Safety Standards for Fire Fighters Chapter 296-305 (Continued) |
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WAC 296-305-06515 Hose drying towers.
(1) The floor openings on hose tower platforms shall be equipped with a forty-two inch guardrail with mid-rail and shall be capable of withstanding a force of 250 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the top rail. The work platform shall be equipped with toeboards.
(2) The requirements for offset ladder platforms and ladder cage guards, when ladders extend beyond twenty feet, shall apply to hose drying towers.
(3) Ropes and attachments used to hoist hose in the hose towers shall have a breaking strength of 1500 pounds for a safe load strength of 300 pounds (five-to-one safety factor).
(4) Approved head protection shall be worn by all persons in the hose tower whenever hose handling/hanging operations are taking place.
(5) Ropes utilizing a pulley block shall be appropriately sized for the sheave to prevent possible jamming or damage to the rope.
Additional reference:
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1 and chapter 296-800 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-06515, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06515, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06515, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-06517 Drill tower training facilities.
(1) Permanent fixed ladders on the outside of drill towers and drill buildings are exempt from the requirements of offset platform landings and ladder cage guards.
(2) Drill tower construction and operations shall comply with the following:
(a) Burn buildings used for live fire training shall be engineered for such use.
(b) Drill towers shall not be used for live fire training except when burn rooms are provided.
(c) Burn rooms, if included in the building, shall be engineered into drill towers.
(d) All walking surfaces in the drill tower shall be slip resistant.
(e) Railings shall be designed with a four-to-one safety ratio for 250 pound fire fighters who may be operating a charged hose line on the fire escape.
(f) Rappelling anchors shall be engineered to support 4500 pounds per person supported by the anchor.
(g) Rappelling anchors shall be readily identifiable.
(h) Rappelling anchors shall be certified by a structural engineer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06517, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06517, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06517, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-06519 Fire station equipment and tools.
(1) Equipment and tools in maintenance shops shall be guarded as required by the guarding provisions of chapter 296-806 WAC, Machine safety, and chapter 296-807, Portable power tools.
(2) Exposure of fan blades. When the periphery of the blades of a fan is less than ten feet above the floor or working level, the blades shall be guarded. The guard shall have openings no larger than one-half inch. This provision shall not apply to residential ceiling fans.
(3) Abrasive wheels and grinders.
(a) All abrasive wheels and grinders, shall be guarded as required by chapter 296-806 WAC, Machine safety.
(b) Goggles or face shields shall be used when grinding.
(c) Abrasive and composite blades shall be stored and protected against exposure to fuel and oil.
(d) Work rests on bench mounted abrasive wheel grinders shall be used to support the work. These shall be of rigid construction and designed to be adjustable to compensate for wheel wear. Work rests shall be kept adjusted sufficiently close to the wheel with a maximum opening of one-eighth inch to prevent the work from being jammed between the wheel and the rest. Adjustment of the work rest shall not be made while the wheel is turning.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-14-028 (Order 01-12), § 296-305-06519, filed 06/29/04, effective 01/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06519, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
WAC 296-305-07001 Wildland fire operations.
(1) This section shall apply to all personnel and agencies called on to provide services at any fire defined as a “wildland fire.”
(2) This section shall not apply to suppression action taken on fires prior to the fire meeting the definition of a “wildland fire.”
(3) Employers shall provide at no cost to the employee, the protective equipment and protective clothing required by this chapter. Personnel performing suppression actions on a wildland fire shall wear the provided protective clothing as directed by their fire department's procedures/guidelines.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07001, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-07001, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-07001, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-07001, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-07003 Personal protective clothing and equipment for wildland fire fighting.
(1) Protective apparel and equipment for wildland fire fighters shall be designed to provide thermal protection for the fire fighters against external heat sources with flame resistant clothing and equipment without creating high heat stress loads due to the prolonged work periods they experience. Members performing suppression on a wildland fire shall wear a provided protective clothing ensemble as directed by their employer. The combined protective clothing ensemble includes:
(a) Hardhat/helmet
(b) Upper and lower torso clothing
(c) Gloves
(d) Goggles
NFPA Standard Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire fighting 1977, 1993 edition shall serve as a guideline for determining performance characteristics of this clothing.
