................ 2-18
2-1.12 TURNTABLE POWER DISTRIBUTION ................................................................................................. 2-19
2-1.13 LOWER POWER DISTRIBUTION ....................................................................................................... 2-20
2-1.14 OIL SAMPLE PORT ........................................................................................................................ 2-21
2-1.15 BREATHING AIR SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)............................................................................................. 2-22
2-2 COMMAND ZONE INFORMATION CENTER (CZIC) .......................................................................................... 2-23
2-2.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 2-23
2-2.2 COLOR DISPLAY ............................................................................................................................ 2-23
2-2.2a ITEMS COMMON TO ALL SCREENS ..................................................................................... 2-23
MESSAGES AND FAULTS ............................................................................................................. 2-23
DATE AND TIME .......................................................................................................................... 2-23
SCREEN NAVIGATION BUTTONS ................................................................................................... 2-23
BASIC FUNCTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 2-23
2-2.2b COMMON SCREENS ........................................................................................................... 2-24
MAIN AERIAL SCREEN ................................................................................................................. 2-24
AERIAL SET-UP SCREEN ............................................................................................................. 2-25
AERIAL OPERATION SCREEN ....................................................................................................... 2-26
AERIAL LIMITATION SCREEN ........................................................................................................ 2-27
SECTION 3. LOAD AND LEVEL CHARTS
3-1 LOAD CHART AND LEVEL CHART INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 3-1
3-1.1 100-FT MID-MOUNT ASCENDANT AERIAL TOWER- (MAX BASKET CAP. 1000-LB DRY / 500-LB WET)3-2
3-1.1a LOAD CHARTS .................................................................................................................... 3-2
3-1.1b LEVEL CHARTS ................................................................................................................... 3-4

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iv / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SECTION 4. OPERATION
4-1 PREPARING FOR OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 4-1
4-1.1 PRE-DRIVING CHECKS ..................................................................................................................... 4-1
4-1.2 RESPONSE SCENE LOCATION PLANNING .......................................................................................... 4-2
4-1.3 RESPONSE SCENE POSITION PLANNING FOR TERRAIN ...................................................................... 4-2
LEVEL TERRAIN ............................................................................................................................ 4-2
UNEVEN TERRAIN ......................................................................................................................... 4-2
4-1.3a DISADVANTAGES OF POSITIONING YOUR APPARATUS ON AN UPHILL GRADE: ........................... 4-2
4-1.3b DISADVANTAGES OF POSITIONING YOUR APPARATUS ON A DOWNHILL GRADE: ........................ 4-2
4-2 APPARATUS LEVELING SAFE OPERATING LIMITS ........................................................................................... 4-3
4-2.1 SAFE OPERATING LIMITS FOR LEVELING .......................................................................................... 4-3
4-3 STABILIZING THE APPARATUS ....................................................................................................................... 4-4
4-3.1 AERIAL SET-UP PREPARATION ......................................................................................................... 4-4
4-3.2 PREPARING APPARATUS FOR STABILIZER DEPLOYMENT .................................................................... 4-5
4-3.3 LEVELING APPARATUS WITH STABILIZERS ......................................................................................... 4-6
TIP HAZARD ................................................................................................................................. 4-6
4-3.3a APPARATUS POSITIONED ON LEVEL TERRAIN ....................................................................... 4-6
APPARATUS POINTED UP-HILL ...................................................................................................... 4-8
APPARATUS POINTED DOWN-HILL ............................................................................................... 4-10
APPARATUS ON SIDE-SLOPE ....................................................................................................... 4-12
4-3.4 FINAL SETUP ................................................................................................................................. 4-13
4-3.5 SHORT-JACK STABILIZER SET-UP.................................................................................................. 4-13
4-4 AERIAL OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 4-14
4-4.1 PRE-OPERATION CHECKS .............................................................................................................. 4-14
4-4.2 PRIMARY OPERATOR ..................................................................................................................... 4-14
4-4.3 PRIMARY OPERATION .................................................................................................................... 4-15
4-4.4 OPERATING WITH PERSONNEL ON THE LADDER .............................................................................. 4-16
4-4.5 OPERATING WITH PERSONNEL IN THE PLATFORM ........................................................................... 4-16
PRIMARY OPERATOR .................................................................................................................. 4-16
ENTERING THE PLATFORM .......................................................................................................... 4-16
LADDER BELT ANCHORS ............................................................................................................. 4-16
COMMUNICATION ........................................................................................................................ 4-17
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS .......................................................................................................... 4-17
USING THE CONTROLS ................................................................................................................ 4-17
PLATFORM LEVELING .................................................................................................................. 4-17
4-4.6 OPERATING SUGGESTIONS ............................................................................................................ 4-17
4-5 POST-OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................... 4-18
4-5.1 STOWING THE AERIAL .................................................................................................................... 4-18
4-5.2 STOWING THE STABILIZERS ........................................................................................................... 4-20
4-5.3 PRE-DRIVING CHECKS ................................................................................................................... 4-22
4-6 EMERGENCY OR MALFUNCTION OPERATIONS .............................................................................................. 4-23
4-6.1 EMERGENCY SHUT-DOWN ............................................................................................................. 4-23
4-6.1a ELECTRIC EMERGENCY STOP SWITCHES ........................................................................... 4-23
4-6.2 AERIAL INTERLOCK OVERRIDE ....................................................................................................... 4-23
4-6.2a ELECTRONIC CONTROLS OVERRIDE ................................................................................... 4-23
4-6.3 STABILIZER INTERLOCK OVERRIDE ................................................................................................. 4-24
4-6.3a ELECTRONIC CONTROLS OVERRIDE ................................................................................... 4-24

