Transcript
All Subject Packet
Bertrand Twp. Fire Department
December 2013
Monthly Training Packet Upcoming Training Respiratory Protection and Industry Safety
Date/Time 01/27/2013
Bertrand Twp. Fire Training Division Review Materials
Quick Drills
SCBA Inspection and Donning Box of Death
Ice Rescue J.I.T. Line of Duty Death –Out of Air NIOSH Respiratory Information Fire Death and Injuries Atmospheric Monitoring Carbon Monoxide Responses Firefighter Arsonist PA 300 excerpt SCBA Face piece
Radio Operations
All Subject Packet
Bertrand Twp. Fire Department
ICE RESCUE “Just in Time Training!”
HANDS SIGNALS Gestures for those in the suits! One tap on head
I am okay!
Arm extended, wave in circular motion Pull us in! Extend arm and hit ice needed Waving both hands
Rope
Help, Mayday!
January 2014
F2005 05
A summary of a NIOSH fire fighter fatality investigation
January 27, 2006
Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan SUMMARY On January 20, 2005, a 39-year-old male career Captain (the victim) died after he ran out of air, became disoriented, and then collapsed at a residential structure fire. The victim and a fire fighter made entry into the structure with a handline to search for and extinguish the fire. While searching in the basement, the victim removed his regulator for 1 to 2 minutes to see if he could distinguish the location and cause of the fire by smell. While searching on the main floor of the structure, the fire fighter’s low air alarm sounded and the victim directed the fire fighter to exit and have another fire fighter working outside take his place. The victim and the second fire fighter went to the second floor without the handline to continue searching for the fire. Within a couple of minutes, the victim’s low air alarm started sounding. The victim and the fire fighter became disoriented and could not find their way out of the structure. The victim made repeated calls over his radio for assistance but he was not on the fireground channel. The second fire fighter “buddy breathed” with the victim until the victim became unresponsive. The second fire fighter was low on air and exited. The fire intensified and
Front of Structure
had to be knocked down before the victim could be recovered. NIOSH investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences, fire departments should: • enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for structural fire fighting, including the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), ventilation, and radio communications • ensure that the Incident Commander completes a size-up of the incident and continuously evaluates the risk versus benefit when determining whether the operation will be offensive or defensive • ensure that adequate numbers of staff are available to immediately respond to emergency incidents • use defensive fire fighting tactics when adequate apparatus and equipment for offensive operations are not available The Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program is conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The purpose of the program is to determine factors that cause or contribute to fire fighter deaths suffered in the line of duty. Identification of causal and contributing factors enable researchers and safety specialists to develop strategies for preventing future similar incidents. The program does not seek to determine fault or place blame on fire departments or individual fire fighters. To request additional copies of this report (specify the case number shown in the shield above), other fatality investigation reports, or further information, visit the Program Website at www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/ or call toll free 1-800-35-NIOSH
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan • ensure that ventilation is closely coordinated air, became disoriented, and then collapsed at a with the fire attack residential structure fire. On January 20, 2005, the International Association of Fire Fighters • ensure that team continuity is maintained (IAFF) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) during fire suppression operations notified the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the fatality. On • ensure those fire fighters who enter March 14 through March 16, 2005, a Safety and hazardous areas, e.g., burning or suspected Occupational Health Specialist, a Safety Engineer, unsafe structures, are equipped with two-way and a General Engineer from the NIOSH Division communications with Incident Command of Safety Research investigated the incident. Meetings were conducted with the State Police • instruct fire fighters on the hazards of Fire Investigator, IAFF representative, and exposure to products of combustion such officers of the fire department. Interviews were as carbon monoxide (CO) and warn them conducted with officers and fire fighters who were never to remove their face pieces in areas at the incident scene. The NIOSH investigators in which such products are likely to exist reviewed the department’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), the fire department’s incident • ensure that a Rapid Intervention Team is in report, the victim’s training records, the medical place before conditions become unsafe examiner’s report, photographs, and drawings of the site. The incident site was visited and • use guidelines/ropes securely attached photographed. to permanent objects and/or a bright, narrow-beamed light at all entry portals Department to a structure to guide fire fighters during The combination department involved in this emergency egress incident is comprised of 16 career and 12 volunteer fire fighters operating out of two • use evacuation signals when command stations. The department serves a population of personnel decide that all fire fighters should approximately 22,000 residents in a geographic be evacuated from a burning building or area of about 26 square miles. other hazardous area Training • train fire fighters on actions to take while The State of Michigan requires that all fire waiting to be rescued if they become lost or fighters receive Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II trapped inside a structure training. The victim was National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Level I- and Level IIAdditionally certified, and he had also received training for • Municipalities should establish dispatch fire officer, leadership, instructor orientation, and centers that are integrated with fire response fire fighter health and safety. He had more than functions. 20 years of fire fighting experience. INTRODUCTION Structure On January 20, 2005, a 39-year-old male career The structure was a tri-level, single family Captain (the victim) died after he ran out of residence of ordinary construction which Page
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan encompassed approximately 4,000 square feet that was built in the 1950s. The room of fire origin was an addition to the original residence that was structurally completed in the summer of 2004. Interior finish work was still being completed in the addition. The smoke detectors were disabled by the homeowner during the new construction project. Units for Initial Alarm Multiple departments were dispatched to this incident; however, only those units directly involved in operations preceding the fatal event are discussed in the investigation section of this report:
The owner met the victim and Fire Fighter #1 in his driveway and stated that the house was unoccupied with light smoke conditions. The owner opened the garage door which revealed light grey smoke conditions inside the garage. The victim opened a door leading to the interior and thick black smoke was banked down to the floor as the smoke pushed out into the garage. The victim radioed Central Dispatch to dispatch another engine and have them stand by at the closest hydrant. He also told Central Dispatch to advise the other responding units of the conditions. He then radioed the captain responding on Rescue 1 requesting him to assume Incident Command (IC) upon arrival. The victim and Fire Fighter #1 donned their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and made entry into the structure to search for the fire with a 1 ¾-inch handline.
