Chapter 2 — Firefighter Safety & Health

2–2

Chapter 2 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to apply FF safety & health practices following the policies & procedures set forth by FrPD

2–3

Ways to Prevent Injuries

• Conducting effective training

• Maintaining company discipline & accountability

• Following established SOPs

• All ranks in FrPD have a responsibility for safety

(Continued)

2–4

Ways to Prevent Injuries

• Using personal protective clothing & equipment

• Maintaining high levels of physical fitness

2–5

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What do you think causes the greatest number of firefighter injuries?

Firefighter Injuries

• Overexertion/strain is leading cause of injury

• Slips, trips & falls

• Improper lifting

• 100,000 in US every year (average)

2–6

Firefighter Deaths

• 21.7% due to vehicle crashes

• 24.4% to “other” causes

• 53.9% due to stress/overexertion

• Heart attack/cardiac arrest

• An average of 100 FF’s die each year in US

2–7

2–8

NFPA Standards

• Relate to firefighter safety & health

• Consensus documents; not law unless adopted by governing body

• Many U.S. & Canadian governing bodies have adopted some NFPA® standards; others have not

2–9

NFPA 1500

• Most comprehensive firefighter safety & health standard

• Specifies fire department safety & health program minimum requirements

• Applied to any fire department or similar organization

• Fire departments should:

Recognize safety & health as official objectives

Provide as healthy & safe work environment as possible

(Continued)

2–10

NFPA 1500

• Promotes safety throughout the fire service

• Minimum standard; can be exceeded

2–11

NFPA 1500 Topics

• Safety & health-related policies & procedures

• Training & education

• Fire apparatus, equipment, & driver/operators

• Protective clothing & protective equipment

(Continued)

2–12

NFPA 1500 Topics

• Emergency operations

• Facility safety

• Medical & physical requirements

• Member assistance & wellness programs

• Critical incident stress management program

2–13

NFPA 1500 — Safety & Health-Related Policies & Procedures

Fire departments must:

• Develop an organizational plan, risk management plan, safety & health policy

• Define roles & responsibilities

• Establish safety & health committee

• Keep records

• Appoint a health & safety officer

(Continued)

2–14

NFPA 1500 — Safety & Health-Related Policies & Procedures

Safety & health program must:

• Address anticipated hazards

• Include provisions for dealing with nonemergency issues

• Include SOPs

2–15

NFPA 1500 — Training & Education

• Goal must be to prevent occupational deaths, injuries & illnesses

• Training — Developing & maintaining job skills

• Education — Learning new information, concepts, & procedures

• Train & educate personnel to consider safety in all activities

• Safety must be reinforced

(Continued)

2–16

NFPA 1500 — Fire Apparatus, Equipment, & Driver/Operators

• Safety & health must be primary considerations for apparatus

Providing restraint devices

Meeting requirements for vehicle’s intended role

• All apparatus driver/operators must be trained

(Continued)

2–17

NFPA 1500 — Fire Apparatus, Equipment, & Driver/Operators

• Personnel riding in apparatus must be seated & securely belted inside the cab when in motion

• Three exceptions:

Hose loading

Tiller training

Some EMS operations

(Continued)

2–18

NFPA 1500 — Fire Apparatus, Equipment, & Driver/Operators

• If noise levels exceed 9090 decibels (dB), hearing protection must be worn

• Exposures above 90 dB can lead to hearing loss

2–19

NFPA 1500 — Protective Clothing & Protective Equipment

• Departments must provide at least one set of protective clothing & protective equipment

• Protective clothing

Helmet

Hood and/or shroud

Coat

Pants(Continued)

2–20

NFPA 1500 — Protective Clothing & Protective Equipment

Protective clothing

• Safety shoes or boots

• Gloves

• Goggles or safety glasses

(Continued)

2–21

NFPA 1500 — Protective Clothing & Protective Equipment

Protective equipment

• SCBA

• Supplied air respirator (SAR)

• Personal alert safety system (PASS) device

• Other respiratory protection

• Some areas provide body armor for protection against violence

2–22

NFPA 1500 — Emergency Operations

Requires an incident management system

• Most use ICS

• Risk management

• Personnel accountability

(Continued)