(2) As a minimum, members shall wear provided leather lace-up boots of sturdy construction which shall extend upward a minimum of 8 inches above the top of the sole, which shall be slip resistant.
(3) Additional personal protective equipment to be provided and worn shall include a fire shelter as directed by the incident commander.
(4) Wildland protective clothing shall comply with this standard within two years of the effective date of this chapter.
(5) Personnel operating Type 1 or Type 2 engines assigned to structural protection will carry structural protective clothing on their assigned apparatus.
(6) Wildland personnel protective clothing shall not be used for interior structural fire fighting.
(7) Persons provided fire shelters shall be trained in their use and shall receive refresher training at least annually.
(8) Personnel wearing full structural fire fighting clothing while engaged in fighting wildland fires shall not expend more than one hour before rotating to rest and rehabilitation. Agencies may rotate crews to avoid the one-hour benchmark when containing and controlling wildland fires.
(9) Fire departments shall establish written procedures for the care, use, maintenance, and retirement criteria for protective equipment in conjunction with the manufacturers' recommendations.
(10) Fire departments shall establish written procedures for the use of protective clothing and protective equipment while performing fire fighting activities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07003, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-07003, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-07003, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-07003, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-07005 Respiratory protection for wildland fire fighters.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07005, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-07005, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-07005, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-07007 Wildland personnel accountability.
(1) Wildland fire fighters shall not be required to wear personal alerting devices except when wearing self contained respiratory equipment.
(2) An officer shall maintain positive communication with any individual during those times that the member is assigned an ancillary fire fighting task (examples would include, but are not limited to, scout, safety officer, or watch person).
(3) Wildland fire fighters shall work in teams of two or more while working on or near the fire line of an active fire unless they are in visual or voice contact with an officer.
(4) On initial attack fires, the incident commander shall:
(a) Maintain the name and location of all personnel on the incident.
(b) On extended attack fires, ensure the maintenance of the name and location of all personnel within their unit, division, or branch.
(c) Transfer/confirm personnel and unit information to the appropriate incident command section (ICS) command staff as soon as possible.
(d) Ensure that personnel and unit information is recorded in the command post as soon as possible.
(5) When a fire “blows up” or makes a run that crosses planned control lines, officers shall conduct an accounting of all personnel assigned to fire suppression and report any missing personnel to the incident commander.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07007, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-07007, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-07007, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-07009 Apparatus standards for wildland fire fighting.
This section applies to wildland fire apparatus meeting the NIIMS ICS typing of a Type 3 through Type 7 engine, and intended for use combating fires occurring in natural vegetation or occurring in natural vegetation and threatening improvements. See Appendix D for equipment types.
(1) In a wildland fire, an engine may provide the primary protection for a crew in the event of unexpected fire behavior or an action that places the engine crew in a position of being exposed to heat and smoke.
(2) Apparatus speed shall be determined to be safe if in the judgment of the officer in charge, the following are taken into consideration:
(a) The particular wildland fire attack methods being utilized including, but not limited to the nature of the fire, the type of terrain, weather conditions, equipment conditions, and whether personnel are positioned in wildland fire fighting enclosures;
(b) The forgoing provision shall not relieve a driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons in all conditions;
(c) Nor shall such provision protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(3) Because of the sheltering offered by an engine, the following minimum standards shall be complied with:
(a) The number of individuals working/assigned as an engine crew shall not exceed the manufacturer's cab capacity.
(b) Any time an engine is moved when not directly attacking a fire, personnel shall ride in the vehicle's enclosed cabin area, in a seat-belted location, or be off the vehicle.
(c) Any time engines are used in a mobile attack configuration, and personnel other than the driver are on the apparatus, personnel shall ride in the manufacturer's enclosed cabin, or use the personnel restraints and enclosures identified in WAC 296-305-07011.