Engine 1 (Fire Fighter #1/driver, Captain/ victim) Engine 2 (Fire Fighter #2/driver, fire fighter) Rescue 1(Incident Commander) Privately Owned Vehicle (volunteer fire fighter/ The pump operator arrived in his POV at pump operator) approximately 0713 hours without any bunker gear and was wearing the headset from E1 that Weather only picks up the fireground channel. The IC The conditions were clear with light winds and arrived on the scene at approximately 0714 temperatures averaging 16 degrees Fahrenheit. hours, and saw the victim and Fire Fighter #1 The average humidity was 70 percent. enter through the B-side man door inside the garage (Diagram 1). The IC immediately radioed INVESTIGATION and told all responding units to switch from the On January 20, 2005, a 39-year-old male career dispatch channel to the fireground channel upon Captain (the victim) died when he ran out of arrival. He then radioed Central Dispatch to air, became disoriented, and then collapsed at a request a second alarm. residential structure fire. At 0704 hours Central Dispatch received a call of a possible garage fire Engine 2 arrived on the scene at approximately and dispatched the local fire department at 0706 0721 hours and the two fire fighters were hours. Note: Central Dispatch also received calls requested by the IC to force open the front from neighbors reporting that they could see fire door. The victim and Fire Fighter #1 continued on the rear side of the structure from across the searching the interior of the tri-level residence for lake. This information was not relayed to the the seat of the fire as the conditions worsened. fire department. The victim and Fire Fighter #1 The IC radioed the interior crew to see if they arrived on the scene in Engine 1 at 0711 hours needed positive pressure ventilation (PPV). The with little to no smoke showing from the front victim replied that he did need ventilation and of the structure. then radioed the pump operator regarding low Page
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan water pressure that was quickly restored. The IC had crew members start a PPV fan in the interior door from the garage (Diagram #1). The interior crew was experiencing difficulty managing the charged hoseline while searching between the different levels of the house. They reached the Bside wall of the family room inside the basement, but could not find the fire (Diagram #1). The victim told Fire Fighter #1 the fire wasn’t in the current room and took out his regulator to see if he could distinguish the location and cause of the fire by smell. The victim called the IC to request assistance with the handline at 0723 hours and 23 seconds. The victim made two more transmissions to the IC with the last one stating that “it smells like food burning on the stove” at 0723 hours and 53 seconds. Note: The victim’s radio was no longer operating on the fireground channel. It is unknown how his radio got turned back to the dispatch channel. It is evident during these transmissions that the victim did not have his regulator in and was not on air. The victim put his regulator back in and told Fire Fighter #1 to find the kitchen. The victim and Fire Fighter #1 struggled to move the charged hoseline back up the stairs to the main level (Photo #1). They were searching the kitchen area for the fire when Fire Fighter #1’s low air alarm started sounding (Diagram #2). The victim told Fire Fighter #1 to exit through the front door and send someone else in to take his place. Note: The crew from Engine 2 had just opened the front door. Fire Fighter #1 exited and then assisted with replacing the PPV fan with one from Engine 2. The first PPV fan was flooded and running sporadically from its position inside the garage. The replacement PPV fan was operating through the man door on the B-side wall of the garage (see Diagram #1). The IC ordered the windows by the front door to be ventilated to assist with horizontal ventilation. Page
Fire Fighter #2 entered the structure to assist the victim and the victim asked him to take out his regulator to see if he could distinguish what the smoke smell. Fire Fighter #2 told the victim he could not distinguish the smell and left his regulator in his facepiece. The victim proceeded to lead him in search of the fire. The crew went up the stairs to the second story without the hoseline searching for the fire. Within a couple of minutes, the victim’s low air alarm started sounding. Outside, in front of the structure, the homeowner approached the IC in the driveway and told him he thought the fire was in the furnace room. The IC sent two fire fighters into the structure to find the furnace room. The crew went in through the garage and down the stairs into the basement searching for the furnace room without a handline. They made it approximately 6 to 8 feet inside the family room with zero visibility. They could hear the fire in front of them and overhead with high heat conditions and were forced to exit. At approximately the same time, the victim and Fire Fighter #2 became disoriented and could not find their way out of the structure. The victim called command at 0732 hours for assistance and reported that they were lost on the second floor. The victim called command two more times within a minute and gave a Mayday stating that they were lost, needed help, and ventilation. The victim made a final Mayday call at 0736 hours. Note: The victim’s calls were never heard by the IC because the victim was on the dispatch channel. Central Dispatch did not know the meaning or consequences of a Mayday. An offduty fire fighter, monitoring the dispatch channel, called Central Dispatch to ask if they understood the severity of the situation and to urge the dispatcher to inform the IC of the Mayday.
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan The victim became panicked and was yelling to Fire Fighter #2 to get him out of the structure. The victim went to his knees and took out his regulator stating that he couldn’t breathe. Fire Fighter #2 began “buddy breathing” with the victim who was becoming more frantic. The victim collapsed on to the floor and became unresponsive. Fire Fighter #2 made his way to a window at the front of the structure and busted it out in an attempt to signal someone on the outside. He then went back to find the victim, but became disoriented and low on air. Fire Fighter #2 heard the PPV fan and moved down the hallway towards the sound. He stumbled on the stairs and found his way back out of the structure (Diagram #2).
on his left side (see Diagram 2). His alarming PASS device was muffled due to him lying on top of it. His face piece was on, with his regulator unhooked. He was removed through the master bedroom window and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. CAUSE OF DEATH The medical examiner lists the cause of death as smoke and soot inhalation with a carboxyhemoglobin level of 22.7%.
