Township Of Lower Merion Fire Department
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TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Operating Guidelines
1 TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION Fire Department
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
NUMBER TITLE DATE PAGE
1 Incident Command System Dec. 1990 3 Updated August 2005 15 2 Remote Air Refilling Dec. 1990 Revised Feb., 1997 Updated August 2005 18 3 High-Rise Emergency Dec. 1990 Updated August 2005 25 4 Fire Training Grounds June 1990 & 2002 Updated August 2005 28 5 Health and Safety Jan. 1991 Updated August 2005 44 6 Clandestine Drug Laboratories Feb. 1991 Updated August 2005 46 7 Response to Bomb Threats Mar. 1991 Updated August 2005 49 8 Brigade Lists/Injury Procedure Mar. 1992 Updated August 2005 51 9 Safe Operations of Vehicles & Apparatus May 1992 Updated August 2005 56 10 Fire Investigation - Part I Jan. 1993 Updated August 2005 60 10-A Fire Investigation - Part II June 1994
11 Riots & Civil Disturbances Mar. 1993 84 Updated August 2005 88 12 Gas Emergencies Mar. 1993 Updated August 2005 92 12-A Natural Gas Hazards Feb. 2004
13 Operations in Properties Equipped with Sprinklers & Standpipes Mar. 1993 94
14 Communications June 1993 98 Revised 3/24/97
15 Emergency Procedures: Electric Wires & Electric Equipment May 1994 104
2 16 Carbon Monoxide Incidents Jan. 1995 105
17. Emergency Fuel Refilling Mar. 1995 108
18 PCB - Polychlorinated Biphenyls Oct. 1995 110
19 Operations During Severe Weather Dec. 1995 114
20 Vehicle Rescue Operations April, 1996 116
21 Confined Space Emergencies, Operations Rescue and/or Feb. 1997 119 Casualty Recovery
21-A Confined Space Rescue Operations Awareness Level Course Feb. 1997 127
22 Minimum Officer Qualifications Dec. 1997 135
23 Fast Team Response April. 2001 139
24 Firefighter Recognition March 2001 141
25 Safety Officer April 2001 145
26 Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan October 2001 146
27 Advantage 1000 Respirator Procedures October 2001 157
28 Refueling at the Koegel Complex July, 2003 158
29 Use of Vacant Structures for Fire Department Training May, 2005 159
30 Water Rescue Incidents November 2005 160
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #1
3 DECEMBER, 1990 (Updated August 2005)
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
I. PURPOSE
To provide guidelines for the management of an emergency incident in an efficient and organized manner. This procedure explains the various functions of the Incident Command System (I.C.S.).
II. RESPONSIBILITY
It will be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his rank in the implementation of this Procedure.
III. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of an Incident Command System is to manage a complex incident in an efficient and organized manner. It is next to impossible to accomplish this without an organized system of delegation; particularly if the incident is of such a nature that it requires a variety of Fire Department resources and a multi-agency response. If the span of control of the Incident Commander is not limited, he will soon be overwhelmed.
Furthermore, an Incident Command System is required by the National Fire Protection Association's Standard #l500, Standard for Firefighter Occupational Health and Safety. NFPA standards are nationally recognized for providing a professional level of fire service. It is also mandated by the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act, Title III Laws (S.A.R.A.)
IV. DEFINITIONS
A. Incident Command System
An Incident Command System is a management tool to provide continuity of command from the arrival of the first company through the termination of the incident. The intent is to standardize the command structure so officers will know what to expect from other officers. The System will enable the person in charge (Incident Commander) to effectively control his resources and reduce the negative impact of any emergency.
4 B. INCIDENT COMMANDER
The person in charge of the emergency incident is responsible for the overall management of all incident activities including the development and implementation of strategy. As the incident becomes more complex and/or progresses to additional alarm status, the Incident Commander should begin to delegate some of the responsibilities of the incident to other personnel.
In all cases, the primary responsibility of the Incident Commander is the safety of all persons involved in the incident, whether they are members, non- members, representatives of other agencies, news media, observers, etc. The Incident Commander should be aware of existing conditions and the potential for rapidly deteriorating conditions regarding both interior and exterior operations that are present at the scene of an emergency. The Incident Commander's primary consideration is the accountability of all members which will be attained through appropriate control and the monitoring of personnel while operating on the Fireground. Appropriate control and monitoring regarding interior and exterior firefighting operations is absolutely critical.
C. Public Information Officer (PIO)
A spokesperson responsible for the gathering and release of information about the emergency incident to the news media and other appropriate agencies and organizations, as dictated by the Incident Commander.
D. Safety Officer
An officer designated by the Incident Commander to monitor and assess hazardous and unsafe situations and to develop measures for assuring personnel safety. The Safety Officer will also assist the Incident Commander in the monitoring and accounting of members during all interior firefighting operations.
E. Planning Section
An officer responsible for the collection, evaluation, and use of information regarding the development of the incident. The Planning Section gathers information to understand the current situation and to develop alternative strategies for control of the incident. These plans are developed in conjunction with the Incident Commander.
5 F. Operations Section
An officer responsible for the development of tactics necessary to implement the Incident Commander's strategic plan. The Operations Chief supervises the tactical operations of the suppression and EMS forces.
G. Logistics Section
An officer responsible for providing and coordinating all support for an emergency incident from Department resources and Department related agencies. This support will include water supply activities, staging, communications, and rest/rehabilitation.
G-I. Staging
A clear area (street, parking lot, etc.) in proximity to, but not a part of, the emergency incident where apparatus, manpower and equipment that is not as yet committed may be assembled to await instructions from the Incident Commander.
G-2. Rest and Rehabilitation
A area in close proximity to the emergency incident where firefighters and other emergency personnel can be sent to rest, obtain liquids, warm up/cool down, and have their medical status checked by EMS personnel. The R & R area should be designated by the Logistics Officer in coordination with EMS.
H. Liaison Section
An officer to act as the control point for all outside agencies. Representatives from outside agencies report their arrival to the Command Vehicle.
V. Guidelines
A. Incident Command System (see figure #1). The System is divided into six key sections that may be further subdivided. These six sections are:
l. Incident Commander 2. Public Information Officer 3. Safety 4. Operations 5. Planning 6. Logistics
On any incident, the Incident Commander activates the elements of the System that HE DETERMINES ARE NEEDED. For example, if an incident calls for a 6 P.I.O.(Public Information Officer) section to handle requests from the media but all the other elements of the incident are being managed by the Incident Commander, he activates only the P.I.O. section by designating a P.I.O Officer. They retain the functions and areas that he does not delegate. On most routine dwelling fires, the Incident Commander will handle all aspects of the System, which shall include the monitoring of movement of personnel and accounting for all members during interior firefighting operations. As the incident becomes more complex or progresses to extra alarm status, the Incident Commander will begin to delegate some of the responsibilities of the Incident (Logistics, P.I.O., Safety, Planning, etc.) to other officers. This is the key of the System, its flexibility - USE WHAT YOU NEED from the System, all of it or just a part, to help you manage any incident.
B. Incident Commander
l. The Incident Commander is responsible for the overall management of all incident activities including the development and implementation of strategy. They also approve requests for and release of resources. They are responsible for the overall safety of all members and all activities occurring at the scene.
2. As the Incident Commander changes, the individual presently in command should give the new commander a complete and up to date briefing on where the incident stands, and account for all members on the fireground. He will also announce over the radio that he is assuming command.
3. The Duties of the Incident Commander will include:
Maintaining awareness of the personnel working inside with SCBA by assigning at least one member with the Safety Officer function of remaining outside the area where respiratory protection is required. This member(s) shall be responsible for maintaining a constant awareness of the number and identity of personnel using SCBA, their location and function, and time of entry. Members with SCBA shall be available for rescue.
Provide for general welfare and safety of all personnel at the incident.
Obtain briefing from prior commander of actions taken thus far.
Assess the present situation.
Develop a strategy (action plan)
7 Activate elements of the Incident Command System as needed and assign personnel to positions.
Brief section Chiefs of action plan.
Manage incident operations.
Approve requests for additional resources (call extra alarms, etc.)
Release units back to service as appropriate.
Authorize release of information to news media.
Terminate the Incident.
C. Public Information Officer (P.I.O.)
l. The P.I.O. is responsible for the gathering and release of information about the incident. Such information may only be released to the media and other appropriate agencies at the discretion of the incident commander.
2. The duties of the P.I.O. include:
Coordinate public information activities in close cooperation with the I.C.
Prepare an initial information summary as soon after arrival as possible.
Update information as needed during the incident.
On large incidents or long duration events, establish a single information center and schedule periodic briefing to ensure a consistent flow of information.
Respond to special requests for information.
In conjunction with the senior Police Commander, establish an on- scene media perimeter.
Establish and maintain liaison with persons representing the media, public officials, and representatives of interested citizens groups while operating on the fireground.
8 D. Safety
1. The Safety Officer, designated by the Incident Commander, is responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe situations and developing measures for assuring personnel safety. The Safety Officer will correct unsafe acts or conditions through the regular chain of command, although the Safety Officer may exercise emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts when immediate action is required. The Safety Officer reports directly to the Incident Commander.
2. The duties of the Safety Officer will include:
Assist the Incident Commander in providing for the general welfare and safety of all personnel at the incident.
Assist in monitoring the movement of personnel and account for all members during interior firefighting operations.
Identify hazardous situations associated with the incident.
Identify potentially unsafe situations and inform the Incident Commander.
Exercise emergency authority to stop and prevent unsafe acts.
Ensure that apparatus placement and positioning is monitored or safety.
E. Operations
l. The Operations Chief is responsible for the development of tactics necessary to implement the Incident Commander's strategic plan. He assists in the formulation of the incident strategy plan and directs its execution (the tactics) by supervising operations. They are responsible for suppression and EMS operations
2. In many instances under the I.C.S. the Incident Commander may retain control of the operations section and be responsible for the development of the strategy and tactics needed to control the incident. In a major incident, the Incident Commander should designate an Operation Officer to concentrate on the tactical efforts to control the incident.
3. The Operations Chief also makes request to the Incident Commander for additional resources. The Operations Chief makes expedient changes to tactics, as necessary, and periodically reports the status of operations to the Incident Commander. 9 4. The duties of the Operations Chief will include:
Assisting the Incident Commander/Safety Officer in monitoring the movement of personnel and account for all members during interior firefighting operations.
Obtain briefing from the Incident Commander.
Develop the tactical operations for the incident.
Supervise operations.
Determine the need for, and request additional resources through the Incident Commander.
Receive progress reports from sectors and keep the Incident Commander informed of situation status.
Develop sectors to maintain a reasonable span of control.
Notify dispatch of evacuations and shelter locations.
Evaluate progress of operations and implement changes in operations as necessary.
Make recommendations to the Incident Commander for the release of resources.
Ensure an orderly de-escalation of the operation.
5. The Operations Section is divided into two areas of control.
A. Suppression B. Emergency Medical Services
A. Suppression
The Operations Officer supervises the tactical efforts of the incident. To assist him, sector commanders are assigned to supervise operations in strategic areas. This may be as simple as assigning Chiefs or Company Officers to the front, rear, left and right sides of an incident. Or, it may involve assigning Chiefs or Company Officers to more complex roles; stairwell attack in a high rise fire, roof operations, or supervising basement operations. The decision on assignment of sector commanders rests with the Operations Officer.
10 The duties of the Sector Commanders will include:
Assisting the Incident Commander/Safety Officer in monitoring the movement of personnel and accounting for all members within their assigned sector during interior firefighting operations.
Supervise Tactical Operations in his assigned sector.
Determine the need for, and request additional resources through the Operations Officer.
Provide the Operations Officer with periodic progress reports from your sector.
Make recommendations to the Operations Officer for the release of resources from your sector.
B. Emergency Medical Services (Volunteer Medical Service Corp of Lower Merion and Narberth)
The Operations Officers supervises the medical aspects of an emergency incident by designating an EMS sector under operations. The EMS section, commanded by an EMS Officer, supplies medical care and assistance to both civilian casualties and firefighters and is to report to the Command Center.
1. Three major areas of concern are involved:
a. treatment and triage
b. casualty collection
c. transport
2. The Duties of the EMS Section may include:
Determine the level of EMS activities performed prior to arrival.
Monitor and respond to requests for medical transport.
Keep the operations officer apprised of EMS activity and the status of EMS units.
Coordinate with the Logistics Officer to address the medical needs of firefighters at the R & R site.
F. Planning 11 The Planning Section Officer is responsible for the collection, evaluation, and use of information regarding the development of the incident. They are responsible for the status of resources. Information should be gathered to understand the current situation and to develop alternative strategies for control of the incident. These alternative strategies and plans are developed by the Planning Section in conjunction with the I.C. The Planning Section Officer reports directly to the Incident Commander.
2. The duties of the Planning Section include:
Compile incident status information to assist the I.C. in analyzing the current situation.
Develop alternative strategies and plans for the incident.
Handle the detail work of implementing the I.C.S. if delegated by the Incident Commander.
Keep track of resources and identify need for additional or specialized resources.
Compile weather date as necessary.
Ascertain the availability of resources from off-site locations.
Prepare recommendations for release of resources.
G. Logistics
l. The Logistics Section will be responsible for providing and coordinating all support for the incident from Departmental resources and from Department-related agencies.
2. Logistical support may be divided into two classifications.
12 a. Incident Support
Those services needed to support the actual control of the incident. They may include:
l. Water Supply
2. Staging
3. Communications
4. Air Supply (SCBA)
b. Service Support
Those services required to support all on-site units. These may include:
l. Public Works
a) Fuel b) Mechanics c) Salt
2. Rest and Rehabilitation
a) Canteen Service
3. The duties of the Logistics Officer may include:
Initiate water supply activities.
Establish a staging area for apparatus, manpower and equipment and monitor resource allocation and utilization.
Keep the Incident Commander aware of resource levels in staging.
If needed, assign a Staging Officer to monitor available resources in the staging area.
Coordinate re-supply of S.C.B.A. air.
Direct resources to areas of operations as needed.
Coordinate Service Support activities. 13 Apparatus refueling and repairs.
Rest and Rehabilitation areas.
Coordinate release of resources.
Request additional resources to assist him in the performance of his duties.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Communication at an emergency incident is critical. Because the person in charge of a function can change, communications will be directed from function to function instead of to a specific person.
1. In the old system, communications would flow like this:
"21-5 to 22-5"
2. In the Incident Command System, the Commander will use 25 Command and the Operations Chief will use 25 Operations. However, the other terminology relevant to the I.C.S. will be used; i.e., P.I.O., Safety, Logistics, Planning, etc. It is much easier to direct communications to "Operations" or "Planning" than to try and keep track of who is in charge of a specific function at any particular time.
For example,
"Operations to Safety"
"Command to Safety"
"Command to Operations"
These terms will be strictly fireground terminology and will NOT be used in communication between the Fireground and the Communications Center(dispatch).
In the ICS System only Command will talk to dispatch. Everyone on the Fire Ground will direct their messages through Command.
3. There may still be a need for unit to unit communications. However, if the message is directed to a functional area, "Staging", "Logistics", "Operations", etc. use the functional designation instead of the unit description.
14 VII. ORGANIZATION CHART
A. The attached organizational chart shows the I.C.S. during a "full blown" major incident. In this case, all parts of the system would be operational and personnel would be assigned to listed functions.
B. At many incidents the Incident Commander will implement only the sections of the I.C.S. that he feels are necessary to help him successfully manage the incident. The key to the successful use of the I.C.S. is flexibility -- use what you need.
VIII. CHECK LISTS
A. In order to efficiently manage an emergency incident, check lists have been developed for three scenarios:
l. Structural fires 2. High-rise fires 3. Haz Mat incidents
B. These check lists serve as a means of recording the person in charge of a particular area, whether outside agencies were notified and/or responded, and as a reminder of areas of concern that need to be addressed at the incident.
USE OF COMMAND BOARD IN 592 VEHICLE
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #2 FEBRUARY, 1997 (Updated August 2005)
15 REMOTE AIR REFILLING PROCEDURE
I. DEFINITION:
A remote air refilling operation shall be defined as an operation where air bottles are refilled remotely using air hose from the department's Air Unit Apparatus (Air 24). (USUALLY AT A HIGH RISE FIRE)
II. RESPONSE:
When assigned to respond to an incident for the purpose of remote air refilling, the company will respond with the Air Unit (Air 24) and one Engine (24-23) for manpower to perform the duties described in this S.O.P. The minimum number of personnel shall be three men and one officer.
III. PROCEDURE:
A. Upon arrival, unless otherwise ordered, the company will place both it's apparatus in the Staging Area. The Officer will report to the Incident Command Post, consult with the Incident Commander, and obtain the designated location of the remote air refilling site.
NOTE: IN CHOOSING A SITE THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES MUST BE USED:
l. At a High Rise Fire the site will be located in the INTERIOR SUPPORT AREA. This is usually one floor below the Operations Post, two floors below the fire.
2. A safe path, between the Air Unit (Air 24) and the remote air refilling site, must be maintained for the air hose. The hose shall not be exposed to vehicular traffic, broken glass, or any other situations which could puncture or cut the hose.
B. When locating the Air Unit Apparatus (Air 24) you must consider the following:
1. The Apparatus will be placed in a clear area away from any smoke or fumes.
2. Place the Apparatus as close to the fire building as safely possible and in the most direct line to the remote air refilling site.
C. A team of at least two firefighters, one of whom is qualified to remotely fill air bottles wearing full protective clothing with air packs, shall be sent to the support area to set up the remote refilling station. The following equipment is needed to properly set up a Remote Air Refilling Station:
16 l. The high-rise refilling kit from 24-81 containing; (a) The air hose pig-tail (b) A wrench (c) 100 Foot length of rope w/bag (d) A regulator with gauge (e) Halligan tool (f) Hand light (g) Short length of rope.(tie off air hose) (h) MSA quick-fill connection hose
2. Portable Radio TUNED TO CHANNEL #4, Ch 33.76, Cross-Over Radio
D. At the support area, the air team shall report to Support Command and receive specific instructions where to set up the air refilling station.
The following general guidelines will be used:
l. Locate an exterior opening in close proximity to Air Unit Apparatus and hoist up the air hose to the support area. (BE SURE TO SECURE THE HOSE USING THE SHORT TIE LINE TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING BACK).
2. Connect the hose to the pig-tail & regulator.
3. If the hose is to be advanced through the interior of the building, additional manpower will be needed to move the hose past corners and obstructions. (Be sure to avoid high traffic areas where the hose can be damaged or tampered with).
4. The operator of Air 241 will maintain the appropriate P.S.I. in the air reel(s) at all times.
A. Low Pressure air packs (2400 psi) B. High Pressure air packs (4500 psi)
5. If on the fire scene where low pressure and high pressure air packs are being used, or any other packs other than the MSA “quick fill” packs, there will be TWO air lines in service at the remote refilling station.
6. Connect the lead to the SCBA bottle (or quick-fill connection) and begin to flow. THE AIR TEAM CONTROLS THE FLOW AT THE LEAD. This is different from the rear step operation in which the truck operator controls the flow
7. Using the pressure gauge, continue flow until the bottle is full. CAUTION: DO NOT OVER-HEAT THE BOTTLE BY FILLING IT TOO RAPIDLY. 17 8. When the bottle is full, shut down the air flow at the lead. Continue the shut down in the normal fashion and then begin the process again.
9. Maintain communications with the ground operation at all times using the portable radio on the fire ground frequency, (Ch 4 - 33.76, Cross-Over Radio).
10. As in normal operations, the operator of Air 24is to monitor the operation for warning signs such as smoke, warning lights and fuel.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG # 3 DECEMBER, 1990 (Updated August 2005)
HIGH-RISE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
18 I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines and policy for Fire Department operations at high-rise fires and/or emergencies.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his rank in the implementation of this Operational Procedure.
III. DEFINITIONS:
A. HIGH-RISE BUILDING:
A high-rise building is one in which total emergency evacuation is not practical and in which fire must be fought internally because of the building height. The usual characteristics of such a building are:
l. Portions are beyond the reach of Fire Department aerial equipment.
2. Poses a potential for a significant stack effect.
3. Requires unreasonable evacuation time.
B. COMMAND POST:
An Incident Command Post will be established at the scene of all high- rise building emergencies. Conditions permitting, the ideal location is on the ground floor of the building in the lobby at or near the main desk. Typical information available in the lobby should include floor plans, type of occupancy, names and phone numbers of key personnel, persons presently in the building, unusual conditions and/or circumstances, information on ventilating system, utilities, elevators, etc. This information will be supplied by the building owners. The overall fireground operation will be coordinated from this position.
C. OPERATIONS COMMAND POST:
The Operations Command Post will serve as the central location from which the coordination and tactical decisions will emanate for combating the emergency condition. The Operations Command Post will be set up on the floor below the fire or where conditions dictate. When the Operations Commander makes periodic size-up excursions, he will maintain communications with the operating forces in his area as well as the Incident Commander. 19 D. SUPPORT AREA:
The support area will be located in close proximity to the Operations Command Post. This is usually one floor below the Operations Command Post, two floors below the fire.
First aid station (EMS), air refilling station, and other equipment (spare air bottles, apartment packs, forcible entry tools, etc.), stand- by manpower and logistical support will be marshaled here.
E. STAGING AREA:
A location outside, where all but the First-In Company, their apparatus, equipment and personnel will assemble and wait for specific orders while their Commanding Officer reports to the Incident Command Post.
IV. PROCEDURES:
A. GENERAL:
1.Preplanning
High-rise operations will be preplanned by the local company. Building Information Forms will be updated on an periodic basis and training exercises will be conducted to familiarize the members with conditions and to discuss specific fire fighting operations and/or situations that may be encountered. Preplanning tours will be coordinated through the Fire Department Office.
Companies will prepare site-specific preplans for the high-rise buildings in their district.
20 2. Communications
Fire Ground Communications will be conducted on the Fire Company’s TAC Channel. Communications will be maintained at all times between operating units and the Operations Command Post (1-floor below fire). All pertinent information will be routed through the Incident Commander to the Communications Center
NOTE : COMPANIES WILL NOT COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE COUNTY EOC OR THE THE POLICE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER.
Communication options to keep in mind are vehicle radios, portable radios, Bell Telephone, elevator phones, intercoms and public address systems. Cooperation and communication with building management and maintenance personnel is vital in high-rise situations.
B . STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES:
l. The first arriving unit will size up the situation and give a complete report to the Communication Center for rebroadcast to all fire personnel. Members are to bear in mind that high-rise buildings are tightly constructed and if there is visible evidence of fire or smoke, this could indicate a serious fire. Anticipate the time required for responding units to get into service and do not hesitate to call for additional help. The Building Information Forms for the involved building will be made available at the Incident Command Post.
2. First arriving units, will supply standpipe and/or sprinkler connections and then proceed to locate the fire.
NOTE: PREPLANNING WILL DETERMINE WHETHER THE STANDPIPE OR SPRINKLER WILL BE SUPPLIED FIRST. FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS WILL DICTATE SUPPLYING THE SPRINKLER
3. The first arriving unit will be responsible for designating the location of the Incident Command Post (usually in the lobby), the assignment of the Operations Commander, the Support Commander and the Staging Officer and his location.
4. The second arriving Chief/Commanding Officer will report to the Incident Commander for assignment.
21 5. Other units as well as subsequent alarm companies will, in the absence of specific orders via fire radio, proceed to the Staging Area.
NOTE: Companies will keep the fire radio clear for Emergency Traffic at all times. Upon their arrival on the firegrounds they will standby on the apparatus and the Chief/Commanding Officer will report to the Incident Command Post for a specific assignment.
V. GUIDELINES:
A. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
1. Members should not go above the ground floor in a high-rise fire without the proper tools and equipment. In addition to required hose line, forcible entry situations may be met as well as heavy smoke and poor visibility conditions.
2. Each Fire Company's high-rise (Apt. Pak), tool compliment, will consist of the following equipment:
a. Three (3) rolled lengths (l50') of l 1/2" or l 3/4" hose line with nozzle and shut off.
b. One gated-wye with adapters for standpipe connection. (2 1/2" female x l 1/2" male).
c. One spanner wrench.
d. Roof rope.
e. Spare Air Bottles (one for each member).
f. Forcible entry tools - ax, halligan, short ceiling hook, etc.
g. Portable Radio (tuned to the designated TAC Channel).
h. Hand lights, sprinkler wedges, etc.
B. STAIRWAYS:
l. Every effort should be made to maintain the integrity of stairways and towers, as these are main evacuation routes. Doors leading into these exit ways should not be propped open, as the introduction of smoke and heat into these avenues of life safety might preclude their use.
In the event a stairway or tower is to be used, by firefighting forces, consideration must be given to prior evacuation of the upper floors, where required, or the availability of another means of egress, remote 22 from the area of involvement. If possible one tower should be designated for Fire department use only.
2. Towers are good locations in initiate fire attack as standpipes are usually located there and an escape route is readily available.
C. ELEVATORS:
l. The location and status of all elevators must be determined early in the operation, because of the possibility of people being trapped in stalled elevators. Every effort should be made to return all elevators to the ground floor so they can be controlled by Fire Department personnel.
2. The manual over-ride key will be obtained at the lobby console or from the building engineer. Freight elevators are best suited for Fire Department operations, in that, they usually serve all floors and have greater carrying capability. Where possible, elevator banks remote from the fire should be utilized.
NOTE: A FIREFIGHTER MUST BE ASSIGNED TO EACH ELEVATOR CAR AS AN OPERATOR FOR THE ENTIRE OPERATION. HE MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A PORTABLE RADIO (TUNED TO DESIGNTED TAC CHANNEL), WEAR FULL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WITH AIR MASK AND HAND LIGHT. COMPLETE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTROL MUST BE MAINTAINED OF EACH OPERATING ELEVATOR CAR.
3. If there is any doubt about the safe use of elevators, members will utilize stairways and towers.
D. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
l. Ventilation
a. Building personnel may be able to indicate what internal mechanical ventilation can be affected. Frequently, ventilating systems can be reversed to exhaust smoke. If details of the system cannot be determined, air conditioning and ventilating systems should be shut down to curtail the spread of smoke and heated gases throughout the building.
b. Smoke ejectors properly utilized can be of great value in channeling smoke. Window air conditioners may be of value in the exhaust position.
23 c. Breaking glass on the upper floors of a high-rise building is an extremely risky practice. Even if police lines are maintained, glass falling from extreme heights could carry over long distances causing serious injury to both civilian and Fire Department personnel. Glass should be broken only as a last resort.
VI. EVACUATION:
A. RESPONSIBILITY:
The building owner or manager will have the responsibility of preparing a Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan for the high-rise building occupants and/or tenants. This plan will include a floor diagram, to be approved by the Fire Department Office, and be distributed to all tenants and employees.
B. PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW:
l. In buildings with two or more fire towers, all building occupants will enter the fire tower and line the stairway at the sounding of the building fire alarm, prepared to evacuate. When the location of the fire is confirmed, Fire Department personnel will institute the removal and relocation of building occupants in these fire towers. Occupants will be assigned to refuge areas below the fire floor.
a. When the occupant load is such that the fire towers will not accommodate all of the occupants, the initial evacuation into the fire towers will be the fire floor and two floors above the fire floor, before the arrival of the Fire Department.
2. In buildings with one interior enclosed fire tower or buildings that have only open stairways, total evacuation will be started by the Building Personnel prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. The Chief/Commanding Officer (INCIDENT COMMANDER) of the first arriving unit, will determine the need for continued and/or total evacuation.
