04 safety fdny

Probationary Firefighters Manual Chapter 4 SAFETY

OBJECTIVE: • To emphasize the importance of the SAFETY of the members achieved through the proper use of personal protective gear, the dangers of unsafe acts, the proper hydrating of the firefighter wearing bunker gear and operating near waterfronts with bunker gear

CONTENTS: • Protective Gear • Unsafe Acts • Hydration and Rehydration • Waterfront operations With Bunker Gear

FDNY REFERENCE: • FDNY Safety Bulletin # 53 • All Unit Circular 230 • All Unit Circular 310 • FDNY Safety Bulletin # 81

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES IN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (PPC) ..................................................... 1

2. UNSAFE ACTS ............................................................................... 13

3. HYDRATION & RE-HYDRATION .................................................... 19

4. WATERFRONT OPERATIONS WHILE WEARING BUNKER GEAR 21

FDNY Probationary Firefighters Manual Chapter Four SAFETY

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (PPC)

1. STATEMENT OF POLICY

In an effort to reduce the number and severity of firefighters burn injuries, especially those to the lower extremities, the Department has outfitted all members with Personal Protective Clothing.

2. DESCRIPTION

2.1. The PPC consists of: 2.1.1. Bunker Gear (Coat & Pants)

2.1.2. Bunker Boots (Rubber, Leather or Chauffeur boots)

2.1.3. Station Uniform

2.1.4. Gloves and Helmet

2.1.5. Protective hoods

2.2. To effectively furnish the desired level of protection, all elements of the PPC must be worn. In particular, the thermal liners of the Bunker Gear must be in place at all times.

2.3. Bunker Gear should be kept clean. Dirty Bunker Gear can absorb more heat, causing the degree of protection to become questionable, and may actually cause the material to ignite.

2.4. Bunker Gear, when properly used and maintained, will afford a limited period of protection, to exit an area which has become, or is about to become, untenable. It is not a "Close Proximity Entry Suit" such as that used in Airport Crash and Fire Rescues. In a flashover situation, a Bunker equipped member must be within 5 to 10 feet of an exit in order to survive.

2.5. FDNY Bunker Pants are provided with either of two different kinds of knee protection. Level II Morning Pride Heat Channel Knee Pads are issued to members already assigned to Ladders, Rescues and Squads. Members assigned to Engine companies and Probationary Firefighters are assigned Level II Morning Pride Heat Channel Knee Pads covered with Arashield. Level I Knee Pads ( without heat channels ) are no longer acceptable as they do not offer the necessary levels of protection for members. When knee pads wear out, thet shall be replaced through the Quartermaster. Bunker Pants shall never be worn without knee pads in place.

2.6. The wearing of Bunker Pants Suspenders is an essential part of the Bunker Pants function in protection of the lower extremities. The wearing of the suspenders is not optional, but mandatory. When members are not wearing the suspenders during fire operations, the Bunker Pants have a tendency to slide down especially when wet, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the knee pads in fully protecting the knee area from burns.


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2.7. The hood is part of your personal protective equipment (PPC) and its use is mandated by the Department. It is anticipated that the use of protective hoods will have the same positive results as bunker gear, further reducing burn injuries to our members. The hood shall be worn whether dry, damp, or saturated with moisture.

2.8. If the protective hood is not available, the Officer On Duty shall instruct the member to have his/her helmet ear flaps down and coat collar up and secured by the neck strap prior to entering the fire area.

2.9. It must be understood that wearing the hood in a hostile environment somewhat reduces your ability to note changing fire conditions in the immediate area. Therefore, you must leave the area immediately upon feeling any pain or discomfort through the hood, unless the area can be immediately cooled by a hose line. Remember; always stay alert to deteriorating conditions.

3. DONNING OF BUNKER GEAR

3.1. Bunker Gear must be donned in the following order:

3.1.1. Pants and Boots ( Personal Safety System in place )

3.1.2. Members are advised to use boot jacks when doffing their PRO boots. When used properly, PRO boot jacks will extend the life of the PRO boots significantly.

3.1.3. Handie-Talkie (remote speaker clipped to outside of coat)

3.1.4. Protective Hood*- The Protective Hood must be donned in the following manner to ensure a proper seal of the SCBA facepiece.