RECOMMENDATIONS/DISCUSSIONS Recommendation #1: Fire departments should enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for structural fire fighting, including the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), The IC saw Fire Fighter #2 break the second-floor ventilation, and radio communications. bedroom window on the A-side of the structure and sensed the crew was lost. He ordered the According to the International Fire Service structure to be evacuated and for a fire fighter to Training Association (IFSTA), fire fighters put a ladder to the window. He then sent a crew should never be inside a working structure fire inside to conduct a search, and ordered all of the with anything less than full protective clothing, windows to be broken to ventilate and possibly SCBA, and a PASS device. . .” because of help the crew find their way out of the structure. the possible presence of toxic products of Note: The rescue crew entered the structure combustion. Reactions to CO poisoning vary without any RIT gear, followed the hoseline, and with individual and include headache, vertigo, found the abandoned nozzle on the first floor. No difficulty breathing, confusion convulsions, and one on the fireground heard the evacuation order coma.1-3 over the radio. The apparatus horns were not used to signal an evacuation. Ventilation and radio communications are also is critical for fire fighter safety on the fire ground. Fire conditions became untenable after the floor in Correct ventilation releases heat and gasses from the living room area collapsed, which was above the structure and improves fire fighter visibility. the seat of the fire in the basement (Diagram #2). Two way communications must be maintained on The rescue crew was forced to exit the structure the fireground to assist the IC in making tactical due to the extensive fire conditions. Additional decisions base on information relayed from crew crew members operated a 2 1/2-inch handline members or requests such as for ventilation. The from inside the front of the structure to knock department in this incident has SOPs regarding down the fire before the search could resume. ventilation and communication procedures, and The victim was found at approximately 0758 an SOP stating that SCBAs must be worn at all hours in the bathroom of the master bedroom times while operating inside a structure on fire. Page
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan Fire departments should conduct frequent training was unoccupied at the time of this incident. A to ensure knowledge and compliance with their complete walk-around size-up could possibly existing SOPs. 4-5 have identified the fire location through the ground-level windows at the room of origin Recommendation #2: Fire departments should (Photo #2). ensure that the Incident Commander completes a size-up of the incident and continuously evaluates Recommendation #3: Fire departments should the risk versus benefit when determining whether ensure that adequate numbers of staff are the operation will be offensive or defensive. available to immediately respond to emergency incidents. Discussion: One of the most important size-up duties of the first-in officer is locating the fire Discussion: For “low-hazard occupancies” and determining its severity. This information (e.g., 1-, 2-, or 3- family dwellings), the lays the foundation for the entire operation. A NFPA recommends the following initial attack proper size-up begins from the moment the response: “At least two pumpers, 1 ladder alarm is received, and it continues until the fire is truck (or combination apparatus with equivalent under control. Several factors must be evaluated capabilities), 1 chief officer, and other specialized in conducting the size-up, for example, type of apparatus as may be needed or available; not structure and construction, time of day, contents fewer than 12 fire fighters and 1 chief officer (p. of the structure, and potential hazards. 6 In recent 10-34).” 9 years, thermal imaging cameras (TICs) have been used more frequently by the fire service for NFPA 1710 § 5.2.2 recommends that a minimum exterior size-up to locate the source as well as the acceptable fire company staffing level should hottest part of the fire and for search and rescue be four members responding on or arriving to locate victims. This knowledge may help fire with each engine and each ladder company fighters determine the safest approach and areas responding to this type of low-hazard fire. NFPA of the structure to avoid. 1710 §5.2.1.1 states the following: “On-duty fire suppression personnel shall be comprised of the The size-up must include continued assessment numbers necessary for fire-fighting performance of risk versus benefit during incident operations. relative to the expected fire-fighting conditions. According to NFPA 1500 §A-6-2.1.1, “The These numbers shall be determined through acceptable level of risk is directly related to task analyses that take the following factors into the potential to save lives or property. Where consideration: there is no potential to save lives, the risk to fire department members must be evaluated 1. Life hazard to the populace protected in proportion to the ability to save property of 2. Provisions of safe and effective firevalue.7 As Dunn (1992, p.291) states “When fighting performance conditions for the no other person’s life is in danger, the life of fire fighters the firefighter has a higher priority than fire 3. Potential property loss containment.” 6 4. Nature, configuration, hazards, and internal protection of the properties The fire department met with the owner upon involved arrival and was informed that the structure Page
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan 5. Types of fireground tactics and evolutions employed as standard procedure, type of apparatus used, and results expected to be obtained at the fire scene.” 10 Recommendation #4: Fire departments should use defensive fire fighting tactics when adequate apparatus and equipment for offensive operations are not available. Discussion: A trend in the fire service is that some smaller, combination and volunteer fire companies are adopting the aggressive fire fighting tactics of larger, career departments. Some of these smaller fire departments do not have the training, equipment and back-up personnel to safely accomplish these dangerous tactics.6 In this incident, an interior attack was initiated with the only two fire fighters with bunker gear on the scene. Operations should remain defensive until adequate resources arrive to assure interior fire fighter safety. Recommendation #5: Fire departments should ensure that ventilation is closely coordinated with the fire attack.
ground-level opening such as a door or window. The heat and smoke can then be drawn from the basement through the exterior opening using mechanical ventilation such as a smoke ejector. Forced ventilation, or positive pressure, introduces air at such great volumes that it can cause the fire to intensify or spread. Horizontal ventilation does not release the heat and smoke directly above the fire; therefore, it is imperative that horizontal ventilation is coordinated with the interior attack crew to ensure that it doesn’t block their escape routes. Recommendation #6: Fire departments should ensure that team continuity is maintained during fire suppression operations.
Discussion: Fire fighters should always work and remain in teams whenever they are operating in a hazardous environment. 11 Team continuity relies on knowing your team members and the team leader, maintaining visual contact (if visibility is low, teams must stay within touch or voice distance of each other), communicating needs and observations to the team leader, rotating to rehabilitation, staging as a team, and watching team members (practicing a strong Discussion: Chapter 10 of the Essentials of Fire buddy system). To maintain team continuity, fire Fighting, 4th edition, states that “ventilation must fighters working in teams should enter and exit be closely coordinated with fire attack.” 11 To the structure together. reduce vertical extension, direct ventilation of the basement during fire attack is necessary. This Recommendation #7: Fire departments can be accomplished in several ways. Horizontal should ensure those fire fighters who enter ventilation can be employed to vent heat, smoke, hazardous areas, e.g., burning or suspected and gases through wall openings such as doors unsafe structures, are equipped with two-way and windows, even if the windows are below communications with Incident Command. ground-level in wells. Natural pathways such as stairways can also be used to vent the basement The fireground communications process combines area provided the means used to ventilate the electronic communication equipment, a set heat and smoke do not place other portions of the of standard operating procedures, and the fire building in danger. As a last resort, the basement personnel who will use the equipment. To be can be vented by cutting a hole in the floor near a effective, the communications network must
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan integrate the equipment and procedures with the dynamic situation at the incident site, especially in terms of the human factors affecting its use. Fire departments should review both operating procedures and human factors issues to determine the ease of use of radio equipment on the fireground to ensure that fire fighters consistently monitor radio transmissions from the IC and respond to radio calls.4, 12 After standard operating procedures are developed, fire departments must train everyone on their use. In this incident, the victim’s radio was somehow switched to the wrong channel. If the other fire fighters had been equipped with a portable radio, they possibly could have determined that the victim’s radio was not on the correct channel. This could have helped to maintain communication with the IC and assist with rescue efforts.
Recommendation #9: Fire departments should ensure that a Rapid Intervention Team is in place before conditions become unsafe.