24 3. The Chief/Commanding Officer (INCIDENT COMMANDER) of the first arriving unit should obtain the list of all disabled persons at the lobby console or from the building management. It will be necessary for Fire Department members to assist the disabled persons from the fire tower to the ground floor, if partial or total evacuation is necessary. This can be accomplished by using elevators remote from the fire area. This procedure will include all high-rise hotels.
NOTE: IF EVACUATION IS DEEMED NECESSARY, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CALL ADDITIONAL COMPANIES FOR MANPOWER.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #4 25 JUNE, 1990 (REVISED Feb 20, 2002) (Updated August 2005)
FIRE TRAINING GROUNDS- MULTIPLE COMPANY ACCESS
I. PURPOSE
To establish the rules and regulations for the safe and efficient use of the training grounds, training tower and burn room.
II. RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the Officer In Charge of the company to assign a person to assist the Training Officer at all training evolutions. He shall be designated as Assistant Safety Officer and work with the Training/Safety Officer.
It is the responsibility of the person in command of the company at the drill to insure that the building and grounds are left in a safe and clean condition upon the completion of all drills or evolutions.
If you arrive at the facility and find any problem, report it immediately to the Training Officer or in his absence, the on-call Deputy Fire Marshal.
In the event of a fire call and the Officer in charge decides to respond during a live burning evolution, the hydrant line to the burn room shall remain in place and two company members shall remain to assist the Training Officer in fire control and clean up.
Use of the drill tower is to be scheduled with the Training Officer. Any open dates may be utilized by the first company to schedule. Saturday or Sunday use must be approved by Chief Fire Officer.
Before any firefighter is permitted to participate in a live burn drill he or she shall have successfully completed and passed “The Essentials of Firefighting, Exterior Evolutions” at Montgomery County Fire Academy or have completed the approved “Lower Merion Township Fire Department Training Check-Off List”. A copy of this Check-Off List, signed by the Company Chief, must be on file in the Fire Department Office. The enforcement of this requirement is the responsibility of the Fire Company.
III. TRAINING OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Training/Safety Officer has the authority to intervene and control any aspect of the operations, when in his judgement a potential or real danger or unsafe condition exists.
26 It is the responsibility of the Training/Safety Officer to prepare and maintain the following records:
l. Members Attending 2. Accounting of the activities conducted and length of drill 3. Any unusual conditions 4. Any injuries 5. Condition of the area & buildings at the beginning and end of the drill
The Training/Safety Officer will be responsible for supervising the ignition of the training fire. Full protective clothing will be worn by the person designated for this assignment.
It shall be the responsibility of the Safety Officer to insure that all doors, windows, shutters, roof scuttles, mechanical equipment, sprinklers and standpipes have been checked and operated, where appropriate, before any live fire training evolution.
Before any burning evolution, a briefing of the drill shall be conducted and all members shall have knowledge of the rooms, doors and windows and the planned evolution.
IV. GENERAL RULES
The Officer-In-Charge and the Safety Officer shall be aware of wind and weather conditions. Concern for our neighbors should always be part of our training.
All radio operations at the drill tower will be on company TAC Channel, the walkie- talkie frequency.
All live fires will be in the burn rooms only. There is positively no burning permitted in the other parts of the drill tower.
Wooden pallets, hay or straw are the only Class “A” fuel to be burned in the first floor burn room.
Third floor burn area fire will be straw only in a 55-gallon drum.
Trainees will be in full protective gear and SCBA to begin the training evolution before the fire is ignited. No one is permitted in the burn room without protective gear.
Before ignition and during live burn evolutions, a 1 3/4" water line will be charged and stretched to the outside entrance to the burn room for use in an emergency.
One person shall be assigned to standby at the nozzel at all times during a live burning drill. If the temperature in the burn room reaches 600F, the fire will be extinguished.
Evacuation Signal, the continuous sounding of an apparatus air horn, will be the signal for ALL participants to evacuate the building. 27 Only fire company members shall participate in drills.
All spectators and visitors shall remain on the bleachers.
A Deputy Fire Marshal must be present during any live burn at the training grounds.
Before any outside companies or firefighters participate the visiting CFO must send the Lower Merion CFO a letter acknowledging workers compensation coverage.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG # 5 28 JANUARY 1991 (Updated August 2005)
HEALTH & SAFETY STANDARD
I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this standard is to specify the minimum requirements for an occupational safety and health program for the fire department, and safety procedures for those individuals involved in fire suppression, rescue, and related activities.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each member and each fire company to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his/her rank or position in the implementation of this procedure.
III. DEFINITIONS:
Aerial Device. Any device that is extendible, articulating, or both, designed to position personnel and handle materials.
Contaminant. A harmful, irritating, or nuisance material foreign to the normal atmosphere.
Debilitating Illness or Injury: A condition that temporarily or permanently prevents a member of the fire department from engaging in normal duties and activities as a result of illness or injury.
Emergency Operations. Activities of the fire department relating to emergency incidents, including response to the scene of the incident and all functions performed at the scene.
Fire Apparatus. A fire department emergency vehicle used for fire suppression, rescue, or other specialized functions.
Fire Company. A group of people organized to engage in fire suppression and related activities in Lower Merion Township.
Fire Chief. The highest ranking officer in charge of a fire company.
Fire Department. The seven organizations providing rescue, fire suppression, and related activities in Lower Merion Township and the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Office.
Fire Department Facility-Fire Training Grounds Any building or area owned, operated, occupied, or used by a fire department on a routine basis. This does not include locations
29 where a fire department may be summoned to perform emergency operations or other duties, unless such premises are normally under the control of the fire department.
Fire Suppression. The activities involved in controlling and extinguishing fires. Fire suppression shall include all activities performed at the scene of a fire incident or training exercise that expose fire department members to the dangers of heat, flame, smoke, or other products of combustion, explosion, or structural collapse.
Fire Department Vehicle. Any vehicle operated by the fire department, including fire apparatus.
Fully Enclosed Area. A cab or passenger compartment of fire apparatus providing total enclosure with positive latching doors provided for entry and exit.
Hazardous Area. The immediate area where members might be exposed to a special hazard.
Hazardous Atmosphere. Any atmosphere that is oxygen deficient or that contains a toxic or disease producing contaminant. A hazardous atmosphere may or may not be immediately dangerous to life and health.
Hazardous Material. A substance that presents an unusual danger to persons due to properties of toxicity, chemical reactivity or decomposition, corrosively, explosion or detonation, etiologic hazards, or similar properties.
Health Data Base. A compilation of records and data relating to the health experience of a group of individuals, maintained in a manner such that it is retrievable for study and analysis over a period of time.
Health Promotion. Preventive health activities that identify real and potential health risks in the workplace, and that inform, motivate, and otherwise help people to adopt and maintain healthy practices and lifestyles.
Imminent Hazard. An act or condition that is judged to present a danger to persons or property that is so urgent and severe that it requires immediate corrective or preventive action.
Incident Command System. An organized system of roles, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures used to manage and direct emergency operations.
May. This term is used to state a permissive use or an alternative method to a specific requirement.
Member. A person involved in performing the duties and responsibilities of a fire department, under the auspices of the organization. For the purposes of this standard, a fire department member may be a full-time employee, a volunteer, and may occupy any position or rank within the fire department, and may or may not engage in emergency operations. 30 Member Assistance Program (MAP). A generic term used to describe the various methods used in the workplace for the control of alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, and personal problems that adversely affect job performance.
Occupational Illness. An illness or disease contracted through or aggravated by the performance of the duties, responsibilities, and functions of a fire department member.
Occupational Injury. An injury sustained during the performance of the duties, responsibilities, and functions of a fire department member.
Officer in Command. A member of the fire department assigned to direct emergency operations or manage the activities of a group of members.
Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere. An atmosphere in which the concentration of oxygen is less than that required to sustain unimpaired physical and mental activities.
Related Activities. For the purposes of this standard, related activities include any and all functions that fire department members may be called upon to perform in the performance of their duties.
Rescue Incident. An emergency incident that primarily involves the rescue of persons subject to physical danger and may include the provision of emergency medical services.
Service Testing. The regular, periodic inspection and testing of apparatus and equipment, according to an established schedule and procedure, to ensure that it is in safe and functional operating condition.
Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.
Should. This term, indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
Special Hazard. A particular substance, device, event, circumstance, or condition that presents an unusual and severe danger to members of the fire department or an abnormally high level of fire danger.
Standard Operating Procedure. An organizational directive that establishes a standard course of action.
Structural Fire Fighting. The activities of rescuing, fire suppression, and property conservation involving buildings, enclosed structures, vehicles, vessels, or like properties that are involved in a fire or emergency situation.
IV. ORGANIZATION:
A. Each fire company shall prepare and maintain a written statement or policy that establishes the existence of the fire company; the basic organizational structure; the 31 expected number of fire company members; the type of functions that the fire company is expected to perform; and the type, amount, and frequency of training to be provided to fire company members.
V. POLICY:
The fire company shall adopt an official written occupational safety and health policy that identifies specific goals and objectives for the prevention and elimination of accidents and occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It shall be the policy of the fire company to seek and to provide an occupational health and safety program for its members that complies with this standard.
A. It shall be the responsibility of the fire company to provide a safe, healthy work environment for its members. The fire company shall research, develop, implement, and enforce an occupational safety and health program that recognizes and reduces the inherent risks involved in the operations of a fire company.
B. The fire company shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and legal requirements with respect to member safety and health.
C. The fire company shall establish and enforce rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures to reach the objectives of this standard.
D. Each individual member of the fire company shall cooperate, participate, and comply with the provisions of the occupational safety and health program.
E. It shall be the right of each member to be protected by an effective occupational safety and health program and to participate or be represented in the research, development, implementation, and enforcement of the program.
VI. FIRE COMPANY SAFETY OFFICER:
The fire chief shall appoint a designated fire company safety officer. This position shall comply with the requirements of NFPA l50l, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer.
The fire company safety officer shall be responsible for the management of the occupational safety and health program.
The fire chief shall assign or make available such additional personnel and resources as may be required to fulfill the requirements of the occupational safety and health program.
VII. SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
A Safety and Health Committee shall be established and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the fire chief. 32 The purpose of this committee shall be to conduct research, develop recommendations, and study and review matters pertaining to safety and health within the fire company.
The committee shall hold regularly scheduled meetings and may hold special meetings whenever necessary. Regular meetings shall be held at least once in every six months. Written minutes of each meeting shall be retained.
VIII. RECORDS:
The fire company shall establish a data collection system and maintain permanent records of all accidents, injuries, illnesses, or deaths that are or might be job related.
The data collection system shall also maintain individual records of any occupational exposure to known or suspected toxic products or contagious diseases.
The fire company shall maintain a confidential health record for each member and a health database as specified in Section XXI-C of this standard.
The fire company shall maintain training records for each member indicating dates, subjects covered, and certifications achieved.
The fire company shall maintain inspection, maintenance, repair, and service records for all vehicles and equipment used for emergency operations.
IX. TRAINING:
The fire company shall establish and maintain a training and education program with a goal of preventing occupational accidents, deaths, injuries, and illnesses.
A. The fire company shall provide training and education for all members to ensure that they are able to perform their assigned duties in a safe manner that does not present a hazard to themselves or to other members.
B. All training and education shall be provided by individuals who are qualified to provide instructions in the subjects covered. The chief will assign trainers based on their education and experience.
C. Training shall be provided for all members as often as necessary, but not less than four times each year.
D. Whenever changes in procedures or technology are introduced or new hazards are identified in the work environment, appropriate training and education shall be provided for all affected members.
E. Members shall be provided with training and education appropriate for their duties and responsibilities before being permitted to engage in emergency operations. 33 F. All members who engage in structural fire fighting shall meet the minimum requirements of Fire Fighter I as specified in NFPA l00l, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.
G. All fire apparatus drivers/operators shall meet the minimum requirements specified in NFPA l002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operators Professional Qualifications.
H. All fire officers shall meet the minimum requirements for at least Fire Officer I as specified in NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.
I. All members who may be involved in emergency operations shall be trained in the incident command system.
J. The training program for all members engaged in fire ground operations shall include procedures to be followed to provide for their safe exit from the dangerous area in the event of equipment failure or sudden changes in fire conditions.
K. Members engaged in structural fire fighting shall participate in training at least monthly.
L. Training in fire ground operations shall be based on standard operating procedures. These procedures shall be maintained in written from and shall address all emergency scene operations.
M. Training exercises shall be conducted in accordance with the established fire ground operating procedures and shall be supervised by qualified instructors.
N. When training involves live fire fighting exercises, these shall be conducted in compliance with the Lower Merion standard operating procedures for the use of the drill tower.
O. Smoke generating devices that produce a hazardous atmosphere shall not be used in training exercises.
P. Specialized training and education shall be provided to members regarding special hazards to which they may be exposed during fires and other emergencies.
Q. The Fire Department shall develop written procedures that describe the actions to be taken in situations and shall provide them to the fire companies after approval by the Chiefs & Presidents.
X. VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT:
34 The fire company shall consider health and safety as primary concerns in the specification, design, construction, acquisition, operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of all vehicles and equipment.
A. Fire company vehicles shall be operated only by members who are trained and certified in their proper operation.
B. Drivers of fire company vehicles shall have valid driver's licenses for the type of vehicle they operate. Vehicles shall be operated in compliance with all traffic laws, including sections pertaining to emergency vehicles, as applicable.
C. Drivers of fire company vehicles shall be directly responsible for safe and prudent operation under all conditions. When the driver is under the direct supervision of an officer, that officer shall also assume responsibility for the actions of the driver.
D. Drivers shall not move fire company vehicles until all persons on the vehicle are seated and secured with seal belts or safety harnesses in approved riding positions.
E. All persons riding on fire apparatus shall be seated and secured to the vehicle by seat belts or safety harnesses at any time the vehicle is in motion. Riding on the rear step will not be permitted if seats are available on the apparatus. Riding on the rear step is permitted only with safety harness. Standing while riding is prohibited.
F. All persons except the driver shall wear full protective clothing including a helmet with chinstrap secured.
G. All new fire apparatus shall be specified and ordered with a sufficient number of seats in and enclosed area as specified by NFPA l90l, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, for the maximum number of persons who may ride on the vehicle at any time.
H. When members respond to incidents or to the fire station in their own vehicles, the operation of these vehicles is governed by all applicable traffic laws and codes and is subject to the rules established by the fire company.
XI. MAINTENANCE AND TESTING OF VEHICLES:
A. All fire company vehicles shall be inspected at least weekly and within 24 hours after any use or repair to identify and correct unsafe conditions. A preventive maintenance program shall be established and records shall be maintained. Maintenance inspections, and repairs shall be performed in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
35 B. Any fire company vehicle found to be unsafe shall be placed out of service until repaired. After being repaired, the vehicle shall be inspected prior to being placed back in service.
C. Fire pumps on apparatus shall be service tested annually and records maintained in the Fire Marshal's Office.
D. All aerial devices shall be inspected and service tested in accordance with the frequency and procedures specified in NFPA l904, Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Ladders and Elevating Platforms.
XII. EQUIPMENT:
A. All equipment carried on fire apparatus or designated for training shall be visually inspected after any use. Inventory records shall be maintained for all equipment.
B. All equipment carried on fire apparatus or designated for training shall be tested at least annually in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and applicable standards.
C. Fire fighting equipment found to be defective or in unserviceable condition shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
D. All ground ladders shall be inspected and service tested as specified in NFPA l932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders.
E. All fire hose shall be inspected and service tested as specified in NFPA l962, Standard on Care, Maintenance, and Use of Fire Hose Including Connections and Nozzles.
F. All fire extinguishers shall be inspected and tested as specified in NFPA l0, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
G. Hearing conservation objectives shall be taken into account in the acquisition of new power tools and equipment.
XIII. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:
The fire company shall provide each member with the appropriate protective clothing and protective equipment to provide protection from the hazards of the work environment to which the member is or may be exposed. Protective clothing and protective equipment shall be used whenever the member is exposed or potentially exposed to the hazards for which it is provided. Members shall be fully trained in the care, use, inspection, maintenance, and limitations of the protective clothing and protective equipment assigned to them or available for their use. Protective clothing and protective equipment shall be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. A maintenance and
36 inspection program shall be established for protective clothing and protective equipment. Specific responsibilities shall be assigned for inspection and maintenance.
A. All members who may be engaged in or exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting shall be provided with both protective coats and protective trousers that meet the requirements of NFPA l97l, Standard on Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting. An overlap of not less than 8" (203 mm) of protective coat and protective trouser shall be required.
B. All members who may be engaged in or exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting shall be provided with helmets that meet the requirements of NFPA l972, Standard on Helmets for Structural Fire Fighting.
C. All members who may be engaged in or exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting shall be provided with gloves that meet the requirements of NFPA l973, Standard on Gloves for Structural Fire Fighting.
D. Fire companies that provide protective coats with protective resilient wristlets secured through a thumb opening may provide gloves of the gauntlet type for use with these protective coats. Fire companies that do not provide such wristlets attached to all protective coats shall provide gloves of the wristlet type for use with these protective coats.
E. All members who may be engaged in or exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting shall be provided with footwear that meet the requirements of NFPA l974, Standard on Protective Footwear for Structural Fire Fighting.
F. All members who may be engaged in or exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting shall be provided with approved protective hoods or a combination of ear flaps and collar that provide protection for the ears and neck and interface with SCBA facepiece, protective coat and helmet.
G. The fire company shall require all members to wear all the protective clothing specified in this section at all times when involved in or exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting.
XIV. SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS - (SCBA):
SCBA shall be provided for and shall be used by all personnel working in areas where:
a. The atmosphere is hazardous b. The atmosphere is suspected of being hazardous. c. The atmosphere may rapidly become hazardous.
In addition to the above, all personnel working below ground level or inside any confined space shall be provided with SCBA and shall use that SCBA unless the safety of the atmosphere can be established by testing and continuous monitoring.
37 A. SCBA of the open-circuit design shall be positive pressure and shall meet requirements of NFPA l98l, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire Fighters. Closed-circuit type SCBA shall be NIOSH/MSHA approved with a minimum service duration of 30 minutes and shall operate in the positive pressure mode only.
B. The fire company shall adopt and maintain a respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of ANSI Z88.5, Practices for Respiratory Protection for the Fire Service, and ANSI Z88.6, Standard for Respiratory Protection, Respirator Use, Physical Qualifications for Personnel.
C. Compressed gaseous breathing air in the SCBA cylinder shall meet the requirements of the Compressed Gas Association G-7.1 Commodity Specification for Air, with a minimum air quality of Grade "D", as well as meeting a water vapor level of less than 25 ppm.
D. Sources of a compressed gaseous breathing air, such as compressors, cascade systems, storage receivers, etc., used for filling SCBA cylinders shall be tested at least every six months to assure their compliance with this section.
E. SCBA cylinders shall be emptied per the instructions of the manufacturer if not utilized within a three-month period.
F. SCBA cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested within the periods specified by the manufacturers and the applicable governmental agencies.
G. All SCBA shall be inspected, used, and maintained as specified in ANSI Z88.5 Practices for Respiratory Protection for the Fire Service.
H. All members using SCBA shall be medically certified by a physician on an annual basis, and shall be regularly trained, tested, and certified in the safe and proper use of this equipment.
I. Members using SCBA shall operate in teams of two or more who are in communication with each other through visual, audible, physical, safety guide rope, electronic or other means to coordinate their activities, and are in close proximity to each other to provide assistance in case of an emergency.
J. When members are involved in operations that require the use of SCBA or other respiratory protective equipment, at least one member shall be assigned to remain outside the area where respiratory protection is required. This member shall be responsible for maintaining a constant awareness of the number and identity of personnel using SCBA, their location and function, and time of entry. Members with SCBA shall be available for rescue.
K. The facepiece seal capability of each member qualified to use SCBA shall be verified by qualitative fit testing on an annual basis and any time that new types of SCBA are issued. Each new member shall be tested before being 38 permitted to use SCBA in a hazardous atmosphere. Only members with a properly fitting facepiece shall be permitted by the fire company to function in a hazardous atmosphere with self-contained breathing apparatus.
L. Beards or facial hair that interfere with the facepiece seal shall be prohibited for members required to use SCBA. If eyeglasses are worn, the member shall use frames that do not pass through the seal area of the facepiece.
M. Each member involved in rescue, fire fighting, or other hazardous duties shall be provided with and shall use a PASS device. Each PASS device shall be tested prior to each use, and shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
N. All PASS devices used by fire companies shall meet the requirements of NFPA l982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems, (PASS) for Fire Fighters.
XV. LIFE SAFETY ROPES, HARNESSES, AND HARDWARE:
All life safety ropes, harnesses, and hardware used by fire companies shall meet the requirements of NFPA l983, Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope, Harnesses, and Hardware.
A. Class I life safety harnesses shall only be used for fire fighter attachment to ladders and aerial devices.
B. Class II and Class III life safety harnesses shall be utilized for fall arrest and rappelling operations.
C. Rope use to support the weight of members or other persons during rescue, fire fighting, other emergency operations, or during training evolutions shall be life safety rope. Life safety rope used for any other purpose shall be removed from service and destroyed.
D. Life safety rope used for rescue at fires or other emergency incidents shall be previously unused and shall be destroyed after such use.
E. Life safety rope used for training evolutions shall be designated as training rope and may be reused if inspected before and after each such use in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Training ropes shall be destroyed if subjected to impact loading, or if signs of weakness or wear are detected. Records shall be maintained to record the use of each life safety rope used for training.
XVI. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
A. All new protective clothing and protective equipment shall meet the current NFPA standard.
39 XVII. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION:
Face and eye protection shall be provided for and used by members engaged in fire suppression and other operations involving hazards to the eyes and face at all times when the face is not protected by the full facepiece of self-contained breathing apparatus.
XVIII. HEARING PROTECTION:
Hearing protection shall be provided for and used by all members operating or riding on fire apparatus when subject to noise in excess of 90 DBA.
A. Hearing protection shall be provided for and used by all members when exposed to noise in excess of 90dBA from power tools or equipment, except in situations where the use of such protective equipment would create an additional hazard to the user.
B. The fire company shall engage in a hearing conservation program to identify and reduce or eliminate potentially harmful sources of noise in the work environment. Where audiometric testing indicates a significant hearing loss for a member, the fire company shall address these conditions on an individual basis, as well as take steps to control potentially harmful noise exposure to any of all other members.
XIX. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS:
A. Emergency operations and other situations that present similar hazards, including training exercises, shall be conducted in a manner to recognize hazards and to prevent accidents and injuries.
B. An incident command system shall be established with written procedures applying to all members involved in emergency operations. All members involved in emergency operations shall be familiar with the system.
C. The incident command system shall identify roles and responsibilities relating to the safety of operations. Safety responsibilities shall be assigned to supervisory personnel at each level of the organization.
D. The officer in command of an emergency incident shall be responsible for the overall safety of all members and all activities occurring at the scene.
E. The officer in command of an emergency incident shall establish an organization with sufficient supervisory personnel to control the position and function of all members operating at the scene and to ensure that safety requirements are satisfied.
F. A standard system shall be used to identify and account for the assignment of each member at the scene of an incident. Special attention should be given to members who arrive by private vehicles. A standard system of reporting in to a supervisor 40 should be established both for the organization of work groups and to identify personnel on the scene.
G. At incidents or situations where special hazards exist, the officer in command shall assign qualified personnel with specific responsibility to identify and evaluate hazards and to provide direction with respect to the safety of operations. The fire chief shall assign a safety officer.
H. The fire company shall provide an adequate number of personnel to safely conduct emergency scene operations. Operations shall be limited to those that can be safely performed by the personnel available at the scene.
I. When inexperienced members are working at an incident, direct supervision shall be provided be more experienced officers or members.
J. When members are operating at an emergency incident and their assignment places them in potential conflict with motor vehicle traffic, they shall wear helmets and a garment with fluorescent retro reflective material.
K. When members are operating in hazardous areas, they shall work in teams of two or more. There shall be at least one member specifically assigned to remain outside the hazardous area and maintain an awareness of the operations inside the hazardous area.
L. Whenever members are operating in positions or performing functions that include special hazards or that would subject them to immediate danger of injury in the event of equipment failure or other sudden event, back-up personnel shall be standing by with equipment to provide assistance or rescue.
M. When members are operating in positions or performing functions that involve an immediate risk of injury, qualified basic life support personnel shall be standing by with medical equipment and transportation capability.
XX. FACILITY SAFETY:
All fire company facilities shall comply with all legally applicable health, safety, building, and fire code requirements.
A. All sleeping areas in fire stations shall be separated from vehicle storage areas by at least one hour fire resistive assemblies and shall be protected by smoke detectors.
B. Fire stations shall be designed and provided with provisions to ventilate exhaust emissions from fire apparatus to prevent exposure to fire fighters from contamination of living and sleeping areas.
C. All fire company facilities shall be inspected at least annually. Inspections shall be documented and recorded. 41 D. The fire company shall have an established system to maintain all facilities, and to cause prompt correction of any health or safety hazards or code violations.
XXI. MEDICAL:
Prior to becoming members, individuals shall be examined and certified by a physician as being medically and physically fit. Members who will be certified for fire suppression activities shall meet the medical requirements specified in Chapter 2 of NFPA l00l, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. Examinations for all other members shall take into account the risks and the functions associated with the individual's duties and responsibilities.
A. All members engaged in emergency operations shall be re-examined by the physician on at least an annual basis and before being reassigned to emergency duties after debilitating illnesses or injuries. Members who have not satisfied these requirements of the examination shall not be permitted to engage in emergency operations.
B. The fire company shall establish a physical fitness program for members to maintain a level of fitness in order to safely perform their assigned functions. Members who do not satisfy the required levels of fitness shall not be permitted to engage in emergency activities.
C. The fire company shall establish and maintain a permanent health file on each individual member that records the results of regular medical and fitness tests; any occupational illnesses or injuries; and any events that expose the individual to known or suspected hazardous materials, toxic products, or contagious diseases.
D. Health information shall be maintained as a confidential record for each individual member as well as a composite data base for the analysis of factors pertaining to the overall health and fitness of the member group.
E. If a member dies as a result of occupational injury or illness, autopsy results, if available, shall be recorded in the health data base.
F. The fire company shall actively attempt to identify and limit the exposure of members to contagious diseases in the performance of their assigned duties. When appropriate, inoculations, vaccinations, and other treatment shall be made available.
G. The fire company shall have an officially designated physician who shall be responsible for guiding, directing, and advising the members with regard to their health, fitness, and suitability for various duties.
H. The fire company physician shall provide medical guidance in the management of the occupational safety and health program. 42 I. The fire company physician shall be a licensed medical doctor qualified to provide professional expertise in the areas of occupational safety and health as they relate to emergency services.
XXII. PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM:
The fire company shall provide and require the structured participation of all members in a program to develop and maintain appropriate levels of physical fitness. The maintenance of these levels of fitness shall be based on fitness standards determined by the fire company physician that reflect the individual's assigned functions and activities, and that are intended to reduce the probability and severity of occupational injuries and illnesses.
A. Members who are unable to meet the fitness standards shall enter a rehabilitation program to facilitate progress in attaining a level of fitness commensurate with the individuals assigned functions and activities.
B. The physical fitness program shall be under the medical supervision of the fire company physician.
C. It shall be an ongoing objective of the fire company to assist members affected by occupational injuries or illnesses in their rehabilitation and to facilitate their return to full active duty or limited duty where possible. In all cases, the fire company shall have an ultimate concern for the members' ability to regain and maintain a comfortable, healthy, and productive life during and after their service with the fire company.