♦ Don the hood completely over your head before putting on the Bunker Coat. ♦ Don the Bunker Coat. ♦ Push back the hood from your head onto the back of your neck to store the

hood in the ready position. ♦ Before entering a smoke filled environment, the mask facepiece is to be

donned, followed by the pulling up of the hood over the head and around the facepiece.

♦ WARNING: Failure to don the SCBA facepiece first, before the hood, will result in an improper seal of the facepiece resulting in the loss of air from the positive pressure facepiece.

*NOTE: The procedures for the proper donning, use, and care of the Protective Hood are found in the training video, "Protective Hoods", issued to each firehouse. All units shall periodically incorporate the viewing of this video into drill periods.

3.1.5 Bunker Coat

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3.2. Responding

3.2.1 Structural Fires – Due to the possibility of members operating without full PPC and also due to the negative perception by the public, all members except chauffeurs shall don their PPC prior to responding. In hot weather, if the apparatus is not equipped with a functioning air conditioning unit, coats and protective hoods may be dispensed with while responding.

3.2.2 Non-Structural Fires and Response to BARS Alarms, Non-Fire Responses, ERS NC and Class E Alarms – In hot weather, coats and protective hoods may be dispensed with while responding. Responding without PPC is permissible. This would also include CPR and CFR-D runs.

3.2.3 When responding from other than quarters, the above rules apply.

3.2.4 Members shall not drive Department apparatus while wearing rubber boots. Driving with bunker pants and the Chauffeur boots or leather boots is optional.

3.2.5 Department Chauffeurs and Tiller operators should not insert their thumbs thought the wristlet loops of the bunker coat prior to driving apparatus. The wristlet material may prevent members from getting a firm grip on the steering wheel, which could result in loss of control of the apparatus. After the apparatus is positioned, members can easily insert their thumbs through the wristlet loops at that time.

4. OPERATING AT FIRES AND EMERGENCIES

4.1. Chief and Company Officers shall ensure that all members wear the proper level of protective equipment while operating at the scene of fires and emergencies. Any member entering the fire building must have all PPC donned.

4.2. Chief Officers when operating in a command capacity outside the fire building, may dispense with wearing the complete bunker ensemble when, in the exercise of their best judgment, wearing the bunker gear is not necessary. The helmet must be worn at all times. However, Chief Officers required to enter the fire building, must have all PPC donned.

5. OPERATIONAL FACTORS AND LIMITATIONS


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5.1 Members wearing Bunker Gear must be alert to rising heat levels and heat buildup. The thermal protection provided by Bunker Gear can mask signs of high heat conditions, allowing members to over-commit or delay backing out when conditions warrant. This can greatly increase the member’s risk of incurring a serious burn injury. A bunker equipped member exposed to moderate heat conditions for a prolonged period can eventually be burned through the clothing.

5.2 When a unit has some members wearing protective hoods and other members operating without hoods, additional pre-cautions must be observed, particularly by the Officer in Charge.

5.2.1 Members operating without protective hoods may be overextended and overexposed to injury producing heat levels more than members wearing protective hoods. In this case the operating limit of heat exposure is the level that members without hoods can continue to operate safely.

5.2.2 Members wearing Bunker Gear and protective hoods retain more body heat andare more readily subjected to heat exhaustion than members operating without hoods. The operating limit is the maximum safe period of operation for Bunker and hood clad members.

6. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1. The removal of pent up heat and humidity within the Bunker Garment is a high priority. As soon as operations permit, members should start ventilating their bodies, by removing the coat and opening the front flap of the pants. This is of particular importance during the summer months. Because of the debilitating effect of operating while in Bunker Gear, Chief and Company Officers must be more keenly aware of the need for relief of units that have been engaged in firefighting.

6.1.1. Units shall be promptly relieved. Additional units should be utilized to perform overhaul and salvage functions, where necessary.

6.1.2. Lack of oxygen contributes to heat stress; therefore a greater emphasis on mask usage during extinguishment and overhaul is essential.

Rotation and relief of personnel during the firefighting periods are an essential part of good fire management when companies have been engaged in operations that are unusually demanding,

6.2. The fire environment must be continuously monitored to detect elevated heat levels. Use of the technique known as the duckwalk is recommended when members encounter heat conditions which are felt through the bunker pants or where operations involve areas where water has accumulated.


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6.2.1 Chief Officers and Company Officers must be aware that due to the weight and restrictive nature of bunker gear, operations in both engines and ladders will be performed in a less rapid fashion and will require a greater period of time to complete.