Discussion: A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) should be positioned to respond to every fire. The team should report to the officer in command and remain at the command post or a designated area until an intervention is required to rescue a fire fighter(s). The RIT should have all the tools necessary to complete the job, e.g., a search rope, first-aid kit, and a resuscitator. The RIT team should be comprised of fresh, well-rested fire fighters, and be positioned and ready to respond when a fire fighter(s) is down or in trouble.14 Initially in this incident, there weren’t enough equipped personnel to provide for a RIT when the victim and the fire fighter made entry as the IC arrived. When it was realized the victim was Recommendation #8: Fire departments should still inside the structure, fire fighters were chosen instruct fire fighters on the hazards of exposure from other duties to conduct searches without any to products of combustion such as carbon RIT equipment. monoxide (CO) and warn them never to remove their face pieces in areas in which such products Recommendation #10: Fire departments should use guidelines/ropes securely attached are likely to exist. to permanent objects and/or a bright, narrowDiscussion: The toxicity of CO varies with the beamed light at all entry portals to a structure to length of exposure, the concentration, breathing guide fire fighters during emergency egress. and heart rate, and the physical condition of the victim. Depending on the concentration, a single Discussion: When a structure is filled with smoke unprotected breath of an Immediately Dangerous and visibility is poor, especially in large open to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere (e.g., areas or when there are maze-like conditions, products of combustion) may be enough to cause fire fighters can become disoriented or lost, and 8, 15-16 For incapacitation. 3, 13 During this incident, the victim thus, in need of a guideline to escape. an engine crew, usually this guide is the hose removed his regulator for 1 to 2 minutes in an attempt to locate the origin of the fire by smelling line. For a search crew, it could be a hose from an the smoke. The actions the victim made after engine crew or a guide rope. Another strategy is removing his regulator (i.e not exiting with his to use guide ropes securely attached to permanent partner, searching without a hoseline) suggests objects outside of the structure or to place a that his decision making may have been affected person and/or a bright light at the entry portal as a guide. Illuminated search lines/ropesa for fire by breathing in the products of combustion. a
Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan fighting operations also are available.17 Once these procedures are developed and outlined in SOPs, training in their use should be conducted on a regular basis. Recommendation #11: Fire departments should use evacuation signals when command personnel decide that all fire fighters should be evacuated from a burning building or other hazardous area. Evacuation signals are used when command personnel decide that all fire fighters should immediately be evacuated from a burning building or other hazardous area because conditions have deteriorated beyond the point of reasonable safety. All fire fighters should be familiar with their department’s method of sounding an evacuation signal. There are several ways this communication can be done. The most common method is to (1) broadcast a radio message ordering all fire fighters to evacuate, AND (2) sound an audible warning device (air horn) on the apparatus at the fire scene for an extended period of time. 12 The message should be broadcast several times to make sure everyone hears it. Whenever communications or a key tactical operation cannot be completed that places the interior crew at a severe risk (i.e. ventilation), the structure should be evacuated. Recommendations #12: Fire departments should train fire fighters on actions to take while waiting to be rescued if they become lost or trapped inside a structure. Discussion: Fire fighters must act promptly when they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on air, or trapped. 18-22 First, they must transmit a distress signal while they still have the capability and sufficient air. The next step is to manually activate their PASS device. To conserve air while waiting to be rescued, fire fighters should
try to stay calm and avoid unnecessary physical activity. If not in immediate danger, they should remain in one place to help rescuers locate them. They should survey their surroundings to get their bearings and determine potential escape routes, and stay in radio contact with Incident Command and rescuers. Additionally, fire fighters can attract attention by maximizing the sound of their PASS device (e.g., by pointing it up in an open direction), pointing their flashlight toward the ceiling or moving it around, and using a tool to make tapping noises. A crew member who initiates a Mayday call for another person should quickly try to communicate with the missing member via radio and, if unsuccessful, initiate a Mayday providing relevant information as described above. At the time of the Mayday, the victim’s radio was not on the fireground channel. Additionally, Recommendation #13: Municipalities should establish dispatch centers that are integrated with fire response functions. Discussion: An effective dispatch system is a key factor in fire department operations. The central dispatch center is used for receiving notification of emergencies, alerting personnel and equipment, coordinating the activities of the units engaged in emergency incidents, and providing non-emergency communications for the coordinating fire departments. 9-11 The dispatch system must be able to identify the type and number of units due to respond to the type of incident in advance based on risk criteria and unit capabilities.14 Because there were not pre-determined alarm assignments for specific situations and mutual aid, or an “alarm card,” for the units dispatched, the Incident Commander had to decide which units and departments he wanted to respond to the incident. Having a prePage
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan determined response for apparatus arranged by district, address, or type of incident, makes the Incident Commander’s and the dispatcher’s job much easier. The assignment lists the apparatus slated to respond to the incident and should take into account apparatus that are out of service by filling in for such units with similar units. Central Dispatch should be staffed with operators who are familiar and trained with fire department operations and equipment. Central Dispatch could then also monitor fireground activity and inform command of time intervals and of possible missed transmissions, such as Maydays. A central dispatch center equipped with regional mutual aid channels could serve multiple jurisdictions. This type of system would provide operational advantages in the communication system, reflect a more functional mutual aid system, and reduce overall costs of operating centers in individual jurisdictions. 23-24 In this incident, the victim ended up on the dispatch channel when he radioed a Mayday. The IC was calling Central Dispatch to request additional manpower from specific mutual aid companies when Central Dispatch told him that an ambulance was paged for his Mayday. REFERENCES 1. International Fire Service Training Association [2002]. Fireground support operations. 4th ed. Stillwater, OK: Fire Protection Publications. 2. Proctor & Hughes [1996]. Chemical hazards of the workplace. 4th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. 3. Merck Research Laboratories [1999]. The Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy. 7th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories. Page 10
4. Brunacini AV [1985]. Fire command. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 5. Michigan Fire Department [2001]. Written standard operating procedures. 6. Dunn V [1992]. Safety and survival on the fireground. Saddlebrook, NJ: Fire Engineering Books & Videos. 7. Foley SN [1998]. NFPA 1500: fire department occupational health and safety standards handbook. 1st ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 8. Klaene BJ, & Sanders RE [2000]. Structural fire fighting. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 9. NFPA [1997]. Fire protection handbook. 18 th ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 10. NFPA [2001]. NFPA 1710: standard for the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by career fire departments. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. 11. International Fire Service Training Association. [1998]. Essentials of fire fighting. 4th ed. Stillwater, OK: Oklahoma State University. 12. International Fire Service Training Association [1998]. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 3rd ed. Stillwater, Ok: Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University
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Career Captain Dies After Running Out of Air at a Residential Structure Fire - Michigan 13. Ernst A, Zibrak JD [1998]. Carbon monoxide poisoning. NEJM 339(22): 1603-1608.
20. DiBernardo JP [2003]. A missing firefighter: Give the mayday. Firehouse, November issue.
14. NFPA [1997]. NFPA 1500, standard on fire department occupational safety and health programs. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association
21. Sendelbach TE [2004]. Managing the fireground mayday: The critical link to firefighter survival. http://cms.firehouse. com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId= 10&id=10287. Date accessed: November 2004.
15. Dunn V [1999]. Command and control of fires and emergencies. Saddlebrook, NJ: Penn Well Publishing CO. 16. Norman J [1998]. Fire officers handbook of tactics. 2nd ed. Saddlebrook, NJ: Fire Engineering Books and Videos. 17. Luminex [2004]. Luminex safety and emergency products. http://www.luminex. com. Date accessed: 11/17/04.
22. Miles J, Tobin J [2004]. Training notebook: Mayday and urgent messages. Fire Engineering, April issue. 23. NFPA [1998]. NFPA 1620, standard on recommended practice for pre-incident planning. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.