XXIII. MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The fire company shall provide a member assistance program that identifies and assists members with substance abuse, stress, and personal problems adversely affecting job performance. The assistance program shall refer those members to appropriate health care services for the purpose of restoring job performance to expected levels, as well as the restoration of health to a better condition. The Member Assistance Program shall be available to all members and their families.
A. The fire company shall adopt a written policy statement on alcoholism, substance abuse, and other problems covered by the Member Assistance Program.
B. Written rules shall be established specifying how records are to be maintained, the policies governing retention and access to records, and the procedure for release of information. These rules shall identify to whom and under what conditions information may be released, and what use, if any, may be made of records for purposes of research, program evaluation, and reports. Member records maintained by a Member Assistance Program shall not become part of a member's personnel file.
43 C. The Member Assistance Program shall provide health promotion activities that identify physical and mental health risk factors and shall provide education and counseling for the purpose of preventing health problems and enhancing overall well-being.
XXIV. REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS:
Unless otherwise specified, all references to standards refers to the current standards of the National Fire Protection Association.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #6 FEBRUARY, 1991 (Updated August 2005)
CLANDESTINE DRUG LABORATORIES
I. PURPOSE:
44 To provide guidelines and procedures for Fire Department operations at incidents involving illegal drug labs.
II. OBJECTIVE:
1. To establish a strict working policy governing functions of the fire service at incidents involving drug lab chemicals, materials and paraphernalia and to establish a level of safety and scene control.
2. To clarify the duties of the fire service in an inter-agency crime scene operation.
III. PROCEDURE:
A. Determine if fire scene is/was used for illicit drug lab use.
(a). Unusual collection of chemical containers, especially if a residence, vacant building, etc.
(b). Unusual collection of chemical containers scattered outside that would normally not be there.
(c). Devices, hardware used for drug manufacture found in/around building.
(d) Evidence of drug products, raw drugs, and paraphernalia on site.
B. Determine if first responders and/or civilians are beginning to exhibit some early signs of chemical poisoning. Typical symptoms include:
(a) Nausea, vomiting, sharp headache or reddened face. (b) Burning sensation to nose, throat or lungs. (c) Drowsiness, stupor or unusual exhaustion. (d) Other strange symptoms, such as numbness of the legs; teeth seem to tingle; eyes won't focus.
45 C. The following immediate steps must be taken;
(a) First responders and civilians exhibiting symptoms of poisoning to be staged and readied for transport.
(b) Call for law enforcement agencies and the Volunteer Medical Service Corps of LM & Narberth.
(c) ESTABLISH A "HOT ZONE": A restricted area usually completely around the perimeter of the house or building.
(d) Initiate Standard Operations Procedures for hazardous materials emergencies.
(1). Incident Command System including "safety officer". (2). Call for a Hazardous Materials Response Team. (3). Appropriate personal protective clothing required. (4). Activate Staging and Decon sectors.
D. Entry by an Officer and (3) men (first responders) may be made for the following reasons:
(a) If necessary to gain names of chemicals to advise hospital.
(b) Extinguish hot spots that threaten re-ignition. The only objective is to look for and extinguish serious hot spots.
IV. SAFETY The following safety points shall be followed:
(a) Do not turn any light switches, on or off. (b) Do not unplug any "cookers" or heating elements. They could be booby trapped. Let DEA do it. (c) Do not tamper with rheostat, buttons. (d) Do not open refrigerator, freezer. (e) Do not move any container that is in the way. (f) Do not touch, move any instrument or chemicals.
NOTE: THIS IS A CRIME SCENE. EVIDENCE IS NOT TO BE TAMPERED WITH OR MOVED.
THE COOPERATIVE EFFORT OF ALL PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES IS REQUIRED TO BRING THE INCIDENT TO A SAFE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #7 46 MARCH, 1991 (Updated August 2005)
RESPONSE TO BOMB THREATS
I. PURPOSE
To provide an outline of operations, procedures and responsibilities when responding to a bomb scare or finding a suspicious device.
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
Removing or dismantling of a bomb should only be attempted by an expert who can utilize all accepted handling practices and thereby minimize the risk of a detonation.
III. RESPONSIBILITY
For the purpose of this Procedure, a bomb scare scene is the responsibility of the Lower Merion Police Department unless and/or until a detonation occurs which might result in a fire.
IV. PROCEDURE WHEN DEVICE IS UNDETONATED
An incident with an undetonated device is a Police Incident and they are in command. The Fire Department Commander shall report to and coordinate activities with the Police Commander.
A. The Incident Commander (Police) should request;
1. An Ambulance to be dispatched to the scene.
2. The assistance of a qualified Bomb Squad.
CAUTION: THERE SHALL BE NO RADIO TRANSMISSION, CELLULAR PHONE USE, OR WALKIE-TALKIE COMMUNICATIONS CONDUCTED WITHIN 500 FEET OF THE DEVICE.
47 B. The Fire Department Operating Procedure will be:
1. Do not use fire hydrants close to the building. As blown glass can cause severe injury up to a block away.
2. The Fire Department must establish a "STAGING AREA" for the control of personnel. Control will be most difficult with the lack of radio communications.
3. The Fire Department Commander, using a regular telephone, must designate a staging area outside the damage and injury perimeter (at least 500 feet) .
4. All apparatus, equipment and personnel will assemble at this Staging area and wait for specific orders.
5. Pumpers when ordered shall connect large suctions to specifically assigned hydrants and water services.
6. Water Lines shall be stretched and connected to standpipes and sprinklers where possible.
7. Fire Department personnel may be used to aid in evacuation of necessary areas.
8. Full protective clothing, including Air Paks will be worn by all personnel.
9. The Police Commander (Incident Commander) should consider notifying the utility companies (PECO Gas & Electric Divisions) as to whether the utilities should be shut down prior to or after the incident.
V. PROCEDURE WHERE DEVICE HAS BEEN DETONATED
1. FOLLOW PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN SECTION IV, and request from the Communications Center the dispatch of an ambulance and the Bomb Squad from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.
2. Fire fighting and rescue operations will proceed, exercising extreme care as secondary explosions are a possibility. PROTECTION OF FIRE PERSONNEL SHALL BE OF PRIME CONCERN.
VI. SCENE WHERE DEVICE IS DISCOVERED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
1. Move the apparatus out of immediate area (minimum of 500 feet).
2. Notify the Communications Center. This notification must be by bell telephone. 48 CAUTION: THERE SHALL BE NO RADIO TRANSMISSION, CELLULAR PHONE USE, OR WALKIE-TALKIE COMMUNICATIONS CONDUCTED WITHIN 500 FEET OF THE DEVICE.
3. Carry out immediate evacuation of the building and adjoining area.(at least 300 feet).
4. FOLLOW PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN SECTION IV.
5. It must be remembered that bombs are designed to explode, and there is no positive way for the untrained to handle them safely. NEVER PICK UP OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE ANY SUSPICIOUS DEVICE.
NOTE: MANY BOMBS ARE MADE IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO DETONATE. POSITIVELY:
1. DO NOT CUT OR UNTIE A PACKAGE -- a string can release and explode a primer.
2. DO NOT TURN ANY CYLINDRICAL OBJECT -- you may tilt or break a vial, thereby spilling a chemical mixture causing detonation.
3. DO NOT SHAKE A BOMB -- you can complete a circuit when mercury switches are used causing an explosion.
4. DO NOT TEAR A GLUED WRAPPER FROM A PACKAGE -- you may release the cover of a box and activate an electric current.
5. DO NOT UNSCREW A CAP -- an explosion may result if the cap is adhered to threads.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #8 MARCH 26, 1992 49 (Updated August 2005)
BRIGADE LIST/INJURY PROCEDURE
I. PURPOSE
To provide current, up-to-date personnel information for all Brigade members for Workers Compensation Injury claims.
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fire Department Office must have a current list of all ACTIVE, PROBATIONARY, AND JUNIOR MEMBERS for the purpose of reporting any injury that may occur either on the fire ground or at a training drill. Workers Compensation will not honor a claim if the member's personal information is not on record with the Township Insurance Department.
III. PROCEDURE FOR NEW/PROBATIONARY MEMBERS
All new or probationary members must be reported to the Fire Department Office. The following information, in writing, is necessary using the NFIRS Staff I.D. Record Sheet.
l. Full Name and Fire Company 2. Address & Telephone Number 3. Social Security Number 4. Date of Birth 5. Appointment Date
IV. All address changes for current active members must be reported to the Fire Department Office as soon as possible.
V. PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING INJURIES
When an injury occurs on the fire ground or at a training drill it must be reported to the Fire Department Office immediately or at least by the next working day, in order for the proper Workers Compensation Claim Reporting Form to be prepared and submitted to the Township Insurance Office. A partial report is better than none, it can be followed by more complete information.
50 A. The following information regarding the injury is necessary.
l. Name of injured firefighter
2. Date/Time/Where injury occurred
3. Detailed Description of what the firefighter was doing at the time the injury occurred
4. Full description of the injury
5. What action was taken; name of hospital, treated at scene, etc.
6. If no treatment was administered, injury should still be reported as a matter of record, to protect against a late developing problem.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #9 51 MAY, 1992 ADOPTED OCT. 22, 1992 (Updated August 2005)
SAFE OPERATION OF VEHICLES AND APPARATUS
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish minimum requirements for the safe operation of fire apparatus and to encourage safety-first practices while responding in private vehicles to the fire scene or fire station.
II. RESPONSIBILITY
A. It shall be the responsibility of each member and each fire company to exercise good judgment while operating vehicles, especially while responding during emergency conditions.
B. It shall be the responsibility of the Fire Company Chief or his designee to ensure that all fire apparatus drivers and tillerman are trained, knowledgeable, physically fit, and mentally alert before leaving the fire station.
III. POLICY
All Fire Department vehicle operators will obey all provisions of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Lower Merion Township Traffic Ordinances, and this procedure. Nothing in this procedure shall be construed to supersede any state or local law or ordinance.
IV. SAFE OPERATION OF FIRE APPARATUS
A. Obey all traffic rules and regulations, except as noted in Section V, Emergency Response.
B. Sirens and warning lights should normally not be turned on except in emergency situations.
C. Apparatus should be stopped when in doubt about proper clearance between vehicles and other objects. The company officer shall direct members to dismount and guide vehicle operator past obstacles after determining that there is sufficient clearance.
D. Overhead doors will not be set in a partially opened position. Overhead doors will be completely opened before the apparatus leaves or returns to the bay.
E. Upon return to quarters and during all back-up operations, the company officer should position himself in front of the apparatus where he can observe and direct the entire backward movement of the apparatus. He should make certain that members are properly placed to assist in the back-up movement and 52 control pedestrian and vehicular traffic until the back-up movement is completed.
F. Warning lights should be used on expressways at all times.
G. Members, especially drivers, should acquaint themselves with special conditions in their fire districts such as low underpasses, roads closed, bridges, narrow streets, and other hazards.
H. When making turns at intersections, indicate turn well in advance with turn signals, and slow apparatus so that turns can be made safely. Ladders with tillerman should regulate their speed to allow for the safe operation of the rear of the apparatus during turns.
V. SAFE OPERATION OF FIRE APPARATUS DURING EMERGENCY RESPONSES
A. Do not drive faster than traffic conditions, weather, visibility, or road conditions will safety allow.
B. When responding to an emergency, sound sirens and use all warning lights including headlights to alert traffic of your approach.
C. Drivers should be familiar with intersections that other companies travel and shall use extreme caution when approaching these intersections.
D. When approaching an intersection with TRAFFIC CONTROL AGAINST the fire vehicle, such as red lights, stop signs, etc. the driver shall:
l. Remove foot from accelerator, place foot on brake and come to a complete stop.
2. Be certain that all traffic approaching the intersecting roadway has halted before proceeding into the intersection.
3. If visibility of intersecting roadway is impaired, stop and proceed cautiously into intersection.
4. Resume movement through intersection only when it is safe.
5. All movement through intersections will be made cautiously and the driver shall be prepared to stop.
E. When approaching an intersection with the traffic control giving fire vehicles the right of way the driver shall:
1. Remove foot from accelerator pedal, place foot on brake pedal, reduce speed enough to be able to bring the apparatus to a complete stop if necessary. 53 2. If visibility of the intersecting roadway is impaired, or if there is any doubt of a safe passage through the intersection, COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.
3. Resume movement through the intersection only when is it safe.
F. When ordered to respond at reduced speed all units shall:
1. Slow down and immediately obey all traffic controls, signs, and laws.
2. Stop sounding all audible warning devices.
3. Turn off all warning lights except when operating on expressways.
4. Continue to proceed to location of alarm until ordered otherwise.
5. Reactivate audible and visual warning devices if subsequently ordered to resume emergency speed.
VI. RIDING APPARATUS
A. Each Fire Chief will designate where his members may safely ride on each apparatus.
B. Only members of the fire department shall ride on fire apparatus.
C. No member is permitted to ride on the side of any apparatus.
D. Members should ride in the front seat, jump seats, bucket seats, crew cab seats, or tiller seats whenever possible. Members may safely ride sitting or kneeling on the hose bed or inside the main ladder in the turntable area if all interior seating is taken.
E. Members riding on the back step should wear a protective strap.
F. Members should wear full protective clothing while riding fire apparatus.
G. Members are to use seat belts and safety bars where provided.
VII. FLAGMEN
54 A. A sufficient number of flagmen should be assigned to ensure that traffic is stopped before any apparatus movement, especially leaving and returning to the station.
B. Flagmen should be wearing running clothes to identify themselves and wear reflective vests or readily identifiable clothing. A light should be carried at night.
C. Flagmen should be extremely careful when standing out in traffic. They should face traffic. The object is not to assume the right of way, but to safely guide the apparatus into the street.
VIII. WHEEL CHOCKS
A. Wheel chocks shall be used on all fireground operations, training evolutions, and whenever an apparatus is left unattended.
IX. FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE
The response to the fire station must be performed as safely and as professionally as the apparatus response and fire fighting activities. .You must not abuse the public trust given you by the citizens you serve. Balance public safety and public risk and your personal safety. You must arrive safely at the fire station to be of any help to your fire company.
A. Upon hearing the page tone or home bell every member should report to the fire station as quickly and safely as possible.
B. Prior to leaving your home, place of business, etc., be sure all potential hazards are terminated such as stoves off, water shut down, etc.
C. Use extreme caution and observe traffic regulations and signaling devices unless traffic yields to your vehicle. The use of a blue light does not give you the "right of way".
D. The use of flashing "Blue Lights" shall be authorized by the Fire Chief and shall be governed by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Section 4572: VISUAL SIGNALS ON AUTHORIZED VEHICLES
Flashing or revolving blue lights. - Ambulance personnel, volunteer firefighters and owners and handlers of dogs used in tracking humans may each equip one motor vehicle with no more than two flashing or revolving blue lights.
In order to be eligible to display lights on their vehicles under this subsection, the names of the ambulance personnel and volunteer firefighters shall be submitted to the nearest station of the Pennsylvania State Police on a list signed by the chief of the ambulance or fire department or company and each dog owner and handler shall register at the nearest Pennsylvania State Police station.
55 The manner in which the lights are displayed and their intensity shall be determined by regulation of the department.
The lights shall be operable by the driver from inside the vehicle.
The lights may be used only while en route to or at the scene of a fire or emergency call.
The lights shall be removed from the vehicle within ten days of receipt of notice from the chief of the ambulance or fire department or company to remove the lights upon termination of the person's duties as a volunteer firefighter or ambulance person or dog owner or handler.
This subsection does not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons nor exempt the driver from complying with all provisions of this title.
E. Parking at the fire station shall be in accordance with your Fire Chief's regulations. Be sure to lock your vehicle and turn off all lights.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #10
JANUARY 28, 1993 (Updated August 2005) 56 FIRE INVESTIGATION
PART I
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for fire officers, firefighters, and fire investigators to facilitate the investigation of fires and the determination of their origin and cause.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It is the responsibility of all firefighters to note conditions enroute and on arrival, and to report anything unusual to his/her Company Officer and the Fire Marshal.
It is the responsibility of the Fire Marshal's office to conduct a fire scene examination, all necessary interviews, gather and take custody of all evidence, and write the necessary reports.
In the event of a suspicious fire or a criminal activity, the Fire Marshal will cooperate with the Police Department and the District Attorney's office in the prosecution and presentation of evidence.
III. NOTIFICATION:
Business Hours; all available on-duty Deputy Fire Marshals shall respond to daytime structure fires.
Weekends and Nights; the on-call Fire Marshal shall be dispatched with the fire companies on all structure fires.
Special Call; the fire ground Commander may request a Fire Marshal for any suspicious circumstance.
Note: It is the responsibility of the on-call Fire Marshal to keep the Chief Fire Officer appraised of all conditions, circumstances or problems.
IV. GUIDELINES:
It is important to note the interdependence between suppression and investigatory personnel. Teamwork and cooperation are essential in determining fire causes and appropriate prevention strategies. Suppression personnel play a key role and in many instances are capable of determining the cause or developing critical information to assist the Fire Marshal's office.
Equally important is the preservation of the fire scene, particularly when the available evidence suggests that the fire may be of a suspicious origin. ALL EVIDENCE SHOULD BE LEFT WHERE FOUND to be photographed in place. Photographic documentation is the beginning of the chain of custody. Overhauling operations should 57 be held to a minimum so that the scene is not disturbed and evidence destroyed. Evidence should be moved only if it is necessary to alleviate a dangerous condition, and IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN BACK TO THE STATION. Whenever fatalities have been confirmed, beyond doubt, the bodies will be left in the exact position discovered, pending the arrival of the Fire Marshal. Whenever possible, you should note the location and position of any injured persons removed from a fire scene. This information is vital to the Fire Investigator, in the event the injury results in death at a later date.
In many instances, an accurate determination can be made by following basic guidelines and questioning key witnesses during the initial stages of the investigation. Maintaining the fire scene and preserving the available evidence is critical for successful cause determination.
The primary purpose of a fire investigation is to determine what caused the fire and whether it was of accidental or incendiary origin. The first step is to determine where the fire originated. Determining the origin narrows the search and frequently can pinpoint what caused the fire.
One method used to conduct a systematic investigation is to start with the area of least damage and work toward the area of greatest damage. The area which indicates the lowest point of burning in a room may possibly be the point of origin.
It is important to eliminate all possible sources of ignition (heat) from natural or accidental causes first. This could include utilities, appliances, wiring, smoking, cooking, chemical reaction, children playing with matches, etc.
The physical evidence should be checked against statements taken from witnesses. They may reinforce one another or they may conflict. It is important to resolve these conflicts or contradictions.
V. CHECK LIST FOR FIREFIGHTERS:
1. Observe any person or automobile hurrying away from the scene of the fire. As you arrive, if possible get the license number of the automobile, make mental notes of identifying characteristics of the person and the vehicle.
2. Upon arrival ascertain:
a. Whether or not the premises are occupied.
b. Whether doors and windows are open or shut, including any sign of forcible entry, and particularly whether locked or unfastened.
c. How entry to the property both front and rear was first made and by which firefighter(s).
58 d. Notice whether the window blinds were pulled or any other covering, which obstructed the view from the outside into the building.
e. Notice if there was any furniture disarranged or obstructing the free passage into the building and through the rooms.
f. Notice if any clothes, furs, sporting goods, guns, etc. were removed from closets or missing from their usual place.
g. Notice if gate to a fence was locked, parked car obstructing the access to building, high fence or other obstacles placed purposely to obstruct fire department operations.
3. The type, color, and odor of the smoke, and flames should be noted to learn whether gasoline, kerosene, turpentine or other accelerant has been used; and whether there was an explosion or unusual occurrence.
a. White smoke indicates good combustion or burning phosphorus. White clouds appearing before water is applied on the fire indicates the combustion of a humid substance.
b. Grayish smoke is produced by loosely packed substances, such as straw and hay, which give off flying ash and soot.
c. Black smoke indicates incomplete combustion or burning turpentine, rubber, coal, tar, petroleum, or compounds having a petroleum base.
d. Violet smoke indicates iodine vapors.
e. Greenish yellow smoke indicates chlorine gas and greenish flame indicates barium compounds.
f. Yellow smoke probably contains sulfur.
g. Bluish flame indicates copper compounds.
4. Ascertain whether there is just one point of fire or more than one. If the latter, whether there is any connection between them or if they are separate and distinct.
5. It is important to observe whether the fire spreads with undue rapidity.
6. In fighting the fire and in salvage work, every possible care should be taken not to destroy or disturb evidence of incendiarism that may exist.
59 7. Careful examination should be made to see where the fire started and to endeavor to ascertain whether there is a natural explanation for the origin and extent in such a place.
8. Careful examination should be made to see whether there is in existence any "plant" or device for touching off a fire or any evidence of incendiarism. If found it should not be disturbed, if at all practicable, until the Fire Marshal arrives.
9. Any suspicious articles, which may have fingerprints, should not be touched or handled.
10. If there is a series of fires, which may indicate a pyromaniac, careful note should be taken of persons who are frequent attenders at fires.
11. If occupants claim they were in bed at the time the fire was discovered, notice their dress, such as shoelaces being laced and tied; if they were wearing ties; whether or not the dress was complete with gloves, pocketbook, wrist or pocket watch, rings, etc. In other words, if they had shown haste or had taken their time in dressing.
12. Any information or observations gathered by the firefighters who assisted in extinguishing the fire should immediately be brought to the attention of the company officer in charge, and the Fire Marshal.
13. Firefighters should maintain silence as to thoughts or expressions concerning the probable cause of fire, while at the scene.
14. Look for prior efforts to extinguish the fire such as empty fire extinguishers, garden hose, etc.
15. Look for evidence of burglary.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOP NO. 10-A
JUNE, 1994
60 FIRE INVESTIGATION
PART II
I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of our investigation is to determine whether the cause of the fire is accidental or intentional.
A complete fire investigation consists of three parts; a thorough fire scene examination with photographs and diagrams (if necessary); interviews with witnesses, police, firefighters, property owners and tenants; and a written report.
II. FIRE SCENE EXAMINATION:
The first step in a fire scene examination is a visual examination of the exterior of the property, all sides and the roof if possible. At this point, the only conclusive results of this visual examination will be to determine if and at what location the fire vented the structure and what probable conditions existed both within and outside of the fire building.
Exterior burn patterns above and around vertical openings in a structure will vary depending on the duration and intensity of the fire conditions within the structure, and on fire suppression activities and wind velocity on the outside of the structure.
An equilateral and equiangular "V" pattern on an exterior vertical surface indicates an unobstructed and undeflected venting of the fire at this opening.
When the pattern is much wider than the opening, it is an indicator that a low intensity, heavy volume of flame vented thereat. As the volume of flame is increased, the pattern should get wider and higher on the exterior vertical surface. In this instance, the depth of char is an indicator of the duration of that venting flame.
When the "V" pattern is the same size as the opening, only rising up a limited distance and coupled with a deep char around the upper edges of that opening, it is an indicator of an intense, pushing fire condition within the structure. The depth of char above this opening on the exterior vertical wall is an indicator of the duration of that venting.
A second, and usually justified, conclusion that can be reached through this exterior examination is that the area of origin can be discerned by the greatest amount of visible fire damage. Some things that could occur to fault the validity of this assumption are:
* Forced or unnatural ventilation created by fire suppression activities.
* Highly flammable fuels stored at that location.
* Prevailing winds creating either a positive or negative pressure thereat. 61 However, with "normal" fire progression and extension, a general rule is that the area of heaviest exterior fire damage is a good indicator of the interior area of origin.
Your fire scene examination at this point will cover all of the conditions on and around the exterior of the building. Besides fire damage, you should note in your memo pad and exterior sketches such things as broken bushes, broken windows, and other damaged items of evidence in the area. Note the electrical service, size and point of entry into the structure and photograph all sides of the structure.
Before we leave the exterior examination, lets think about some of the decisions regarding the need for a search warrant.
If you respond with the fire company or arrive and begin an investigation before the fire company leaves the scene, your investigation is a continuous event and your authority to enter the premises (at least that portion that burned) is part of the fire company's authority to enter and fight the fire. You may investigate freely unless you find something extremely suspicious, such as a gasoline can in the living room. At this point your investigation takes on a criminal aspect and if you want to take what you find into court you better get the search warrant before you proceed any further.
If your investigation that begins with the fire is interrupted because of dark and/or unsafe conditions and resumes the following morning it is considered continuous as long as you have kept control of the property (usually a police function).
If your investigation is going on for days and you still don't have a cause, consult with the Detective Division about a warrant before you overstep yourself and jeopardize a case.
Having completed an exterior examination, begin your interior examination from the areas of least damage to the areas of greatest damage. Usually the areas of least and heaviest fire damage are readily discernable, even to the untrained eye. It is when this is not the case that your ability to interpret char patterns and other conditions enables you to locate the area of heaviest damage by determining the direction of the fire's travel.
If everything in an area of a structure appears to be destroyed uniformly, a close examination of the remaining structural members and any contents is called for.
The sides of those items that have the deepest char on them will be the sides that were exposed to the fire for the longest period of time. When these items are viewed collectively in relation to their physical location, and in respect to one another, the direction of fire travel can be deduced. It would be well to remember and look for some other indicators of the direction of fire travel:
An ordinary light bulb will begin to soften and distort, flowing towards the direction of the heat source. This forms a conical configuration with the apex pointing towards the heat source and the base away from it.
62 Glass will soften between 1,200oF and 1,400oF and will become molten and runny at 1,600oF. Therefore, if you are looking for a point of origin within a room, the panes of glass in the windows may point the way. If you find that appears distorted through softening and a second pane of glass that has been distorted by actually melting and running, the direction of the heat source would be from the former toward the latter, or from the lower temperature indicator towards the higher temperature indicator.
Wooden structural members that are vertically affixed are also good indicators. Those closest to the heat source would be burned down to a lower level than those that are successively and respectively further away from the heat source. In fact, with "normal" fire progression, if one could construct a descending declined plane across the upper parts of these vertical structural members, the point where the base of the declination leg abuts the floor should identify the area and possibly the point of origin.
Shiny metal surfaces are discolored by heat and this discoloration varies with the intensity of the applied heat. The discoloration that results from the highest applied heat is, with the exception of those colors developed at both the high and low ends of the heat spectrum, retained in the metal and is obviously visible. The heat colors developed in metals are the same as the flame colors created at various temperatures are:
Yellow = 450oF Brown to Purple = 550oF Blue = 600oF Faint Red = 900oF Dark Cherry = 1,100oF Full Cherry = 1,400oF Salmon = 1,600oF Lemon = 1,800oF White = 2,200oF Sparkling White = 2,400oF
When you arrive at the spot that all of the indicators thus far have fixed as the point of origin, your next confirming indicator will be directly above that point. Since this is where the fire began, the fire presumably burned here the longest. If we apply the principle of convection, a valid assumption would be that: The greatest ceiling damage should occur directly above the point of origin because this is where it was the hottest for the longest period of time.
In normal fire propagation, this is true. Therefore, and conversely, the area below the point that has the greatest ceiling damage, either through consumption or collapse, is a good spot to search for the point of origin.
Keep in mind that the point of origin could have occurred at any level, all the way down to the floor. Therefore, when you are searching this area and you arrive at a level that has no burning below it, your point of origin is at this level.