6.3 Chief Officers must monitor the units under their command and provide appropriate periods of rest and rehabilitation when indicated. Officers must be proactive and consider the following factors:

• Members age and physical condition

• Weather conditions

• Type/duration of operations

• Number of responses

• Number of hours a member has been on duty.

6.4 An attitude of mandatory early relief and rehabilitation must be adopted. 6.4.1 To allow for the early relief of fatigued units, Chief Officers should consider

special calling additional units for this purpose, and when necessary, transmitting additional alarms

6.4.2 Incident Commanders shall establish a Rehabilitation Area when conditions indicate that rest and rehabilitation at the scene may be required. Chief and Company Officers shall be guided by A.U.C. 230R-Medical Recuperation and Care Procedures.

6.4.3 Battalion Chiefs may authorize up to 2 hours of rest and rehabilitation and Deputy Chiefs up to 3 hours.

7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Advanced cleaning of bunker coat and pants is performed by a private contractor. Upon return of bunker gear, the member must inspect bunker gear for serviceability. If there are any doubts on the serviceability of the gear, an evaluation shall be made at the Quartermaster.

7.1 Routine Cleaning

7.1.1 Easily removed dirt particles should be brushed off of the coat and pants at the scene of operations. Other debris can be rinsed off with a stream of water.

7.1.2 When necessary, the bunker gear can be washed in the decontamination sink in quarters using the following procedure:

• Water shall not exceed 105 F


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• Only mild detergents shall be used. Never use chlorine or bleach.

• Only a soft bristle brush shall be used for lightly scrubbing away any dirt or stains

• The cleaned item shall be thoroughly rinsed.

7.1.3 The protective hood shall be washed in lukewarm water using liquid detergent. Do not use soap or chlorine bleach. They are harmful to the hood’s stitching.

7.1.4 Never wring water out opf the protective hood, this can stretch the material, instead squeeze the water out. When washing the protective hood, it is necessary to follow the guidelines stated in the training video.

7.2 Drying Requirements

7.2.1 Wet bunkers and protective hoods should be hung up to dry in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. The knee pads should be removed during drying.

7.3 Second Set of Bunker Gear

7.3.1 This will consist of member’s second bunker coat and bunker pants. The two sets of bunker gear shall be worn alternately by members between advanced cleanings. Members shall commence wearing the one set of bunker gear continuously from tour to tour when the other set of gear is picked up for advanced cleaning. On return from advanced cleaning, this second set of gear shall be stored and worn only when the first set of gear is drying or being repaired. After the first set of gear is dried or repaired, the member shall place the second set back in storage and wear the first set of gear. Approximately six months later, when the first set of gear is picked up for advanced cleaning, the member shall start wearing the second set of bunker gear continuously from tour to tour for the next six months, except when it is drying or being repaired. Members shall continue on the schedule, alternating use of each set of bunker gear approximately every six months, with the advanced cleaning cycle indicating when to switch wearing the sets of gear. This also allows for each garment piece to annually undergo an advanced inspection to identify unserviceable gear that requires repair or replacement.


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7.4 Gloves

7.4.1 Brush debris from your gloves. When necessary, hand or machine wash with a mild detergent/soap and water. Do not use bleach. An alternative washing method is to wear your gloves and wash them while they are on your hands. Wring the water from the gloves. Allow the gloves to dry naturally, inside and out. Provide a means to permit air to circulate within the interior of your gloves. Do not machine dry or dry gloves on a radiator. Soft brushing will help maintain suppleness of the gloves. When the gloves are wet they can cause steam burns if holding hot objects. Dry gloves will also keep members hands warm in cold weather.

8. EXAMINATION AND REPAIR (RETURN OF BURNED, DISCOLORED OR DAMAGED BUNKER GEAR)/ PROTECTIVE HOOD INSPECTION & EXAMINATION

8.1. Bunker Gear Integrity Examination

8.1.1. When bunker gear has been ripped, torn, or subject to severe heat (thermal loading) its effectiveness as personal protective equipment may be significantly compromised. Members must routinely examine their bunker gear for rips, tears and the signs of thermal loading: a charring, burning, or brown discoloration of the bunker gear fabric. Whenever a member's Bunker Gear has been ripped, torn, or displays any signs of thermal loading the garment(s) must be examined at the Department's Quartermaster to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary.