24. Sealy CL [2003]. Multi-company training: 18. Angulo RA, Clark BA, Auch S [2004]. Part 1. Firehouse, February 2003 Issue. You Called Mayday! Now What? Fire Engineering, September issue. INVESTIGATOR INFORMATION This incident was investigated by Jay Tarley, 19. Clark BA [2004]. Calling a mayday: The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist; Matt drill. [http://cms.firehouse.com]. Date Bowyer, General Engineer; and Tim Merinar, accessed: November 2004. Safety Engineer, Division of Safety Research, NIOSH.
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Diagram 1. Garage and basement layout; Aerial view
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Diagram 2. Main floor and upper level; Aerial view
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Photo 1. Stairwell leading down to basement and up to second floor
Photo 2. Room of origin off of C-Side of structure at ground level Page 14
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Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheet Poor indoor air quality comes from many sources. It can lead to suffering from lung diseases such as asthma. It can also cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal mucus, nausea and tiredness. People who already have lung problems have a greater chance of having these symptoms. Common Indoor Air Pollutants • Molds • Pollen • Dander from pet fur • Secondhand smoke • Formaldehyde • Fumes emitted by imported drywall • Carbon monoxide that comes from burning propane, other gases and fuels, and charcoal • Household products such as cleaners and pesticides How to Improve Indoor Air Quality • Open windows or run air conditioning or ventilation systems to bring in fresh air. • Clean to get rid of dust and pet fur. • Fix water leaks to help keep mold away. • Use bug spray only when absolutely necessary. • Do not smoke inside. • If you see or smell mold, clean it up with detergent and water or a mix of no more than 1 cup of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia. • If you smell gas, do not light any flames or sparks and leave the building right away. If you think poor indoor air is making you sick, please see or call a doctor.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service ________________________________________________________________________________________
Issue Date: June 29, 2012 From: Heinz Ahlers Chief, Technology Evaluation Branch National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) P.O. Box 18070 Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0070 Phone: 412-386-4000 Fax: 412-386-4051
Subject: Care and Maintenance of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Units
RESPIRATOR USER NOTICE Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received numerous reports of issues concerning SCBA respirators suspected of not meeting the necessary NIOSH performance requirements. We have observed that SCBA problems often can be attributed to a lack of, or improperly performed, preventative maintenance. Correct inspection, maintenance, and service procedures are all vital to ensure proper SCBA operation. Users of SCBA units must pay close attention to the instructions for proper care and maintenance issued by the SCBA manufacturer. Maintenance procedures and training are unique to each respirator manufacturer and model; therefore, any equipment changes to the original respirator configuration may entail new training and maintenance requirements. Additionally, manufacturers are required to update the training and maintenance manual if an equipment modification impacts the use or maintenance of the respiratory assembly. NFPA 1852 Standard of Selection, Care & Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) provides guidance that can be followed to ensure the continued efficient operation of SCBA. Another important aspect is to identify the operations that must be performed by trained and certified technicians as part of the maintenance cycle in accordance with the manufacturer instructions. These specific operations should not be performed by any person who has not been trained and certified on the specific model. Firefighters should also be trained to identify, during their daily inspections, the signs that indicate an SCBA unit should be removed from service and examined by a certified technician.
Attachment A
Statement of Standard The SCBAs must meet the following minimum requirements: • • •
Approval under NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart H Compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1981 for Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire Fighters Special Tests under NIOSH 42 CFR 84.63(c) (1) Chemical Agent Permeation and Penetration Resistance Against Distilled Sulfur Mustard (HD) and Sarin (GB) (2) Laboratory Respirator Protection Level (LRPL)
(1). Chemical Agent Permeation and Penetration Resistance Against Distilled Mustard (HD) and Sarin (GB) Agent Test Requirement Open-circuit, positive-pressure SCBAs, including all components and accessories except the air cylinder (shell), shall resist the permeation and penetration of distilled sulfur mustard (HD) and sarin (GB) chemical agents when tested on an upper-torso manikin connected to a breathing machine operating at an air flow rate of 40 liters per minute (L/min), 36 respirations per minute, 1.1 liters tidal volume. Test requirements for distilled sulfur mustard (HD) are shown in Table 1. Table 1: Simultaneous Liquid and Vapor Challenge of SCBA with Distilled Sulfur Mustard (HD) Duration of Challenge Concentration Challenge
Agent
(min)
HD-Vapor
300 mg/m3
30 (1)
HD-Liquid
0.86 ml
360
Breathing Machine Airflow Rate (L/min)
40
Maximum Peak Excursion (mg/m3)
0.60
(3)
Maximum Breakthrough (concentration integrated over Minimum Service Life) (mg-min/m3)
Number of System s Tested
Minimum Service Life (hours)
6.0 (4)
3
6 (2)
(1)
Vapor challenge concentration will start immediately after the liquid drops have been applied and the test chamber has been sealed. (2)
The test period begins upon start of initial vapor generation.
Three consecutive sequential test data points at or exceeding 0.6 mg/m3 will collectively constitute a failure where each test value is based on a detector sample time of approximately 2 minutes. (3)
(4)
The cumulative Ct including all peak data points must not be exceeded for the duration of the 6-hour test.
Test requirements for sarin (GB) agent are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Vapor Challenge of SCBA with Sarin (GB) Challenge Agent
Vapor Concentration (mg/m3)
Vapor Challenge Time (minutes)
Breathing Machine Airflow Rate (L/min)
Maximum Peak Excursion mg/m3
Maximum Breakthrough (concentration integrated over
Number Minimum of Service Life Systems (hours) Tested
Minimum Service Life) (mg-min/m3)
2,000 mg/m3
GB
30 (1)
40
0.087 (3)
2.1 (4)
3
6
(2)
(1)
The vapor challenge concentration generation will be initiated immediately after test chamber has been sealed.
(2)
The test period begins upon initial generation of vapor concentration.
Three consecutive sequential test data points at or exceeding 0.087 mg/m3 will collectively constitute a failure where each test value is based on a detector sample time of approximately 2 minutes. (3)
(4)
The cumulative Ct including all peak data points must not be exceeded for the duration of the 6-hour test. (2). Laboratory Respiratory Protection Level (LRPL) Test Requirement
The measured laboratory respiratory protection level (LRPL) for each open-circuit positivepressure self-contained breathing apparatus shall be $500, when the SCBA facepiece is tested in a negative pressure mode in an atmosphere containing 20-40 mg/m3 corn oil aerosol of a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 0.4 to 0.6 micrometers.