63 This is the sequential order in which these points of origin indicators should be present in a normal fire occurrence. "Normal", as used in this context, refers to those "ideal" conditions and results that we would expect to obtain if this fire were to occur under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. Since we do not live in a laboratory, any events that occur can, and will, be affected by a multitude of constantly fluctuating variables that continually alter the results of that event. Therefore, fires that occur in our ambient surroundings would, in 99 out of 100 cases, be considered anything but normal. However, we still refer to them that way in given sets of circumstances.
It must be remembered that our observations of the physical results of a fire upon a fuel can only occur within a limited set of applied variables. Any conclusions that we make must take into account those variables that fit into the overall context of the picture (the whole equals the sum of all of its parts). It is only when those indicators present do not fit the results we observe when the known variables are applied to the event that we have to search out the unknown variable. In some instances, this unknown variable, when discovered, may disclose the cause of the fire.
What then do we mean by "abnormal"? In the context that this terminology will be used in relation to fire progression, it means: The results that are being viewed are not consistent with the results viewed in previous incidents that occurred in similar structures and that had a like number of known variables. If these viewed results differ from the results of our former experiences, we can presume that this is caused by one or more unknown variables. Investigation should disclose what these unknown variables are, and when viewed in relation to the totality of the circumstances, it might help explain the abnormal results and possibly fix the point of origin.
This is not to say that when an abnormal condition exists it will change the cause of the fire (although that is a possibility). However, there does exist within this fire an unknown variable as compared to previous, similar fires.
Thus far during your examination for the point of origin, the focus has been from the area of least damage to the area of greatest damage. The theory behind this being that the greatest damage would occur in the area where the fire started and had been burning the longest. Concurrent with that theory is that this is the area where the most heat will be liberated.
Under normal circumstances, this assumption would be valid. Therefore, do we always stop our examination and designate the area of heaviest damage as that area in which our point of origin will be found? NO!
While it may turn out that the above statement is in fact the case, we must examine all the possible variables that might alter this as the designated location and cause a continuation of our examination.
If, while conducting an examination/investigation, you discover that highly volatile materials were stored in the area where the heaviest charring occurred, you must try, through the application of all the known variables, to discern if this is a case of secondary ignition or is, in fact, the true point of origin.
64 Any opening that allows a stream or air (oxygen) to enter a fire scene while the fire is in progress will only enhance the rate of fuel combustion. This stream of air will both push the flames ahead of it and draw the flames behind it, causing the fire and resulting damage to intensify.
These openings can be the result of:
* Fire suppression activities * Structural design * Renovations * Criminal activity
The application of hose streams, especially those of high caliber, will in and of themselves create unnatural, forced ventilation conditions.
High winds are self-explanatory. These are prevailing conditions of weather that could alter the fire's direction, intensity, or depth of charring, and provide a false indicator of the area of origin.
Flashover is the result of the feedback of radiant heat. This condition occurs in an area where the heat cannot be otherwise dissipated, like in an enclosed room. As the ignition temperature of the materials at the upper levels are reached, they auto-ignite. Since the combustible materials within a room have the same general ignition temperature, they will ignite simultaneously, giving the appearance of a wide area of origin. The charring will usually be present only on the exposed upper surfaces of combustible materials. If certain materials within an area have a lower ignition temperature than other materials around them, they will ignite and burn freely, raising the surrounding materials up to their ignition temperature. Eventually, all the combustibles will join in this free burning. This added burning time for low ignition temperature materials allows these materials and these immediate surroundings to have a deeper char and give a false indication that there are several points of origin.
The above described results could also be achieved through the action of burning debris falling and striking or landing upon combustible materials and causing them to ignite. This could produce false indicators of multiple points of origin that are separate and distinct from one another.
When a metal electrical conduit, such as Bx cable, carries an overload of current for an extended period of time, it heats up, sometimes to incandescence. Where this conduit passes around, behind, through or nearby any combustible material, including structural members, it may cause them to char and ignite. If these materials are allowed to free burn, the resulting char pattern might give the false impression of separate and distinct points of origin.
When a conducting medium, other than a live electrical conduit (steam pipe, steel girder, etc.), traverses through the area of a body of fire, it too will become heated, sometimes to incandescence. If you find what you consider a point of origin at a remote distance from
65 the main body of fire but abutting this conducting medium, before you reach any conclusion consider:
* The intensity and/or volume of the fire. * The relative conductivity of the medium. * The distance necessary for the heat to travel through the medium.
In checking for the fire cause at the point of origin it is usually an advantage to use the "layer checking" technique. Before any material is moved or shoveled out make notes and examine carefully the layers or strata of material as you work through to the floor, such as dimension timbers, wood ash, plaster, melted aluminum, window glass, charred drapery fabric, charred newspapers. This may give a picture of the sequence of materials burned at the point of origin; and if, for example, charred newspapers were found at the floor beneath charred drapery fabric it may indicate a set fire -- particularly if papers would not normally be in that area, or if they were of different types or dates. Aluminum and similar alloys will melt fairly early in the fire (about 1150oF) and will often splash or run over other material near floor level and there solidify in the much lower floor temperatures and protect the material from further damage. Draperies and heavy curtains may burn free and drop on flammable liquid preventing it from being completely consumed -- especially if it is one of the heavier or less volatile liquids.
CONSIDER ALL POSSIBILITIES:
In piecing together the chain of conditions, which resulted in the fire, several possibilities will usually be suggested. Always keeping the known facts in mind, fit and try the different possibilities. One will usually fit the known conditions and be corroborated by manner and duration of burning, as well as the combustion characteristics of the involved materials or equipment. Combustion characteristics have many exceptions and variables and so are not positive indications when considered individually, but a number of these all pointing toward the same end are very good indications of the cause of a fire. Some have much more value than others, but all must be considered for their probative value. So-called direct evidence has a probative value and is not absolute and positive by itself. As Clarence Darrow pointed out, even an eyewitness to a murder could not state he saw a certain individual shoot another since he could not see the bullet leave the barrel, follow the bullet in flight, and watch it enter the body of the victim. He could only testify he saw the defendant point the pistol, saw the flash, and saw the victim fall from a wound. So all evidence must be considered for its probative value.
Fires caused from low-temperature or slow-acting heat sources are probably the most deceiving. Examples of these low-temperature sources of heat are cigarettes, light globes, steam pipes, electric irons, soldering irons, electric blankets, heating pads, and spontaneous ignition. In analyzing the burning characteristics of these ignition sources we will again note several seeming contradictions to our fire protection training. This does not mean our fire protection training has been wrong; but rather that we should appraise these situations in a different light during investigation than during inspection or fire-protection work. As an example, we could not approve the use of a 60 or 75 watt light globe touching against light cotton cloth or light paper; but from an investigation standpoint there is very slight probability of this causing a fire. 66 In order to understand the manner and probability of ignition from low-temperature heat sources up to about 800 degrees Fahrenheit in usual everyday conditions, we must consider several factors. Besides the combustibility of the fuel there is the insulation factor created by density and depth of fuel, the duration of exposure to the heat, the flash point (the temperature at which a material will give off sufficient vapors to flash when heated by an outside agency, but will not continue to burn), and the ignition temperature (the temperature which will cause self-sustained combustion of a material independent of the heating element). The explosion range, or flammable range is the range where the vapor to air mixture is the right proportion to be flammable.
When heat as low as 250 degrees F. is applied to cellulose materials such as wood, for a long period of time, pyrophoric carbon is formed which absorbs oxygen rapidly and has a tendency to self-heating. This tendency to self-heating becomes an important factor when large quantities of carbon are involved. Conditions of this type are encountered when light globes or steam pipes have rested against heavy wooden timbers for a long period of time forming a considerable depth of carbon which has a much lower ignition temperature than wood. This depth of pyrophoric carbon with its tendency to self-heating, combined with the heat of the electric bulb or steam pipes, can cause fires with temperatures as low as 250 degrees F. This is a rather rare occurrence and it takes many months, or years, for this action to result in fire. It is usually evident in a fire investigation by a large charred-out section several inches in depth at the base, or point of origin, of the fire. This is a phenomenon that causes fires in improperly installed chimneys and usually causes ignition about 2 to 3 years after installation (the time factor depends on its use).
When low-temperature heat devices are in contact with a thin layer of combustibles for a sufficient period of time, the material usually carbonizes and turns to ash clear through at the point of contact and, in effect, burns clear. Examples of this would be a light globe against a thin layer of paper or cloth. If the depth of dense, finely divided combustible is about 1/4 inch or more, or several inches in less dense material, then it insulates the heat and usually goes into a glowing or smoldering condition which may break into flaming combustion when it reaches a larger bulk of combustibles, or if fanned to extra heat by a draft. The time involved with these devices runs from about 1 1/2 hours with cigarettes to many months or years with carbonizing of heavy timbers by electric lamps and steam pipes.
It must be remembered that the above ignition figures are for fine material heated on all sides at once; and, even so, these figures are the lowest average at which glowing takes place -- not the point at which flaming combustion occurs. With these temperatures applied in a small area against one surface only, a broad or timber would usually take many hours to ignite. In most cases, glowing combustion, started in small quantities of sawdust or shavings, would consume the mass and go out without reaching the flaming stage. In larger quantities it would either smolder into the pile, where the heat would be insulated and built up to a higher degree, or a draft would fan the glowing to a higher degree. In either case, when the temperature reaches around 1,000 degrees F., flaming combustion takes place. If in flaming combustion it is the vapors of the heated material
67 that burn, then it appears that flaming combustion would not occur until the ignition temperature of the vapors being given off is reached.
Although flash points of solids are not usually given, it seems easier to understand the reaction of slow heat on combustible materials. Just remember that combustion is rapid oxidation; that all common materials oxidize and vaporize and give off a specific quantity of heat -- even though too slowly to measure, as in rusting iron and weathering boards. When very low heat is applied to wood, the vapors given off do not reach their ignition point; and, in any event, are not in sufficient volume to be within the explosive range or range of flammability. When a little higher heat is applied -- say 600 to 700 degrees F. the volume of combustible vapors may be sufficient to be within the flammable range near the source of heat; but since most vapors from wood, cotton, etc., have an even higher ignition point, around 800 to 1,000 degrees F., they do not ignite until they reach this temperature or until a flame or source of ignition is brought near the heating source where the vapors are rich enough to be within the flammable range. For example, if a slow-heating device such as a large electric soldering iron is placed when cold on a piece of newspaper, and then the current is turned on, slow rising heat can turn the paper to ash without igniting it - even though the tip of the iron becomes red hot. However, if an uncharred piece of this same type of paper is held against the tip after it is red hot, the paper will ignite instantly. This is another indication of the need, during fire investigation, to consider the time of exposure of combustible materials to sources of ignition.
Following are some of the factors to be considered during the investigation of fires suspected of being caused by electric lights, wiring and equipment.
Small wattage light globes have only slight potential of igniting layers of low-density combustibles that are resting against the globe, such as dresses, lamp shades, or papers. Closet and attic fires are often blamed on this, though most are incendiary or caused by children playing with matches.
Refuse to accept an "accidental" or "natural" cause for a closet fire until a thorough investigation has been made. It has been found that in about 200 fires originating in closets 95 per cent were either incendiary or caused by juveniles playing with fire; 4 1/2 per cent were undetermined (suspicious); and 1/2 per cent, or only two fires, were actually from "accidental" or "natural" causes.
In closets there are few accidental or natural sources of ignition; yet a surprising number of adult fire setters choose closets - probably attracted by the large amount of ignitable materials which would accelerate the fire after a source of ignition is supplied.
To juveniles, a closet is a hideaway, a sanctuary, a place to think or pout over their problems. It is also the place for playing with matches or lighters.
Even a 25 or 40 watt light globe can cause fire, however, if wrapped with several thicknesses of cheesecloth or tissue paper, or buried in finely-divided combustible material such as sawdust, since this retards the dissipation of heat from the light globe's element (which burns at about 4,500 degrees F.) and the temperature will quickly run up 68 to about 800 to 900 degrees F. and cause flaming combustion -- usually in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness and density of the wrapping material. Seldom is a light globe wrapped or buried accidentally.
Accidental fires in sawdust are sometimes caused when people fill sawdust bins around light globes. This will cause flaming combustion in from 3 to 6 hours depending on the fineness and dryness of the dust and the depth to which the globe is buried. Electric globes begin to swell and lose shape at about 900 degrees F. for 10 minutes or more. Above this temperature the glass will begin to flow. If a fire originates from an electric bulb, the glass may be heavily stained with ash fragments of the material ignited stuck to the globe. A short circuit will often occur in or next to the lamp socket, indicated by a fusing of metal and a burned face on the fuse plug. The point of origin will usually be in the upper portion of the room, since lamps are usually used in that area. An important factor is time or exposure -- usually requiring many hours, unless buried in the combustible material.
Electric clocks, even though destroyed by the fire, should be dug out and examined since the time they stopped can often be determined and help establish burning time, progress of the fire and involvement of electrical equipment. In this category are time-punch clocks; watchman's clocks; range, radio and kitchen clocks; and steam, fuel or other graphs.
When electric appliances such as automatic toasters, clothes irons, coffeepots and deep- fryers are suspected of causing fire the bi-metal thermal control or thermostat should be checked to see if the contact points are badly pitted or fused in a closed position. If so, this would allow overheating of the device. These points often become carbonized or dirty, preventing complete closing. This causes an arcing between the points with resulting pitting or sticking, and sometimes complete fusing together of the contact points. Contact points that were closed during the fire will have clean or unstained faces.
Always check fuse plugs. It can generally be assumed that a full short circuit will burn the fact of glass fuse plugs; while overloads or partial shorting will melt or burn the fuse band through without blackening or burning the face of the plug. The condition of the plug may corroborate your findings at the point of origin. An electric arc or short circuit can create a temperature of 7,000 degrees F. or more. This intense heat will cause fusing or beading of copper wire conductors. If this condition is found at the point of origin it may indicate shorting or grounding as the cause of the fire, if corroborated by other factors.
Copper wires when heated to around 2,000 F. will burn through without fusing. In this case the ends will be pointed or ragged-looking. When conduit pipes are burned through from short circuits the fused metal will usually form lips around the burned-out area on the opposite side from which the sort occurred. Brass -- such as fuse bases -- will show heat colors when heated to around 400 degrees F. Sometimes the partially burned insulation of copper conductor wires will indicate whether the heat was internal or external. Internal heating of the copper wire, as from heavy or prolonged overloads, tends to burn away the insulation next to the wire and the remaining insulation will be loose on the wire like a sleeve. Sometimes there will also be swelling or bubbles on the 69 remaining insulation, caused from the vapors of the inner layer of insulation. Exterior heat burns the outer insulation first; and if any insulation is left, it will soften and adhere to the wire. An exception to this is when the wires have been subjected to a very slow, bake-oven type of heat or fire. This sleeve condition is most indicative when found at the perimeter of a fire; and particularly when it can be compared to another circuit which was subjected to the same heating conditions.
Electric clothes irons use from 500 to 1,000 watts. Those produced during the past 10 to 15 years are regulated with thermostats with a top heat of about 450 degrees F. Tests run with this type iron operating at top temperature when flat on a padded ironing board showed the padding, after 3 hours, had just charred through and there was slight browning to the wooden board beneath the iron. There was no sign of glowing or smoldering, and no lateral spread or charring. If such an iron is suspected, check the thermal control points for fusing. If control is operating, it would appear difficult to cause a fire with this type or iron; and, in any event, would require probably 8 to 10 hours or more.
Irons without thermal controls and of average size, about 600 watts, when tested, charred about 5/8 inch of wood per hour. Temperature was 800 degrees F. beneath the iron. There was no lateral spread of charring and no glowing in the fir board (due to lack of oxygen) beneath the iron sole plate, slight glowing in padding at start of test went out. Smoldering and then flaming combustion may occur in 2 to 3 hours when charring breaks through the bottom of a board.
Soldering irons of 100 to 125 watts produce temperatures to 600 to 800 degrees F. They are not thermal controlled. The small 600 degree F. iron operated for 10 hours on dry fir board charred only 1/2 inch -- no smoldering occurred. The 800 degree F. iron operated for 3 hours, charred 1 1/2 inch in 3 hours -- slight smoldering after 1 hour; steady smoldering after 2 hours. Flaming occurred at 3 1/2 hours when iron burned through bottom of board. Paper and cloth laid flat on board under iron were reduced to ash under the iron and had no further action. When several layers of crumpled paper or cotton cloth were placed around or on top of the iron flaming combustion occurred in 15 to 30 minutes.
If the shaft is frozen to the bronze bearing of an electric motor, it is a pretty good indication that the motor burned internally. If the bearing becomes heated from friction against the steel shaft, the temperature on the surface of the bearing can easily run up to the melting point of the bearing -- around 1,800 degrees F. and fuse to the shaft. Fires from other sources in the building are very unlikely to cause this condition; first, because in average fires temperatures run about 1,600 degrees F. and this in the upper portions of the building, whereas motors are usually installed near floor level where the fire temperatures run about 300 to 500 degrees F. or more around the motor this high temperature would probably have to continue for 10 to 15 minutes to heat through the cast-iron housing of the bearing, and it is doubtful if the melting bronze would even then fuse to the steel shaft because the oil film between shaft and bearing would carbonize and tend to prevent this. Motor overload fuses should be checked to see if they are of proper size. If a motor has thermal control, check the contact points for sticking or fusing. If the
70 motor was running during the fire, this may be indicated by bits of solder thrown out of the commutator or armature onto the interior of the motor housing.
Friction is indicated if the motor belt is most heavily damaged where it passes over pulleys. Fire from other sources damages motor belts much more in between pulleys, and often does little damage to the belt where the belt is protected by the pulleys.
Check the wire coating at the interior of motor windings. Except in very hot, prolonged fires, this wire coating does not burn away unless the motor has burned out. If, immediately after a fire, the motor housing is too hot to touch but iron or steel of similar size in the same area is relatively cool, it would indicate interior heating or burning out of the motor. Motors of fractional horsepower are designed to operate at about 140 degrees F.
Recessed ceiling light fixtures, if improperly insulated, often cause fire in joists, insulation, acoustical tile, accumulations of lint, sawdust collected on fixture housing, etc. These are slow-starting, and are usually characterized by the point of origin in the ceiling area and a large amount of heavy charring at this point.
Fluorescent light fixtures often cause fires from a breakdown in the ballast transformers containing a flammable pitchblende. These ballasts have a starting voltage of from 700 to 900 volts, and operate at about 400 volts. They are designed to operate continuously at 194 degrees F., but often the temperature goes much higher than this. This heat may cause a melting and vaporizing of the combustible contents of the ballast, sometimes igniting combustible ceiling material; and sometimes these vapors collect and ignite in the housing -- or occasionally explode, ripping the fixture apart. These ballast transformers are designed to last about 15 years, and many of the older fixtures still in use are beginning to break down at this time. Round dark spots at the ends of the bulbs are an indication that the ballast is hotter than normal.
Television booster tubes occasionally cause fires. Some of them double the voltage, which greatly increases the heat and may ignite the cabinet or curtains, etc., at the back of the set. This increased voltage also may overload and break down the transformers.
Fires are occasionally caused by electric blankets. These fires can invariably be attributed to misuse, covering with blankets or other material, rumpling, improper cleaning, breakdown of extension cord near blanket, etc.
Most of these blankets are operated by a main bimetal thermal control switch. This thermal control is activated by room temperatures and not by the temperature of the blanket. In addition to this, there are three bi-metal thermal controls located in the edge of each blanket; and in double blankets there are three additional controls running down the center of the blanket. These blanket controls or thermostats are sealed in a plastic sack. They are not designed for continuous operation, and only act in event the blanket becomes overheated - in which case they cut off the entire grid.
Since these controls are located along the edge of the blanket, they would not operate if a pile of blankets or some such insulating material was left in the middle of the blanket. 71 Then, if the main control switch was left on "High" in a cool room, the current would remain on no matter how hot the covered section of the blanket might get. The same thing occurs when any objects are placed on the blanket with the main switch on. Even dogs on the bed have caused blankets to get quite hot before Rover suspected something was wrong and moved. Doubling over the center section of a blanket will more than double the heat. Blankets have been known to cause fire when the foot of the blanket was tucked between the mattress and padded box spring. When a fire starts on the surface of the bed it is difficult to tell whether it was caused from the electric blanket or a cigarette, unless the fire was caught fairly early and the path of char can be traced. There will usually be enough of the main switch left to indicate whether it was on. Even though switch is in the "Off" position, if the cord is plugged into wall outlet the bimetal thermal control points of main switch should be checked for sticking or fusing.
A cigarette at the surface of the burning tobacco, without draft, has a temperature of about 550 degrees F.; with draft, 800 degrees F. Insulated as it would be after burning into a mass of combustible material, the temperature is about 950 degrees F. A cigarette will burn for 15 to 25 minutes.
With this low surface temperature, a cigarette lying on a smooth-surfaced board with only a small portion of the burning coal touching the surface has little chance of doing more than char the surface. The same usually occurs when a cigarette burns on a flat thin surface of more combustible materials such as paper or cotton. A cigarette will usually burn out even when completely covered with very light, loose material, such as cotton cheesecloth, since the heat is dissipated through the loose cloth and does not build up to ignition temperatures.
To cause flaming combustion a cigarette requires a fairly good insulation. Dropped on upholstered furniture, it usually rolls in between cushions and arm or back rest. After burrowing in and finding insulation, the temperature will rise to about 900 degrees F. This action is slow, and flaming combustion of the furniture usually will not start for a least 1 1/2 hours. The first 45 minutes usually results in a smoldering area of about 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter. When furniture has been 30 to 70 percent destroyed by a cigarette fire the coil springs of the cushions, and often the main springs, will be heated to a degree which causes them to anneal and collapse of their own weight. A temperature of about 1,150 degrees F. or above is required to make furniture springs collapse of their own weight. After a fire is extinguished, springs are seldom annealed of soft. They are usually much harder than normal, even though collapsed, due to the rapid quenching or cooling action of the fire streams. If springs should be found in an annealed condition after a fire it would only indicate that the temperature of the springs rose to above 800 degrees F. and then slowly cooled. It may be possible to gain some idea of the temperature of the fire by running a Brinnell or Rockwell hardness test on the involved springs. During controlled tests is was noted that the cigarette fire usually burrowed in between the padding of the coil springs and then smoldered from the inside until the padding was reduced to ash. This smoldering was found to continue for as much as three hours; and thermocouples in the cushions indicated the heat ran from 1,400 to 1,600 degrees F.
72 Where fire from other sources in the room burn upholstered furniture to the same extent (30 to 70 percent) the padding is burned from the surface in, and the temperature around the springs usually does not run high enough or long enough to cause their collapse. Tests with crumpled papers burned on upholstered furniture also failed to collapse the springs -- as did tests with up to one quart of gasoline. This type of fire burning on the surface of padded furniture has a high enough temperature to collapse the springs, but as the heat is mostly on the top of the spring is does not affect the main body. Also, springs are ideally designed for dissipation of heat applied to one end only. Large quantities of flammable liquids on upholstered furniture will soak in and create high enough temperatures around the body of the spring to cause collapsing if allowed to burn long enough. In actual fires in protected areas this seldom happens, since a flammable liquid fire will usually flare up with intense heat and break the windows in one to two minutes. It is usually discovered, reported and extinguished with a total burning time of only 10 to 20 minutes, which is not long enough to heat the springs to the collapsing temperature. Flammable liquids or any other burning material on the floor beneath the springs will usually cause them to collapse, since the heat will bank up under the top padding and the temperature will rise rapidly.
If the furniture is completely destroyed by fire, or if the building is burned to the extent that structural members have dropped on the furniture, then the collapsed springs would not necessarily indicate a cigarette in the furniture.
Indications of a cigarette in furniture or mattress would be:
* Heavy charring of the unit and the floor, and immediate surrounding area.
* Char pattern on furniture frames, heaviest on inside.
* Heavy staining and blackening of mirrors and window glass in this area, indicating a long, slow fire -- a burning time of at least 1 1/2 hours and up to 3 or 4 hours.
* Collapsing of part or all of the coil springs.
Cigarettes will ignite foam rubber padding to about the same degree as other padding. Lying flat on the surface they will usually char a small hole and burn out. If the cigarette is partially covered at the sides or bottom, a fire usually results in an hour or so. With foam rubber padding, fire will occur a little faster since smoldering in foam rubber reaches its ignition temperature faster and burns with greater intensity.
There are few fundamental causes of spontaneous heating, but the conditions under which these factors may operate are numerous. Nearly all organic materials and many metals are subject to either oxidation or fermentation, or both; and, therefore, have some potential to spontaneous heating. It is produced in three major ways by:
* Chemical Action * Fermentation - and the most common, * Oxidation
73 Examples of chemical action are unslaked lime and water, or sodium and water. Fermentation heating is caused by bacterial action. In this, moisture is a prime factor. The most dangerous materials are those that are subject to combinations such as fermentation and oxidation with drying. Fresh sawdust over 10 feet deep is subject to fermentation heating, but rarely reaches ignition temperature. In oxidation heating, rapid oxidation must take place, combined with a good insulating factor and an oxygen supply. Oxidation results in oils containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. This combination is mostly found in vegetable and fish oils; and, to some extent, in animal oils.
The susceptibility to spontaneous heating is usually determined by the drying time factor. Unadulterated hydrocarbons, such as mineral and petroleum oils, are not considered subject to spontaneous ignition.
Spontaneous ignition is a rather rare occurrence in residential or small business buildings. It is considerably accelerated by external heat such as sunshine, steam pipes, hot air ducts, or friction within the organic mass due to wind action or vibration.
Spontaneous ignition has always been a rather mysterious fire cause, due to the numerous unknown factors and combinations that may be involved in the action. Because of this, it has often been used as a "catch-all" fire cause. By careful investigation of all so-called "Spontaneous Ignition" fires it was found that about three-fourths of them were not caused by spontaneous ignition.
The usual time required to produce spontaneous ignition by oxidation or fermentation runs from several hours to several days or months. This form of ignition is characterized by internal charring of a mass of combustibles, and some of the remains of this material will usually be found at the point of origin (if the firefighters have been careful and especially if fog was used) since it normally takes a considerable mass -- several inches in depth of a fairly dense material -- to create the factors necessary for spontaneous heating. Sometimes when material of this type is suspected (such as oily meals) and is found to be deeply charred all the way through the mass, you may satisfy yourself that the fire, or external heat, was not responsible for this by checking for depth of charring of other meals of the same type in the same vicinity and subject to the same heat. When not heated internally, sacks of various meals, flour, etc., will normally survive an extensive building fire with only an inch or two of charring on the exposed surface and with no damage to the interior.
Dust and polishing mops have often been accused of causing spontaneous ignition, and probably have in some rare cases. It is debatable whether the average mop would have enough bulk to provide the necessary insulation to raise the temperature to the ignition point; although with favorable conditions -- such as a large mop saturated with fast- drying oils, pressed in a corner with other brooms, and receiving outside heat from a steam pipe or the sun's rays through a window -- ignition could occur.
During the several hours required for spontaneous heating to build up to the ignition temperature the mass of material undergoing the heating will be giving off a large volume of very acrid odors -- especially linseed and similar oils. Persons in this area during the 74 several hours prior to the fire would, normally, be aware of these odors. More often than not, the cause of fires originating near a mop in a closet or on a back porch is little Junior playing with fire.