2–23

NFPA 1500 — Emergency Operations

• Limits emergency operations to those that can be safely conducted

(Continued)

2–24

NFPA 1500 — Emergency Operations

NFPA 1500 requires

• Rapid intervention

• Rehabilitation

• Limiting exposure to violence

• Post-incident analysis: a general overview & critique of incident, occurs within 2 wks

• Both NFPA 1500 & NFPA 1561 contain specific requirements regarding accountability

(Continued)

2–25

NFPA 1500 — Facility Safety

• Sets minimum design requirements that meet NFPA 101, Life Safety Code

• Provides a means for cleaning, disinfecting, & storing infection control devices

(Continued)

2–26

NFPA 1500 — Facility Safety

• Fire stations must be smoke-free environments (per Aramco policy)

• Requires inspection, maintenance, & prompt repair of facilities

2–27

NFPA 1500 — Medical & Physical Requirements

• Candidates must be medically evaluated

• Prohibits firefighters under the influence from participating

• Physical performance standards

(Continued)

2–28

NFPA 1500 — Medical & Physical Requirements

• Annual medical verification for fitness for duty

• Establishment of job-related fitness standards & fitness program

• Confidential health database

(Continued)

2–29

NFPA 1500 — Medical & Physical Requirements

• Infection control program

• Designated fire department physician

• Reporting & documenting injuries & exposures

2–30

NFPA 1500 — Member Assistance & Wellness Programs

• Member assistance program

Substance abuse

Stress

Personal problems

• Wellness program

Smoking Cessation

2–31

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why is Saudi Aramco concerned with safety off the job as well on the job?

2–32

IFSTA Principles of Risk Management — Development

• NFPA 1500 requires incident management systems to include a risk management plan

• Risk management plan

Established set of criteria

Tactical decisions can be made

(Continued)

2–33

IFSTA Principles of Risk Management — Development

Considered two well-known plans:

• Phoenix, AZ

• NFPA 1500

2–34

IFSTA Principles of Risk Management

2–35

IFSTA Principles of Risk Management — Key Points

• Team integrity is vital to safety

• No property is worth the life of a FF

• FFs should not be committed to interior operations in abandoned or derelict buildings known or believed to be unoccupied

2–36

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why do you feel these principles are important to the fire service?

2–37

Fireground Priority

Highest priority is for FFs to protect their lives & those of their fellow FFs

If a FF is injured, unable to help others, other FFs must respond to the injured FF

2–38

Safety Program Goals

• Prevent human suffering, deaths, injuries, illnesses, & exposures to hazardous atmospheres & transmittable diseases

• Practiced & promoted at all levels in FrPD

(Continued)

2–39

Safety Program Goals

• Prevent damage to or loss of equipment

• Reduce incidence & severity of accidents & hazardous exposures

2–40

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What do you do to help maintain your personal health?

2–41

Firefighter Health Considerations

• Stay informed about job-related health issues

• Wear PPE & respiratory protection

• Clean PPE

• Follow hepatitis B vaccination recommendations

(Continued)

2–42

Firefighter Health Considerations

• Use precautions to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens

• Use proper lifting techniques

(Continued)

2–43

Firefighter Health Considerations

• Use lifting tools or get assistance with heavy objects

• Clean, disinfect, & store tools & equipment used in patient care

• Maintain a regular exercise program

(Continued)

2–44

Firefighter Health Considerations

• Maintain a diet low in cholesterol, fat, & sodium

• Maintain blood pressure & cholesterol levels

• Eliminate tobacco products

• Have regular physicals & checkups

2–45

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Offers confidential assistance

• Alcohol and drug abuse

• Personal & interpersonal problems

• Stress

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Divorce

• Financial problems

2–46

Wellness Program

Health-related problems

• Nutrition

• Hypertension

• Cessation of tobacco use

• Weight control

• Physical conditioning

2–47

Availability of EAP & Wellness Programs

• Available to all members & their families

• Include appropriate referrals

• Allow easy, confidential access to help

(Continued)

2–48

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

• Process of managing stress

• A critical incident stress debriefing should be part of the CISM program

• Should be held ASAP after event but not later than 72 hrs

(Continued)

2–49

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

• Pre-briefing helps prepare the FF for responding to a gruesome incident

• If working more than one shift in stressful conditions, go through a minor debriefing