All Subject Packet
Bertrand Twp. Fire Department
January 2014
Fire Deaths and Injuries: Fact Sheet Deaths from fires and burns are the third leading cause of fatal home injury (Runyan 2004). The United State’s mortality rate from fires ranks eighth among the 25 developed countries for which statistics are available (International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics 2009). Although the number of fatalities and injuries caused by residential fires has declined gradually over the past several decades, many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable and continue to pose a significant public health problem. Occurrence and Consequences On average in the United States in 2010, someone died in a fire every 169 minutes, and someone was injured every 30 minutes (Karter 2011). About 85% of all U.S. fire deaths in 2009 occurred in homes (Karter 2011). In 2010, fire departments responded to 384,000 home fires in the United States, which claimed the lives of 2,640 people (not including firefighters) and injured another 13,350, not including firefighters (Karter 2011). Most victims of fires die from smoke or toxic gases and not from burns (Hall 2001). Smoking is the leading cause of fire-related deaths (Ahrens 2011). Cooking is the primary cause of residential fires (Ahrens 2011). Cost Fire and burn injuries represent 1% of the incidence of injuries and 2% of the total costs of injuries, or $7.5 billion each year (Finkelstein et al. 2006). Males account for $4.8 billion (64%) of the total costs of fire/burn injuries.
All Subject Packet
Bertrand Twp. Fire Department
January 2014
Females account for $2.7 billion (36%) of the total costs of fire/burn injuries. Fatal fire and burn injuries cost $3 billion, representing 2% of the total costs of all fatal injuries. Hospitalized fire and burn injuries total $1 billion, or 1% of the total cost of all hospitalized injuries. Non-hospitalized fire and burn injuries cost $3 billion, or 2% of the total cost of all non-hospitalized injuries. Groups at Risk Groups at increased risk of fire-related injuries and deaths include: Children 4 and under (CDC 2010; Flynn 2010); Older Adults ages 65 and older (CDC 2010; Flynn 2010); African Americans and Native Americans (CDC 2010; Flynn 2010); The poorest Americans (Istre 2001; Flynn 2010); Persons living in rural areas (Ahrens 2003; Flynn 2010); Persons living in manufactured homes or substandard housing (Runyan 1992; Parker 1993). Risk Factors Over one-third (37%) home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms (Ahrens 2011). Most residential fires occur during the winter months (CDC 1998; Flynn 2010). Alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40% of residential fire deaths (Smith 1999).
Technical Rescue
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#13 – 04
Discussions
Atmospheric Monitoring for Confined Space and Basic HAZMAT Atmospheric Monitoring provides air samples to determine conditions for both the patient we are dealing with and ourselves. Knowledge to both correctly obtain the sample and analyze results provides a level of safety to all involved. Crews should discuss local protocols and proper operation of equipment.
Discussion Points •
Calibration schedule, care and maintenance process.
•
Monitor type and limitations.
•
Alarm set points.
•
Logging readings.
•
OSHA acceptable atmospheric levels
•
o
O2
o
CO
o
LEL
o
UEL
o
VOC
o
HCN
o
H2S
Special Information o Using a hose delays time from sample point to monitor, add 1 second per foot of hose. o When sampling below grade, start at top then slowly move into hole. o Always wear PPE/SCBA until confirmation of air quality is obtained.
Just In Time Training
firetrainingtoolbox.com
REASONS FOR CO DETECTOR ACTIVATIONS
Batteries need replacing. End of detector life. Other manufacturer’s errors. *Refer to User’s Guide for details.
How they work! Some of the most common units use an electrochemical cell that is designed to produce current in relation to the amount of carbon monoxide present in the air. CO is oxidized to CO2 at one electrode while oxygen is consumed at the other electrode. Sulfuric acid is the usual electrolyte that separates the electrodes. The current triggers the alarm or can even be used to quantify the amount of carbon monoxide that is present.
13-001
Carbon Monoxide Alarms By Christopher Huston We have all been on these, “XYZ Fire report to 100 north Main for a CO Detector alarming, no symptoms at this time.” Upon arrival, fully turned out and ready to mask up, you inch towards the entry point with monitor in hand. You know a small amount of CO is normal as you start inside the home. As you do the chirp of the alarm is heard every 30 seconds or so. You have heard full alarm before with measureable amounts of the poisonous gas. However, this one is different. What is going on here? Key points to consider: 1.
2.
3.
Presume all calls for Carbon Monoxide Alarms are due to elevated readings. Wear PPE, including SCBA and Face piece until the atmosphere is declared clear using a carbon monoxide meter.
4.
5.
The detector alarming is typically not a false indication of high CO readings. The unit could be malfunctioning, needs batteries or is signifying some other type of error. Occupants sometimes do not fully understand their detectors, which is the most common reason we are called for an “activated detector.” Take the opportunity for a “teachable” moment with the occupant. Guide them to the back of the detector where critical information may be present about the specific model and the importance of detector upkeep. NIOSH recommended exposure limits are 35ppm per 8 hours as a TWA and 200ppm as a ceiling level. Some home units are designed to not alarm until 400ppm. Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant that exerts its toxic effects by combining with the hemoglobin of the blood, which decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues.
Don’t Let Your Future Go Up In Smoke If you set a fire… Help someone set a fire… Don’t report someone setting a fire…
You Will Be Prosecuted Setting any unauthorized fire is always illegal. Take a stand and report any known or suspected activity to the proper authorities.
www.nvfc.org/stop-firefighter-arson
Supporting Those Who Serve
04/06
OFFICE OF FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING Department of Labor and Economic Growth
EXCERPTS FROM THE MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE ACT 300, P.A. 1949
NOTE: This handout contains only those sections of Act 300 that are considered most pertinent to fire fighters. The last page lists additional statutes of importance to fire fighters operating motor vehicles. The People of the State of Michigan enact: 257.1b
"Ambulance" defined. Sec. 1b. "Ambulance" means a privately or publicly owned motor vehicle for highway use that is specially designed or constructed and equipped, and is intended to be used for and is maintained or operated for the transportation of persons who are sick, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless, including dual purpose police patrol cars and funeral coaches or hearses, and which is equipped according to section 7 of Act No. 258 of the Public Acts of 1968, as amended, being section 257.1207 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Add. 1975, Act 100 (07/01/76)
257.2
"Authorized emergency vehicle" defined. **
**
257.12
Sec. 2. "Authorized emergency vehicle" means either of the following: (a) Vehicles of the fire department, police vehicles, ambulances, or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer or paid fire fighters if authorized by the chief of an organized fire department, or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer or paid members of a life support agency licensed by the department of consumer and industry services if authorized by the life support agency. Am. 1997, Act 8 (5/16/97) (b) For purposes of section 698(5)(c) during an emergency, a vehicle owned and operated by a federally recognized nonprofit charitable organization that is used exclusively for assistance during that emergency. Add. 1997, Act 8 (5/16/97) "Department" defined. Sec. 12. "Department" means the department of state.
257.312e
**
Group A, B, or C vehicle designation on operator's or chauffeur's license; H, N, P, T, and X vehicle endorsement; tests; holder of unexpired operator's or chauffeur's license; qualifications and fees for vehicle group designation and endorsement; F vehicle endorsement; exceptions; former endorsement; expiration; disposition of money received and collected under subsection (3); refund to county or municipality; compliance with SS 257.303 and 257.319b.