(d) All personnel working on or around engines in a ground mobile attack mode or in riding positions shall have visual or voice contact with the driver.
(e) Vehicles operating in smoke or dust shall have their headlights, and if so equipped, a flashing or rotating roof light illuminated.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07009, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97; Order 77-20, § 296-305-07009, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]
WAC 296-305-07011 Occupant restraints and enclosures for wildland fire fighting.
(1) While in motion, the driver and passengers in the cab shall wear seatbelts.
(2) Seatbelts shall comply with U.S. Department of Transportation, Part 49 CFR, Section 571, Standards 209 and 210.
(3) Passengers on wildland vehicles shall use a safety belt or a short lanyard securely connected to the apparatus.
(a) Safety belts or lanyards shall be secured to an anchorage or structural member capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 1500 pounds per person or a 4:1 safety factor.
(b) Safety lanyard lengths shall not allow for the fire fighter to reach the ground.
(4) Safety belts shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with ANSI A10.14-1975.
(5) Lanyards shall be a minimum of one-half inch nylon or equivalent with a nominal breaking strength of 5400 pounds.
(6) The structural components for wildland vehicle enclosures shall be constructed of metal tubing not less than 1 inch in diameter, capable of supporting a minimum of 1500 pounds per person, a 4:1 safety ratio or the equivalent. This applies to vehicle enclosures manufactured after the effective date of this chapter.
(7) The enclosure shall be constructed to a minimum toprail height of forty-two inches and shall include a midrail and either a toeboard at least four inches high or a bottom rail a maximum of six inches from the platform.
(8) Access door(s) and latching mechanisms to tail board enclosures shall be constructed and mounted to achieve structural integrity comparable to the remainder of the enclosure.
(9) A strap or butt-bar utilized for the fourth side of the enclosure shall be a minimum of a four-inch nylon strap capable of supporting 1500 pounds dead weight.
(10) Fire fighters while actively fighting a fire in the mobile attack mode shall remain in a three-sided enclosure and use a safety lanyard. When actively fighting a fire in the mobile attack mode, fire fighters shall remain in a four-sided enclosure but the use of a lanyard is optional and should follow the fire department's operating procedures.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07011, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
WAC 296-305-07013 Equipment for wildland fire fighting.
Note: Equipment is considered in this section as those items not configured as a part or portion of the vehicle body.
(1) All equipment on an apparatus shall be carried in an enclosed compartment or otherwise securely mounted on the apparatus and guarded, so that individuals can not accidentally come in contact with equipment that may injure them.
(2) All hand tools, when not in use, shall have appropriate covers and guards to prevent injury.
(3) Wildland fire fighters whose duties require them to operate a power chain saw shall wear flexible ballistic nylon pads, sewn or otherwise fastened into the trousers, or other equivalent protection that shall protect the vulnerable areas of the legs. Additional trouser, eye, hearing, face and head protection as required by this chapter shall be worn.
(4) Employees shall not use the chainsaw to cut directly overhead, or at a distance that would require the operator to relinquish a safe grip on the saw.
(5) Only personnel trained in firing equipment shall handle and use such equipment, and observe the manufacturers' recommendations.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07013, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
WAC 296-305-07015 Aircraft operations for fighting wildland fires.
(1) Whenever fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft are being utilized on an incident, personnel trained in air operations management shall be assigned by the incident commander/operations section chief.
(2) Prior to the initiation of air operations, all personnel operating in close proximity to an air drop shall be notified of such activity.
(3) Personnel shall not intentionally operate in an area where it can reasonably be expected that they may be hit with retardants or suppressants from fixed wing or rotary aircraft.
(4) Radio communications shall be maintained between an aircraft/air attack officer and the appropriate ground officer.
(5) Personnel assigned to ride in rotary wing aircraft shall be briefed in the correct approach, riding and off-loading procedures for the particular type of aircraft.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07015, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
WAC 296-305-07017 First-aid for wildland fire fighters.