• Defusing: addresses chemical, medical exposures & identifies equipment/ apparatus problems

2–50

Riding on the Apparatus

• One of the most common dangers for firefighters

• All protective clothing is put on before (prior) entering cab

• Everyone is seated before apparatus moves

(Continued)

2–51

Riding on the Apparatus

NFPA 1500 requires

• FFs to ride in a seat within the cab

• Have seatbelts fastened

(Continued)

2–52

Riding on the Apparatus

• Hearing protection is needed if sirens & engine noise levels exceed 90 decibels

(Continued)

2–53

Riding on the Apparatus

• Volunteers responding in own vehicles should use defensive driving

• If riding in an unenclosed jump seat, use safety bars & wear appropriate PPE

(Continued)

2–54

Riding on the Apparatus

• Use steps & handrails when mounting/ dismounting

• If apparatus contacts energized electrical wires, jump clear of the apparatus

2–55

Safety in the Fire Station — Personnel Safety

• Two most common ways people get hurt at the fire station:

• Improper Lifting

• Slips, trips, & falls

(Continued)

2–56

Safety in the Fire Station — Personnel Safety

Improper lifting techniques cause

• Back strains (Most Common)

• Bruises, sprains, & fractures

• Damaged equipment

(Continued)

2–57

Safety in the Fire Station — Personnel Safety

Correct lifting techniques

• Keep the back straight; lift with the legs

• Do not lift or carry heavy or bulky objects without help

(Continued)

2–58

Safety in the Fire Station — Personnel Safety

Slip, trip, or fall

• Poor footing

• Minor or serious injuries; damaged equipment

• Good housekeeping can prevent

2–59

Safety in the Fire Station — Tool and Equipment Safety

• Accidents can happen if FFs are not properly trained

• Poorly maintained tools & equipment can be dangerous

• NFPA 1500 stresses tool safety

• Always use appropriate PPE

2–60

Hand and Small Power Tool Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE

• Remove loose clothing & keep long hair clear of operating tool heads

• Remove jewelry

• Select the appropriate tool

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions

(Continued)

2–61

Hand and Small Power Tool Safety

• Inspect tools before use

• Do not use badly worn or broken tools

• Provide adequate storage space & return tools after use

• Inspect, clean, & put all tools in a ready state before storing

(Continued)

2–62

Hand and Small Power Tool Safety

• Consult with manufacturer before modifying any tool

• Use intrinsically safe tools in flammable atmospheres

• Do not remove safety shields or compromise built-in safety devices

2–63

Power Tool Safety

• Grinders, drills, saws, & welding equipment are common

• If improperly used can cause serious or life-threatening injury

(Continued)

2–64

Power Tool Safety

• Only FFs who have read & understand manufacturer’s instructions should use power tools

• Tool repairs must be made by a trained & authorized person

(Continued)

2–65

Power Tool Safety

• Keep accurate records of repairs

• Any electrical tool not marked “double insulated” should have a three-prong plug

• Connected to ground

2–66

Power Saw Safety

• Match the saw to the task & material to be cut

• Never force a saw beyond its design limitations

• Wear proper PPE

• Remove loose clothing & contain long hair

(Continued)

2–67

Power Saw Safety

• Have hoselines when cutting materials that generate sparks

• Avoid using in potentially flammable atmospheres

• Keep bystanders out of work area

• Follow manufacturer’s procedures

(Continued)

2–68

Power Saw Safety

• Allow gasoline-powered saws to cool before refueling

• Keep blades & cutting chains well sharpened

• Use extreme caution when operating any saw above eye level

2–69

Safety in Training

• Always wear appropriate protective gear

• Refer trainees with symptoms to a physician prior to participation

• Take into account environmental conditions

(Continued)

2–70

Safety in Training

• Do NOT allow horseplay or unprofessional conduct

2–71

Safety in Training — Live Fire Exercises

• Must be conducted according to NFPA 1403

• Key requirements of NFPA 1403

Site preparation

• Clear site of potential hazards

(Continued)

2–72

Safety in Training — Live Fire Exercises

Key safety requirements of NFPA 1403

• Student-to-instructor ratio of 5:1 may not be exceeded

• Must be a designated safety officer & an instructor-in-charge

• Cannot use human beings as victims

(Continued)