Denotes most recent amendments to Act 300, P.A. 1949. Sec. 312e. (1) Except as provided in subsections (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), a person, before operating a vehicle towing a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight u:\fftc\courses\drivtrng\classroo\Act300-1.doc
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rating over 10,000 pounds, shall procure a group A vehicle designation on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license. Unless an endorsement is required, a person licensed to operate a group A vehicle may operate a group B or C vehicle without taking another test. A person, before operating a single vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle being towed does not have a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds, shall procure a group B vehicle designation on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license. Unless an endorsement is required, a person licensed to operate a group B vehicle may operate a group C vehicle without taking another test. A person, before operating a school transportation vehicle or a single vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds or a combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating under 26,001 pounds if the vehicle being towed does not have a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds and carrying hazardous materials on which a placard is required under 49 CFR parts 100 to 199 or designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, shall procure a group C vehicle designation and a hazardous material or passenger vehicle endorsement on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license. An applicant for a vehicle group designation shall take knowledge and driving skills test that comply; with minimum federal standards prescribed in 49 CFR part 383 as required under this act. The license shall be issued, suspended, revoked, canceled, or renewed in accordance with this act. Except as provided in this subsection, all of the following apply: (a) A person who takes the driving test required under section 312f for a group A vehicle designation in a combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating under 26,001 pounds shall not operate a single vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more or the towing vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. (b) A person who has a group B vehicle designation that is not restricted under this subsection and who takes the driving test required under section 312f for a group A vehicle designation in a combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating under 26,001 pounds shall not operate any combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more. (c) A person who takes the driving test required under section 312f for a group B vehicle designation in a combination of vehicles in which the towing vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds shall not operate a single vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any combination of vehicles if the towing vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. (2) This section does not apply to a fire fighter operating an authorized emergency vehicle who has met the driver training standards of the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council. Am. 1991, Act 100 (01/01/93)
257.602
Compliance with order or direction of police officer.
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257.603
Sec. 602. A person shall not refuse to comply with a lawful order or direction of a police officer when that officer, for public interest and safety, is guiding, directing, controlling, or regulating traffic on the highways of this state. Am. 1975, Act 209 (08/25/75) Applicability of chapter to government vehicles; exemption of authorized emergency vehicle conditions; exemption of police vehicle not sounding audible signal; exemption of persons, vehicles, and equipment working on surface of highway. Sec. 603. (a) The provisions of this chapter applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highway shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state, or a county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, subject to the specific exceptions as are set forth in the chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles. (b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call, but not while returning from an emergency call, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, subject to the conditions of this section. (c) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: (1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this act. (2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation. (3) Exceed the prima facie speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property. (4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified direction. (d) The exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of the vehicle while in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren, air horn, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary except as provided in subsection (e), and when the vehicle is equipped with at least 1 lighted lamp displaying a flashing, oscillating, or rotating red or blue light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet in a 360 degree arc except where it is deemed advisable not to equip a police vehicle operating as an authorized emergency vehicle with a flashing, oscillating or rotating light which is visible in a 360 degree arc. In those cases a police vehicle shall display a flashing, oscillating, or rotating red or blue light which is visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle. Only police vehicles which are publicly owned shall be equipped with a flashing, oscillating, or rotating blue light which when activated shall be visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet in a 360 degree arc. (e) A police vehicle shall retain the exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle without sounding an audible signal if the police vehicle is engaged in an emergency run where silence is required. (f) The exemptions provided for by this section shall apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway but shall not apply to those persons and vehicles when traveling to or from work. The provisions of this chapter governing the size and width of vehicles shall not apply to vehicles owned by public highway authorities when the vehicles are proceeding to or from work on public highways. Am. 1976, Act 347 (12/21/76)
257.632
Exemption from speed limitations; police vehicles, fire department or fire patrol vehicles, and ambulances; conditions.
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Sec. 632. The speed limitation set forth in this chapter shall not apply to vehicles when operated with due regard for safety under the direction of the police when traveling in emergencies or in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or of persons charged with or suspected of a violation, nor to fire department or fire patrol vehicles when traveling in response to a fire alarm, nor to public or private ambulances when traveling in emergencies. This exemption shall apply only when the driver of the vehicle while in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary or when the vehicle is equipped with at least 1 lighted lamp displaying a flashing, oscillating or rotating red or blue light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of such vehicles, unless the nature of the mission requires that a law enforcement officer travel without giving warning to suspected law violators. This exemption shall not however protect the driver of the vehicle from the consequences of a reckless disregard of the safety of others. Am. 1976, Act 164 (06/21/76) 257.653
Immediate approach of authorized emergency vehicle; duty of driver of another vehicle; duty of streetcar operator; violation as civil infraction. Sec. 653. (1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with not less than 1 lighted flashing, rotating, or oscillating lamp exhibiting a red or blue light visible under normal atmospheric condition from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and when the driver is giving audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle, or bell: (a) The driver of another vehicle shall yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of an intersection, and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. (b) The operator of a streetcar shall immediately stop the car, clear of an intersection, and shall keep it in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. (2) This section does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of persons using the highway. (3) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction. Am. 1978, Act 510 (08/01/79)
257.679
Following or parking within certain distance of fire apparatus; violation as civil infraction. Sec. 679. (1) The driver of a vehicle other than a vehicle on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet or drive into or park the vehicle within 500 feet where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. (2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction. Am. 1978, Act 510 (08/01/79)
257.680
Driving over unprotected fire hose; violation as civil infraction.
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Sec. 680. (1) A streetcar or vehicle shall not be driven over an unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on a street, private driveway, or streetcar track, to be used at a fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command. (2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction. Am. 1978, Act 510 (08/01/79) 257.698
**
**
Side cowl or fender lamps; running board courtesy lamp; backing lights; lamp or reflector; flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights; private motor vehicle of security guard agency or alarm company; use of lights authorized or required under section 257.697, 257.697a, and 257.698a; violation as civil infraction. Sec. 698. (3) Backing lights of red, amber, or white may be mounted on the rear of a motor vehicle if the switch controlling the light is so arranged that the light may be turned on only if the vehicle is in reverse gear. The backing lights when unlighted shall be covered or otherwise arranged so as not to reflect objectionable glare in the eyes of a driver of a vehicle approaching from the rear. (4) Unless both covered and unlit, a vehicle driven on the highways of this state shall not be equipped with a lamp or a part designed to be a reflector unless expressly required or permitted by this chapter or that meets the standards prescribed in 49 CFR 671.108. A lamp or a part designed to be a reflector, if visible from the front, shall display or reflect a white or amber light; if visible from either side, shall display or reflect an amber or red light; and if visible from the rear, shall display or reflect a red light, except as other wise provided by law. (5) The use or possession of flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights of any color is prohibited except as otherwise provided by law, or under the following circumstances: (b) A fire vehicle or ambulance available for public use or for use of the United States, the state, or any unit of the state, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating red lights and used as required for safety. (c) An authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section 2 may be equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating red lights for use when responding to an emergency call if when in use the flashing, rotating, or oscillating red lights are mounted on the roof section of the vehicle, either as a permanent installation or by means of suction cups or magnets and are clearly visible in a 360 degree arc from a distance of 500 feet when in use. A person operating lights under this subdivision at any time other than when responding to an emergency call is guilty of a misdemeanor. Am. 1997, Act 8 (5/16/97) (g) An authorized emergency vehicle may display flashing, rotating, or oscillating white lights in conjunction with an authorized emergency light as prescribed in this section.
