Which statement is true regarding firefighters' safety on fire apparatus?

The correct statement emphasizes the importance of using steps and handrails when mounting and dismounting the fire apparatus. This practice is crucial for ensuring the safety of firefighters. Fire apparatus are often oversized and can be elevated, so using the provided steps stabilizes the individual as they enter or exit, significantly reducing the risk of slips, falls, or other injuries that could occur if a firefighter were to leap onto or off the vehicle without proper support. Handrails provide additional stability, helping firefighters maintain their balance in potentially hazardous conditions, especially when the apparatus is in motion or situated on uneven ground.

The other options suggest unsafe practices or misinterpretations of safety protocols. Riding on the outside of the apparatus or jumping onto the apparatus from the ground exposes firefighters to serious risks, while limiting hearing protection to specific decibel levels does not account for varying circumstances in noisy environments where hearing protection is essential. Therefore, the emphasis on using steps and handrails is a vital part of maintaining firefighter safety while interacting with fire apparatus.