SAFETY

2-3.1 Identify dangerous building conditions created by fire. (3-3.9, 3-3.11)

2-3.2 Identify the effects of the following items in a burning building: (3-3.9, 3-3.10, 3-3.11)• 2-3.2.1 Heat• 2-3.2.2 Smoke• 2-3.2.3 Water

2-3.3 Identify the term “building collapse”. (3-3.9, 3-3.11)

2-3.4 Identify hazards related to electrical emergencies. (3-3.17)

2-3.5 List the electrical emergencies that may be encountered. (3-3.17)

2-3.6 Identify the proper actions to take in the case of an electrical emergency. (3-3.17)

2-3.7 Identify the function of the following articles of protective equipment: (3-1.1.2, 3-3.1, 3-3.2)

2-3.7.1Helmet (with face shield) 2-3.7.2Hood 2-3.7.3Boots 2-3.7.4Gloves 2-3.7.5Protective coat 2-3.7.6Protective trousers 2-3.7.7PASS device 2-3.7.8Eye protection 2-3.7.9SCBA 2-3.7.10 Hearing Protection

2-3.8 Identify the care, inspection and maintenance of the protective clothing and equipment assigned or available for use. (3-1.1.2, 3-3.1, 3-3.2)

2-3.9 Identify the limitations of the protective clothing and equipment assigned or available for use.

2-3.10 Identify the types of accidents or injuries and their causes that occur in the following locations: (3-1.1.1, 4-11.1.1)• 2-3.10.1 Fireground• 2-3.10.2 Responding and returning• 2-3.10.3 Training• 2-3.10.4 Other on-duty locations (3-3.4, 4-

4.2)• 2-3.10.5 Non-fire emergencies

2-3.11 Identify the safety procedures for ensuring a safe station/facility environment. (3-1.1.1, 4-1.1.1)

2-3.12 Identify the potential consequences of exposure to products of combustion. (3-3.10, 3-3.11)

2-3.13 Identify the elements of a personnel accountability system. (3-3.4)

Objectives 2-3.14 through 2-3.21 shall be met by the individual department or authority having jurisdiction, in accordance with currently accepted standards and practices, and appropriate for local equipment and/or procedures.

2-3.14* Describe the responsibilities of a fire department as required by NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program and adopted by the authority having jurisdiction. (3-1.1.1)

2-3.15* Demonstrate the techniques for action when you are personally trapped or disoriented in a fire situation or in a hostile environment. (3-1.1.1)

2-3.16* Demonstrate the donning and doffing of the protective equipment specified in 2-3.7. (3-1.1.1)

2-3.17* Demonstrate the use of seat belts, noise barriers, and other safety equipment provided for protection while riding on apparatus.

2-3.18* Demonstrate safety procedures when mounting, dismounting and operating around fire apparatus. (3-3.16)

2-3.19* Demonstrate shutting off the utility services to a building. (3-3.4)

2-3.20* Demonstrate safety procedures when using fire service lighting equipment given the following: (3-3.4)

2-3.20.1* Power supply (portable or mounted)

23.20.2 Lights 2-3.20.3 Cords 2-3.20.4 Connectors 2-3.20.5 Ground-fault interrupter (GFI)

Demonstrate the use of an accountability system at an incident. (3-1.1.1)

IFSTA, Essentials, 4th ed, Chapter 4 Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, 2000, chapter 5

Fire spread• Combustible furnishings• Combustible finishes

Presence of a heavy fire load Large, open spaces which are difficult

to ventilate and/or to stop fire spread

Weakened support members Water build-up Building collapse 2-3.3

• Failure of building’s support members• Caused by effects of fire or actions of

firefighters• The longer the building burns, the more

chance for collapse

Heat 2-3.2.1• Intense heat leads to further combustion

Smoke 2-3.2.2• Hinders firefighting efforts

Water 2-3.2.3• Moisture content in materials (ex: wood)

determines combustibility of materials• Adds weight to already fire weakened building

materials.

