Firefighter Technical Review Committee Highlights October 2024 Meeting

1. Here are the repeat of firefighter safety findings again issued this month. A few simple steps using the “Dirty Dozen” pamphlet (which is available on the WFCA web site) can prevent these findings and make your facilities. 

a. 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. SCBA’s should always be used where the atmosphere is suspected of being hazardous.

b. Maintain fit test records that include the type of respirator and test results for the previous 12-month period. 

c. Document the department’s exposure control plan and update the plan at least annually.

d. Ensure appropriate protective equipment for specified hazardous areas is used at fire scenes including respiratory protection for personnel entering atmospheres expected to be hazardous. 

e. Ensure employees are provided training on blood borne pathogens.   

f. Ensure your respirator program is documented, kept up to date, physicals are conducted, and periodic maintenance and training requirements are met.    

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

3. Ensure incident commanders control overall safety at incident scenes.

4. Ensure ladders are only used for their intended purpose.

5. Ensure load limits are posted for mezzanine storage areas.