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4-6.4 HYDRAULIC POWER SUPPLY FAILURE ............................................................................................ 4-24
4-6.4a AERIAL EPU OPERATION .................................................................................................. 4-24
4-6.4b STABILIZER EPU OPERATION ............................................................................................ 4-25
4-7 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT OPERATION ............................................................................................................. 4-25
4-7.1 WATER PUMP OPERATION (IFEQUIPPED)...................................................................................... 4-25
4-7.2 LYFEEYE™ RAPPELLING (PLATFORM OPTION)............................................................................... 4-26
4-7.3 LYFELADDER™ (PLATFORM OPTION)............................................................................................. 4-26
4-7.4 LYFESUPPORT™ RESCUE BASKET (PLATFORM OPTION)................................................................4-28
4-7.5 FRONT STABILIZER JACK EXTENSIONS (OPTIONAL)......................................................................... 4-29
4-7.5a INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................... 4-30
4-7.5b REMOVAL ......................................................................................................................... 4-30
4-8 COLD WEATHER OPERATION ...................................................................................................................... 4-31
SECTION 5. MAINTENANCE
5-1 MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 5-1
5-2 TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................................... 5-2
5-3 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................................... 5-6
5-3.1 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS .................................................................................................. 5-6
5-3.2 HYDRAULIC OIL RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................ 5-7
5-3.3 HYDRAULIC OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................... 5-7
5-4 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND SERVICE ....................................................................................... 5-8
5-4.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 5-8
5-4.2 EXPLANATION OF COLUMNS ............................................................................................................. 5-8
5-5 PRIMARY INSPECTION ................................................................................................................................... 5-9
5-6 TWENTY-FIVE (25) HOUR/QUARTERLY INSPECTION ...................................................................................... 5-10
5-7 FIFTY (50) HOUR/ANNUAL INSPECTION ........................................................................................................ 5-10
5-8 FOUR-HUNDRED (400) HOUR/ANNUAL INSPECTION ..................................................................................... 5-13
5-9 EXTREME ENVIRONMENT MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................... 5-14
5-9.1 GENERAL TEMPERATURE CONCERNS ............................................................................................. 5-14
5-9.2 EXTREME HIGH-TEMPERATURE CONCERNS .................................................................................... 5-14
5-9.3 EXTREME LOW-TEMPERATURE CONCERNS ..................................................................................... 5-14
5-9.4 EXTREME WIND-SWEPT SAND AND DIRT CONCERNS ...................................................................... 5-14
5-9.5 SALT-AIR ENVIRONMENT CONCERNS ............................................................................................. 5-14
5-10 LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 5-15
5-10.1 RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS ......................................................................................................... 5-15
SYNTHETIC GREASE ................................................................................................................... 5-15
ROTATION GEAR BOX LUBE ........................................................................................................ 5-15
5-10.2 LUBRICATION CHART ..................................................................................................................... 5-16
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Worksheet