Hazards Burns Electrical shocks

Electrical emergencies that may be encountered. • Downed power lines• Contact with electric lines• Energized equipment

Notify the power company Do not use solid or straight hose streams

when possible electrical hazards exists Let pole top or cross-arm fires burn until

power company arrives Exercise caution when using ladders

around electrical hazards When possible, avoid parking apparatus

under overhead wires

Keep aerial devices at least ten feet from electric lines

Let only power company personnel cut lines

Treat all wires as “live”Treat all wires as “live” Establish a danger zone of at least one

span around downed power lines. Wear full protective clothing when an

electrical hazard exists.

Helmet (with face shield) • Helmet protects head from impact, puncture

injuries, and water• Face shield provides limited protection from

flying particles or liquids Protective Hood 2-3.7.2

• Protects portions of the face, ears and neck not covered by helmet or coat from extreme heat

Boots 2-3.7.3• Protects the feet from burns, puncture injuries

and crushing blows

Gloves• Protects the hands from cuts, wounds, burns

and heat and cold while providing dexterity. Protective Coat and Trousers

• Protects the trunk and limbs from injuries, moisture and thermal barriers

Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) • Provides protection by emitting a loud shriek if

the firefighter should collapse or remain motionless for a period of time

Eye Protection 2-3.7.8• Provides protection against flying particles

and/or splashes• Eye protection, in the form of safety goggles or

safety glasses, should be worn in addition to that provided by the part of the helmet, when the SCBA facepiece is not being worn

• Face shields provided as part of a helmet provide secondary protection only and do not meet NFPA 1500 for eye protection

SCBA 2-3.7.9• Provides respiratory protection when in a

toxic atmosphere Hearing Protection 2-3.7.10

• To protect from hearing loss when exposed to loud working environments

Must meet NFPA Standard when equipment was manufactured• Helmets

Inspection Check for proper fit and repair or replace Check for damage and repair or replace Check for adequate separation between outer shell and

suspension web Check suspension system for deterioration and replace Consult manufacturer if repainting is necessary Remove polycarbonate helmets that have come in contact

with hydraulic fluids until it can be determined no damage has occurred.

• Helmets cont. Care

Remove dirt from outer shell Remove chemicals, oils and petroleum products as

soon as possible Consult manufacturer for cleaners

• Coats, trousers and hoods Inspection

Check for tears Check for debris and remove

• Coats, trousers, and hoods cont. Care

Brush debris off Hand wash with mild soap and water Rinse Air dry

• Boots Inspection

Proper fit Deterioration (replace, if necessary) Cuts, punctures and worn areas

• Boots Care

Wash oil, grease, etc. from boot Store in cool, dry location

• Gloves Inspection

Tears, cuts Deterioration

Care Check for tears Check for debris and remove

Match articles of protective clothing and equipment to their correct functions. Write the correct letters in the blanks.

___1. Protects the face and lungs from heat, toxic smoke, and products

of combustion ___ 2. Protect the feet from burn injuries and puncture wounds ___3. Protect the eyes from flying particles or liquids ___ 4. Protects the head from impact and puncture injuries ___ 5. Protect against cuts, abrasions, and radiant heat burn

injuries, and provide limited protection from corrosive liquids

a. Helmet b. Protective coat and trousers

c. Safety shoes or boots d. Eye protection e. SCBA

Match articles of protective clothing and equipment to their correct functions. Write the correct letters in the blanks

___ 6. Protects portions of the firefighter’s face, ears, and neck not covered by helmet or coat___ 7. Protects against possible fatal injury or entrapment by signaling when a firefighter is motionless for approximately 30 seconds___ 8. Protect hands and wrists from cuts, wounds, or burn injuries___ 9. Protects ears from loud noises that cannot be avoided

a. Protective hood b. Glovesa. Protective hood b. Gloves

c. Hearing protection d. c. Hearing protection d. P.A.S.S.P.A.S.S.