(1) At all wildland fires, members shall be provided with a minimum of one quart per two-hour time period of electrolyte drinks or potable water.
(2) Officers at wildland fires shall be trained in the symptoms of heat-related disorders and shall observe their crews for such behavior. Appropriate action shall be taken in the event a crew member displays such symptoms.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07017, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
WAC 296-305-07019 Training for wildland fire fighting.
(1) This section shall apply to all personnel and agencies called on to provide services at any fire defined as a “wildland fire.”
(2) This section shall not apply to suppression actions taken on fires prior to the fire meeting the definition of a “wildland fire.”
(3) Suppression personnel assigned to a wildland fire shall be trained to a NWCG Fire Fighter level II or a comparable class of training.
(a) “Comparable” training shall be determined by the employer.
(b) Nothing in this section shall preclude the use of local residents, affected parties or contracted fire fighting resources to suppress wildland fires if they are under the direct supervision of a qualified fire line officer.
(4) Supervisory personnel shall be trained to a level commensurate to the position and responsibility they are to assume.
(5) All personnel will be trained and capable of demonstrating competency in utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS).
(6) All suppression personnel shall annually review the Standard Operating Safety Procedures. See Appendix D.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-07019, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
WAC 296-305-08000 Appendices. These appendices are nonmandatory and are included to reference and information purposes only.
Appendix A -- Recommended cleaning procedures for protective turnout clothing and station uniforms.
(1) Protective clothing should be washed separately from other garments.
(2) Do not use chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as this will adversely affect the tear strength of your protective clothing and lessen its life. Oxygenated bleaches such as Liquid Clorox II, and Vivid may be used.
(3) Protective clothing may be spot treated or pretreated for hard to remove stains with products such as liquid Spray and Wash, liquid Tide, liquid dishwashing detergent or liquid Shout.
Note: The use of brand names is intended only to indicate a type of cleaning agent. All products listed by name must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Use of a brand name does not constitute an endorsement nor does omission of a particular product brand imply that a product is inferior. Solvents should not be used as they lesson the life of the garment, reduce visibility on the trim, and degrade leather.
(4) When pretreating or spot treating a garment, apply the detergent onto the soiled area. Gently rub the fabric together until a light foam appears on the surface. Use a soft bristle brush (toothbrush type) and scrub the area for about one and one-half minutes. Reapply liquid detergent onto the soiled area and place the garment into the washing machine.
(5) When cleaning turnout clothing the garment should be turned inside out, the hooks and dees fastened, the liner removed, and the garment placed in a laundry bag. These instructions can be used for cleaning any wash loads in a large capacity (sixteen gallon) top loading or front loading machine. Load the machine with any one of the following combinations - do not overload:
(a) One protective coat and one pair of trousers.
(b) Two protective coats.
(c) Two protective pair of trousers.
Note: Heavily soiled garments should be treated as outlined in (4).
(6) While the washing machine is filling with hot water (temperature between 120 degrees F and 130 degrees F), add one-half cup (four ounces) of liquid oxygenated bleach and one cup (eight ounces) of liquid detergent.
(a) Fill washing machine to highest water level,
(b) Add garments to be washed,
(c) Set washing machine for normal cycle, cotton white, or similar setting.
(d) Machines should be programmed for a double rinse. If the machine will not automatically double rinse, a complete second cycle can be run without adding detergent or oxygenated bleach. Double rinse helps remove any residual dirt and ensures detergent removal.
(e) Remove garments from washing machine when done and dry by hanging in a shaded area that receives good cross ventilation, or hang on a line and use a fan to circulate air. A water extractor may be utilized.
(f) After the garments have been removed, run the laundry machine empty or with a dummy (rag) load with detergent at least once; but preferably several times to purge the machine of any residue.
(7) Inspect and examine the trim as to the effectiveness of the trim performance under daytime and nighttime conditions. It is important that a high visibility be maintained at all possible orientations to the light source.