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INDEX

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / vii
FOREWORD
1. Purpose of Manual
The information in this manual is for the operation and maintenance of Pierce aerial apparatus. It is intended to serve
as a guide to assist qualified operator’s and service personnel in the operation and maintenance of Pierce
apparatus.
Keep this manual with the apparatus at all times.
NOTE: Some of the details of your apparatus’s design and construction may be unique to your department
alone. For this reason, information contained in this manual may be generic at times. Questions on
major inconsistencies between your apparatus’s configuration and the information contained in this
manual should be directed to your Pierce Dealer or Sales Representative.
2. Scope
This operator’s manual provides operating and maintenance instructions for apparatus manufactured by Pierce
Manufacturing Inc.
This manual provides information under the following headings:
Safety. Contains important safety information, requirements before placing a apparatus in service, and information
on installing custom equipment and accessories.
General. Includes equipment identification, location and description of major components.
Operation. Contains procedures on normal equipment operation and special operating procedures.
Maintenance. Contains scheduled maintenance and lubrication information.
To order a replacement manual or replacement safety warning labels, call Pierce Manufacturing Inc. at 1-888-974-
3723.
3. Who Should Use, Service, and Maintain This Equipment
This manual explains the operation and maintenance of this apparatus and equipment.
The manual provides basic principles of operation, highlights common safety concerns and procedures, and gives
recommendations for using and maintaining the apparatus and equipment.
This manual assumes that you:
• Have already been fully trained to operate the apparatus and equipment.
• Have demonstrated the effectiveness of your training and the extent of your knowledge.
BEFORE operating this apparatus and equipment, you, the operator or maintainer, must read, understand, and
follow the instructions found in this operator and maintenance manual and the operator and maintenance manuals
from the manufacturers of major components used on this apparatus or equipment.
Proper tools and service equipment must be used, taking appropriate precautions as required by accepted safety
practices, to prevent personal injury and/or equipment damage.
If you are uncertain about the safe operation of any aspect of this apparatus or equipment, stop immediately and
seek further training.
You are the only person who knows what you don't know. You must speak up about the things you don't know, so
you can learn about them before someone is injured or killed because of your lack of knowledge.

FOREWORD
viii / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
You are responsible for learning how to operate this apparatus and equipment under all conditions without having
to pause to read this manual.
4. Before Placing the Aerial in Service
4.1. Hydraulic Oil Analysis
Pierce Manufacturing Inc. recommends taking a hydraulic oil sample and having it analyzed before putting the aerial
in service. This analysis serves as a baseline for future oil sample analyses taken at subsequent maintenance
inspections. Comparing results with the original oil test data will help determine the condition and requirement for
additional filtering or fluid replacement. The minimum analysis should include spectrochemical, particle count,
viscosity, and water content. The oil sample should be taken from the oil sample port (also used as the load sense
test nipple) located on the control valve, after the oil has warmed to normal system temperature (115°F or higher),
using oil sample kit (Pierce part number 1483503).
4.2. Inspecting the Aerial
Before the aerial is put into service, a primary inspection should be performed. The primary inspection is part of the
preventive maintenance forms provided with your new truck. The reason for this inspection is to check for proper
operation and adjustment of components, along with cleaning and lubrication, after initial training use and delivery
travel.
The operators of the aerial should also become familiar with the inspection process. Their knowledge of a properly
adjusted and maintained aerial could prevent a failure or accident by something that has become loose or damaged.
5. Customer Assistance Information
Your satisfaction with your Pierce apparatus is important to your dealer and Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Normally, any
question or concern you may have with your apparatus can be handled by your selling or servicing dealer. Your
dealer has the facility, trained technicians, special tools, and up-to-date information to promptly address any issue
that may arise. Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has empowered dealers to make decisions and repair apparatus, and they
are eager to resolve your issues to your complete satisfaction. Should you encounter an issue with your Pierce
apparatus that requires service, take the following steps:
Step 1.) Contact your authorized Pierce selling or servicing dealer. They will make the necessary arrangements to
order the necessary parts and make the required repairs.
Step 2.) If they are not able to repair the problem to your satisfaction, discuss your concern with a member of dealer
management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already been reviewed with
the Sales, Service, or Parts Manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the General Manager.
Step 3.) If, after contacting a member of the dealership management, it appears your question or concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, you may contact Pierce Manufacturing Inc. at 888-Y-PIERCE (888-
974-3723).
Only trained personnel should operate this apparatus and equipment.
Do not operate or service until you have read and understood the operation and service manual
supplied with this equipment.
Manuals can be obtained from manufacturer's website or by contacting customer service.
Operating this equipment without knowledge or training may lead to injury or death for you or others.

