Firefighter Technical Review Committee Highlights April 2022 Meeting

1. Repeat findings from this month’s meeting.  These repeat findings and others can be found in the “Dirty Dozen” pamphlet.

•  Ensure annual respirator fit tests are conducted on personnel assigned to wear respirators.  Only those respirators for which personnel have successfully passed a fit test should be used. (Beards are incompatible with SCBA use.)
  
• Maintain fit test records that include the type of respirator and test results for the previous 12-month period.
  
• Ensure appropriate protective equipment for specified hazardous areas is used.
  
• Develop and maintain respiratory protection program.
  
• Ensure the height and weight of each apparatus in excess of 10,000 pounds is prominently displayed in the cab and in view of the driver.
• Ensure MSDSs are available for all chemicals used or there is access to an electronic MSDS database.

2. Ensure required hydrostatic testing is performed on SCBA tanks and the breathing air is tested for purity.  Quarterly testing is required.

3. Ensure pumps and hoses on fire engines are tested IAW the manufacturer’s requirements.

4. Ensure firefighting clothing is inspected semiannually by a qualified individual.  

5. Maintain procedures for the use, care and maintenance of all firefighting gear.

6. Post the OSHA 300 accident summary for the previous calendar year on an official bulletin board.

7. Fire extinguishers need to be annually tested.

8. Update the Infection Control Plan annually.

9. Conduct monthly fire station inspections.

On another note, the Tacoma Fire Department expressed concerns associated with burns to the hands of firefighters while wearing gloves during firefighting operations.  See attached files for discussion of this topic.

Fire Knight Gloves PDF | City of Tacoma Glove Discussion PDF