The days of "hot ashes" as an ignition source are returning. Hard fuel heating with its ash problem has largely been eliminated; but now we are having an increasing number of fires from barbecue briquets. These charcoal briquets are very susceptible to spontaneous heating when fresh or moistened. They have caused several fires in boxcar shipments and warehouses, where large piles are stored. In the small quantities found in the average household, however, they build up to ignition temperature only when a number of favorable conditions exist simultaneously, such as when briquets have absorbed moisture, have been pulverized or broken into smaller pieces, and have been subjected to outside heat such as the sun's rays. Even then, an insulating cover of papers or blankets would probably be required to hold in the heat. In small quantities, the voids in the pile caused by the shape of the briquets usually allow sufficient ventilation to prevent any dangerous heat rise.
We have, however, had a number of supposed spontaneous ignition fires in barbecue briquets, which, on investigation, turned out to be a "hot ashes" situation. In some instances an accumulation of barbecue ashes, thought to be cold, had been placed in cardboard boxes or garbage cans. These containers later burned, transmitting fire to nearby combustible walls, floors and fences.
Other fires have been caused by attempts to save briquets by spraying or sprinkling them with water. When they appeared to be dead or cold, they were placed back in the briquet sack, only to break out in fire one to three hours later.
Hot coals in piles of ashes will often hold fire for several days. When the pile is moved, the coals -- being heavier than the ash --drop to the bottom or sides of the container where they ignite the container or material against the container.
In industries using polyester resins and fiberglass coatings there is a spontaneous heating hazard if cobalt driers are mixed directly with the organic peroxide catalysts. However, this heating occurs instantly and would usually be noticed by the occupants.
Glass is composed principally of silicon and lime. Window glass, especially that at the point of origin, can give many indications of the manner of burning. In checking the pieces of broken-out windows, if the glass is clear and in irregular, blocky-shaped pieces, it indicates a rapid intense buildup of heat of about 1 to 5 minutes. If the pieces are heavily "crazed" but with little or no stain, it would indicate an intense heat with a slower buildup. Heavy staining with no crazing would indicate a slowly built-up fire with considerable smoke; half-moon checks on the stained side indicate the glass was still in the frame during fire and drops of water spattered on it.
If glass is on the inside of the building and is clear and in rather long rectangular pieces, it indicates the glass was broken by some force other than heat prior to the fire -- perhaps a forced entry. Window glass broken by a blow from a hard object will have several radial cracks running out from the point of impact. This causes the glass near the break 75 to come out in rectangular or triangular-shaped pieces. If unstained or heat-checked pieces, shaped as from thermal cracking, are found next to the floor at the bottom of the debris, while other glass in the same area is stained and heat-checked, the unstained glass was probably broken by some intense heat early in the fire.
Thermal cracks in glass run helter-skelter and form odd-shaped pieces. Glass near a high-intensity explosive, such as dynamite, will usually be broken into slender slivers. If glass is broken from low-intensity explosives -- as from dust or gas -- the pieces will usually be in chunks.
Glass will soften at from 1,200 to 1,400 degrees F. and will become molten and runny at 1,600 degrees F. or above. The corners of broken glass will round off between 1,100 degrees and 1,200 degrees F. and would indicate it was still in the windows when this temperature was reached.
Glass objects stain easily from heat and smoke and are often unsalvageable. All glass and metal containers have trademark stamps on the base. Glass trademarks indicate the manufacturing company's trademark and mold number. From this the company can give information as to original use of container and to whom it was supplied.
The length of time of free burning or flaming combustion against various wood surfaces in the building may be determined fairly accurately by the char depth. Tests by the Forest Products Laboratory indicate most woods will char at the rate of 1 inch in 40 to 45 minutes when exposed to average flaming temperatures of 1,400 to 1,600 degrees F. If both broad surfaces are equally exposed the char rate should be doubled.
These tests should not be confused with Underwriters' fire resistance ratings. For example, the UL fire resistance rating for a 1 5/8" inch tongue and groove pine wall is given as 12 minutes at 1,400 to 1,700 degrees F. It evidently is felt that longer exposure may transmit sufficient heat through the boards or the joints to cause fire beyond the wall. However, it would require about 1 hour and 5 minutes to char completely through the wall at these temperatures with only one side exposed.
Demarcation lines between charred and uncharred material are also useful in determining the type of heat involved. For instance, if charred boards near the point of origin are chopped or sawed through they will show a sharp and distinct line between charred and uncharred wood if it was a fast, intense fire extinguished in the normal time. A long, slow fire will show a graduation of char and a flat, baked appearance throughout.
Automobiles burned by a fast, intense fire that was quickly extinguished will show a sharp line between charred and uncharred paint. This same condition will be noticed on the paint of buildings around windows, doors, and other openings when subjected to a fast fire. A slow building fire will show heat and smoke stains on siding, under eaves and around windows where there was smoke seepage. Variations of this may also be noted in other common materials, such as plastics.
A successful and destructive fire is not nearly as easy to accomplish as many people assume -- especially in populous areas where fires that might in time become damaging 76 are discovered and reported while in the early stages. Many fire-setters, after trying other materials, devices and painstaking methods with little or no results, have become frustrated and turned to flammable liquids with a vengeance -- sometimes literally soaking themselves along with the premises in a frenzied effort to be certain -- occasionally with disastrous results to the fire-setter.
Years ago a psychopath on a fire-setting spree set 24 fires in a six-week period. Of 22 fires started with crumpled newspapers, 20 went out or burned so slowly they were discovered and put out with only minor damage. Only 2 of the 22 caused heavy damage. The other 2 fires were started with flammable liquid, and both caused heavy damage.
Persons using flammable liquids occasionally use delayed igniting devices. This is good for the investigator since most of the time parts of fuses, candles and clocks will remain unburned at the point of origin.
Low-flash point flammable liquids are fast. Two quarts of gasoline ignited in a first floor room can completely involve a 2-story frame dwelling in as little as 10 minutes. Because of this fast-burning characteristic, the premises may have a flash-over appearance, with walls and ceiling charred evenly and to about the same depth as in the room of fire's origin. Heat-broken window glass will have little or no stain, and little or no crazing. A fast-rising intense heat on exposed wood surfaces will cause deep, rolling "alligatoring" with rather shiny, smooth blisters.
Since flammable liquids (like water) will run to the lowest level, the path of heat travel will be from the floor up and the charring on the bottom of furniture, ledges, and shelves will be as deep as, or deeper than, the charring on the top sides.
After the fire the floor should be cleaned carefully since many signs may be found here; such as a charred, ink-blob outline of the flammable liquids thrown on the floor. Very often a wool rug that appears charred all over will -- when dried out and then swept hard with a stiff broom -- show a distinct pattern of the flammable liquids. This is because the liquid is absorbed into the nap of the rug and burns more heavily there than in the areas where there was no flammable liquid. Flammable liquid will usually soak into the joints of wooden flooring and, as a result, the joints will often be heavily burned out.
Check the mopboards, quarter rounds and sills. Flammable liquid often runs under and chars the bottom of these items, and this condition would not be likely to occur in Class I fires.
Check the corners of the room. Few floors are perfectly level, and flammable liquid will often run into and burn out the corners; whereas in Class I fires the dead-air corners at floor level are usually the least damaged.
If deep, rounded holes with nearly vertical side walls are burned in floor, this is an indication of heavy oil dripping and soaking into the same spot on the floor over a long period of time -- such as from sewing machines or other stationary machinery.
77 Check the depth of floor charring against the ceiling. If floor is charred as much as, or more than the ceiling, this indicates a flammable material directly at floor level since, in the average fire, the floor temperature is only about one-third that of the ceiling.
When you find a heavy charring in or through the floor without "fingers" or a runny appearance, check for the possibility of foam rubber cushions or rug pads having been located at this spot. Foam rubber does not run much, but burns with great intensity on the floor directly beneath it.
Occasionally, asphalt roofing material will melt and burn in heavy, blob-design on the floor; but this is rare since, in most fires, the floor has been covered with ashes and plaster before the roofing has been burned to the extent that it drops in. This roofing material is not very fluid, and when it is involved usually burns on top of the debris on the floor.
When a wood door is found to be charred on the very bottom edge next to the floor, this is a very strong indication of flammable liquids having burned on the floor under the door. If a flammable liquid is suspected of having burned near a door, remove the hinge- pins and examine the bottom edge of the door for charring. Doorways often are slightly lower than the rest of the floor in the immediate area, largely due to foot traffic wear and settling around construction headers. If a flammable liquid was burned in this area it will usually puddle up and burn under the sills and/or doors.
Interior doors are usually hung so as to clear the floor by 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Flammable liquids, being surface-burning material, will flow under the door and burn there, sometimes causing a char of 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep on the very bottom edge of the door. On the other hand, when doors are burned from some other source of heat in the area, it normally will not char into the bottom of the door even though the top sections are completely burned away. Lint, newspapers, and other combustible material, which may accumulate under the door, will not burn with sufficient heat or for a long enough period of time to cause this type of charring.
When flammable liquids appear to have burned near a doorway especially an exterior doorway -- it will often pay to check the wood joists and structural members under the floor in this area for runny charring or light streaked smudging, since flammable liquids particularly light flammable liquids, will often run under a loose or worn sill and burn down through the crack or construction gap between the finished floor and the exterior wall, or where different types of flooring are joined together.
When gasoline or similar material is suspected on porches or buildings without basements -- especially those with single-constructed flooring -- check the soil beneath the area of suspected gasoline burns. The liquid often runs through the floor into the dirt beneath. Dig one or two inches into the earth and smell for the odor of flammable liquids. A vapor tester is still better for this purpose since some flammable liquids, like alcohol, have little odor in cold, wet earth. Flammable liquids will also be absorbed by sawdust, bricks, concrete and similar porous materials. If the absorbent material is slightly damp when the flammable liquids contact it, and is then further wetted by the fire streams, the liquid is sealed in and the vaporizing is retarded, even though the surface of 78 the material has been burning for some time. Vapors have been found in bricks and earth as much as five days after a flammable liquid fire.
Spots of candle wax may be found below or near the point of origin. The heat-melted wax will drop or run to a lower and perhaps cooler level where it may not burn, or at any rate will burn on the surface only. It will often last out a surprisingly long fire without being entirely consumed.
There are undoubtedly numerous other commonly involved materials with combustion characteristics indicating the intensity and duration of fire, the manner of burning and, to varying degrees, the cause of the fire.
A. INDICATORS OF ARSON INTENT:
l. Separate fires/no connection. 2. Removal of property, i.e., personal effects removed prior to fire. 3. Accelerants, i.e., flammable liquids in unusual places (gasoline in bedroom or living room). 4. Trailers, i.e., combustibles (paper, film, rags) placed to aid fire spread. 5. Plants, i.e., highly combustible items placed near trailers (cans of gas, chemicals, volumes of matches, etc.).
B. SUSPICIOUS CONDITIONS:
1. Personal articles/furniture removed or out of place. 2. Stock or equipment missing or replaced. 3. Condition of drawers, closets, safes, doors. 4. Fire detection/extinguishing systems tampered with. 5. Unusual openings in partitions, floors or ceilings. 6. Tampering with appliances, electrical equipment. 7. Were the utilities operational?
In summary, the following is a fairly effective rule-of-thumb guide for the investigation for fire cause:
* Reconstruct as much as possible.
* Determine path of heat travel and point of origin.
* Establish approximate burning time.
* Evaluate combustion characteristics of materials involved.
* Compare similar materials and situations, where possible.
* Fit known facts to various possibilities.
* Key pieces might be the unknown variables that we may infer from known facts. 79 * Extraneous pieces must be eliminated to avoid confusion.
* Value and importance of each indicator might vary and be subject to change as your examination proceeds.
* Record all pertinent factors to enable you to articulate the chronology of events.
* Corroborate with information from occupants and neighbors as to activities prior to fire.
III. INTERVIEWING AND INTERROGATION:
Fire investigation should begin with questioning those people who arrived before you, their descriptions will often eliminate portions of the property to be examined or investigated. For instance, if you arrive to find several floors burning and you can find a witness who saw the fire when it was confined to one floor or area you can shrink your area of operation.
It is important that firefighters be carefully questioned, they can report conditions inside and the condition of doors, windows and locking devices.
Of course the owner, occupants, tenants, neighbors and police officers should be questioned. In a commercial loss the employees are an important source of information.
Don't forget the person who discovered the fire and reported it. Sometimes listening to the tape of the caller you can get information they forgot in their excitement.
Note taking is important and will often result in helping to make a witness more cooperative. Ask leading questions and allow the witness to answer in their own way. Do not supply the answer or ask questions that can be answered yes or no. Don't appear hurried.
Questions usually asked are:
* What did you observe when you became aware of the fire?
* How did you learn of the fire?
* Where did the fire originate or in what part of the building was the fire in when you first observed it?
* Did you hear anything unusual?
* Did you smell anything unusual?
* Who was on the scene when you arrived?
80 * If you are talking to neighbors inquire about the recent activities of the property owners. Has anything unusual occurred recently, etc.
* When questioning police officers find out who was there before them? Who called in the fire? What did they see when they arrived? Did anyone make any statements to them?
* When questioning firefighters try to find those who arrived first. What did they see? Where was the fire located? Was the fire high or low? What color was the smoke? Find out the condition of all doors. Were they locked? Did you try the doors? Did you make forcible entry? If not, who did?
* Discuss the firefighting operation with each company officer. How were hoses moved about inside? Every room that a firefighter was in before it burned gets eliminated as an area of origin.
* Did the firefighters hear or smell anything unusual? Did anyone make any statements to them? Did they notice anything peculiar or missing?
You will want to interview the owner/occupant and the intensity of the interview and the questions asked will vary depending on the severity of the fire and the difficulty in determining accidental cause. Remember that at this point you are interested in whether the fire was accidental or deliberate and you can question witnesses without Miranda warnings or Police Department involvement until the witness becomes a suspect. Before interviewing a witness who is a suspect in an intentional fire you should seek assistance from the Detective Division of the Police Department before preceding any further. Notify the Police Communications Center that you need a detective Assigned. They will make the proper notifications and the assigned detective will either contact you or respond to the scene.
When the Police Department is notified they want a sample taken if there is any suspicion that a flammable liquid was used.
When interviewing the owner/occupant note the date and time and if anyone else was present:
* Name (correct spelling)
* Date of Birth
* Social Security Number
* Address
* Telephone Number
* Are you the owner of the property, sole owner, names of other owners.
81 * Married, Separated, Divorced? How long?
* Spouse Information: Children:
* If divorced, amount of support or alimony. Is it current?
* How long have they owned the property or lived there, purchase price, amount of mortgage, who holds the mortgage, monthly payments? Are they current?
* Where were you when the fire occurred? How did you find out about the fire?
* What time did you leave the house? Who was with you? Who was left at home?
* Where did you go? Did you lock the property? Who has keys?
* Were the locks changed since you owned the house?
* Is there a burglar alarm? Who is your alarm company?
* Have you had any burglaries or prowlers? Were they reported to the police? When?
* Any problems with neighbors?
* Any problems your children might have had with neighbors or at school?
* What lights or appliances were left on when you left?
* Any difficulties with electric wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, or appliances?
* Any problems with the heater? The Television?
* Does anyone in the house smoke? Were there any visitors smoking?
* Are you aware of anyone who would want to start a fire in your house?
* Do you know how the fire started? Any ideas? Did you start the fire?
* What flammable liquids are kept in the property? Where?
* Did you ever have a fire before? When? Details.
* Has the house been for sale? With who? How long? Any offers?
* Any repairs to the house recently? What area? By whom?
* Employment; where, how long, job title or description, address, telephone number, income? Other sources of income?
82 * Debts besides mortgage? Name of bank? Are your payments in arrears? Are taxes current? Any liens?
* Was anything removed before the fire? Is anything missing now?
You may not ask all of the preceding questions, they are there to jog your mind. If the fire appears suspicious, you may want to do a preliminary interview at the scene and have the owner/occupant come into the office for a more complete interview after you have had a chance to do a fire scene examination.
In the case of a commercial loss, you should address the security of the property, who sets what alarms and get good details about lights, timers and locks. You will also want to get names and addresses of employees. Some of the following questions may apply:
* Name of business? Is it a corporation? A partnership or proprietorship?
* Type of business? How long in business? Main/only place of business? Hours or operation? Day of week? Number of employees?
* Names and addresses of people with a financial interest in the business? History of business, start, development, etc?
* Building ownership? Lease? Length? Monthly rent? Current?
* Value of contents? Smoking areas?
* Watchman procedures, if any?
* Accounts payable? Accounts receivable? Utility costs? Recent changes in utility costs?
* Average weekly receipts? Business was increasing/decreasing, why?
* Is business for sale? With who? How long? Asking price? Any offers?
* Any liens? Are taxes current? Previous fires? Business losses? Union problems? Employee problems? Any recent firings?
You may ask any questions without concern about Miranda warnings as long as you are investigating the cause of the fire. However, the minute you suspect an intentional fire or think you have an arson case, you should immediately back-off and consult with the Detective Division of the Police Department who will consult with the District Attorney. Don't blow a case because of improper procedures.
IV. REPORT WRITING:
83 If you utilize the preliminary response form and the Investigation Report form provided, you will have gathered sufficient building information. From your interview notes, you should be able to identify the building's owners and occupants.
On your photographs, you can number the back and create a photo I.D. sheet that can be used to explain the direction of the camera as well as describe the subject.
Report writing should answer the who, what, where, why, when question; explain the origin; path of travel; cause of fire and eliminate the other possible causes. Diagrams are helpful and may be referred to in the report.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #11
MARCH, 1993 (Updated August 2005)
RIOTS AND CIVIL DISTURBANCES
I. PURPOSE:
To provide a guide for Fire Department activities during Riots and Civil Disturbances.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It shall be the responsibility of each fire company member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his rank in the implementation of this procedure.
III. DEFINITION:
84 A riot or civil disturbance is any breach of the peace by a number of persons assembled, or the gathering of an unruly mob, or any situation which, in the opinion of the ranking on duty Police Officer, has the possibility of developing into such a condition.
IV PROCEDURE; CIVIL DISTURBANCE:
A. Notification
1. If a fire company or an individual firefighter encounters a circumstance that they feel could escalate to a civil disturbance or riot they will notify the Communications Center immediately and leave the area, if possible.
2. The Communications Center will contact the appropriate Police Commanders and will notify the on-call Chief Fire Officer and on-call Fire Marshal.
3. If the Police Department confirms the incident and the possibility of escalation of the situation, all fire company Chiefs will be notified that a civil disturbance/riot incident is in progress or imminent.
85 B. Command Activity
1. The Chief Fire Officer or his Deputy will respond to the Police Command Post or to the Communications Center if no Command Post has been established and:
a. Assume command of all fire service activities.
b. Ensure that all fire company Chiefs have been apprised of the situation.
c. Ensure that the entire staff of the Fire Marshal's office has been notified and assembled.
d. Ensure that the Manager's office has been notified.
e. Consult with the fire company Chief in the affected area and decide if it is necessary to put that fire company out of service to protect responding firefighters from harm.
f. Consult with the Police Commander regarding the establishment of a staging area and the safety of firefighters before any fire apparatus is dispatched into the affected area. Rubbish, dumpster, and car fires will probably be left to burn out in areas where firefighter safety is in question.
2. Fire Company Chief upon notification that a civil disturbance/riot condition exists shall:
a. If the civil disturbance/riot condition is in their district then, in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer, decide if their fire company should remain in service. Safety of responding volunteers will be given first consideration.
Note: The safety of the fire station and apparatus as well as the housemen on duty will be the responsibility of the Police Department. Evacuation may be necessary.
b. If the civil disturbance/riot condition is not in your district then, in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer, decide if you want your members assembled at the fire station.
c. Remove all tools carried on the outside of apparatus, everything should be carried in compartments.
d. Ensure that all members riding apparatus are inside if possible and wearing full protective clothing with face shields lowered. 86 e. Do not use lights and sirens when responding into troubled areas.
f. Position apparatus at intersections whenever possible, to effect a rapid exit if necessary.
g. Use caution to avoid increasing tension.
h. Keep the Communications Center informed of any changes in conditions. Avoid unnecessary radio traffic.
i. If conditions present an unreasonable risk to safe operations, leave the area by the most expedient route.
C. Fire Marshals
1. The on-call Fire Marshal shall personally make sure that the Chief Fire Officer is notified.
2. If a Police Command Post is established the on-call Fire Marshal will respond to that location and maintain a liaison with the Police until relieved.
3. No Fire Marshal shall respond into the affected area without specific orders from the Chief Fire Officer.
4. All off duty Fire Marshals notified to report will respond to Fire Headquarters and await assignments unless specifically ordered elsewhere by the Chief Fire Officer.
D. Police Liaison
1. Will respond as quickly and safely as possible to the Police Command Post and report to the officer in charge.
2. Maintain communications with the Lower Merion Communications Center.
3. Advise fire companies of best routes to be used on entering the area.
4. Report periodically on conditions and activities in the area.
5. Consult with the Chief Fire Officer on the advisability of assembling a task force at the Police Command Post.
TASK FORCE: A group of apparatus and firefighters who respond together, stay together, and leave together and operate as a group, not individual units. Usually 2 or 3 engines and one ladder with a Chief 87 Officer in command. They would carry the radio designation of Task Force #1,Task Force #2, etc. If necessary, police protection will be provided.
E. Rules for all Members
1. A riot or civil disturbance is a police action and is the responsibility of the Lower Merion Police Department whom we will assist.
2. Individual response in private vehicles is not only forbidden but is interference in a police activity that can result in arrest.
3. All Fire Department communications will take place on (Channel 1 or designated TAC Channel) unless changed by the Chief Fire Officer.
4. If a ladder company is dispatched to assist police to clear roofs or apprehend suspects, etc., the Police will do the climbing, firefighters will place and secure ladders.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #12
FEBRUARY, 2004 (Updated August 2005) 88 GAS EMERGENCIES
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for handling emergencies involving Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his rank in the implementation of this Procedure.
III. DEFINITIONS:
A. Natural Gas:
The term "utility gas" is applicable to any flammable gas distributed by a gas utility. Natural gas is the most common and is often referred to as "illuminating gas". Natural gas is formed underground as the result of decomposition of organic materials.
Distribution of natural gas as a fuel gas occurs after the nitrogen and carbon dioxide are removed and the flammable mixture of methane, ethane, some propane, butane and pentane are piped underground. With the exception of high-pressure transmission mains, natural gas is piped at low pressures. The pressure in most Lower Merion mains varies up to 35 lbs. The pressure in most homes is less than 1/2 lb.; pressure in commercial establishments averages 5 lbs. pressure. Natural gas has no odor of its own and is it is distributed.
NATURAL GAS EMERGENCIES - OPERATIONAL TACTICS - SEE SOP #12A
B. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG):
This is a flammable colorless cryogenic fuel (exists in its container at temperatures far below normal atmospheric temperatures). The principal component is methane with lesser amounts of ethane, propane and butane. It has an explosive range of 5 to 14% and a vapor density in its cold state of 1.47 (Air = l). When leaking, a visible cloud is produced. Liquid to vapor expansion ratio is 600 to 1. There is no odorant added to LNG.
C. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)(Propane-Butane):
This is a flammable colorless liquefied (including cryogenic) fuel and is a mixture of materials all comprised of carbon and hydrogen. It has an explosive range of approximately 1.5 to 9.6% and a vapor density of 1.5 to 2 (Air = 1). LPG also creates a visible cloud when leaking. One gallon of liquid propane or butane will 89 produce from 245 to 275 gallons of gas. LPG vapors are non-toxic, but can cause asphyxiation.
D. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG):
A-1-1 Properties of CNG. Natural gas is a flammable gas. It is colorless, tasteless, and nontoxic. It is a light gas, weighing about two-thirds as much as air. It tends to rise and diffuses rapidly in air when it escapes from the system.
Natural gas burns in air with a luminous flame. At atmospheric pressure, the ignition temperature of natural gas-air mixtures has been reported to be as low as 900oF (482oC). The flammable limits of natural gas-air mixtures at atmospheric pressure are about 5 percent to 15 percent by volume natural gas.
Natural gas is nontoxic but can cause anoxia (Asphyxiation) when it displaces the normal 21 percent oxygen in air in a confined area without adequate ventilation.
IV. GUIDELINES:
A. General:
1. In general, all gas emergencies are similar and will be handled in the same manner. Keep in mind that the hazard of explosion is always present. Do not hesitate to call for help.
Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) maintains a repair crew available 24 hours a day. We are serviced through the Ardmore Office, 490-6872. PECO can also supply expertise at gas emergencies that are not related to their equipment through their specialists at PECO Fire School. Their daytime number is 832-6450. They can be reached at off hours through the gas systems operator at 832-6487.
2. It is recommended by the U.S. Department of Transportation that when dealing with sizeable containers (tank trucks, ships, etc.) the area should be evacuated for 2000 feet in all directions. Fireground commanders, however, will let existing conditions dictate evacuation procedures and distances.
3. If possible, eliminate all sources of ignition in the evacuated area. Do not allow parked cars to be moved, as starting the ignition could trigger an explosion. Electrical switches should be left in the position found. Disconnecting of vehicle batteries should be avoided in that improper disconnecting could cause an arc.
4. Approach the involved container from upwind wearing full protective clothing.
90 5. Liquid leaking from a container will cause frost to form and skin contact with either gas in this state can cause burns.
6. Containers should be kept in an upright position to prevent escape of liquid LPG/LNG.
B. Leaking - No Fire:
l. Stretch hose lines for service including the coverage of exposures. Use fog streams to disperse vapors. Approach horizontal tanks from the side. Don't use water on a liquid spill - Hi-Ex foam is good.
2. Stop the flow of gas if possible. This may be accomplished by:
a. Closing valves b. Crimping of small copper tubing lines c. Consulting with knowledgeable plant personnel
3. In some leakage cases it might be desirable and possible to move the tank or container to a remote area and let vapors dissipate.
4. Do not attempt to ignite escaping vapors.
C. Leaking - Fire:
l. Stretch hose lines for service including the coverage of exposures. Apply large quantities of water as quickly as possible to all surfaces exposed to heat. Approach horizontal tanks from the side.
2. Stop the flow of gas as outlined in Section B. If flow cannot be stopped, DO NOT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.
3. If the noise level from relief valves increases, or there is an increase in the volume of fire, this is an indication of increasing pressure. Withdraw manpower to a safe area.
91 V. APPENDIX:
Recent changes in the clean air act and the laws effecting pollution have led to the increased use of compressed gas as a vehicle fuel. Some vehicles have both natural gas and gasoline fuel systems. Vehicles using natural gas as a fuel are decaled. Some area service stations are being equipped to dispense CNG. The Lower Merion School District is equipped to dispense CNG.
Vehicle Fuel Systems. A typical vehicle fuel system consists of one or more (if more than one, the containers are manifolded together) fuel supply containers holding CNG at high pressure and fitted with pressure relief devices and manual shutoff valves, a filling connection with a check valve to prevent flow back out of the connection, a manual valve downstream from the container valve or vales, a valve that will automatically close if the engine stops for any reason, a pressure regulator to reduce fuel supply container pressure to a low engine service pressure, a gas-air mixer to produce a flammable mixture, and a pressure gauge to show fuel supply container pressure.
Systems are designed to operate at fuel supply container pressures of 2400, 300, or 3600 psi (16.5, 20.6, or 25 MPa). Fueling connections are designed to accommodate compatible filling nozzles suitable only for the proper pressure.
Fuel supply containers are installed on either the outside of the vehicle or inside the vehicle. If inside, all connections to the containers are either external to a driver or passenger compartment or inside a compartment that is gastight with respect to a driver or passenger compartment. The compartment is vented to outside the vehicle.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG # 12A 92 FEBRUARY, 2004
NATURAL GAS HAZARDS
I. PURPOSE:
To heighten the awareness of LMT Firefighters and Officers to the hazards they may encounter when responding to and operating at an incident involving natural gas.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his
rank in the implementation of this Operational Procedure.
