With the pandemic behind us, a review of this month’s findings seems to indicate that we need to redouble our efforts to emphasize safety in the workplace. Repeat findings from this month’s meeting. Here is a list of repeat findings. Others can be found in the “Dirty Dozen” pamphlet which is available on the WFCA web site.
Ensure initial and 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. Do not use SCBA’s with facial hair. SCBA’s should always be used where the atmosphere is suspected of being hazardous.
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 especially at fire scenes and during overhaul. Never use inappropriate or unsafe clothing during fire incidents.
Develop and maintain respiratory protection program.
Ensure fall protection is provided for maintenance or a training evolution where a fall condition over 10 feet exists. Where the use of lifelines or other similar activities are involved, a secondary means of fall protection is recommended.
Ensure
your respirator program is kept up to date, physicals are conducted, and periodic maintenance and training requirements are met.This also applies to Chief Officers who may be required to use an SCBA as part of their assigned duties.There also
needs to be an annual evaluation of your department’s respiratory program conducted.
Ensure initial and annual asbestos training is conducted. Ensure asbestos inspections are performed in fire stations ensuring identification and location of any asbestos containing materials. Repair immediately any damages asbestos containing materials.
Maintain procedures for the use, care and maintenance of all firefighting gear including gross decontamination of bunker gear at fire scenes.
Post the OSHA 300 accident summary for the previous calendar year on an official bulletin board. Maintain an OSHA 300 log.
Provide infectious disease training to employees and firefighters.
Provide Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention Training to all personnel designated to operate emergency vehicles.
Ensure incident commanders control overall safety at incident scenes.
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