8.1.2. Bunker Gear Integrity Examinations will be conducted at the Quartermaster by representatives of the Quartermaster and Total Fire Group in conjunction with the FDNY Liaison Officer.

8.1.3. The FDNY Liaison Officer will make the final determination as to whether the garment will be condemned and replaced or repaired.

8.1.4. Loaner gear is available for members with burned, discolored and/or damaged bunker gear for use pending evaluation, repair and/or replacement. Loaner gear may be obtained from SOC. Call SOC via telephone, Special Operations Command will fax loaner gear form to company who will complete the form and fax back to SOC. Unit must then contact their division messenger to pickup loaner gear at SOC. Loaner must be returned to SOC by the division messenger.


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8.2. Protective Hood Examination

8.2.1. At the start of each tour and after each use, inspect your hood for tears, discoloration, stretching or open seams. If you find any problems notify the officer on duty.

8.2.2. Members shall be guided by the department guidelines as stated in section 2.9, 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 of this AUC 310 if you are unable to use your protective hood due to:

♦ Damage detected during a serviceability inspection.

♦ Contamination resulting from bodily fluids or hazardous materials which require cleaning.

♦ Any others reasons or conditions which result in the hood being unserviceable.

8.3. Delivery Of Bunker Gear To The Quartermaster

8.3.1. There are two separate procedures for delivering bunker gear to the Quartermaster for an integrity examination. The procedure to be used depends on whether or not the member who had been wearing the bunker gear has incurred a burn injury which requires medical leave to be granted.

A. When the affected member does not require medical leave for a burn injury the division messenger of member’s assigned division shall deliver his/her bunker gear to the Quartermaster at the Fort Totten location only. If necessary member can obtain loaner gear from SOC as per 8.1.4.

B. When the affected member does require medical leave for a burn injury the Officer on Duty must comply with section 11.3.6 of the Regulations by tagging the bunker gear, placing it OOS, and contacting the Safety Battalion for instructions. The Safety Battalion will arrange for the collection of the bunker gear for its own investigation. At the conclusion of its investigation, the Safety Battalion will determine if the garment should be examined at the Quartermaster for repair or replacement due to thermal loading. Safety will deliver the garment to the Quartermaster for this evaluation. (Note: If the assigned Safety Battalion will be retaining control of the bunker gear for an extended period, pending completion of its investigation, they shall forward a report to the Chief of Safety and a copy to the members unit indicating that loaner gear shall be issued to the affected member.)


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8.4. Repair Or Replacement Of Bunker Gear

8.4.1. If a determination is made that the bunker gear is to be repaired, the Quartermaster will arrange for the gear to be cleaned and repaired.

A. The Quartermaster will notify the officer on duty of the member’s assigned unit when the repairs have been completed. The member’s assigned division messenger shall report to SOC to return any loaner gear that has been issued and obtains a signed receipt. The division messenger then proceeds to the Quartermaster with signed receipt and picks up member’s repaired gear and signs Quartermaster’s voucher.

8.4.2. If a determination is made that the bunker gear is to be condemned and replaced, the Quartermaster will either issue new bunker gear, if the member is present, or notify the officer on duty of the member’s assigned unit to notify the division that the affected member’s new gear is ready to be picked-up by the member’s assigned division messenger.

A. The member’s assigned division messenger shall report to SOCto return any loaner gear that has been issued and obtain a signed receipt. The division messenger then proceeds to the Quartermaster with signed receipt and picks up member’s replacement bunker gear and signs Quartermaster voucher.

8.5 Contamination Bodily Fluids And Blood Borne Pathogens

8.5.1 The following procedures shall be followed for the collection, bagging, temporary replacement, transporting and cleaning of contaminated non-disposable personal protective equipment and work duty uniform.

8.5.2 When personal protective equipment or work duty uniforms are contaminated with large amounts of body fluids:

A. The Incident Commander shall have all items requiring decontamination bagged using a double sealed clear plastic bag with a biohazard label attached. Bagged items shall be placed on the apparatus in an appropriate location to preserve the integrity of the bag and transported to quarters. The bagged items shall be placed in a light traffic area (remote location) on apparatus floor pending collection by SOC. The bag shall be marked with the member's name, assigned unit, and nature of the contamination. Contaminated PPC must not be forwarded to the Quartermaster.