(8) The above procedures can be used for any article of clothing issued that is not contaminated with bloodborne pathogens or any other infectious disease. For clothing exposed to hazardous materials, consult the manufacturer or the appropriate decontamination document.
(9) Procedure for clothing (except wool clothing) that has been exposed to bloodborne pathogens or infectious diseases.
(a) Disposable gloves should be used when handling contaminated clothing.
(b) Each station should have an area designated for the cleaning of equipment. The area designated should not be near kitchen, living, sleeping, or personal hygiene areas.
(c) Contaminated clothing should be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation. Contaminated clothing should be cleaned as soon as possible. When the on-coming shift has to clean contaminated clothing for the off-going shift, all contaminated clothing should be stored in red biohazard bags, properly sealed to prevent the spread of potential contamination.
(d) To clean clothing that has been contaminated, a germicidal detergent should be used. Such germicidal should be EPA approved and effective as staphylocidal, pseudomonacidial, virucidal, and fungicicial detergent.
(e) The germicidal detergent is intended to be a complete disinfecting and cleaning agent when mixed according to the manufacturer's directions. Do not add any chemical or detergent to the germicidal solution. After the clothing has been disinfected the clothing should be washed as outlined under normal use.
(f) Wool uniforms should be spot cleaned, placed in the red biohazard bags and sent to an industrial laundry for cleaning.
(10) Helmets, gloves, hoods, and boots should be cleaned as follows:
(a) Preclean using a germicidal solution and scrub all contaminated areas with a soft bristled brush. Rinse with clean water. Dispose of the precleaning solution by pouring it down the drain in the cleaning area.
(b) Using a fresh germicidal solution, repeat the above procedure allowing the areas to remain wet for a minimum of fifteen minutes. Double rinse with clean water and air dry. Dispose of the solution by pouring it down the drain in the cleaning area.
(c) For gloves, use a third fresh water rinse, squeezing and rinsing several times. Dispose of the solution by pouring it down the drain in the cleaning area.
(11) Front loading industrial laundry machines are designed for the type of cleaning required for protective clothing. Machines are available from Milnor, Model 30015C6M-AAC, for washing; or a Huabsch Originator, Model 3705H, for a dryer.
Note: The use of brand names is intended only to indicate a type of cleaning equipment. All products listed by name must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Use of a brand name does not constitute an endorsement nor does omission of a particular product brand imply that a product is inferior.
DECISION-MAKING
PROCESS (pdf)
PPE Cleaning and Decontamination Decision-Making Process
Appendix B --Life safety ropes.
(1) Life safety rope may be significantly weakened by abrasion, misuse, contamination, wear, and stresses approaching its breaking strength, particularly impact loading. Since there are no approved methods to service test a rope without compromising its strength, rope rescue and training operations should be carefully observed and monitored for conditions that could cause immediate failure or result in undetectable damage to the rope.
(2) If a rope has been used in a situation that could not be supervised or where potential damage may have occurred, it must be removed from service and destroyed.
(3) It is important that ropes be inspected for signs of wear by qualified individuals after each use. If indication of wear or damage are noted, or if the rope has been stressed in excess of the manufacturer's recommendation or impact loaded, it must be destroyed.
(4) The destruction of the rope means that it must be removed from service and altered in such a manner that it could not be mistakenly used as a life safety rope. This alteration could include disposing of the rope, or removal of identifying labels and attachments, and cutting the rope into short lengths that could be used for utility purposes.
(5) The assignment of “disposable” life safety ropes to members or to vehicles has proved to be an effective system to manage ropes that are provided for emergency use and are used infrequently. Special rescue teams, which train frequently and use large quantities of rope, should include members who are qualified to manage and evaluate the condition of their ropes and determine the limitations upon their reuse.
Appendix C -- Decontamination.
(1) A decontamination area should be established whenever civilians or fire department personnel have had known or suspected exposure to toxic chemicals.
(2) Such decontamination areas should be established before any personnel are allowed to enter the “Hot” zone.