III PROCEDURE:
When a leak is confirmed notify the Philadelphia Electric Co. Gas Division to respond.
HAZARDS AND OPERATIONAL TACTICS
OUTSIDE NATURAL GAS LEAKS
1. Secure the area keep the public and fire personnel at a safe distance.
2. Eliminate all sources of ignition (backhoes, lights, electric tools, etc.)
3. Hook up to a hydrant at a secure location and stretch a precautionary line to a safe area with enough line to cover exposed buildings.
4. Hand-lines and large-caliber streams with fog nozzles can be used to direct escaping natural gas away from exposed structures.
5. Position all apparatus and Firefighters upwind, out of the path of escaping gas.
6. If possible, do not let water flow into the excavation.
7. Do not attempt to stop the flow of gas from plastic gas lines. 93 Gas flowing through plastic pipe creates static electricity. Touching or coming near the pipe can result a static discharge, causing ignition.
8. Do not extinguish burning gas outdoors; let it burn. The best and safest way to extinguish a gas fire is to stop the flow of the gas.
HAZARDS AND OPERATIONAL TACTICS
AT INSIDE NATURAL GAS LEAKS
When responding to an inside gas leak that has been located, attempt to isolate it as close to the leak as possible.
LEAKING APPLIANCE, Shut off the appliance valve. The next source control would be the meter valve, located just prior to the meter.
If the leak has not been located, it may be migrating into the structure from a leaking service main outside or seeping from another structure.
USE CAUTION EVEN WHEN THE SOURCE OF GAS HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. The amount of gas in a structure still may be in the explosive range (five to 15 percent). Always use a gas detector to determine when the gas level is safe.
EVACUATE IF NECESSARY AND WAIT FOR PECO.
Prevent sources of ignition by:
1. Knocking on doors. Do not ring the doorbell.
2. Turn off all portable radios and cell phones before entering the building.
3. Do not shutoff the power at the electric panel or switches in the building. This could cause an arc, which would ignite the gas.
4. Do not pull the electric meter because gas can migrate into the meter. It can generate a spark, which might ignite leaking gas.
NOTE: Never re-open any gas valves that have been shut. Leave for PECO.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #13 MAY, 1993 (Updated October 2005)
94 OPERATIONS IN PROPERTIES EQUIPPED WITH SPRINKLER & STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines and policy for Fire Department operations in buildings with sprinkler and standpipe systems.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each officer and member to perform his/her duties, dictated by their rank, for the successful implementation of the operational procedure.
III. DEFINITIONS:
A. Sprinklered Buildings
1. Fully Sprinklered Buildings
A building that is 100% covered by fire sprinklers sufficiently supplied by an underground water main. There are three types of fully sprinklered buildings in Lower Merion Township, most have either a 5”Stortz fire department connection or a 3" National Standard Thread male connection, there are a few smaller mostly one story fully sprinklered buildings that do not have a fire department connection.
2. Partially Sprinklered Buildings
A building that is partially covered with sprinklers. Most partially covered buildings have basement sprinkler protection. There are some buildings higher than three stories with sprinklered commercial spaces. Residential hi- rise buildings will be sprinklered in all areas except the living units by 7-1-96, some are already completed.
3. Residential Sprinklers
Some dwellings, including all townhouses built since l986 are sprinklered as per NFPA 13D. These systems do not cover small areas such as closets and baths. They are supplied by underground water mains and do not have fire department connections.
95 4. Dry Pipe Basement Systems
This is a system of piping with sprinkler heads in basements of some existing retail properties with a fire department connection on the front of the property. There is no underground water connection. The fire company must supply water in the event of a basement/cellar fire.
B. Standpipe Systems
1. Dry Standpipe
This is a system of piping in fire towers that is not connected to any water supply. Water is supplied via the fire department connection by the fire company. There are valves and outlets on each floor.
2. Wet Standpipe
This is a system of piping in fire towers that is connected to a pump and water supply system. There is also a fire department connection. There are valves and outlets on each floor.
3. Combination Standpipe
This is a system of piping with outlets in each fire tower that are interconnected with the sprinkler system, and usually used as the sprinkler riser. The system has water in it but the pump is designed and sized to supply the sprinkler system. The fire department connection supplies both the sprinklers and standpipes (maximum pressure is 175 lbs.).
4. First Aid Standpipe
This is a system of piping, usually 1 1/2", with hose connected with water supplied via underground main but no pump. The hose line is often unlined hose and should not be depended on for firefighter use.
IV. PROCEDURES:
A. General
1 Preplanning
All sprinklered buildings should be preplanned by the local company. Building Information Forms should be updated on a periodic basis and training exercises should be conducted to familiarize the members with conditions and to discuss specific firefighting operations and/or situations that may be encountered. Preplanning tours may be coordinated through the Fire
96 Department Office. Companies should prepare site-specific preplans for the sprinklered properties in their district.
2. Annual Update
During routine inspections by the Fire Marshal's office information is checked and updated and provided to the fire companies on their copy of the inspection form. As firehouse software is used this system will be kept on file in the computer system.
B. Operations at Sprinklered Properties
1. At dispatch you should be notified if the communications center received a water-flow alarm indicating water flowing in the sprinkler system. All systems have a flow alarm.
2. In buildings more than three stories high the first line should be stretched to the standpipe system to supply your firefighting line(s). In cases of combined sprinkler/standpipe systems this line will also back-up the sprinkler system and maximum pressure should not exceed 150 lbs.
NOTE: When possible, every effort should be made to use a fire hydrant on a different water main from the sprinkler supply. You do not want to deprive the sprinkler of water.
3. In buildings with separate standpipe and sprinkler intakes, your second line should be stretched to the sprinkler system.
4. In buildings with partial sprinkler systems a line should be stretched to back- up the sprinkler system if the fire is in or near the protected area.
5. There are a few locations with dry sprinkler piping in the basement with a Fire department connection on the front of the building or in the front pavement. This system should be supplied as soon as possible in the event of a basement/cellar fire.
C. Water Supply
l Fire Department connections are either 5” stortz or 3" male N.S.T., some properties have siamese connections. A minimum of one 3" line should be stretched and connected to the Siamese connections.
97 2. Sprinkler systems operate at relatively low pressure, 15 psi on the top floor will service a system with two heads off. It is important not to over-pressurize a sprinkler system. Pumper operators should start at 100 psi and adjust on orders from the Incident Commander as the situation demands.
3. The Fire Department connection will be on the side of the building facing the street where the water main supplying the sprinkler system is located. Try to use a hydrant from a different street (different main) if possible, this will prevent the fire company from reducing the available water to the sprinkler system.
4. One firefighter, with a radio, should be sent as soon as safely possible to the sprinkler system control valves to ensure that they remain open until the Incident Commander is satisfied that extinguishment is complete.
D. Post Fire Operations at Sprinklered Properties
l. Sprinklers should not be shut down until the fire has been extinguished.
2. After the fire, make every effort to restore the system. If sprinkler heads cannot be replaced, attempt to shut-off a floor or sectional valve rather than the main valve.
3. If the sprinkler system cannot be restored, make sure the Fire Marshal is notified.
E. Standpipe Operations
l. All standpipes in a building are interconnected so that one Fire Department connection will supply the standpipes in all fire towers.
2. The standpipe should be supplied by your first line and the rule of thumb for determining the required pressure is 125 lbs.plus 5 lbs. per floor.
3. There are no Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV’s) in Lower Merion Township.
4. There are some 2 1/2" outlets with N.S.T. and some with Jones snap in the Township at the present time.
5. With smoke or fire showing, the safest operation is to connect to the standpipe on the floor below the fire and stretch up under the fire.
6. In buildings with a dry standpipe system, send someone to all other floors and the roof to check that no valves are open.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #14 98 JUNE, 1993 (Updated October 2005)
COMMUNICATIONS
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for the dispatching of fire equipment to fires, accidents and other emergencies.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It is the responsibility of all members of the Lower Merion Fire Department and all Lower Merion dispatchers (full or part-time) to familiarize themselves with the proper dispatch procedure and radio protocol.
III. INTRODUCTION:
Primary fire dispatch will be the responsibility of the Montgomery County Emergency Operating Center (EOC) located in Eagleville. Dispatch will be accomplished by tones which activate decoders in each fire station, the tone frequency is matched to a predetermined frequency for each company. The fire station decoders activate a relay which rings home bells and the station klaxon/bells.
The tone is followed by a voice message on Lower Merion F-2 (33.84) which will give dispatch information.
Secondary fire dispatch or our back-up system will be the Lower Merion Communications Center who will follow the same steps as described above.
IV. DISPATCH PROCEDURE:
A. Call Taker: Calls may be received via 911 lines, emergency lines, lines from alarm companies, police, fire companies or fire department members, ambulance personnel, taped dialers.
B. Dispatch: The order of dispatch is as follows:
1. Activate tone or tones.
2. Announce the stations and/or units that are due to respond in the proper order.
3. Announce the type of call (house, field, auto, etc.).
4. Announce the name at the residence if known.
99 5. Announce the location of the call.
6. Announce the cross streets.
7. Announce the section or complex if known.
8. Announce the municipality.
9. Repeat steps 2 thru 8.
10. Announce the dispatch time.
11. If in effect, announce that the "priority traffic condition", is in effect.
12. Announce the Communications Center call sign.
Upon receipt of the dispatch information the house man will acknowledge by radio stating "Station ___ Received”. NOTE: DO NOT STATE THAT YOU ARE RESPONDING UNTIL THE FIRST TRUCK IS MOVING.
In the event a house number cannot be obtained by the dispatcher or a house number is not available, the residence name must be given with the dispatch if known.
Any additional information pertaining to the dispatch, such as entrance to use, numerous phone calls reporting the same incident, protected area for alarm calls etc., will be given to the first out officer and/or responding apparatus.
In rare cases when the dispatchers' best judgment indicates that additional equipment will be needed on the initial alarm than that which is shown on the procedure, he will check with the Shift Supervisor for authority to send additional apparatus.
If a company that is already in service gets another call in their first run area and they have no cover-up company, the O.I.C. will be contacted by radio and advised of the second call. He shall then advise the Communications Center if his company will handle the call or if another company should be dispatched.
100 If a company that is already in service gets another call in their first run area and they have a cover-up company, the cover-up company will be dispatched as per the instructions of the covering company's O.I.C., which was already given to the Communications Center. After the cover-up company has been dispatched the O.I.C. of the zone company will also be notified.
When a company is going to be out of service, for whatever reason, and they are going to have a cover-up company, it shall be the responsibility of the O.I.C. of the company to notify the Fire Department Office that they are going out of service and to advise the Communications Center of the method of dispatch for the cover-up company.
When a company from an adjacent county, or a company on a frequency that the Communications Center does not have the capability to transmit on, is called for in the procedure, it will be noted in the dispatch, so the O.I.C. is aware that the proper companies are being dispatched. For example: "Station 82 and Bucks County, Station 99."
Alarm or incident numbers will be assigned to all calls where the dispatcher has to go through the mechanics of a dispatch. This will include calling an officer by phone for an emergency service call (pump detail, smoke ejectors, assist police with ladder, etc.) if the procedure so states. Only one alarm number will be given to an incident no matter how large or small. Re-burns or rekindles will be given a new alarm number if all units had returned to station from the previous call at the same location. If a fire station or fire officer is requesting the tones be hit for a special service, or if a company is self dispatching to any type of call that would normally get an alarm number, the caller must provide the Communications Center with all necessary information. This should be done whenever possible.
IF FOR ANY REASON A FIRE COMPANY HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THE RECEIPT OF A CALL IN 30 SECONDS, THE LOWER MERION DISPATCHER WILL RE-DISPATCH THE ORIGINAL COMPANY. IF THE SECOND DISPATCH IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED IN 30 SECONDS THE LOWER MERION DISPATCHER WILL DISPATCH THE NEXT COMPANY.
When a call is received and the caller states that the fire is out, the dispatcher will dispatch the normal response for a fire at the location immediately. The dispatcher will not state that the fire is out with the dispatch but, will advise the first officer of each responding station when he advises that he is responding.
The following is the terminology for dispatch:
Commercial: apartments, public buildings, church/synagogues, etc.
Non-Commercial: Any other building not listed under commercial.
101 Building: Would be used for fire companies that don't differentiate between commercial and non-commercial.
Non-Building: Field, brush, woods, vehicle, etc. Also includes smoke in the area.
Alarms: Any type of fire/water flow alarm.
Odor of Gas Inside will be considered a commercial, non-commercial or building response, unless a company has a special response for this type call.
Odor of Gas Outside will be considered a non-building response, unless a company has a special response for this type call. ON CALLS RECEIVED AT LOWER MERION FOR ODOR OF GAS OUTSIDE, A POLICE OFFICER IS TO BE DISPATCHED AND THE CALL IS NOT TO BE FORWARDED TO COUNTY UNLESS THE POLICE OFFICER REQUESTS A FIRE COMPANY.
Vehicle Accidents: Incidents of this type which may require a "wash-down or pick up of debris, etc., will be dispatched as a standby at a vehicle accident." The O.I.C. will make the proper decision of what action is to be taken.
NOTE: We do not dispatch to wash-downs because we do not wash spilled material into the ground or sewer system.
V. RADIO PROCEDURE
All Members of Lower Merion Fire Department and all Lower Merion Dispatchers should familiarize themselves with the Montgomery County Fire/Rescue Communications Manual. Chapter 4, Control of Communications Operations; Chapter 5, Basic Rules for Radio Operations; Chapter 6, Communications with Mobile Units; Chapter 9, Fire Ground Communications and Reports are hereby adopted by the Lower Merion Fire Department in their entirety.
VI. RETURN TO SERVICE:
Companies are to call 539-8770 or 1-800-992-8770 when they return to the station to get their time out, time in and a County alarm number. This will also clear the run from the computer. Making yourself available on radio does not eliminate the need to make this call.
When making part of your company available, call Montgomery County and state that your company is available except for whatever unit you are keeping out. During storm related dispatches where you are handling several calls, this procedure will help keep the County dispatcher aware of your status.
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A. Montgomery County will announce an apparatus O.O.S. when they occur and at 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. daily. Any apparatus O.O.S. for more than one week 102 will no longer be announced.
B. Lower Merion Communications Center will announce road closings and hydrants O.O.S. as they occur and at 9:00 A.M. daily.
C. Lower Merion Communications Center will announce weather Bulletins and continue to notify the Fire Company about icy roads and/or the need for chains.
VIII. TESTS:
A. Montgomery County does not conduct periodic test of the radio system.
B. Lower Merion Communications Center will conduct a test of the fire dispatch system according to the following schedule. Before the test an announcement will be made stating that Lower Merion Communications Center will be testing with the respective Station. This will allow the fire company to turn off the decoder in their Station if they wish to disconnect the home bells and station klaxon during the test. THE DECODER MUST BE TURNED BACK ON FOR THE FIRE COMPANY TO RECEIVE DISPATCHES.
Monday Station 22
Tuesday Station 23
Wednesday Station 24
Thursday Station 25
Friday Station 26
Saturday Station 21
Sunday Station 28
103 IX. MISCELLANEOUS:
A. We will continue to attempt the verification of all alarm calls before dispatch.
B. When placing an apparatus O.O.S., call County 1-800-992-8770.
C. When placing a fire alarm O.O.S., call Lower Merion Communications Center.
D. Haverford and Radnor Township dispatches will be the same as Lower Merion dispatches.
104 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #15 MAY, 1994 (Updated October 2005)
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: ELECTRIC WIRES AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
I. PURPOSE:
To provide a ready source of information and to establish guidelines for fire department operations involving electrical wires and other electrical emergencies.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each member to familiarize themselves with these procedures and safeguards and it shall be the responsibility of all fire service officers to ensure that their subordinates know, understand and observe these precautions.
III. PROCEDURES:
1. Preplanning: All operations related to power plants, substations and major electrical installations will be preplanned by the district company. The training officer can arrange tours and visits to all locations for familiarization.
2. Communications: When responding to a known electric problem or when you need PECO Energy assistance after your arrival, request a PECO representative via fire radio and ask that the time be noted on the response record. When PECO arrives, notify the dispatcher so that this time can also be noted.
3. Standard Operating Procedures: The Lower Merion Fire Department hereby adopts in its entirety " The Firefighters Guide For Emergencies Involving Electricity" published by the PECO Training Division, last update, 1985.
NOTE: All apparatus should stay a minimum of two poles from a downed wire.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #16
105 JANUARY, 1995 (Updated October 2005)
CARBON MONOXIDE INCIDENTS
I PURPOSE
To provide guidelines for the management of Carbon Monoxide Incidents in a safe and efficient manner.
II. RESPONSIBILITY
It will be the responsibility of Company chiefs and officers to train their firefighters in the proper procedures for handling these incidents and the responsibility of all members to exercise safety and care in the performance of their duties.
III. INTRODUCTION
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is commonly produced through incomplete combustion. Any form of combustion from any natural fuel will produce carbon monoxide. The less efficient the combustion (lower the oxygen) the higher the levels of carbon monoxide produced.
IV. FLAMMABILITY: Carbon monoxide is a very flammable gas with a wide flammable range. In air, its flammable limits are 12% to 74%. This means that if the percentage of CO in the air falls between these limits, all that is needed for it to ignite is an ignition source. For comparison, propane's flammable range is 2.2% to 9.5% and natural gas' range is approximately 4% to 15%.
The fire service has known for a long time the severe flammability of CO. The primary fuel in backdraft explosions is the CO produced by the incomplete combustion of the fire.
V. HEALTH: Carbon Monoxide is a very toxic gas. In fact, the percentage of CO needed to kill a person is far less than the percentage of CO needed to ignite.
To understand why CO is so toxic, a person needs some understanding of the component of blood called hemoglobin. In a healthy body, hemoglobin loosely combines with the oxygen introduced in the lungs and then carries it throughout the body to the many organs that need the oxygen to survive. The problem with CO is that is combines with hemoglobin 210 times more readily than oxygen and makes a much stronger bond with the hemoglobin. CO keeps oxygen out of the blood, starving the brain and other organs and tissues.
Because CO bonds so readily and so strongly with the blood's hemoglobin, even exposure to very small concentrations of CO over a period of time will be harmful. Exposure to a CO concentration of 0.05% (500 ppm) for three hours is just as deadly as 106 exposure to a CO concentration of 0.l5% (1500 ppm) for one hour. And once CO combines with the hemoglobin, it can take years for it to dissipate from the bloodstream.
And like so many other medical conditions, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with health problems can be more severely affected by CO poisoning.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: There are many signs and symptoms of CO poisoning. It must be understood however, that there can be situations when there may be only one or two symptoms, or even no sign or symptom of CO poisoning. In addition, a person who is exposed frequently to CO can develop a tolerance to it and therefore not exhibit any signs at all. Firefighters are certainly likely to fall into this category.
The signs and symptoms of CO poisoning are generally described as the following:
MILD EXPOSURE: *Headache *Nausea/Vomiting *Fatigue (These symptoms are often confused for the flu)
MEDIUM EXPOSURE: *Throbbing headache *Drowsiness *Confusion *Elevated Heart Rate *Red Skin/Face
EXTREME EXPOSURE: *Unconsciousness *Convulsions *Heart/Lung Failure *DEATH
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS: There have been CO detectors and monitors on the market for many years. But until recently these devices have been both expensive and technical in nature. During the past year a battery operated CO detector has been introduced and is being installed by many homeowners. The device described here is manufactured by First Alert. It should be noted there could be other brands available as well as different methods of operation.
In accordance to Underwriters Laboratory standards, First Alert's detector is designed to sound an alarm based on both the concentration of CO and the length of exposure. The following conditions will cause the detector to sound an alarm:
** Exposure to 400 ppm of CO for 15 minutes ** Exposure to 200 ppm of CO for 35 minutes ** Exposure to 100 ppm of CO for 90 minutes ** Exposure to 15 ppm of CO for 8 hours
NOTE; Underwriters Laboratories is currently revising their Standard 2034 to require a detector to ignore 15 ppm for 30 days.
For all these cases, a normal healthy person will not show any signs or symptoms of CO poisoning. The detector is designed to activate before any harm is done.
107 Like the human body, after being exposed to CO, it will take time for the First Alert's detector to clear the CO out of it's SensorPack. The manufacturer states that it may sometimes take 24 to 48 hours for the device to clear of CO. While this is the most common CO detector it is not the only one on the market, the others are similar in operation.
RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Notify PECO, ascertain why you were called. Was it because of a CO detector? How long has the detector been installed? Is anyone showing symptoms of CO exposure, such as strong headaches, dizziness, difficulty staying awake, or other flu like symptoms. If so, they should be removed to fresh air immediately.
1. Assume that all calls are legitimate and that a problem exists until
2. No one should enter any atmosphere where the presence of CO is suspected without respiratory protection.
3 .Potential exposure should be limited to as small a group as needed to perform any tasks.
4. All occupants should be removed from building, if they are not already out.
5. Look for sources of CO. The furnace, the hot water heater, a kerosene heater, a car running in the garage or recently shut off. Some foreign substance being drawn into the air intake or air handling system. If you find a source, shut it off or remove it from the premises.
6. Open all windows to ventilate, consider positive pressure ventilation.
If a CO monitor is available:
1. Take a reading outside away from any CO source
2. Take reading inside the building. Readings from 0 to 10 are normal, readings from 10 to 35 are safe but some action is necessary to reduce this level immediately, and identify the source. Reading above 35 are hazardous.
AS IN MOST SITUATIONS, COMMON SENSE IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #17 MARCH, 1995 108 EMERGENCY REFUELING PROCEDURE FOR FIRE APPARATUS
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for the prompt refueling of fire apparatus while operating on the fire grounds.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
A. VOLUNTEER FIRE CHIEF - Each Chief will be responsible for establishing a policy in his company to provide for the daily checking and refueling of all fire apparatus. Each apparatus will be refueled whenever the fuel level falls to the 3/4 mark.
B. FIRE APPARATUS DRIVER/OPERATOR - When an apparatus is operating at the scene of an emergency it shall be the responsibility of the Driver/Operator to constantly monitor the fuel level of his apparatus. When the fuel level falls to the 1/4 mark he will notify his Commanding Officer (OIC).
C. COMPANY COMMANDER. When notified that the fuel level of his apparatus has reached the 1/4 mark he will determine how long his company will be in service. If he determines that he will require refueling on the fireground he will immediately notify the Support Officer or in his absence the Incident Commander.
D. SUPPORT OFFICER OR INCIDENT COMMANDER. The Support Section Officer or the Incident Commander will be responsible for activating the Emergency Refueling Procedure by notifying the Lower Merion Police Communications Center.
E. COMMUNICATIONS CENTER - When notified to activate the Emergency Refueling Procedure the dispatcher will obtain the following information. The route to enter the fire ground, the name, rank and location of the officer assigned to meet the fuel truck, and the type of fuel needed.
The dispatcher, using the computerized list of the Fleet Personnel assigned for Fire Department Refueling, will call one person in numerical order from the list and relay all information concerning the operation.
109 F. FLEET MECHANIC - Will immediately call a second mechanic from the list to respond to the fleet garage, load the fuel truck and respond to the fireground.
G. FLEET SUPERINTENDENT - Shall be responsible for notifying the Police Communications Center of any changes to the current list of available fleet personnel assigned to refueling.
III. PROCEDURE:
Upon arrival on the fireground, the person in charge of the fuel truck will report to the assigned fire officer, where he will be briefed on the conditions, location and number of fire apparatus needing fuel.
110 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #18 October, 1995
PCB - POLY CHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for operations involving PCB'.
II DEFINITION:
A. POLY CHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
PCB is a chemical that is a combination of hydrogen, carbon and chlorine. The more chlorine atoms there are in a PCB molecule, the more toxic it is likely to be. PCB' are colorless or pale yellow and range in viscosity from heavy oily liquids to waxy solids. While there are many industrial uses for PCB', the firefighter will most likely encounter it in operations involving electrical equipment, (transformers and capacitors). PCB' are sold under such trade names as Arochlor, Dykanol, Noflanol, Pyranol, Chlorentol, Therminol, Trerteen, Chlorphen, Askarel, Eucarel, Fenclor and several others. Regulators contained in 40 CRF 761 mandate that PCB transformers must be marked as such. These markings will appear on vault doors, machinery room doors, fence, hallway or other means of access other than gates and manhole covers. PCB electrical equipment is classified as follows:
1. All units which contain over 500 PPM (parts per million) of PCB' must be labeled "Caution - Contains PCB".
2. All units which contain 50 to 500 PPM of PCB' are considered "PCB Contaminated" but are not required by law to be labeled as such.
3. Units which contain less than 50 PPM of PCB' are considered "Non-PCB" equipment.
NOTE: Westinghouse's electrical equipment is labeled "Intergreen" and contains pure PCB' over 600,000 PPM.
111 General Electric's equipment is labeled "Pyranol" and contains pure PCB' over 600,000 PPM.
B. HAZARD
While PCB' have a low flammability (flash point approximately 500 degrees F) and are generally chemically inert, they pose an extreme health hazard in that they are suspected carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). PCB' can enter the human body in any of three ways: ingestion, inhalation and absorption. PCB' are strong irritants and highly toxic, in fact, they are among the most highly toxic chemicals known. PCB' upon entering the body, circulate in the blood stream and are deposited in the fatty tissues and vital organs. Symptoms of exposure include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice, digestive and liver dysfunction and chloracne (skin ailment). It has also been associated with reproductive malfunctions.
C. 40 CFR Part 761 - United States Environmental Protection Agency's final rule on PCB' in electrical transformers.
III .OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
FULL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND POSITIVE PRESSURE SCBA are mandatory when PCB' are suspected. Normal running gear will not ensure total protection against contamination. Full encapsulated suits made of Neoprene, Tyvek-Saranex, Chlorinated Polyethylene or Viton will be required to prevent skin contact with the material.
A. PCB - Spill or Leak - In the event of a PCB leak or spill:
l. Evacuate as needed.
2. Secure the affected area and restrict entry so as to minimize exposure (necessary personnel only).
3. Maintain records of who enters and how long they were in the area.
4. Contain spill by diking with absorbent materials.
5. If possible, keep PCB' from entering drains, sewers, etc.
6. Allow no eating, drinking or smoking in the area. 112 B. PCB - Involved in Fire - PCB' decompose when heated (over 650 degrees F) and the products of that decomposition are much more toxic than the original chemical. When this condition exists:
l. Evacuation of the immediate area and the surrounding area downwind is necessary.
2. Secure the affected area and restrict entry so as to minimize exposure (necessary personnel only).
3. Maintain records of who enters and how long they were in the area.
4. Contain spill by diking with absorbent materials
5. If possible, keep PCB' from entering drains, sewers etc.
6. Allow no eating, drinking or smoking in the area.
Extinguishment of the fire should be with the use of dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. Water should be used only if it is safe to do so without spreading the spill and fire. Also, runoff water should be contained for later disposal by proper methods, if possible. Incident Commanders shall ensure that any members who are involved in firefighting remove and bag all clothing, shower as soon as possible, and are medically evaluated.
IV RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. First Arriving Officer - size up situation, establish preliminary command post, secure area and evacuate if necessary, attempt to contain spill or fire. Consideration will also be give to the establishment of the "HOT", "WARM" and "COLD" zones.
B. Have Police Dispatcher notify Water Department(Industrial Waste Unit), FMO, EPA, DER, Health Department, Licenses and Inspections, U.S. Coast Guard and/or Conrail, as required.