B. If in the opinion of the Incident Commander a member(s) must remove their personal protective equipment and/or work duty uniform at the scene of a fire or emergency, the Incident Commander shall select a suitable location where a member shall change into a coverall. The Incident Commander shall insure the members PPE and/or work duty uniforms are bagged for decontamination.


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C. Body Substance Isolation precautions shall be followed when handling bagged items.

D. Distribution of replacement equipment and collection points for bagged items shall be established by the Incident Commander.

E. The Incident Commander shall notify Special Operations Command of the need for temporary replacement equipment if member has no second set of bunker gear as per section 7.3.1

8.5.3 Bagging of Personal Protective Equipment/Work Duty Uniforms

A. Disposable gloves and eye shield/face mask shall be worn by the member bagging the contaminated items.

B. Place all contaminated non-disposable personal protective equipment or work duty uniforms in a double sealed clear plastic bag with a biohazard label attached. The bag shall be marked with the member's name, assigned unit, and nature of contamination.

8.5.4 Contaminated Articles

A. Place contaminated disposable articles that are not intended for re-use into red biohazard bags.

8.5.5 Officers and members are reminded to review and consult with the CFR Manual for any additional information or questions in regards to contamination by bodily fluids and blood borne pathogens.

8.6 Contaminated Gear - Hazardous Materials Incidents

8.6.1 A member of Special Operations Command will identify apparatus, equipment and clothing to be decontaminated. All clothing, personal items, apparatus, tools and equipment will remain at the site pending this determination.

SOC cleans equipment and gear and issues loaner bunker gear. SOC doesn’t issue replacement equipment.

On receipt of members’ original clothing, Company Commanders will contact their assigned Division to arrange return of loaner gear.

*The Officers of the units who require loaned gear due to a Hazardous Materials incident shall notify SOC Decon Unit and their assigned Division. The Division messenger for those affected units will pick-up the required loaner gear from SOC and deliver the appropriate loaner gear to the affected units. SOC will pick-up the contaminated equipment and gear. After decontamination, the assigned Division messenger will pick-up and return clean equipment and bunker gear.


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** Officers and members are reminded to be guided by the procedures outlined in Hazardous Materials 7.

9. SAFEGUARDING OF DEPARTMENT PROPERTY

9.1. In order to prevent the possibility of bringing fireground contaminants or bloodborne pathogens into the living areas of the firehouse, members are prohibited from wearing or bringing their firefighting protective ensemble or ensemble elements into any such areas. Living areas are kitchens, sitting rooms, television rooms, housewatch areas, offices, bunkrooms , gyms areas and other such areas where firefighting protective ensembles are not routinely stored or worn for protective purposes. The firefighter protective ensemble includes bunker coat and pants, helmet, gloves and the protective hood.

9.2. In order to comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard ( CFR 29, Sect. 1910.1030 ), while in quartes the firefighter protective ensemble shall only be kept at the designated storage area on the clothing rack, at the designated area on or near the apparatus for rapid donning by on-duty members or in a separate area designated for such storage. Firefighting protective ensembles shall not be stored in personal lockers.

9.3. The Department has provided gear bags for the use of members transporting their firefighting protective ensemble. Under OSHA Standards for Hazardous Materials and Bllodborne Pathogens, when members are required to transport any of the elements comprising the firefighting protective ensemble, such items must be transported in the gear bag to prevent hazardous materials and bloodborne pathogen exposure. Gear bags shall be utilized by all members to transport their firefighting protective ensemble. When transporting the firefighting protective ensemble in a private vehicle, such items shall be placed in a gear bag before being placed in the passenger compartment or the trunk of the vehicle. Furthermore, the firefighting protective ensemble shall be kept within the gear bag at all times when such items are stored in the living quarters of a home.

9.4. To prevent cross contamination due to sharing of gear bags, the following provisions are enacted:

9.4.1 Prior to placement into the gear bag, the firefighting protective ensemble shall be placed into a plastic bag supplied by the Department.

9.4.2 The plastic bag containing the firefighting protective ensemble shall then be securely closed before being placed into the gear bag.


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9.5 Once a member has completed transporting the firefighting protective ensemble, the plastic bag that served as a protective liner shall be disposed of in the regular trash unless it is heavily soiled with blood or body fluids. In this event, the plastic bag would be disposed of as per section 8.5.4 of this chapter.

9.5.1 Grossly contaminated gear bags shall not be cleaned by members. If the gear bag becomes slightly contaminated, the member shall clean the bag following guidelines in the CFR-D Manual, Chapter 3, Section 15.