FOREWORD
© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / ix
6. Accident Reporting and Investigation
The Product Safety Department at Pierce Manufacturing must be notified immediately in all instances where a
Pierce aerial product has been involved in an accident resulting in personal injury or death, when property damage
has occurred or when a regulatory investigation is involved. A plan will be established to investigate as deemed
necessary. Never remove, damage, or modify products involved in an accident investigation.
Pierce Manufacturing
2600 American Drive
PO Box 2017
Appleton, WI 54912
Telephone: 1-888-Y-PIERCE (1-888-974-3723)

FOREWORD
x / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / 1-1
SECTION 1 SAFETY
1-1. Introduction
This Safety Section provides instructions that are essential to the safe operation of your aerial apparatus.
Watch for the safety alert symbol for times when you need to refer to instructions in this section. While
other sections of this manual may refer you to specific parts of this safety section, you must read,
understand, and follow all of the instructions in this safety section to keep you and others safe during
operation.
The safety signs depicted in this section are representative of those you may find on your apparatus.
Safety signs are a reminder to you of safety instructions that you will already have learned by studying this manual.
The absence of a sign on your apparatus does not mean the absence of a hazard.
1-1.1 To the Owner
This manual instructs operators in the proper operation of this equipment and warns of improper procedures or
potentially dangerous situations.
Only personnel who are totally familiar with this manual and have completed training are qualified to operate this
aerial. It is the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to permit only qualified personnel to operate
this aerial.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc. provides the services of a delivery technician to demonstrate the safe and proper method
of operation. The name of each trainee is recorded as proof of participation in this demonstration, however this
demonstration does not qualify personnel as an aerial operator on this apparatus. It is the department's responsibility
to provide comprehensive training, supervised practice, and qualification testing before personnel should be
authorized to operate this aerial apparatus.
Personnel must never be allowed to operate or maintain an aerial apparatus unless they:
• Have been thoroughly trained in its safe operation.
• Are sufficiently experienced and skilled to operate or perform maintenance safely without supervision.
• Are conscientious enough not to cut corners, not to operate the apparatus in ways it was not intended, and not
to be careless in the operation and use of the aerial apparatus with regards to the safety of themselves or others.

SAFETY
1-2 / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-1.2 To the Operator
Figure 1-1: FAMA25 Warning Label
FAMA25
This Aerial Apparatus is not a consumer product; it is a complex piece of industrial equipment. It has the potential
to cause harm to you or those around you if you use it improperly. Its safe operation requires you to be trained, be
experienced, be smart, and use your common sense. It is essential that you be careful, physically and mentally
qualified, trained in the safe operation of this equipment, and authorized by your employer to do so. You are
responsible for learning how to operate this apparatus and equipment under all conditions without having to pause
to read this manual.
Never work on or around this equipment, operate it, or maintain it unless you have:
• Read and understood this manual
• Read and understood the operation manual(s) of components supplied with this equipment
• Watched and understood any safety video(s)
• Have been trained in and have practiced safe operation
• Are an authorized operator
If you are uncertain about the safe operation of any aspect of this vehicle or equipment, stop immediately and seek
further training.
1-1.3 Multiple Manuals Required
Your fire apparatus is composed of several main parts. This manual is only one of the Operator's Manuals that you
will need to inform you about how to operate your apparatus properly and safely. You must refer to each of the
following manuals as applicable to your apparatus:
1-1.3a Chassis
Your Pierce apparatus will be manufactured on a Pierce Custom built chassis. Pierce publishes a manual for each
custom built chassis model. You will need the Pierce Custom chassis Operator’s Manual to fully inform you of safe
and proper vehicle operation.
1-1.3b Pump & Body
Every apparatus, whether a pumper, aerial, or rescue, will have an applicable pump and body manual. Use the PUC
manual if your apparatus includes a PUC pump. Select the pumper manual for all other apparatus.