Varies, based on material and construction

General characteristics• Direct flame contact• Chemicals• Comfort

10. All helmets in service today should meet the requirements set forth in NFPA ___.a. 1971 b. 1972 c. 1973 d. 197411. Which of the following provide secondary eye protection?a. Goggles b. Faceshields c. Safety glasses d. SCBA masks12. Firefighter A says that three-quarter boots are no longer permissible according to NFPA 1500.Firefighter B says that NFPA requires leather cuffs and reinforced knees on protective trousers.Who is right? A.Firefighter A B. Firefighter B C. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

13. In which of the following situations is it not necessary to wear safety glasses or goggles? a. Pre-incident exterior survey b. Structural fire attackc. Vehicle extrication d. Emergency medical service transport14. Of how many layers must all protective coats be made according to NFPA 1971?a. Two b. Three c. Four d. Five

15. What is the purpose of the wide brim on a firefighter’s helmet?

a. Vent smoke away from the firefighter’s eyes and noseb. Block the sun’s ultraviolet raysc. Protect the firefighter’s ears and neck from hot water and embersd. Protect the firefighter from facial burns16. Firefighter A says that the month and year of manufacture

may be coded on the product label of personal protective equipment.

Firefighter B says that the product label on personal protective equipment should include the manufacturer’s identification number or lot number or serial number. Who is right?

A. Firefighter A B. Firefighter B C. Both A and B D. Neither A nor B

17. Which of the following is not a specification that should be marked on the helmet?

A. Date B. Country of manufacture C. Size D. Composition material

18. What head and face protection is preferred for wildland fire fighting?

A. Lightweight helmet with goggles B. Structural helmet with goggles

C. Structural helmet with faceshield D. Lightweight helmet with faceshield

19. What underwear should be worn under brush gear?A. 60 percent cotton, including short-sleeved T-shirt, and nylon-blend socksB. 100 percent cotton, including long-sleeved T-shirt, and nylon-blend socksC. 60 percent cotton, including long-sleeved T-shirt, and natural-fiber socksD. 100 percent cotton, including long-sleeved T-shirt, and natural-fiber socks20. Firefighter A says that earmuffs are the best solution to high noise levels in a structural fire fighting situation. Firefighter B says that earplugs interfere with communications and may melt under intense heat, making them impractical for structural fire fighting.Who is right? A. Firefighter A B. Firefighter B C. Both A and B D. Neither A nor B

21. Which of the following fabrics has a low temperature resistance (can melt or burn during exposure to high temperatures) and should be avoided for station/work uniforms?

A. Polyester B. Wool C. Neoprene D. Cotton22. What kind of eye protection should firefighters wear for

protection from flying particles or chemical splashes? a. Safety glasses b. Helmet with faceshield 3. Goggles 4. Hood with visor 23. Firefighter A says that the inner liner of the protective

coat should be worn for cold weather fire fighting and removed to lighten the coat and provide more ventilation for warm weather fire fighting.

Firefighter B says that regardless of the season or temperature, all protective coats must include three layers: outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal barrier. Who is right?

a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

24. Firefighters who wear prescription safety eyeglasses must select frames and lenses that meet ___.

a. OSHA 221.1 b. NFPA 71 c. ANSI Z87.1 d. IFSTA 44.8 25. According to NFPA 1974, to be puncture

resistant, the protective boot must contain a stainless steel ___ plate about 0.018 inch (0.46 mm) thick.

a. Heel b. Midsole c. Toe d. Full-sole 26. What statement accurately describes eye

injuries? a. They are uncommon but almost always reported. b. They are easy to prevent and rarely happen. c. They can be serious, but most are easy to prevent. d. They are almost always debilitating and are difficult to prevent.