9.6 All members shall comply with the following:

9.6.1 Members are responsible to use the gear bag with the plastic liner anytime they transport their firefighting protective ensemble

9.6.2 Members are responsible to return gear bags to assigned unit immediately after completing the transportation of the bunker gear.

9.6.3 Gear bags are the property of the Department and are for official use only. Gear bags shall not be used for any purpose other than transporting the firefighting protective ensemble.


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SECTION TWO UNSAFE ACTS

This bulletin lists unsafe acts which can and have caused serious injuries to our members.

The purposes of this bulletin are:

1. Point out specific instances of unsafe acts for corrective action.

2. Emphasize the importance of safety.

3. Enable members to anticipate, and eliminate, actions that may cause injuries at operations.

EXAMPLES OF UNSAFE ACTS

1. GENERAL

1.1. Poor maintenance of, or failure, to use protective clothing and equipment: - Torn or frayed clothing does not provide adequate protection and may snag and cause loss of balance and injury. Failure to utilize protective clothing and equipment provides no protection.

1.2. Wearing of jewelry: The safest procedure is to remove all jewelry at start of tour.

Finger rings: Gloves will not protect against crushing injuries and rings will compound problems.

Gloves are not worn in quarters and serious injuries have occurred to members performing necessary maintenance work on tools, apparatus and equipment. Rings can snag on protrusions and cut into flesh.

Earrings: Ears are exposed at fires and metal will act as a heat sink. This act was demonstrated in this department when members received face burns from exposed metal rivets on mask facepiece in the 1960's. Subsequently this was corrected. In addition it is possible for earrings to snag during donning of mask leading to tearing (avulsion) of the skin.

1.3. Jumping on or off moving apparatus.

1.4. Standing on hose to anchor it while apparatus is used to make stretch.

1.5. Improper placing of tools and equipment in operations area increases hazard of tripping.

1.6. Operating directly below area where hose, tools and other equipment are being used, raised or lowered.


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1.7. Operating close to edge of roof, particularly with back to edge of roof.

1.8. Member positions himself between hoseline and edge of roof. Burst line or sudden movement of line could cause member to fall over edge of roof.

1.9. Operating line on icy roof without being secured by a rope around the waist tied to a substantial object.

1.10. Failure to use hose tags or other means of identifying hose lines. Injuries caused by chauffeur starting water in line not fully positioned, or shutting down water in operating line working in a key position.

1.11. Careless discharge of extinguisher on other members.

1.12. Caps on extinguishers not checked to insure tight fit.

1.13. Using axe with badly worn or mushroomed head to strike other metal tools, resulting in flying steel chips and injuries.

1.14. When positioning pumper for drafting water, members get between pumper and edge of pier while apparatus is moving.

1.15. Struggling with a whipping hose line, instead of shutting down the supply.

1.16. Improper lifting of tools, equipment and persons. Spine not in line with direction of lift or pull.

1.17. Working in poorly lit areas unnecessarily; under utilization of portable lighting.

2. LADDER OPERATIONS

2.1. Life belt improperly donned with hook facing in wrong direction. Could lead to difficulty in hooking on and increase fall hazard.

2.2. Positioning tower ladder outriggers without utilizing additional member on opposite side from control panel.

2.3. Operating on a ladder without a lifebelt or failing to use a leg lock.

2.4. Mounting an aerial ladder turntable with hose over shoulder. Snag could cause member to fall to street.

2.5. Moving on or off aerial ladder at roof with hose over shoulder. Snag could cause member to fall to street.

2.6. Ordering water started in line before line is secured or in position, when operating from a ladder.


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2.7. Straddling a hoseline while operating from a ladder. Possible injury if hose bursts.

2.8. Ascending or descending a ladder that is not butted, or secured at the top.

2.9. Eye injuries can be caused when members are looking up while pulling down ceilings with a tool. Look down before pulling down.

3. HOISTING OR LOWERING LADDERS

3.1. Climbing raised ladder to bring rope between taped rungs without ladder being butted.

3.2. When lowering, failure to use guide line when necessary. Ladder moved into vertical position by members working too close to edge of roof.