C. Upon confirmation of PCB incident, monitor situation and establish a Safety Officer, and an EMS Section.
113 D. Insure that all appropriate non-emergency agencies are summoned as needed. The FMO will also coordinate with other governmental agencies which may be involved and will act as liaison between the Incident Commander and these agencies.
V. PCB - DECONTAMINATION CONSIDERATIONS:
A. It is the responsibility of the owner of the particular property or equipment to clean-up any spilled PCB' or other hazardous wastes, in accordance with established governmental resolutions (as directed by EPA).
B. Contaminated protective clothes cannot be decontaminated. Such clothing will be put in plastic bags or metal drums and disposed of by a private contractor.
C. Contaminated tools, equipment and apparatus will be isolated on-site until clean-up (if possible) can be arranged.
D. The entire cleaning operation will be conducted by a private contractor, not by Fire Department personnel. The FMO will serve as the Department's liaison with the clean-up contractor and the responsible party.
E. Keep track of any costs which we will try to pass on the responsible party, document all tools, equipment and any contaminated running gear.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #19 114 December, 1995
OPERATIONS DURING SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS
I. PURPOSE:
To prepare in advance for the continued operation of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department in the event of an emergency caused by Severe Winter Weather Conditions such as snow, sleet, hail, ice or freezing rain.
II. DEFINITIONS:
Severe Winter Weather: Any weather condition that may require special procedures for the safe operation of the department and the protection of its apparatus and personnel. This would include extreme cold, snow, sleet, hail, ice or freezing rail.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. COMPANY CHIEF
1. By the last week in September each year, snow tires, chains, anti-freeze, rock salt and oil dry will be checked to insure that if SEVERE WINTER WEATHER OCCURS the company is fully prepared to provide the services required.
2. On report of a PRELIMINARY SNOW ALERT, make certain that all vehicle fuel tanks are full, chains are ready for mounting and a full supply of salt is carried on each vehicle.
3. Companies with standards or outriggers will insure that ice and snow are cleared away before standards or outriggers are lowered.
4. Proper winter Turnout Gear will be provided to each member and must be inspected periodically to insure that it is maintained properly.
5. All apparatus will be properly maintained, fueled and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for winter operations.
6. The Company Chief will see that ice and snow are removed from the station sidewalks, driveways and drains.
7. The Chief will insure that a record is maintained listing all unusual weather- related occurrences, events, etc. during the weather emergency. This will aid in the critique of the Township’s operations.
B. ALL MEMBERS 115 1. Will exercise the appropriate control dictated by their rank to insure the proper implementation of this Operational Procedure.
2. Use extreme care when responding to the station or operating on the firegrounds during adverse weather conditions.
3. Turnout Gear is to be maintained in a clean dry condition at all times. Additionally, seasonal clothing such as gloves, etc. must be used.
C. INCIDENT COMMANDER
1. Insure that additional companies and personnel are called to the scene promptly. The need for additional personnel is greatly increased and response time is effected by adverse weather conditions.
2. The Incident Commander is responsible for the health and safety of all fireground personnel. He must insure that all members are using proper Turnout Gear for cold weather operations.
3. During freezing weather have rock salt spread around all areas subject to freezing. This includes steps, sidewalks, driveways, streets and around all operating fire apparatus.
4. An EMS Unit will be called to the scene and given the responsibility of setting up a Rehab area. They should set up in a nearby building to provide a warm, dry area.
D. FIRE APPARATUS DRIVER/OPERATOR
1. Will not discharge or dump excess water into the street during winter operations. A water tank overflowing causes a dangerous condition by allowing ice to build under the apparatus.
2. Drivers will insure that the fire pump is kept dry during freezing weather and that the priming pump tank is filled with oil.
3. If an apparatus is equipped with standards or outriggers, the Driver/Operator must be certain that all ice and snow are cleared away before lowering the standards or outriggers to the ground.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #20 APRIL 1996 (Updated October 2005) 116 VEHICLE RESCUE OPERATIONS
I. PURPOSE:
To establish a policy for Police, Fire and Ambulance operations on the scene of multi-agency rescue operations at vehicle accidents.
II. GUIDELINES:
The Police Department has overall command at accident scenes. The Fire Department is responsible for fires or threat of fire (district company) and the extrication of the injured or trapped (rescue companies). The Ambulance has the responsibility for patient care and transport.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. POLICE:
First arriving police units will evaluate conditions, make a report to dispatch, send for help as may be needed.
Emergency medical treatment will be started by police until relieved by ambulance personnel.
The use of flares will be avoided if there is a potential of fire.
B. CROWD CONTROL:
All police not involved in the rescue will set up a perimeter of at least 50 feet. All firemen not involved in the rescue operation will stay back 25 feet. All civilians will stay back 50 feet, (50 feet is the minimum perimeter).
Upon the arrival of a rescue company all police not directly involved in the rescue will move away from the vehicle. The rescue company will open the vehicle so the victim can be removed from the vehicle.
Ambulance personnel will be responsible for removing victim(s) from the vehicle once the opening has been made. Ambulance personnel are responsible for patient care and safety during extrication. At an accident scene where there are no injuries, no entrapment, spilled gasoline or other fluids, the police officer should report via radio; NO INJURIES, NO ENTRAPMENT, RETURN THE FIRE COMPANIES.
At any accident scene where there is injury but no entrapment, the police officer may after checking the scene decide to put the fire companies on reduced speed. 117 He can accomplish this be telling dispatch to reduce the speed of incoming fire companies.
The officer of the district fire company will, on his arrival at the scene, discuss with the police commander the need for any fire company involvement. He will recall the rescue companies directly on the fire radio if they are not needed. If recalled, the rescue companies are to immediately cease their response and return to their firehouse. The district company officer will remain to assist the police in any way until dismissed by the police commander.
C. FIRE DEPARTMENT:
1. DISTRICT COMPANY - The district fire company is responsible for fire control first and for the washdown of debris or fluids if possible (weather permitting). The district fire company should also begin to stabilize the vehicle if possible
The officer of the district fire company will report to police command and be guided by his/her needs. He should notify the incoming rescue company of condition at the scene and possibly direct them into the scene by the most direct and expedient route.
If the police commander has already put the incoming rescue companies on reduced speed and the officer of the district fire company is told the rescue is not needed he will recall the rescue companies on fire radio.
No personal vehicles should be taken to the accident scene with the exception of a chief officer.
2. RESCUE COMPANIES - Both rescue companies will be dispatched on vehicle rescues; they are to respond with one apparatus only, no personal vehicles. The only personal vehicle allowed at the accident scene will be the Rescue Chief.
The rescue companies will be responsible for the extrication of trapped victims and will work with the on-scene ambulance personnel to insure the fastest, safest removal of trapped victims.
118 D. AMBULANCE CORPS:
All ambulance personnel will arrive on the ambulance vehicles, no personal vehicles are permitted.
All ambulance personnel are responsible for the care and treatment of the injured and their transportation to the hospital if needed.
Medical command should discuss his/her needs with both police and rescue personnel to insure the safety of the victim during operations.
NOTE: When multiple units are responding or enroute the Incident Commander should establish a staging area to help keep the working area clear of unnecessary vehicles and personnel.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #21 119 FEBRUARY 1997
CONFINED SPACE EMERGENCIES - OPERATION RESCUE AND/OR CASUALTY RECOVERY
I. PURPOSE
To provide an outline of operations, procedures, responsibilities and minimum safety requirements to be followed while entering, exiting and working in confined spaces at normal atmospheric pressure.
II. RESPONSIBILITY
It will be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by their rank in the implementation of this Operational Procedure.
III. CLASSIFICATIONS
A. NIOSH (NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATION SAFETY AND HEALTH) has three (3) classifications for confined spaces based on life threatening characteristics.
1. Class “A” - an environment which is immediately dangerous to life or health. (Entry by permit only; usually has a posted sign.)
2. Class “B’ - an environment that has the potential for causing injury and illness if preventive measures are not used, but is not immediately dangerous to life or health.
3. Class “C” - an environment that has potential hazards which would not require any special modifications of the work procedures.
IV. DEFINITIONS
A. CONFINED SPACE:
1. One large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform work.
2. One that has limited or restricted means of entry or exit.
3. One that is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
B. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT: The placement of a lock/tag on the energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, indicating that the device shall not be operated until the removal of the lock/tag.
120 C. HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE:
1. Any atmosphere which may cause immediate or delayed death, injury or disease and exposures are toxic, poisonous, corrosive, flammable or has the ability to be physically incapacitating or dangerous.
2. Hazardous atmospheres include; levels of flammability of 10% of the lower explosive limit (L.E.L.), oxygen deficient atmospheres with levels below 19.5%, or enriched atmospheres above 21.5% or airborne combustible dust greater than its LE.L.
D. QUALIFIED PERSON(s): One who is capable of identifying hazards in the work area, or working conditions that are hazardous or dangerous to personnel, and is authorized to take corrective measures to eliminate them; one who has trained standards and requirements.
V. DESCRIPTIONS
A. Open Topped Enclosures - with depths that restrict the natural movement of air. (Degreasers, pits, selected types of tanks and excavations).
B. Enclosures with extremely limited openings for entry or exit. (Sewers, casings, tanks, manholes and silos).
VI. PRECAUTIONS
A. A major cause of confined space injuries and/or fatalities is the failure to recognize the incident for what it is...A CONFINED SPACE INCIDENT.
B. Do not underestimate the seriousness of confined space incidents. More that half of the casualties of confined space incidents are RESCURERS.
VII. CONSIDERATIONS
A. Hazard Identification 0 hazards shall be identified for each confined space. The hazard identification process shall include, but not be limited to, a review of the following:
1. The past and current uses of the confined space that may adversely effect the atmosphere of the confined space.
2. The physical characteristics, configuration and location of the confined space.
3. Biological hazards.
4. Mechanical or physical hazards. 121 5. Existing or potential hazards in the confined space such as FLAMMABLE AND TOXIC ENVIRONMENT (FATE).
a. Four distinct categories of hazardous atmospheres.
(1) FLAMMABLE (2) TOXIC (3) IRRITANTS AND/OR CORROSIVE (4) ASPHYXIATING
b. Common gases found in below grade or confined space operations.
(1) CARBON DIOXIDE (2) CARBON MONOXIDE (3) HYDROGEN SULFIDE (4) METHANE (5) SULFUR DIOXIDE
Note: #1 A GROUP OF GASES MAY STRATIFY WITHIN A CONFINED SPACE. THIS IS ONE REASON WHY ONE PERSON MAY SURVIVE EXPOSURE TO GAS AT ONE LEVEL, WHILE ANOTHER DIES FROM EXPOSURE TO THE SAME OR A DIFFERENT GAS AT ANOTHER LEVEL.
Note: #2 PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL HAZARDS MAY ALSO BEENCOUNTERED. AREAS OF CONCERN ARE UTILITY INSTALLATIONS, CERTAIN TYPES OF MACHINERY AND AREAS OFFERING EXTREMELY LIMITED WORKING AREAS.
VIII. RESPONSE
IX. GUIDELINES
A. SIZE-UP
1. Recognize the emergency as a confined space incident.
2. Activate the Incident Command System to the degree necessary to control the scene. Plan operations and alternatives carefully and accumulate information required to conclude the operation safely. 122 3. Assign and/or have a Safety Officer respond to work in conjunction with the Operations Officer and entry crews to insure members’ safety.
4. Consult with plant engineers and plant emergency responders (qualified persons) as to the characteristics of the involved confined space.
5. Consult the designated company representative of a utility-owned confined space for pertinent information regarding same. i.e. Bell of PA, PECO Energy and Philadelphia Suburban Water.
NOTE: THE TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION SEWER DEPARTMENT HAS TRAINED AND EQUIPPED “SEWER INSPECTORS” AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION OR ASSISTANCE AND CAN BE CONTACTED THROUGH THE LOWER MERION POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER.
B. STABILIZE THE IMMEDIATE AREA
1. Set up an operations perimeter.
2. Confirm “Lockout/Tagout” condition for the affected confined space.
C. ELIMINATE IGNITION SOURCES
1. Park apparatus outside the Operations area.
2. It may be necessary to shut down Plant operations in the immediate area.
3. Do not take equipment that could serve as an ignition source into the area.
D. USE ONLY EXPLOSIVE-PROOF EQUIPMENT
1. Conventional flood and hand lights are not considered explosive proof.
2. Some types of portable radios can become an ignition source when the transmitter is keyed. DO NOT USE LMT RADIOS.
E. PROVIDE LIGHTING
1. Keep floodlights outside of immediate area. 123 2. Handlights may be used under limited and restricted conditions. (Taping the light switch in the open position should eliminate the problem of ignition---AS LONG AS THE SWITCH REMAINS IN THIS POSITION.)
X. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
A. DEVELOP CONTINGENCY PLAN - The operation should follow a clear and concise course of action with a back-up plan in place.
B. ENTRY AND EXIT - Each entry and exit point shall be evaluated to determine the most effective method for entry and egress travel distances.
C. EQUIPMENT - Determine what types of equipment are required to enter, retrieve the individual and exit the confined space in the safest manner possible.
D. HAZARD EVALUATION - Hazards identified shall be evaluated by a “Qualified Person.”
E. ISOLATION AND TAGOUT/LOCKOUT - All energy sources which are potentially hazardous to the confined space entrant shall be secured, relieved, disconnected and/or restrained before personnel are permitted to enter the confined space. Lockout/Tagout of equipment, systems and processes shall be confirmed and secured prior to permitting entry into the confined spaced.
F. Protective Clothing
1. Bunker gear, boots, helmet and gloves should be worn throughout if conditions dictate their use.
2. On occasion protective clothing may not be practical due to extremely limited working area, warm temperature, etc. This decision will be made by the Incident Commander.
3. On other occasions, bunker gear will not provide adequate protection and encapsulated suits shall be incorporated into the operation. This will also be determined by the Incident Commander.
G. Respiratory Protection
1. SCBA must be worn by all personnel who enter the confined space....UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY
124 MEMBER REMOVE THEIR FACE MASK WITHIN THE CONFINED SPACE.
NOTE: REMOVING THE FACE MASK TO PROVIDE AIR TO THE VICTIM OR TO SHOUT A MESSAGE TO THE OUTSIDE FREQUENTLY RESULTS IN THE RESCUER’S DEATH.
2. A confined space Supplied Air Respiratory Extension System is carried by 24-81 and should be used at the incident if conventional SCBA is not practical.
3. Safety lines and harnesses should be attached to anyone entering the confined space.
4. A standby team will be fully suited and ready to go in at all times. One standby member for each member in the confined space is required.
H. Monitoring the Atmosphere
I. Ventilation
1. The confined space should be ventilated before the entry team enters. Ventilation will be maintained during the operation. Caution should be used when ventilating a confined space not to place the atmosphere within the lower and upper explosive limits.
a. Mechanical ventilation can be used to blow air into the confined space. KEEP FANS AND VENTILATORS AWAY FROM APPARATUS EXHAUST.
b. Smoke ejectors with sleeves.
J. Communications
1. Voice or eye contact is preferred...although in many cases this is not practical. Consider relay people if the distance is excessive.
2. Portable radios, only if they are explosion proof. LMTFD RADIOS MUST NOT BE USED.
3. Rope Signals 125 a. Outside to Entry Team
One Pull - up or out
Two Pulls - down or in
Three Pulls - distress or help
b. Entry Team to Outside
One Pull - up or out
Two Pulls - Moving down or going in
Three Pulls - distress or help
NOTE: THREE PULLS INDICATES AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. AT LEAST ONE BACK-UP MEMBER SHOULD BE DISPATCHED TO ASCERTAIN THE SITUATION.
K. Victim Removal one of the most important things necessary in stabilizing a victim is that they receive plenty of reassurance.
1. Patient assessment
a. If a victim is injured, the entry team must weigh taking the time to stabilize the injuries against permitting the victim to be further jeopardized by the conditions within the confined space.
b. Only life threatening injuries should be treated and this treatment should be weighed against remaining in the confined space.
c. When a victim is ready to be removed, it may be necessary to rig hauling systems to remove the victim either vertically or horizontally from the confined space. (Rescue 1 had a pre-fabbed tripod and mechanical advantage hauling systems for this purpose.)
126 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #21-A FEBRUARY, 1997
CONFINED SPACE RESCUE OPERATIONS 127 AWARENESS LEVEL COURSE
INTRODUCTION - DANGER OF CONFINED SPACES
High fatality rate of untrained or unprepared rescuers (60% of victims)
DEFINITIONS OF CONFINED SPACE EXAMPLES
According to OSHA, a confined space if defined as a space:
Large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example - tanks, vessels and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry); and
Is not designed for continuos employee or human occupancy.
OSHA further defines specific confined spaces in a class that has, or had the potential for one or more of the following characteristics as Permit Required confined spaces:
A hazardous atmosphere
An engulfment hazard
An internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant (such as inwardly converging walls or a downward sloping floor that tapers to a smaller cross-section.
Any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
***OSHA requires that these types of spaces are inspected and all potential hazards are reduced before a written permit is issued prior to an entry.
128 EXAMPLES OF CONFINED SPACES
Auto repair lift pits Caves/mines Cofferdams Cold storage facilities Collapsed structures - below grade basements Cupola Degreaser Furnace Hoppers Industrial smoke stacks/chimneys/furnaces/boilers Industrial spaces Large industrial transformers Manholes Open pits over 4 feet deep Ovens Pipelines Pit Process Vessel Pumping Station Reaction vessels Sanitary sewer pumping stations Septic tanks Sewage Digester Sewer systems, storms/sanitary Ship’s holds Silos Storage bins Storage tanks Storm drains Sump pits/sump rooms Tank cars/trailers Trench/excavation Tunnels Utility vaults Vats Water treatment plants - sludge diffusers, pits, carbon tanks Wells/cisterns
129 AGENCIES AFFECTING FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS IN CONFINED SPACES
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
National Safety Council (NSC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
State and Local Level Standards
TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS MANDATED BY OSHA
Four personnel categories identified by OSHA:
Confined Space Supervisor must be trained in: Atmospheric monitoring Hazard Recognition Hazard abatement
Confined Space Attendant must be trained in: Rescue management Rescue safety Rescue response
**Attendant cannot leave position until properly relieved by another attendant.
Confined Space Entrant must be trained in: Hazard recognition Communications Personnel Protective Equipment
Confined Space Rescuer must be authorized entrant in order to enter a confined space to perform a rescue and must be trained in the same categories as an entrant.
130 ENTRY PERMIT PROGRAM
OSHA mandated
Required before entry
15-point check list on permit that identifies: hazards within the space, names of attendants and entrants, communications procedures, personnel protective equipment required and signature of supervisor (for accountability).
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR SAMPLE CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Reference Material:
Fire Department Operational Procedure #21
New version undergoing final review; more closely follows OSHA Standard
Fire Department Confined Space Entry Permit
Incorporated as part of revision to Operational Procedure #21
RESCUE PROCEDURES
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Ensure Confined Space Response
District Fire Company On-call Fire Marshal On-call Chief Fire Marshal (notify) Rescue - 22-6 & 21-21 Medic Unit (ALS) (313) Air Unit (24-81) Sewer Department
Activate Incident Command System
Designate Safety Officer
Personnel assigned to “OSHA Equivalent positions”
Confined Space Supervisor Confined Space Entrant/Rescuer 131 Confined Space Attendant
Fill out Confined Space Entry Permit
HAZARDS/HAZARD ABATEMENT
Atmospheric hazards
Atmosphere must be tested for: Oxygen -oxygen deficient = 19.5% or less -oxygen enriched = 23.5% or greater Flammability - 10% LEL Toxicity
Physical hazards
All potential energy sources which might be present within the space must be identified and shut down prior to the rescue team’s entry.
Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic chemical, etc.
VENTILATION
Transfer of safe air into the confined space
Smoke ejector with extension sleeve Confined space ventilator Intrinsically safe (when required)
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
The locking out, isolating and tagging of any energy source which might be present in the confined space.
Lockout / Tagout kit
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
SCBA vs. Supplies Air Respiratory System (Extension system)
Air Unit 24-81 Apparatus cascade system (Rescue 22-6)
Air Supply Sector / Officer
Travel Limitation (300 feet)
132 COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES
Primary method
Secondary method
Use of Fire Department portable radios in flammable atmosphere
Confined space communications system
SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
Atmospheric Testing and Monitoring Equipment
Rope Rescue Equipment
Patient Packaging / Extraction Devices
Lockout / Tagout Kit
Lifting / Anchor Point System (Tripod)
ENTRY GUIDELINES
Primary Plan
Secondary Plan
Five Foot Vertical Depth Rule
Retrieval line / Retrieval systems
NFPA Class III Full Body Harness
Standby Team
Fully suited, ready to go (one for one)
133 CONFINED SPACE
RESCUE OPERATIONS
AWARENESS LEVEL COURSE
134 LOCATION OF CONFINED SPACE DATE/TIME: PURPOSE OF ENTRY DURATION: AUTHORIZED BY EXPIRES ON: ATTENDANT(S) CONFINED SPACE PROTECTION ENTRY PERMIT AFTER HOUR EMERGENCIES 1-800-MSA-5555 AUTHORIZED ENTRANTS (LIST OTHERS ON BACK OF FORM)
MEASURES FOR ISOLATING & EQUIPMENT YES NO MEASURES FOR ISOLATING & EQUIPMENT YES NO Lock out-De-Energize-Try-Out Equipment Self Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA) Line(s) Broken-Capped-Blanked Air Line Respirators w/Emergency Escape Capability Purge-Flush and Vent Air Purifying Respirators & Cartriges Ventilation Resusiator/Inhaler Secure Area (Post & Flag) Communications Equipment Full Body Harness w/”D” Ring Protective Clothing Tripod Emergency Escape Unit Head/EyeHearing Protection(circle type(s) Lifelines Hot Work Permit Required Fire Extinguishers Lighting (Explosion Proof) ATMOSPHERE MONITORING TEST(S) TO Acceptable Entry Conditions Test # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 BE TAKEN (Circle Appropriate Level) Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date
TLV* PEL** _.m. _.m _.m _.m. _.m. _.m. _.m. _.m. _.m. YES NO Oxygen 19.5.23.5% 19.5 Combustible Below 105 LEL Gas Carbon 0.25 0.50 Monoxide PPM PPM Hydrogen 0.10 0.10 Sulfide PPM PPM Hydrogen 0.10 0.10 Cyanide PPM PPM Sulfur Dioxide 0.2 0.5 PPM PPM Ammonia 0.25 0.50 PPM PPM
Individual Conducting Test(name)______Any questions pertaining to test requirements contact______INSTRUMENTS USED NAME TYPE IDENT. NO.
Standby Person(s) YES NO FOR RESCUE & EMERGENCY SERVICE CALL______ENTRY SUPERVISOR AUTHORIZING ALL ABOVE CONDITIONS SATISFIED______LEL - Lower Explosive Limit PPM - Parts Per Million *As listed in 1992-93 Threshold Limit Values **Permissible Exposure Limits as listed in OSHA 29CFR 1910 1000
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOP #22 DECEMBER, 1997
135 (Revised 12/2006)
MIMIMUM OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS – BYLAWS
I. PURPOSE:
To establish the minimum Officer qualifications for all Officers of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department.
II. GUIDELINES:
A. All present Officers will be grandfathered in their present or a lower rank after taking the LMFD Officer Development Program.
B. On February 1st of each year the Fire Company will send an updated list of members with a list of all schools and classes completed.
C. Individual Company requirements may exceed the minimums.
III. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of the Board of Directors of each Fire Company to implement this procedure.
IV. DEFINITION:
Rank Experience Minimum Schools
Company Chief 5 years In addition to Deputy Chief’s requirements: Fire Officer II
Deputy Chief 5 years In addition to Assistant Chief’s requirements: Fire Officer I
Assistant Chief 3 years In addition to Captain’s requirements: Introduction to Fire Officership
Managing Company Tactical Operations: Preparation, Tactics, Decision Making, Simulation
Captain 3 years In addition to Lieutenant’s requirements: Principle of Building Construction Combustible
136 Principle of Building Construction Non-Combustible High Rise Firefighting
Lieutenant 3 years In addition to Firefighter’s requirements: Incident Command NIMS ICS for the Fire Service Hazardous Materials Operations Arson Awareness
Safety Officer 3 years In addition to Firefighter’s requirements: Incident Safety Officer Principle of Building Construction Combustible Principle of Building Construction Non-Combustible NIMS ICS for the Fire Service
Firefighter Essentials of Firefighting (within 2 years) - Introduction to the Fire Service - Fire Ground Support - Exterior Firefighter - Interior Firefighter Infectious Disease Awareness Classes on LMFD SOP's
Required Annual Recertification’s: Infectious Disease Awareness (All Firefighters and Officers) Haz Mat Awareness Level Annual Refresher (Firefighter) Haz Mat Operations Level Annual Refresher (All Officers) Haz Mat Technician Level Annual Refresher (All Haz Mat Technicians)
Rescue company members should attend: Basic Vehicle Rescue Training class Air bags for Rescue personnel New Vehicle Construction Trench Rescue Confined Space Rescue Rope/High Angle Rescue Techniques Water Rescue Phase I
Squad company members should attend: Basic Vehicle Rescue Training class Air bags for Rescue personnel New Vehicle Construction
137 Water Rescue company members should attend: Water Rescue Phase I
All drivers should attend: Emergency Vehicle Operations Class Pump Operations I Pump Operations II Aerial Operations
Recommended Additional Classes: Firefighter Survival Tactical Use of Thermal Imaging Cameras Rescue I Rescue II Trench Rescue for the First Responder Confined Space Awareness Water Awareness for the First Responder CPR (Annually) Standard First Aid (Annually) Instruction Techniques for Company Officers Unified Command Seminar Highway Incident Scene Safety and Traffic Control Incident Safety Officer Emergency Response to Terrorism Leadership Values
TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING CHECK-OFF LIST FOR NEW MEMBERS
MEMBER NAME: STATION #: SOCIAL SECURITY #: DATE: I.S.T. (CLASS REQ.) DATE COMPLETED: (Copy of Certificate to be attached)
OPERATION/TRAINING DATE COMPLETED OFFICER SIGNATURE
138 SCBA Operations
SCBA Emergency Procedures
PASS Device
Co. Emerg. Evacuation Procedure
LADDERS Carry
Raise
Climb
HOSE Advancing/Handling
Coupling/Rolling
Packing
SEARCH/RESCUE Search Pattern
Lifts, Carries & Drags
Basic Ventilation Practices
Familiar with Tools & Equipment
Location of Tools & Equipment
Hydrant Hook-Up
Personal Protective Gear
Other Basic Company Procedures
I certify the above named firefighter has completed the above training and is familiar with Company procedures and equipment and is therefore cleared to participate in live fire training at the Lower Merion Township Training Grounds.
______Signature of Company Chief
______Date
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #23 APRIL, 2001
FAST TEAM RESPONSE PROCEDURES
139 PURPOSE: To create a policy for the operations of a 'FAST Team' (FIREFIGHTER ASSIST SEARCH TEAM) in the Township of Lower Merion Fire Department.
DEFINITION: A FAST Team is a designated group of firefighters whose sole responsibility is to set up on the fireground and be ready to go in service in the event a firefighter or group of firefighters is trapped or in trouble. Our 'FAST Team' will consist of one officer and four firefighters on one apparatus.
PROCEDURE: On any fire call where the first-in company recognizes a working fire situation he will notify the County to “Dispatch the Fast Team”. The FAST Team will be the fire company that is 5th due on the call.