27. What standard guidelines apply to boots for wildland fire fighting in all areas.

a. Wellington-style safety boots with lug or grip-tread soles, 8 to 10 inches high

b. Lace-up or zip-up safety boots with smooth rubber soles, 10 to 12 inches high

c. Lace-up or zip-up safety boots with lug or grip-tread soles, 8 to 10 inches high

d. Wellington-style safety boots with lug or grip-tread soles, 10 to 12 inches high

28. How should protective trousers be constructed?

a. With the same number of layers as protective coats plus an abrasion-resistant inner shell

b. With the same number of layers as protective coats c. With the same number of layers as protective coats but without a

moisture barrier d. With the same number of layers as protective coats but without a

thermal barrier 29. Which component must all helmets have? a. 3-inch visors b. Flashlight attachments c. Velcro® fastener safety straps d. Ear covers

Fireground injuries 2-3.10.1• Trauma (cuts, broken bones, burns)• Heat exhaustion• Chemical exposure• Cardiovascular

• Causes of injuries on fireground Limited information and knowledge Underestimating fire potential Miscalculating structural integrity of the building Disorder Confusion Chaos at the emergency scene Poor physical condition Lack of proper training

Responding and returning injuries • Hearing• Falls• Slipping• Being run over by the apparatus• Being thrown from the apparatus

Causes of responding and returning injuries• Hearing protection not worn when noise is

above 90 decibels• Seat belts not worn• Not riding in enclosed area• Attempting to don protective clothing• Not using handrails and steps

Training 2-3.10.3• Training injuries

Same as fireground Physical discomfort or illness

• Training injury causes Not wearing protective equipment Not having an adequate fitness level Horseplay Equipment Failure

Other on-duty locations • Types

Cuts Eye injury Falls and slipping

• Causes of other on-duty injuries Horseplay Not using safety equipment Equipment failure

Non-fire emergencies• Trauma• Chemical exposure• Electrical contact• Blood borne pathogens

Causes for non-fire emergencies• Inappropriate or lack of protective clothing• Poor concentration on task

Redesign tasks to eliminate lifting if possible

Use proper lifting techniques Be aware of unsafe conditions and seek

corrective action Eliminate “horseplay” Request assistance in performing tasks

when necessary Strive for physical fitness Be aware of proper disinfecting techniques

Carbon monoxide poisoning Cardiovascular problems

Use• Use permit identification of firefighters

working on the scene. If something happens, all can be accounted for.

Components• Means of identifying individual firefighters

Tags Badges

Components cont.• Specified location of person whose

identification is collected and complied• List of who is on the fireground and what

he/she is doing• Procedures for personnel to follow when

they arrive on the scene, depart the scene, or complete an assignment

Techniques for action when you are trapped or disorientated in a fire or hostile environment• Remain calm• Retrace steps• Activate PASS device• Locate hoseline or safety line• Use radio

Select facts about firefighter safety. Write the correct letters on the blanks. _____ 1. Which of the following statements regarding firefighter safety is true? a. Most firefighter injuries are preventable. b. Firefighters must resign themselves to occupational injuries and fatalities. c. Professional firefighters should expect to occasionally take unnecessary risks. d. Firefighters must maintain their image as heroic and fearless in the face of

danger. _____ 2. The basic concept of NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department

Occupational Safety and Health Program is to provide ___. a. The same degree of safety throughout the fire service b. A maximum national safety standard c. A standard flexible enough to account for individual status and type of

organization d. A standard that applies only to public fire departments _____ 3. Which of the following is not a main goal of a good safety program? a. Prevent human suffering b. Reduce accidents and exposures c. Avoid liability suits d. Prevent damage/loss of equipment _____ 4. The success of a safety program ___. a. Begins at the Firefighter I level b. Is not a top priority for department members who are not regularly on the

fireground c. Can be measured by instructional methods and training budgets d. Begins at the top of the chain of command

Select facts about an employee assistance program. Write the correct letters on the blanks.