2–73

Safety in Training — Live Fire Exercises

Key safety requirements of NFPA 1403

• Fires may not be set in egress routes

• Uniforms & PPE must conform to NFPA standards

(Continued)

2–74

Safety in Training — Live Fire Exercises

Key requirements of NFPA 1403

• Prerequisite training — All participants must have had basic fire training

• Water supply — Adequate supply must be provided; separate for attack & backup lines

(Continued)

2–75

Safety in Training — Live Fire Exercises

Key requirements of NFPA 1403

• Training plan — Must be prepared & a briefing held

(Continued)

Don’t do this!

2–76

Safety in Training — Live Fire Exercises

Key requirements of NFPA 1403

• Fuel — Must have known burning characteristics

• Ventilation — Means must be provided to prevent uncontrolled flashover & backdraft

2–77

Maintain & Service Equipment

Equipment for fire training

• Must be in good condition

• Frequently wears out sooner

• Should be inspected before each drill

(Continued)

2–78

Maintain & Service Equipment

Records & testing

• Records must be maintained on all equipment for training

• Training equipment should be tested according to:

Manufacturer’s instructions

Applicable standards

2–79

Emergency Scene Preparedness

Accidents or injuries at emergencies

• Often caused by a series of events

• Can be prevented by being in a ready state

2–80

Actions for Preparedness: Beginning Work Shift

• Be in the proper uniform, physically rested, & mentally alert

• Ensure all tools & equipment are in place & working

• Ensure PPE is in proper location

(Continued)

2–81

Actions for Preparedness: Beginning Work Shift

• Ensure SCBA is fully functional

• Ensure MFR equipment is checked & restocked

2–82

Actions for Preparedness: In the Fire Station

• FFs must never put themselves in a position to delay response

• When alarm sounds, stay calm & listen to the officer

• Quickly & calmly mount apparatus

2–83

Actions for Preparedness: Any Stage of an Emergency

• FFs must never act so they become a part of the emergency or creates a new one

• We should never be part of the problem

2–84

Emergency Scene Safety

Incident Commander (IC)

Officer of the 1st-arriving unit begins to control incident by assuming Command & using ICS

(Continued)

2–85

Emergency Scene Safety

Initial IC must size up critical factors

• Life safety hazards

• Nature & extent of emergency

• Building type, arrangement, & access

• Resources

• Special hazards

(Continued)

2–86

Emergency Scene Safety

• IC must determine overall incident strategy

• Offensive operations: working inside the hazard zone

• Defensive operations: working outside the hazard zone

(Continued)

Defensive Operations

2–87

Incident Action Plan

• IC develops IAP & bases operations around completion of tactical priorities

• Tactical priorities in a structure fire

FF safety (Life Safety)

Rescue (Life Safety)

Fire control (Incident Stabilization)

Loss control (Property Conservation)

(Continued)

2–88

Incident Action Plan

• IAP is based on size-up information

• Priority objectives are reflected in benchmarks of completion:

Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)

All Clear: Primary search complete

Under Control: Fire progress is stopped

Loss Stopped: property conservation complete

2–89

Offensive Fire Operations

• Based around a controlled, aggressive interior search and fire attack

• Companies must be assigned according to fireground organizational structure

• Must work with the IAP

(Continued)

2–90

Offensive Fire Operations

• Company members inside hazard zone must be within contact with each other at all times through:

• Voice (talk)

• Vision (see)

• Physical (touch)

(Continued)

2–91

Offensive Fire Operations

• Companies must have at least one portable radio on correct tactical channel

• After primary All Clear & Under Control are complete, efforts must be focused on controlling loss

2–92

Defensive Operations

• Based on:

Determining boundaries of hazard zone

Potential collapse zone

Keeping companies out of these boundaries

• Highest priority on all defensive fires is firefighter safety

2–93

Minimizing Risks

• Work within the IAP/No freelancing

• Adequately assess the situation & maintain situational awareness

• Wear appropriate PPE

• Work together as a team

• Follow all departmental SOPs

(Continued)

2–94

Minimizing Risks

• Maintain communications with team members & Command

• Do a risk/benefit analysis for every action

• Employ safe & effective tactics

• Use a personnel accountability system

(Continued)