3.3. Failure to keep all persons away from area beneath ladder being hoisted or lowered.

4. LADDER PIPE OPERATIONS

4.1. Men working on top of apparatus, in dangerous positions during placement of ladder pipe.

4.2. Members climbing on ladder while fly is being extended.

4.3. Chauffeur moves ladder before tillerman has completed securing ladder pipe to ladder and has moved to a safe position. Unexpected movement of ladder could cause tillerman to lose balance and fall to street.

4.4. Failure to observe good lifting practices when moving pipe into position on top of ladder.

5. HEAVY STREAM OPERATIONS

5.1. Multiversal or other large caliber stream device left unattended or unsecured during operations.

5.2. Movement of multiversal or large caliber stream device attempted while stream is still operating.

5.3. Hands or fingers inserted into clipper valve in attempt to stop leaking water, with lines charged, resulting in cut fingers or hands.

5.4. Members unprepared for nozzle reaction when water is started, resulting in loss of balance and loss of line. Officer and chauffeur must maintain communication.

5.5. Standing directly in front of capped outlets while high pressures are being developed during operations. Defective or loose fitting caps could blow off and strike men.


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5.6. Failure to maintain a clear area in the immediate vicinity of hose tests to avoid injury to members and passersby.

5.7. Starting water prematurely. Persons not clear of the area may be struck by the heavy caliber stream or injured by the smoke and heat pushed at them by the stream.

5.8. Excessive hose improperly stretched into operations area, increasing tripping hazard.

6. FOAM AND FOG OPERATIONS

6.1. Fog lines advanced too rapidly, before fire is completely extinguished, exposing members to re-flash hazard.

6.2. Equipment moved too close to fire before it is ready to be used. Wind change or flare-up may result in loss of equipment and injury to members.

6.3. Solid stream directed into burning liquids before foam is flowing. Splash or possible boil-over may cause burns.

6.4. Advancing fog lines without providing ventilation in advance of the line for the release of the heat and super-heated smoke. May result in burns to the men on the line.

6.5. Failure to use extra care in advancing fog lines. Some positions of fog nozzle interfere with vision.

6.6. Failure to maintain adequate flow especially with automatic tips.

7. HOSE LINE TO ROOF VIA OUTSIDE OF BUILDING

7.1. Improper hauling of hose onto roof. Rope and hose walked onto roof rather than pulled. Members may walk off roof or into roof openings when poor visibility exists from smoke or darkness.

7.2. Failure to provide illumination on roof when necessary.

7.3. Rope used to secure line on roof placed at improper level and across line of travel, causing members to walk into or trip over rope.

8. MANEUVERING PORTABLE LADDERS – BRIDGING

8.1. Improper stance by members during operations. Back not kept straight and in line so as to properly support weight, causing back injuries.

8.2. Raised ladders coming into contact with overhead wires or other obstructions, or moved into dangerous angles by failing to watch tip, allowing ladder to get out of control and fall.

8.3. Failing to keep body in line with weight thrust when raising or lowering ladder.


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8.4. Hands and feet placed in line of movement of extension fly ladder. May result in injury if control is lost or halyard should break and fly section drop.

8.5. Rope trailing from extension ladder during carrying operation exposing members to tripping hazard. Unsecured halyard may allow fly section movement if rung locks slip or fail.

8.6. Failure to give preliminary command "Ready" or "Prepare To" so as to alert members to the next command.

9. KNOTS

9.1. Knots tied improperly, or too loosely, or wrong knots used, allowing persons or objects to slip out.

10. LIFE BELT

10.1. Improper donning.

10.2. Improperly attaching life saving rope to life belt hook.

11. MASK OPERATIONS

11.1. Failing to check clearance behind member before swinging Scott Air Pak over shoulder.

11.2. Improper testing of masks due to not understanding the reasons for tests.

11.3. Lack of knowledge of emergency measures to be taken when mask does not function properly.

11.4. Operating alone, or leaving a partner alone, in a smoke filled area.

11.5. Gauges not checked for proper amount of air before use. Air may have leaked out since roll call check or cylinder not replaced after use since last check.

12. UNSAFE ACTS BY ENGINE COMPANY CHAUFFEURS

12.1. Failure to check tightness of cap on unused outlet before opening hydrant.

12.2. Starting water in line before members are prepared, causing line to whip and injure members.

12.3. Failure to take proper position for receipt of orders and observation of operations.

12.4. Using excessive pressure, making nozzle difficult to operate, or causing hose to burst.

12.5. Using improper stage position (volume vs. pressure) leading to much jockeying of controls and erratic operation of hose lines.