(3) The decontamination area should be set up using the following guidelines:
(a) The decontamination area should be located uphill, upwind and at a right angle to the “Hot” zone.
(b) The decontamination area entry/exit point and boundaries should be clearly marked using flagging tape, ropes, cones, etc.
(4) Visqueene should be spread on the ground in the decontamination area to control runoff.
(5) The decontamination process is divided into stations. In most cases it will not be necessary to utilize all the stations. The decision to use all or part of the stations should be based on the following factors:
(a) The hazards associated with the product involved.
(b) The estimated levels of contamination.
(c) The type of protective equipment worn by contaminated responders.
(d) Recommendations from outside sources such as, but not limited to CHEMTREC, the agency for toxic substance and disease registry, poison control centers or the manufacturer of the product.
(6) The following is a list of all the stations in a nine-step decontamination area set up for a worst case scenario involving a hazardous materials response team member whose chemical suit has been breached:
(a) Station #1 - Segregated equipment drop: Contaminated equipment that will be used again in the “Hot” zone, disposed of, or decontaminated at a later time or place, will be deposited here.
(b) Station #2 - Wash/rinse: Entry personnel will be washed with appropriate decontamination solution and rinsed with water by attendant(s) to remove gross contamination. This station may consist of multiple wash/rinse steps depending on the severity of the hazards involved.
(c) Station #3 - Outer protective clothing removal: Attendant(s) will remove the outer protective clothing from entry personnel being cautious to avoid touching the inside of the suit while removing it. Protective clothing that has been removed at this step shall be placed in an overpack or other appropriate container for later testing and further decontamination, if needed.
(d) Station #4 - Removal of SCBA: The entry personnel are assisted in removing their SCBA by an attendant. The SCBA facepiece should be left in place and the low pressure hose held away from any potentially contaminated inner clothing.
(e) Station #5 - Removal of inner clothing: All clothing worn inside the suit must be removed in cases where the suit has been penetrated and the entry personnel are contaminated.
(f) Station #6 - Personal shower: Entry personnel should wash and rinse entire body with mild soap and water. Contain runoff water if possible, however this is an emergency situation and containment is secondary to removing contaminants from personnel.
(g) Station #7 - Drying off: Entry personnel that have showered should dry off using towels or whatever is available. Items used should be placed in an appropriate container for disposal. Emergency clothing such as disposable coveralls should be provided.
(h) Station #8 - Medical evaluation: Entry personnel should be evaluated by paramedics - checking vital signs including temperature and level of consciousness. Records of the evaluation must be kept and given to the team safety officer to be included in the members exposure records.
(i) Station #9 - Transport to emergency room: Any personnel exhibiting any signs or symptoms of exposure should be transported to the emergency room for evaluation and observation.
(7) The hazardous materials response team van should carry premeasured packets of decontamination solution mixes for the purpose of decontaminating chemical protective clothing and other equipment at the scene of a hazardous materials emergency. These solutions are not to be used to decontaminate turnouts or exposed skin under any circumstances.
(8) The primary solution used will be a simple detergent and water mixture. Other special decontamination solution mixes will only be used in those situations when it is determined that the detergent and water solution is inappropriate.
(9) Contaminated civilians that are exhibiting signs or symptoms of exposure should be treated as patients. Due to the risk of secondary contamination, all patients should undergo emergency field decontamination at the scene before being evaluated by medical personnel or being transported to the emergency room. Medical personnel should not accept any patient that has not been grossly decontaminated.
(10) The emergency field decontamination process should consist of removing the clothing from all affected body parts of the exposed person and flushing with copious quantities of water from a garden hose or low pressure one and three-quarter inch handline to remove gross contamination. Patients will be flushed for up to fifteen minutes, depending on the material recommendations on patient decontamination.
(11) Members performing patient decontamination should wear, at a minimum, full turnouts and SCBA and should avoid splashes and overspray to the extent possible. They should also undergo decontamination when they have finished decontaminating the patient.