_____ 5. To whom should an employee assistance program be available? a. All department members b. All department members and their families c. Department members who have been referred to the program by their supervisors d. Any department member on the scene of an injury or fatality incident _____ 6. Firefighter A says that critical incident stress debriefing should start before firefighters enter a scene that is likely to produce emotional stress. Firefighter B says that firefighters required to work more than one shift under

psychologically stressful conditions should go through a minor debriefing at

the end of each shift.Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B _____ 7. Who should participate in a critical incident stress debriefing? a. Firefighters only b. Victims and firefighters only c. Firefighters and any others who had to deal directly with the victims d. Firefighters and their families only _____ 8. Because individuals react to and deal with extreme stress in different ways,

participation in critical incident stress debriefing should be ___. a. Mandatory b. Optional, at the discretion of the individual firefighter c. Optional, at the discretion of the individual firefighter and the immediate supervisor d. Optional, at the discretion of the fire chief

Select facts about safety on the apparatus. Write the correct letters on the blanks.

_____ 9. What is the most common danger a firefighter faces? a. Riding the apparatus b. Smoke inhalation c. Burns d.

Asphyxiation _____ 10. Firefighters should wear hearing protection when sirens and noise levels exceed ___ decibels. a. 85 b. 90 c. 95 d. 100 _____ 11. Where is the best place for firefighters to ride on the apparatus? a. In a jump seat with safety bars b. Standing on the tailboard with a safety tether c. Seated in a fully enclosed portion of the cab d. In an open jump seat with a seat belt _____ 12. When should firefighters use handrails for mounting or dismounting

an apparatus? a. Always b. Always, except when dismounting an apparatus where an electrical danger

is present c. Always, except when mounting an apparatus where an electrical danger is

present d. Always, except when mounting and dismounting an apparatus where an

electrical danger is present

Select facts about personal safety in the fire station. Write the correct letters on the blanks.

_____ 13. What is the most expensive type of accident in terms of worker’s compensation? a. Vision loss b. Back injury c. Hearing loss d. Head

injury _____ 14. What is the most common injury related to improper lifting and carrying? a. Herniated disks b. Back strains c. Back sprains d. Fractured vertebrae

Select facts about training safety. _____ 15. How often does NFPA 1500 require personnel who may

engage in structural fire fighting to participate in training? a. Biweekly b. Monthly c. Bimonthly d. Semiannually _____ 16. Which rule should be followed during firefighter training? a. All personnel participating in training should wear full protective

gear. b. Laying hose does not usually require the use of protective gear. c. Protective gear is necessary only during live fire training activities. d. Raising ladders does not usually require the use of protective gear. _____ 17. Trainees with colds or severe headaches should be ___. a. Watched closely during training. b. Allowed to continue training at their own discretion. c. Assigned other duties until they feel better. d. Given a physical examination to determine their fitness. _____ 18. What is the best rule regarding horseplay? a. Allow horseplay only when no live fires are burning at the training

site. b. Encourage horseplay as a means of building camaraderie. c. Make certain that everyone can see demonstrations and participate

in activities to prevent boredom. d. Avoid over stimulating students with too many hands-on activities.

Select facts about emergency scene safety. Write the correct letters on the blanks.

_____ 19. What should the supervisor do when personnel enter a hazardous atmosphere? a. Record time of entry and air pressure in SCBA. b. Record air pressure in SCBA and check all personal protective equipment. c. Record time of entry and expected time of exit and check all personal

protective equipment. d. Record air pressure in SCBA and attach a life safety tether to the SCBA

harness. _____ 20. Where should friends or relatives of victims be kept at an

emergency scene? a. Completely away from the scene b. With the victims c. Just outside of the cordoned area d. Away from the actual incident but within the cordoned area _____ 21. What factors should firefighters take into account when establishing

zone boundaries? a. Dimensions of zone extension, generally a minimum of 50 yards from the

actual incident b. Area needed for work, degree of hazard, general topography c. Number of spectators and degree of hazard d. Area needed for work, plus at least 75 feet