The FAST Team Command will report to the Incident Commander and set up his team BASE AREA where they can get in service promptly. He will conduct a size-up of the fire building. He shall take notice of the various means of ingress and egress of the fire building and make appropriate suggestions to the Incident Commander for consideration of ground ladders etc. Once the FAST Team completes their size-up they will remain in the area designated as the FAST Team Base Area, and not become spectators or involved in firefighting operations.
The FAST Team Command will monitor the fire ground channel (the first-in company channel) and be aware of who is working in what part of the building. While responding and on the fire scene they will use the radio call sign; FAST Team. FAST Team Command, FAST Team 1, etc. It is important that this team be ready with appropriate tools in case they are needed.
The FAST Team does not leave the fireground while firefighters are working inside, for any reason.
If possible, the FAST Team's station will be able to remain in service with their other apparatus to handle other calls.
GUIDELINES:
1. All “Fast Team” members will wear full protective clothing w/ SCBA
2. Each member will be equipped with the following: a. personal light b. portable radio c. rope bag w/ 35' of rope and two carabiners d. one trans-fill hose for MSA SCBA per team or a spare SCBA
3. The following minimum list of equipment will be bought to the Fast Team Base Area: a. flat head axe b. halligan bar c. six foot pike pole d. 200" utility rope e. chain saw and/or circular saw f. ground ladder g. two spare SCBA bottles h. thermal imaging camera
140 i. anything else the Fast Team Commander thinks he might utilize depending on the situation
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #24 March, 2001 (Revised 5/27/2005)
FIREFIGHTER RECOGNITION
I. Purpose:
141 To provide a means to recognize the efforts of firefighters in the Lower Merion Fire Department for the basic and advanced technical and specialty training that they have completed. It shall also be the policy of the Lower Merion Fire Department to officially recognize and reward any special acts of courage and bravery by firefighters from the Township of Lower Merion Fire Department.
II. Policy:
It shall be the policy of the Township of Lower Merion Fire Department to recognize, with an appropriate medal in the form of a ribbon, those members who have completed the following schools; Basic Firefighting, Advanced Firefighting, Engineer/Driver Certification, Rescue School and Advanced Rescue School.
Additionally the Township of Lower Merion Fire Department shall recognize former fire company officers with an appropriate ribbon, and award service ribbons to those members who have completed five years of service. Another award will be made at the completion of every additional five years.
The ribbons shall be worn on the dress uniform of those firefighters so honored.
Annually the Township of Lower Merion will host the annual Firefighters Medal Day Ceremony. This event will be held at a predetermined location.
It shall be the policy of the Township of Lower Fire Department to recognize individual acts of bravery and courage over and above the normal duties of firefighters in the performance of their duties. It is also the policy of the Department to recognize a company of a unit within a company that makes a special and noticeable effort on the fireground
The special recognition awards are:
Heroism: Awarded for an act of outstanding courage, at great personal risk, which results in saving a life.
Valor: Awarded for an act of outstanding courage in the rescue of individual(s) on the fireground. Merit: Awarded for an act of intelligent and valuable service in the rescue or aid of another person either on or off of the fire ground.
Unit Citation:Awarded to a company or a unit within a fire company that performs an exemplary job during a firefighting operation.
III. Procedure
Technical Training Awards:
The Chief of each Fire Company is responsible for sending a complete list of all firefighters that will be receiving a technical training award to the Fire Department office by January 1st of each year. The technical training awards are issued for the previous year's training (i.e.: The awards presented at the annual Medal Day Picnic will be for the previous calendar year). The Fire
142 Department office will be responsible for the compilation of this data, not the collection.
Special Commendation Awards:
Recommendations for a special individual award, or a unit citation can be initiated by any individual at an incident. This individual shall provide a complete written report of the incident and the activities of the individual and/or unit in question. Details are important and the more accurate the information received the more accurate the findings of the Board of Review will be. This report will be turned in to the Fire Department Office in a sealed envelope marked, Award Request. It will be opened and examined at the next meeting of the Retention & Recruitment Committee. After review and investigation the findings of the committee will be given to the originating officer and are final.
Basic and Advanced Training and Service A wards:
Basic Firefighting (FF1) Red Ribbon Bar (RC-I).
Advanced Firefighting (FF2) Red Ribbon with Silver Star (RC-I*)
Engineer/Driver Cert. (Pump) Red and Black Ribbon Bar (RC-4)
Former Chief Yellow Ribbon Bar with 4 Silver Stars (RC-9****)
Former Deputy Chief Yellow Ribbon Bar with 3 Silver Stars (RC-9***)
Former Assistant Chief Yellow Ribbon Bar with 2 Silver Stars (RC-9**)
Former Captain Yellow Ribbon Bar with I Silver Star (RC-9*)
Former Lieutenant Yellow Ribbon Bar (RC-9)
Rescue I Blue Ribbon Bar (RC-5)
Rescue II Blue Ribbon Bar with I Silver Star (RC-5*)
Advanced Rescue Blue Ribbon Bar with 2 Silver Stars (RC-5**)
Officer I Cert. Green and Gold Ribbon Bar (RC-12)
Officer II Cert. Green and Gold Ribbon Bar with I Silver Star RC I2**
Years of Service Red/White/Blue Ribbon Bar with Number Insert (RC-3) (Awarded after five years of service and five year increments with number inserted in center of bar - i.e.: 5,10,15 etc.)
143 Heroism: Plaque & Blue/White/Blue Ribbon Bar (RC-26)
Valor: Plaque & Lt. Blue/White/Red/White/Lt. Blue Ribbon Bar (RC-32)
Merit: Plaque & White/Red/White/Red/White/Red/White Ribbon Bar (RC-39)
Unit Citation: Plaque & Green/White/Green/White/Green/White/Green Ribbon Bar (RC-34)
Appropriate Display of Commendation Bars:
The commendation bars are to be worn on the right side outermost garment of the dress uniform below the name tag of the firefighter. There shall be not more than four commendation bars in anyone single row on the blouse coat or uniform shirt if said shirt is the outermost garment. Personnel will wear either those commendation bars that are issued by the Township in accordance with this policy or commendations issued by the individual company of which that firefighter is a member, not both unless previously authorized by the Chief Fire Officer of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department. Commendation bars are to be worn in the following descending order starting from the wearers right to left:
Heroism Plaque & White/Blue/Gold/Blue/White Ribbon Bar (RC-26)
Valor Plaque & Lt. Blue/White/Red/White/Lt. Blue Ribbon Bar (RC-32)
Merit Plaque & Red/White/Red/White/Red/White Ribbon Bar
Unit Citation Plaque & Green/White/Green/White/Green/White/Green Ribbon Bar (RC-34)
Former Chief Fire Officer Yellow Ribbon Bar with Number of Silver Stars recognizing rank (RC-9****)
Officer I or II Certification Green and Gold Ribbon Bar (RC-12)
Basic Firefighting (FF1 or II) Red Ribbon Bar (RC-I).
Engineer/Driver Cert. (Pump)Red and Black Ribbon Bar (RC-4)
Rescue I or II Blue Ribbon Bar (RC-5)
Years of Service Red/White/Blue Ribbon Bar with Number Insert (RC-3)
Company Ribbons Individual Company Ribbons
144 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #25 APRIL, 2001
FIREGROUND SAFETY OFFICER
PURPOSE: To create a policy for establishing a Safety Officer at all fire or emergency incidents to which members or companies from the Lower Merion Fire Department are engaged in the performance of their duties.
DEFINITION: An individual shall be assigned at an incident scene by the Incident Commander to be responsible for the overall safety of the members operating at an emergency scene. The person assigned shall be an experienced member of the Fire Service.
PROCEDURE: The safety officer will have the knowledge, skills and abilities to manage safety at an emergency scene. The safety officer should have some knowledge of building construction and the safety and health hazards present at emergency scenes.
The Safety Officer will wear a vest clearly marked “Incident Safety Officer” and will speak with the authority of the Incident Commander in matters of safety.
The Safety Officer will take action through those fire company officers present to mitigate, alter or cease any operation that might cause injury or harm to personnel operating at a fire or emergency scene. He will notify the Incident Commander immediately of any situations that need correction or attention.
He will operate on the fireground channel and his call sign will be ‘Safety’.
145 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #26 DECEMBER, 2001
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
1.PURPOSE
This exposure control plan (Plan) is intended to minimize or eliminate exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. The Plan documents the Lower Merion Fire Department’s policy and procedures related to potential exposure and outlines safe practices for the prevention of disease resulting from contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) during the course of work. This Plan has been developed in accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.
2. DEFINITIONS
Bloodborne Pathogens — microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Exposure Incident — a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties.
Occupational Exposure — reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties.
Other Potentially Infectious Materials — (1) The following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids; (2) Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and (3) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV-containing or HBV-or HCV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV, HBV, or HCV.
Parenteral — piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needlesticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions.
Universal Precautions— an approach to infection control by which all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.
The Center for Disease Control states that:
146 Universal precautions apply to blood, other body fluids containing visible blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Universal precautions also apply to tissues and to the following fluids: cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and amniotic fluids. Universal precautions do not apply to feces, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, and vomitus unless they contain visible blood. Universal precautions do not apply to saliva except when visibly contaminated with blood or in the dental setting where blood contamination of saliva is predictable. Universal precautions involve the use of protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, or protective eyewear, which can reduce the risk of exposure of the skin or mucous membranes to potentially infective materials.
3. EXPOSURE DETERMINATION
Listed here are personnel who are considered to have occupational exposure. In accordance with the OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, this exposure determination has been made without regard to the use of personal protective equipment. However, personal protective equipment is to be used in all activities that may result in occupational exposure. Classifications in which all employees have occupational exposure have been identified. They are:
Chief Fire Officer Deputy Chief Fire Officer Deputy Fire Marshals Volunteer Firefighters Paid Housemen
Fire personnel are considered to have occupational exposure because they render emergency assistance in situations where there is a high frequency of occupational exposure to blood and OPIM.
4. METHODS OF COMPLIANCE
The primary focus of this policy is to establish procedures, in accordance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, that will protect the volunteer firefighters of the Lower Merion Fire Companies from hazards related to occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.
A. Methods of Exposure Control
General Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials.
The work practice engineering controls of the Lower Merion Volunteer Fire Companies includes the following.
Treat all blood and OPIM as if it is infected. Make no assumptions that it is not. Use personal protective equipment to reduce the likelihood of an occupational exposure to blood or OPIM. 147 If blood or OPIM penetrates a garment the firefighter will remove the garment as soon as feasible. Contaminated personal protective equipment will be decontaminated or, in the case of non- reusable PPE, properly disposed of. (See Disposal) Perform work so as to minimize or avoid splashing, spraying, or splattering blood or OPIM. Decontaminate areas that have been exposed to blood or OPIM as soon as possible following contamination. Wearing gloves, thoroughly wash any potentially contaminated area with bleach such as a Clorox and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Mark areas as a hazard zone until decontaminated. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water immediately after dealing with blood or OPIM, even though protective gloves were used. If soap and water are unavailable, clean hands and other possibly exposed areas with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) or other hand cleaner. Wash with soap and water as soon as possible thereafter. Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or lip balm, or handle contact lenses in work areas where exposure to blood or OPIM may occur.
B. Personal Protective Equipment
Firefighters engaged in activities with the potential for occupational exposure are required to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is considered appropriate only if it does not permit blood or OPIM to pass through or reach the employee’s clothing, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time for which the PPE will be used. The individual fire companies are responsible for purchasing PPE required to meet the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Gloves will be worn by all employees in the performance of all work activities that involve the potential handling of blood or OPIM. Disposable gloves are not to be washed or decontaminated. If they become punctured or torn they are to be replaced as soon as practical. Utility gloves may be decontaminated provided the integrity of the glove is not compromised.
Eye Protection Chin length face shields, or goggles (or glasses with side shields) and a mask, are to be worn by employees whenever splashes, splatter, or droplets of blood or OPIM may be generated and reasonably anticipated to contaminate eye, nose, or mouth. Face shields and goggles must be decontaminated before reuse. Disposable masks shall be properly discarded after use.
148 Other PPE Fluid-proof protective suits/overalls or other types of apparel may be necessary depending on the activity. Disposable suits shall be properly discarded after use. Other apparel shall be decontaminated after exposure. Contaminated garments are not to be taken home for decontamination.
Resuscitation Equipment – Mouthpieces, resuscitation bags or ventilator bags should be used by employees for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Resuscitation equipment may be decontaminated for reuse. Although saliva has not been found to transmit HBV or HIV, this extra caution is advised.
C. Hand Washing Facilities
Hand washing facilities are to be used as soon as feasible after any exposure even when gloves have been worn. When facilities are not readily available, cleaning with antiseptic hand cleaner in conjunction with clean cloth or paper towels or antiseptic towelettes is required. In this case, hands shall be washed with soap and running water as soon as feasible.
If a firefighter has an unprotected contact with blood or OPIM, the firefighter shall wash with soap and water, flush the mucous membranes with water or flush the eye with water or saline solution as soon as feasible following the contact.
D. Disposal
Whenever there is a substantial amount of disposable garments, towels, and other materials that are contaminated with blood or OPIM they shall be red-bagged and disposed of as bio-hazardous waste.
E. Review
These methods of compliance shall be reviewed annually by the Chief of each fire company and documentation of such review shall be forwarded to the Chief Fire Officer on January 1st. The chief Fire Officer will furnish copies to the Township’s Safety Committee Chairperson.
5. HEPATITIS B VACCINATION PROGRAM
The following National Fire Protection Standards reference the requirement for offering all firefighters the Hepatitis B vaccination.
NFPA 1500, Fire Department Occupational Safety & Health Program Section 8-5.2 The fire department shall operate an infection control program that meets NFPA 1581.
149 NFPA 1581, Fire Department Infection Control Program Section 2-5.1 The fire department shall ensure that members have access to an appropriate immunization program that includes immunization against influenza and vaccination against hepatitis B. Section 2-5.2 The fire department shall ensure that all members have adequate immunity, as determined through consultation with a physician according to NFPA 1582.
NFPA 1582, Medical Requirements for Fire fighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians. Section 4-4, OHSA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires that fire fighters be offered hepatitis B immunization at no cost to the member. Members who decline the offer of this immunization are required to sign a written declination.
As part of the overall protection provided by Lower Merion fire companies, every Lower Merion volunteer firefighter shall be offered the hepatitis B vaccination series. The vaccinations should be offered at no cost to the firefighters and administered by the qualified healthcare provider. Any firefighter who declines the Hepatitis B vaccination so offered must sign the mandatory declination form-indicating refusal of the vaccination.
The Hepatitis B vaccination will be made available to any employee who initially declines it but who later decides to be vaccinated as long as he/she is still covered under the provisions of this policy.
The vaccination series will be offered to new firefighters within 10 working days of their acceptance into the Fire Company.
If a routine booster dose(s) of hepatitis B vaccine is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service at a future date, such booster dose(s) should be made available to all Lower Merion volunteer firefighters.
1. HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING
Every fire company is responsible for training firefighters covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard at the time of their initial assignment and annually thereafter through updates and meetings. Additional training will be provided when changes such as modification of tasks or procedures or institution of new tasks or procedures affect the employee's occupational exposure. The additional training will be limited to addressing the new exposures created.
The person conducting the training shall be knowledgeable in the subject matter covered by the elements contained in the training program as it relates to the workplace that the training will address. The material will be appropriate in content and vocabulary to the educational level, literacy, and language of the affected personnel.
150 Training will include information about / explanation of: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; Epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases; Modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens; LMFD exposure control plan; Appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials; Use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment; Types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment; Basis for selection of personal protective equipment; Hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated; Appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials; Procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available; Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the Township provide for the employee following an exposure incident; Signs, labels and/or color coding systems required by the standard.
7. RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS
A. The Township’s Insurance Administrator will establish and maintain an accurate record for each firefighter with occupational exposure in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. These records shall be maintained only in the medical files. These records shall include:
The name and social security number of the firefighter; A copy of the firefighter’s Hepatitis B vaccination status including the dates of all the hepatitis B vaccinations and any medical records relative to the firefighter’s ability to receive the vaccination, or the employee’s signed vaccination declination form; A copy of all results of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures; The fire company’s copy of the healthcare professional's written opinion following any exposure incident.
151 B. Confidentiality
The Township Insurance Administrator shall ensure that firefighter medical records required above are:
1. Kept confidential; and 2. Not disclosed or reported without the firefighter’s express written consent; and 3. Maintained for at least the duration of the firefighter’s active status with the Lower Merion Fire Department plus 30 years in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records).
C. Training Records
1. The Lower Merion Fire Department shall maintain the following non-confidential records: (A) The dates of the training sessions; (B) The contents or a summary of the training sessions; (C) The names and qualifications of persons conducting the training; and (D) The names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions.
2. Training records shall be maintained for 3 years from the date on which the training occurred.
8. POST – EXPOSURE EVALUATION AND FOLLOW UP
Following an unprotected bloodborne pathogen exposure incident, the Township will make immediately available to the exposed firefighter a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up including at least the following:
Documentation of the route(s) of exposure, and the circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred; Identification and documentation of the source individual, unless the it is established that identification is not feasible or is prohibited by state or local law; The source individual's blood shall be tested as soon as feasible and after consent is obtained in order to determine HBV and HIV infectivity. If consent is not obtained, the Township shall establish that legally required consent cannot be obtained. When the source individual's consent is not required by law, the source individual's blood, if available, shall be tested and the results documented. When the source individual is already known to be infected with HBV or HIV, testing for the source individual's known HBV or HIV status need not be repeated. Results of the source individual's testing shall be made available to the exposed firefighter, and the firefighter shall be informed of applicable laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infectious status of the source individual.
Collection and testing of blood for HBV and HIV serological status.
152 The exposed firefighter’s blood shall be collected as soon as feasible and tested after consent is obtained.
If the firefighter consents to baseline blood collection, but does not give consent at that time for HIV serologic testing, the sample shall be preserved for at least 90 days. If, within 90 days of the exposure incident, the firefighter elects to have the baseline sample tested, such testing shall be done as soon as feasible.
Post-exposure prophylaxis, when medically indicated, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service.
Counseling.
Evaluation of reported illnesses.
9. INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
The Lower Merion Fire Department shall ensure that the healthcare professional responsible for the firefighter’s Hepatitis B vaccination is provided a copy of this regulation.
The Township shall ensure that the healthcare professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident is provided the following information:
A copy of 29 CFR 1910.1030; A description of the exposed firefighter’s duties as they relate to the exposure incident; Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred; Results of the source individual's blood testing, if available; and all medical records relevant to the appropriate treatment of the firefighter (Township) and vaccination status (Fire Company).
Healthcare Professional's Written Opinion
The Township Insurance Administrator shall obtain and provide the firefighter with a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional's written opinion within fifteen (15) days of the completion of the evaluation. The healthcare professional's written opinion for Hepatitis B vaccination shall be limited to whether Hepatitis B vaccination is indicated for the firefighter, and if the firefighter has received such vaccination. The healthcare professional's written opinion for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up shall be limited to the following information: That the firefighter has been informed of the results of the evaluation; and That the firefighter has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation or treatment.
153 11. ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND PLAN UPDATE REQUIREMENTS
A. Fire Companies Maintain training records as described in this Plan. Arrange for annual training as described in this plan arrange for initial training for new firefighters covered by this plan Arrange for Hepatitis B vaccinations Ensure that firefighters follow all Exposure Control Plan policies and protocols. Provide for appropriate personal protective equipment and supplies.
B Insurance Administrator Refer firefighters with an Exposure Incident as described in this Plan to appropriate medical personnel. Provide a copy of 29 CFR 1910.1030 to medical personnel who will be performing evaluation. Maintain medical records as described in this plan.
C… Firefighters Follow all safety provisions and policies of this Plan. Observe all? Procedures and policies designed to minimize or eliminate exposure to bloodborne pathogens including use of personal protective equipment. Provide suggestions? for improvements to this Plan or its implementation. Attend mandated training. Report all unprotected exposure incidents to the officer in charge.
154 12. PLAN REVIEW
The LMFD will review and update this exposure control plan annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure, to reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination (Mandatory)
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself. However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me.
Signature: ______
Name: ______(Please Print) Date: ______
Company: ______
Social Security Number: ______
Parent or Guardian’s Signature if under 18 years of age.
______Signature of Parent/Guardian Date
______Parent/Guardian’s Name (Please Print)
155 BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS TRAINING PROGRAM
Training Documentation
I affirm that I have been trained in the LMFD’s Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan including:
Information on Hepatitis B vaccinations
The use of personal protective equipment
Cleanup Measures
Reporting requirements
Record keeping requirements
Signature: ______
Name: ______(Please Print) Date: ______
Company:______
Social Security Number: ______
Instructor: ______
156 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG # 27 OCTOBER 26, 2001
ADVANTAGE 1000 RESPIRATOR PROCEDURES
PURPOSE: To govern the use of the Advantage 1000 Full Face Respirator by members of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department.
PROCEDURE: At an incident where respiratory protection is needed this Respirator may be selected by the Chief Fire Officer or a member of his staff for use once it has been determined that the filter cartridges or combination cartridges are appropriate to the hazard of interest. The respirator must not be used in oxygen deficient atmospheres.
If there is any doubt as to the hazard or if you are not sure a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus must be used.
Do not open the GME-P100 Filter Canister package until you are ready to use it. Before donning the respirator open the filter package and attach each filter securely to the mask assembly.
Whenever this filter mask is used the member must be properly attired in the Tyvek Protective Wear Suit with Drawstring Hood and Boots. He must also wear the two pair of gloves provided with the suit.
After each use and before decontamination is performed, both filter cartridges will be removed from the mask assembly and properly packaged in a zip lock bag for disposal.
157 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #28 JULY 9, 2003
REFUELING AT THE KOEGEL COMPLEX 1300 WOODBINE AVE PENN VALLEY
DIESEL FUEL ONLY
I HOURS OF OPERATION
8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Weekdays only
Any fuel needed outside this time period will be the responsibility of the Fire Company.
II. PROCEDURE
The driver/operator of an apparatus when arriving at the Koegel Complex should proceed to the fueling station and fuel the apparatus following all the posted instructions.
When complete, the driver/operator will proceed to the Fleet Equipment office and record the following on the Fire Department Fuel Sheet:
Exact amount of fuel
Apparatus he is driving
Date of the fueling
Sign the report
III. PAYMENT METHOD
Fleet Division will forward the sheets to the Fire Department office. A monthly record will be kept and a bill will be sent annually to the Fire Company.
Lower Merion Fire Department S OG #29
158 May 20, 2005
Use of Vacant Structures for Fire Department Training
I. PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines and procedures for Fire Department training operations at privately owned structures.
II. RESPONSIBILITY:
It will be the responsibility of each member to exercise the appropriate control dictated by his or her rank in the implementation of this procedure.
III. PROCEDURE:
A) When a building becomes available, the Fire Department Office will ensure the following forms / paperwork are completed prior to any training taking place at this location. 1) Property Release Form 2) Insurance Cancellation 3) Approved Demolition Permit 4) Letters on Township letterhead delivered to Neighbors
B) Fire Companies will be notified and scheduled by the Fire Department office when the structure(s) is released and available for training use.
IV. GUIDELINES:
A) Letters must be distributed to adjoining properties of the subject building. This will be done by Fire Department Staff if available. B) At no time will any live fire be used for any part of the training exercise. For smoke conditions, the smoke machine is to be utilized. C) All training exercises are to cease at 9:00 PM. A thirty minute cleanup time is permitted for equipment storage and securing the structure if feasible. If training is done on a weekend it is not to start prior to 8:00 AM. This will be done to both alleviate neighbor concerns and to remain in accordance with the Township noise ordinance. D) The removal of windows and doors during training should be delayed until just before demolition is to occur for safety and security reasons. If possible, all roof cutting operations should be done on roofs that do not face the front street. E) Any deviation from this policy must be cleared through the Chief Fire Officer or Deputy Chief Fire Officer.
Notes: Care should be taken when planning operations so as to cause the least amount of annoyance to residents in the area and all roads are to remain open for traffic.
LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT SOG #30 NOVEMBER 2005
159 WATER RESCUE INCIDENTS
I. PURPOSE
To provide guidelines for the management of water rescue incidents that the Lower Merion Fire Department is dispatched to handle. This procedure provides guidelines for the appropriate functions and tasks that are essential for safe operation in and around water related incidents.
II. RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of all members to exercise the appropriate discipline dictated by their rank, assignment and level of training in the implementation of this Procedure.
III. INTRODUCTION
Water rescues can and will happen throughout Lower Merion Township at any given time. These incidents can occur in static water (swimming pools), slow moving waterways (streams / rivers at normal stages) all the way up to swift moving waterways (streams / rivers in severe flooding conditions). In addition to waterways, water rescue incidents will occur in the form of flash flooding of roadways, underpasses, bridges, residential and commercial buildings.
IV. DEFINITION
A water rescue is an incident that requires emergency personnel to operate in and around water or other flooded area to extricate / rescue someone in need. This may be during a recreational event or due to severe weather and /or flooding conditions that require a response from the Lower Merion Fire Department.
V. RESPONSE
Water rescue response in Lower Merion Township consists of the district fire company along with the water rescue unit(s) from Station 24. (One apparatus and a Marine Unit) In instances of severe flooding and multiple water rescue incidents Marine 24 and Marine 24-1 unit may be staged at station 24 until the Incident Commander determines that there is actually a need for a Marine unit to be placed in service. Station 24 will respond with one apparatus equipped with various water rescue equipment (i.e. life vests, rope throw bags, rescue helmets and qualified water rescue personnel).
VI. SAFETY
A. When operating in or around a waterway or flooded area Turn Out Gear (TOG) should
not be worn. Your TOG can become waterlogged and pull you below the water surface.
160 B. All personnel in or near the waterway or flooded area will wear a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD), water rescue helmet; portable radio tuned to the appropriate operational frequency, and is required to have the appropriate water rescue training.
C. Any person that is actually in the waterway to perform a rescue will be harnessed to a life safety rope that is secured on shore and manned by other firefighters.
D. Any time rescue personnel are in the water the incident commander will assign other firefighters staged optimally at 100’, 150’, and 200’when possible down stream / river from the rescue scene itself. These rescuers will be equipped with PFD’s, water rescue helmets, radios tuned to the appropriate command frequency and water rescue throw bags. These rescuers are positioned in case one of the primary rescuers and/or victim(s) is swept downstream where they can deploy the rope throw bags to assist in rescuing the firefighter/victim in trouble.
E. Rescue personnel will also ensure that they take or have ready the appropriate safety equipment for the victim (i.e. PFD’s) when effectuating a water rescue.
F. When a company is operating during flash flooding incidents and is dispatched to a road rescue incident for a vehicle taking on water the company will determine if the vehicle is occupied. If the vehicle is occupied the company will effect a rescue maintaining all aspects of this SOP. Once the vehicle is deemed to be unoccupied the company will place a fluorescent yellow “Searched” flag on the highest point of the vehicle where it can be viewed by the public and all public safety responders. This will help to alleviate return dispatches to the same incident location.
161 VII. INCIDENT COMMAND
As with any other large-scale incident in Lower Merion Township, the district officer in charge shall establish Incident Command and advise the water rescue unit of the conditions. Upon arrival of the water rescue unit the Incident Commander and the water rescue Officer In Charge will work together to implement a plan of action for the incident.
It shall also be the responsibility of the IC to ensure that that the Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center has dispatched EMS units to the incident.
162