2–95

Minimizing Risks

• Have one or more RICs standing by

• Set up Rehab at fires or other incidents

• Use appropriate emergency escape techniques

• Maintain company discipline & team integrity

• Go to rehab as a team

2–96

Highway Incident Guidelines

• Position fire apparatus to block oncoming traffic

• Turn front wheels of blocking apparatus away from emergency

(Continued)

2–97

Highway Incident Guidelines

• Set out traffic cones, signs, or other devices to detour traffic

• Turn off lights that face opposing traffic

• Emergency responders must never walk with their backs to the traffic

(Continued)

2–98

Highway Incident Guidelines

• Wear reflective vests when PPE is not required

• Close at least one traffic lane next to incident

• Move apparatus not directly involved to the shoulder or off roadway

2–99

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What precautions have you noticed emergency responders taking (or not taking) at vehicle accidents?

2–100

Crowd Control

• Usually responsibility of police or security

• Sometimes performed by firefighters or emergency responders

• IC is responsible for ensuring scene is secured & managed

(Continued)

2–101

Crowd Control

• Usually done by ISO

• Must be done at all emergencies

• Bystanders should be restrained from getting too close

People can be emotional

Restrain relatives & friends

2–102

Cordoning Off

• Maintain scene security by cordoning off

• No specific distance established for control zones

Incident size

Hazard involved

• Keep bystanders at a safe distance

• Control zones must be established at all emergency scenes

(Continued)

2–103

Cordoning Off

2–104

Cordoning Off

• Can be done with rope, barricades, or caution tape

• Boundary should be monitored

2–105

Personnel Accountability System

• Every department must use some system of accountability that tracks personnel in the hazard zone

• Used at all emergency scenes

(Continued)

2–106

Personnel Accountability System

• Accountability is vital when there is:

Sudden & unexpected change in fire behavior

Structural collapse

• Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is an important method for accountability

2–107

Personnel Accountability System

• PAR is a roll-call or report to the IC

• All FF’s are safe & accounted for

• PARs should be taken after:

Changes at the scene

Change of tactics

Evacuations

Building collapse

Personnel Accountability System

Passport & SCBA Tag System

• Tags collected by officer

• Tags attached to board

• Board is kept at entry point

• Tags are returned upon exit of hazard zone

2–108

2–109

Personnel Accountability System

• Lets IC know how many FFs are on scene & where they are located

• Maintain team integrity

• Useful for sudden changes where FFs can become trapped or lost

2–110

Interior Operations Techniques

• Scan the outside of the building before entry

• Wear full PPE including SCBA

• Take appropriate tools & equipment

• Maintain team integrity

(Continued)

2–111

Interior Operations Techniques

• Remain in radio contact

• Take a hoseline or tag line

• Pay attention to surroundings

(Continued)

2–112

Interior Operations Techniques

Increase chances for survival

• Situational awareness

Maintaining awareness of your surroundings

• Know protocol for Mayday

2–113

Emergency Escape

• Involves breaking through doors, windows, or walls to escape life-threatening situations

(Continued)

2–114

Emergency Escape

• Situations can occur when:

Sudden & unexpected change in fire behavior

Structural collapse

• May also be necessary if a FF becomes lost or disoriented & is in danger of running out of air

2–115

Rapid Intervention

• NFPA standards state that whenever FFs are in an IDLH atmosphere:

• IDLH: Any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life or health

• Must work in teams of two or more

• At least two fully trained & equipped FFs must be outside

(Continued)

2–116

Rapid Intervention

• Outside team must be ready at a moment’s notice

• Known as the “two-in/two-out” rule

• RIC members may be assigned other duties but must be able to fulfill primary function

(Continued)

2–117

Summary

• FFs are sometimes put at some risk during training & emergency operations

• It is the FFs’ responsibility to maintain their physical & mental readiness to handle these situations

(Continued)

2–118

Summary

• During fires & other emergencies, FFs may be ordered into inherently dangerous situations

• To protect themselves they must be aware of the hazards & risks involved

(Continued)

2–119

Summary

• FFs must always remember that along with their department they are responsible for their own safety

• FFs must remember the most important of all FF safety rules: Everyone looks out for everyone else