(12) Containment of the runoff water from patient decontamination is not required. Do not delay decontamination of patients to set up containment. However, some form of privacy screen should be erected to protect the modesty of those being decontaminated.
(13) Responders that are contaminated in the process of performing rescue or other tasks will, at the minimum, be flushed with water for a minimum of one minute. Further flushing will be performed depending on the extent of contamination and subsequent adverse health effects.
Appendix D--Wildland Fire Fighting Equipment Typings.
Ten standard fire orders
Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first.
Initiate all action based on current and expected fire behavior.
Recognize current weather conditions and obtain forecasts.
Ensure instructions are given and understood.
Obtain current information on fire status.
Remain in communication with crew members, your supervisor, and adjoining forces.
Determine safety zones and escape routes.
Establish lookouts in potentially hazardous situations.
Retain control at all times.
Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, act decisively.
Four common denominators of tragedy fires
1. Small fires or relatively quiet sectors of large fires.
2. Light fuels.
3. Steep slopes.
4. Change in wind speed and/or direction.
“Watch Out” Situations
1. Fire not scouted and sized up.
2. In country not seen in daylight.
3. Safety zones and escape routes not identified.
4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics and hazards.
6. Instructions and assignments not clear.
7. No communication link with crew members or supervisor.
8. Constructing line without safe anchor point.
9. Building fire line downhill with fire below.
10. Attempting frontal assault on fire.
11. Unburned fuel between you and fire.
12. Cannot see main fire, not in contact with someone who can.
13. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.
14. Weather becoming hotter and drier.
15. Wind increases and/or changes direction.
16. Getting frequent spot fires across line.
17. Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult.
18. Taking nap near fire line.
National Wildlife Coordinating Group Fire Fighter II Performance Tasks
1. Agency policy for wildfires.
2. Extended attack fire orientation and dispatch.
3. Inmate orientation.
4. Fire line organization.
5. Tools and equipment.
6. Firing devices.
7. Wildland water delivery systems and pump use.
8. Introduction to wildland fire behavior.
9. Fire line safety.
10. Size up and initial attack.
11. Fire line construction.
12. Wildland fire investigation.
13. Structure protection.
14. Use of foam.
15. Mop up.
16. Compass use.
17. Map use.
18. Radio communications.
19. Incident command system.
20. Basic first-aid.
21. Hazardous materials awareness.
Appendix E--Standard apparatus operation communications.
When fire fighters ride in the tiller's seat or other remote location, an electrical signal or voice communication should be installed between the tiller's seat, work station, and driver's compartment.
(1) These signals should be used between the driver and the fire fighters:
(a) One long buzz means stop;
(b) Two buzzes mean forward;
(c) Three buzzes mean reverse.
(2) Before any of the above functions are undertaken, with the exception of stopping, the same signal must be both sent and received. The driver should not act without sending and receiving a confirming signal.
(3) When using hand signals, these signals are as follows:
STOP
Hold hand to the side, shoulder high, exposing
palm to the driver. At night, hold hands in the
same manner, with the addition of a flashlight
in one hand shining at the driver. This will
indicate and immediate STOP
RIGHT OR LEFT
Point in the desired direction with one hand
and motion in a circular “come-on” gesture with the
other at the chest level. At night, direct a flashlight beam
at the hand pointing in the desired direction.
DIMINISHING CLEARANCE
Hold the hands to one side of the body indicating the approximate
amount of distance the apparatus is from the obstacle.
Close hands accordingly as the driver slowly maneuvers the apparatus
to point where the signal indicates immediate STOP. Always allow enough
for drivers reaction time. At night, indicate in the same manner with
the flashlight in the upper hand and beam directed at the palm of the other.
On STOP, cover the flashlight beam with the hands.
AHEAD OR BACK UP
Hold hand directly in front, chest high, fingers
on hands directed toward one another, and
motion in a circular “come-on” gesture.
At night hold a flashlight in one hand and
direct the beam toward the other.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-08000, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]