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / 1-3
SAFETY
1-1.3c Foam
If your apparatus is equipped with a foam system you must select the appropriate manual. Pierce publishes manuals
for Husky® and Hercules® foam systems. For other foam systems see your foam system manufacturer.
1-1.3d All-Steer
If your apparatus is equipped with All-Steer® it will have a dedicated manual that covers the important operational
and safety information unique to this system.
1-1.4 Intended Use
This aerial apparatus has been designed and manufactured for the sole purpose of being used to perform
emergency response rescue and fire suppression operations. Any other use without written consent from the
manufacturer constitutes misuse of this product and may lead to personal injury or death.
1-1.5 FAMA Safety Guide
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturer's Association (FAMA) Apparatus Safety Guide provided with your apparatus
should be used as a supplement to this manual. Extra copies can be purchased from the FAMA website at fama.org.
1-1.6 Parades and Public Events
You and your department are understandably proud of your apparatus and there may be times when you may like
to share it with the community. This may involve using the apparatus in parades, educational demonstrations,
charitable fundraisers, or other community events where you may wish to allow civilians be in, on, or around your
apparatus while it is operating. Keep in mind that there have been many examples of tragic events where fire
apparatus caused injury or death to civilians during otherwise well intentioned actions. Before allowing anyone other
than a trained and experienced member of your department near your apparatus you should consult with your fire
department safety officer and plan for safety. Be sure to follow all the safety procedures in this guide and ensure that
the event will be conducted in a manner that is safe for everyone involved.
1-2. Safety Alerts
1-2.1 Description of “DANGER,” “WARNING,” and “CAUTION”
THIS SAFETY SYMBOL INDICATES IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES IN THIS MANUAL.
WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, CAREFULLY READ THE MESSAGE THAT FOLLOWS THIS
SYMBOL.
BE ALERT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Warning labels located on the vehicle and warning statements contained in this manual all use the same terminology
to warn of potential hazards. Each of these potentially harmful conditions is described below:

SAFETY
1-4 / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-3. List of Abbreviations
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal
word is limited to the most extreme situations.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
TERM DEFINITION
AC Alternating Current
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
CFM Cubic Feet per Minute
CZIC Command Zone Information Center
DC Direct Current
ECU Electronic Control Unit
EPU Emergency Power Unit
FT Feet
GAL Gallons
GPM Gallons Per Minute
I/O Input/Output
IN Inches
ISO International Organization for Standardization
LB Pound
MPH Miles Per Hour
NC National Coarse
NF National Fine
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
PSI Pounds per Square Inch
PTO Power Take-Off
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SUS Saybolt Universal Second

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / 1-5
SAFETY
1-4. Prepare for Safe Operation
1-4.1 Aerial Device Inspection
Figure 1-2: FAMA39 Warning Label
FAMA39
Your aerial device is a complex machine that requires constant care and thorough inspection. Study the
requirements found in the maintenance section of this manual and NFPA 1911, “Standard for the Inspection,
Maintenance, Testing and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus” to determine the critical points on
the device that should be regularly inspected. Inspect these points and look for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
The operator is responsible for knowing the condition of the aerial device before operation. Each aerial operator
should be trained on the inspection process so that they can recognize signs of problems during operation and
understand when operation should be ceased if repairs are required. Inspect the apparatus and aerial device
thoroughly before the start of every shift. If your apparatus is not operated regularly, inspect it at least weekly. Record
any deficiencies and have them corrected immediately. Review the records from the previous shift to ensure that
any deficiencies identified have been corrected.
Before the aerial is put into service, a primary inspection must be performed. Follow the inspection and maintenance
schedule in this manual thereafter.
Inspection Required
Follow the instructions in the
operator’s manual and NFPA
1911 for daily, frequent, and
annual inspection and
maintenance.
Operation of a poorly
inspected aerial device may
injure or kill.
WARNING
Do not paint over this label. Replace if damaged or lost
FAMA39

SAFETY
1-6 / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-5. Secure Your Equipment
1-5.1 Aerial Apparatus Hose Chutes
Certain aerial apparatus may carry hose on the top of the body using a “trough” or “chute” to guide the hose on its
way out the back of the truck. While this method has many operational advantages, the hose must be packed
carefully to ensure that hose connections do not get caught as the hose is exiting through the chute. To provide for
the most efficient and safe deployment of hose from the hose bed, hose shall be packed in stacks starting at the left
(driver) side and working towards the hose chute on the right (passenger) side. Operators of this type of device must
take special care to lay the hose in a manner conducive to the chute design, and keep apparatus speeds very slow
during deployment. Hose couplings that jam or catch on corners or other obstructions may cause the deploying hose
to pull taught or whip, possibly damaging equipment or injuring bystanders. Keep personnel clear of exiting hose
and couplings during deployment.
Whipping Hose Hazard:
• Pack hose so that couplings are pulled out straight without flipping around during deployment.
• Pack hose so that it never crosses over itself during deployment.
• Maintain vehicle speed of 5 MPH or less while deploying hose.
• Keep personnel clear of exiting hose and couplings during deployment.
Whipping hose or couplings can injure or kill.
Ensure hose couplings are arranged such that they are always packed towards the front of the hose
bed. Failure to comply may result in damage to the aerial, hose bed, covers, and hoses.

© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower / 1-7
SAFETY
1-5.2 Hose Restraint
Figure 1-3: FAMA22 Warning Label
FAMA22
This vehicle may be provided with a means to store fire hose. Any time hose is stored on this vehicle it must be
restrained to ensure that it does not fall out of its storage area while the vehicle is in motion. NFPA standards state
that “any hose storage area shall be equipped with a positive means to prevent unintentional deployment of the hose
from the top, sides, front, and rear of the hose storage area while the apparatus is underway in normal operations”.
Due to the aerial device and aerial basket bedded positions leaving little clearance above the hose bed, it has been
determined the hose bed needs to be completely covered to protect the bottom of the device and basket from any
incidental damage from hose couplings when deploying hose. The front hose bed area is restrained with a vinyl
cover with Velcro® securing it in place. The rear hose chute area under the basket structure is covered by aluminum
treadplate that is hinged on the inboard side. The rear hose chute is covered with webbing.
Operational methods vary between fire departments, and methods of restraining the hose may vary as a result.
Whether you use the hose restraint feature provided with your apparatus, or develop your own means, it is your
responsibility to ensure that whatever method you employ will adequately restrain the hose in those working
environments the apparatus will be exposed to and to also not allow any damage to the equipment during hose
deployment. Always restrain hose properly before placing the vehicle in motion.
1-5.3 Equipment Mounting and Storage
Your aerial device or apparatus body may have axes, ladders, pike poles, hose boxes, or other equipment mounted
to the aerial ladder, platform, or vehicle body. Inspect equipment mounting devices frequently to insure they are
properly adjusted, in good repair, and will retain the equipment securely on the apparatus or aerial device.
Entanglement Hazard
Secure hose and other
equipment before
placing vehicle in
motion.
Loose hose may drag
behind vehicle and
injure or kill.
WARNING
Do not paint over this label. Replace if damaged or lost
FAMA22

SAFETY
1-8 / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower © 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-6. Access Your Apparatus Safely
1-6.1 Climbing and Working on the Apparatus
Figure 1-4: FAMA23 and FAMA26 Warning Labels
FAMA23, FAMA26
Your aerial apparatus will be provided with access steps or ladders so that you can ascend to the control platform
or other access points using three points of contact. Three points of contact means that you have one hand and two
feet, or two hands and one foot in contact with the apparatus at all times. To maintain three points of contact you
may need to kneel, crawl or move on your hands and feet to navigate safely.
Always face the apparatus when climbing or descending. Always make sure that any folding step or ladder is in the
deployed position and secure before using it. Failure to exercise due care when entering and exiting the apparatus
can result in personal injury. Entry and exit should be made slowly, deliberately, and carefully.
Always keep steps, rungs and handholds in good repair. Keep them free of grease, mud, dirt, fuel, ice, snow, etc...
Make sure all attaching bolts and hardware are tight, thus eliminating any movement of steps and handholds. Use
extra care during inclement weather. Do not step or climb upon any vehicle surface unless it is slip resistant and
handholds are provided. Take special care when walking on surfaces where railings are not provided.
Areas not provided with slip resistant surfaces should not be walked on. In addition, certain areas may be indicated
as No-Step areas. If it is necessary to gain access to an area where slip resistant surfaces and handhold are not
provided, use rubber matting, fall protection devices, or other means to safeguard personnel before attempting to
step, stand, or walk on this area.
Avoid the need to access locations on your apparatus other than a control platform by locating items you need to
access in compartments that can be reached from the ground. Do not locate equipment on the top of the apparatus
unless you can reach them safely. If you must climb to or walk on the top of the apparatus, recognize that railings
may not be provided, and it is your responsibility to proceed with extreme caution at all times. Stay away from the
edge when possible and always hang on to something sturdy.
Fall hazard
When climbing on or off vehicle,
ALWAYS:
Face vehicle.
Use steps and handholds.
Maintain three points of contact
with vehicle (two feet and one
hand or two hands and one
foot).
Keep steps, handholds, and
walkways clean.
Use extra caution when wet, icy
or muddy.
Replace surfaces when worn.
Slips and falls can injure or kill.
WARNING
Do not paint over this label. Replace if damaged or lost
FAMA23
WARNING
FAMA26
Fall Hazard - Railings NOT provided
Surface may be slippery – NOT intended
for stepping, standing or walking.
Fall will injure or kill.
Do not paint over this label. Replace if damaged or lost