Denotes most recent amendments to Act 300, P.A. 1949. (6) A person shall not sell, loan, or otherwise furnish a flashing, rotating, or oscillating blue or red light designed primarily for installation on an authorized emergency vehicle to a person except a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, authorized physician, volunteer or paid fire fighter, volunteer ambulance driver, licensed ambulance driver or attendant of the state, a county or municipality within the state, a person engaged in the business of operating an ambulance
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or wrecker service, or a federally recognized nonprofit charitable organization which owns and operates an emergency support vehicle used exclusively for emergencies. This subsection does not prohibit an authorized vehicle, equipped with flashing, rotating, or oscillating blue or red lights, from being operated by a person other than a person described in this section if the person receives authorization to operate the emergency vehicle from a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, authorized physician, volunteer or paid fire fighter, volunteer ambulance driver, licensed ambulance driver or attendant, a person operating an ambulance or wrecker service, or a federally recognized nonprofit charitable organization which owns and operates an emergency support vehicle used exclusively for emergencies, except that the authorization shall not permit the person to operate lights as described in subsection (5)(a), (b), (c), (g), or (h), or to exercise the privileges described in section 603. A person who operates an authorized emergency vehicle in violation of the terms of an authorization is guilty of a misdemeanor. (9) A person who violates subsection (1), (2), (3), or (4) is responsible for a civil infraction. Am. 1994, Act 101 (04/19/94) 257.706
Horn or other warning device; siren, whistle, air horn, or bell; theft alarm signal device. Sec. 706. (b) A vehicle shall not be equipped with nor shall a person use upon a vehicle a siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section. (d) An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, air horn, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet, but the siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law. In those cases the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach of the vehicle. Am. 1978, Act 55 (03/10/78)
257.733
Release of accident information to nongovernmental agency. Sec. 733. (1) The department shall not release information relating to an accident on the record of a driver to a nongovernmental agency unless the driver was subsequently convicted of or determined responsible for a violation of this act in connection with the accident. Am. 1978, Act 545 (10/01/79) (2) The department shall not release information relating to an accident on the record of a police officer, fire fighter, or a person authorized to operate an ambulance or other emergency vehicle to a nongovernmental agency if the accident occurred while the person was operating the vehicle during the course of his or her employment. Add. 1994, Act 50 (03/25/94)
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OFFICE OF FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING Department of Labor and Economic Growth ADDITIONAL STATUTES AFFECTING FIRE FIGHTER’S MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATIONS EXEMPTION OF FIREMEN FROM CARRYING CERTAIN PAPERS MCLA 29.391.
Firemen; papers required to be on his person, exemption. Sec. 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any fireman while responding to or returning from a fire alarm or while actually engaged in fighting a fire shall be exempt from carrying on his person any certificate, license or any paper or writing required by law to be on his person or presented upon demand of a peace officer. Act 69, 1968 (5/28/68) MICHIGAN INSURANCE CODE OF 1956
MCLA 500.3262. Peace officers, fire fighters or ambulance drivers; cancellation of private automobile insurance. Sec. 3262. An insurer shall not cancel or refuse to renew a policy of insurance of any peace officer, fire fighter, or ambulance driver on his or her private automobile due to accident rate statistics compiled by the peace officer, fire fighter, or ambulance driver while driving police vehicles, fire department vehicles, or ambulances in the pursuit of his or her duties as a peace officer, fire fighter, or ambulance driver. As used in this section "ambulance driver" means a person authorized to drive an ambulance pursuant to part 207 of the public health code, Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, being sections 333.20701 to 333.20773 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Am. 1986, Act 190 (8/1/86) MICHIGAN PENAL CODE Act 328 of 1931 MCLA 750.508
Equipping vehicle with radio able to receive signals on frequencies assigned for police purposes; permit required; exceptions; misdemeanor; penalty; radar detectors not applicable. Sec. 508. (1) Any person who shall equip a vehicle with a radio receiving set that will receive signals sent on frequencies assigned by the federal communications commission of the United States of America for police purposes, or use the same in this state unless the vehicle is used or owned by a peace officer, or a bona fide amateur radio operator holding a technician class, general, advanced, or extra class amateur license issued by the federal communications commission, without first securing a permit so to do from the director of the department of state police upon application as he or she may prescribe, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. (2) This section does not apply to the use of radar detectors. Am. 2002, Act 672, (03/31/03)
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PPE
firetrainingtoolbox.com
From an NFPA Report – July 2012 Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is a critical component in the personal protective equipment (PPE). This equipment is essential for allowing fire fighters to operate in hostile fire ground environments. However, in recent decades there have been significant shifts with the environments encountered by structural fire fighters and how they operate in those environments. •
•
Structure fires involving modern building construction and furnishings produce significantly higher heat release rates than legacy buildings and their furnishings of earlier years, exposing firefighters to more rapid heat development and intense thermal conditions. PPE used by firefighters has evolved to provide enhanced overall thermal protection, allowing firefighters to remain in adverse conditions for longer time periods.
The SCBA face piece lens is an integral part of SCBA and today the lens material is generally based on polycarbonate. The SCBA face piece lens is often considered the weakest component of a firefighter’s ensemble in high heat conditions, but the level of thermal performance of the face piece lens has not been well understood.
The enhanced PPE of today’s firefighter has made them less able to detect changing thermal conditions. We can get in deeper which in turn, expose us for longer.
Knowledge Series 13-001
SCBA FACE PIECE By Christopher Huston A daily inspection of your SCBA face piece is an essential part of your day. According to the NFPA the weakest point of our PPE, is the face piece lens. Review what components of the facepiece to inspect and how to inspect them. 1. Cleanliness of seal and lens. 2. Obvious damage to frame such as wear and cracks. 3. Elasticity of straps. 4. Rubber seal and nose cup. 5. Scratches to the lens. 6. Regulator sealing surface area. 7. Fits user properly. 8. Snug and comfortable seal is achieved.