12.6. Connections not made up tightly resulting in separation of lengths.


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12.7. Moving suctions into and out of water by using apparatus, instead of hoisting or lowering by rope during drafting operations.

12.8. Failure to prevent cars from going over hose lines may leave members in precarious position without water momentarily.

12.9. Failure to use hose tags and subsequent possibility of shutting down wrong line, leaving members in a precarious position without water.

12.10. Failure to set relief valves to prevent excessive pressure which results in burst hose and/or too much nozzle pressure.

13. MISCELLANEOUS

13.1. Ladder company personnel trimming cornice, sidewalls, window frames, etc. from bucket of tower ladder, and dropping debris to street below prior to verifying that the area is clear of personnel.

BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER AND THE CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT


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SECTION THREE HYDRATION & RE-HYDRATION

1. GUIDELINES FOR NUTRITION AND HYDRATION

4.1 Maintaining an adequate level of hydration throughout the workday is of the utmost importance. At a moments notice, members may be called to engage in very strenuous activity in a hot environment. Maintaining hydration throughout the tour is the only way to ward off dehydration later. Pre-hydrating begins the day before a tour. Normally, water is appropriate for hydration. Members should drink water everyday, but water can quench thirst without providing needed carbohydrates and electrolytes. When activities are of moderate to high intensity, sports drinks should be considered for re-hydration and caloric and electrolyte replacement.

4.2 Members should follow accepted guidelines for hydration and nutrition. Beverages, foods and substances that should be avoided include the following:Carbonated, high- fructose-content and high-sugar drinks

• Foods with high fat and/or high protein

• Alcohol consumption prior to duty

• Excessive fluids

• All tobacco products

• Protein supplements

• Stimulants, appetite suppressants, decongestants

• Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages

• Energy drinks that contain various stimulants including caffeine


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4.3 Five gallon water jugs carried on all apparatus shall be checked and refilled with fresh water at each roll call.

4.4 Members shall consume fluids to satisfy thirst during rehabilitation and be encouraged to continue hydrating after the incident.

4.5 Nausea and loss of thirst can be an early sign of dehydration and heat stress. Therefore all members should demonstrate the ability to consume some fluids. If members cannot demonstrate the ability to take in some fluid, they should be medically avaluated.

4.6 Dehydration has several detrimental effects on the body, including:

• Impairs the body’s ability to maintain core temperature

• Decreases strength

• Increases onset of fatigue

• Loss of coordination

• Decreases blood volume, which increases cardiovascular strain


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SECTION FOUR WATERFRONT OPERATIONS WHILE WEARING

BUNKER GEAR

1. WATERFRONT OPERATIONS WHILE WEARING BUNKER GEAR

1.1 Tests were conducted to determine the amount of buoyancy a member (Fire or EMS) dressed in bunker gear would have if the member accidentally fell into the water. 1.2 Testing was done in fresh water with and without SCBA, and with rubber, leather and station boots. Each test was started with a member wearing a dry set of bunker gear. 2. OBSERVATIONS 2.1 Results of the testing have shown that members wearing Bunker Gear with or without an SCBA became totally submerged in under 1 minute. The type of boot worn, had no effect on the amount of time. 2.2 These times could be reduced even further by a member who panics or flounders in the water. 2.3 All members must use extreme caution and good judgment with any ice or water rescue. 2.4 BUNKER GEAR DOES NOT FLOAT. 3. CONCLUSION 3.1 Members operating at waterfront operations, piers, bulkheads, Marine units etc., should exercise extreme caution. Personal flotation devices, where available, should be used. Safety lines should be used, particularly if no flotation devices are available. 3.2 In the event you fall into the water, call for help and try to remain calm. Thrashing about will reduce the amount of buoyancy, thus reducing the time afloat. Slowly tread water. Do not attempt to swim. 3.3 The buoyancy occurs as a result of air being trapped in the bunker coat. When wearing an SCBA, the straps reduce the amount of air trapped. Moving about and attempting to remove the gear releases the trapped air, thus reducing the time afloat. 3.4 REMEMBER - REMAIN CALM, DON'T PANIC, CALL FOR HELP!

04 safety fdny

Documents

bunker gear contents

dirty bunker gear

fdny bunker pants

bunker gear coat pants

bunker gear fdny reference

bunker pants function

bunker boots rubber

bunker equipped member