2firefighter Safety and Health

Firefighter I Firefighter Safety and Health
Chapter 2
Firefighter Safety and Health
Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to apply firefighter
safety and health practices following the policies and procedures set forth
by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this lesson, the student shall be able to:
1. List ways to prevent firefighter injuries. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
2. Discuss National Fire Protection Association standards related to
firefighter health and safety. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
3. Discuss Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
4. Summarize the IFSTA Principles of Risk Management. (NFPA®
1001, 5.1.1)
5. List the main goals of a safety program. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
6. Discuss firefighter health considerations and employee assistance
and wellness programs. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
7. List guidelines for riding safely on the apparatus. (NFPA® 1001,
5.3.2)
8. Discuss safety in the fire station. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
9. Describe ways to maintain safety in training. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
10. Explain how to maintain and service equipment used in training.
(NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
11. Discuss emergency scene preparedness. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
12. Discuss emergency scene safety. (NFPA® 1001, 5.1.1)
Fire Protection Publications 2-1

Oklahoma State University
13. Summarize general guidelines for scene management including

highway incidents, crowd control, and cordoning off emergency
scenes. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.3)
14. Explain the importance of personnel accountability. (NFPA® 1001,
5.3.5)
15. Summarize basic interior operations techniques. (NFPA® 1001,
5.1.1)
16. Describe emergency escape and rapid intervention. (NFPA® 1001,
5.1.1)
17. Respond to an incident, correctly mounting and dismounting an
apparatus. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.2, Skill Sheet 2-I-1)
18. Set up and operate in work areas at an incident using traffic and
scene control devices. (NFPA® 1001, 5.3.3, Skill Sheet 2-I-2)

Instructor Information
This is the lesson covering firefighter safety and health for the Firefighter I
course. The purpose of this lesson is to provide the student with an
overview of safety and health issues affecting the firefighter. This lesson
also provides basic safety guidelines that all firefighters should know. While
this lesson specifically covers safety and health issues, the instructor
should always stress safety and health throughout the course. This lesson
should serve as a basis for which safety and health issues can be
reinforced throughout the course. Specific safety and health policies for
your organization should be communicated to students. You should
emphasize that safety must be a priority for all firefighters in
every situation they may encounter.
Important instructor information is provided in shaded boxes throughout

the lesson plan. Carefully review the instructor information before
presenting the lesson. Use this lesson to initiate discussion on safety issues
in the fire service. Supplement this lesson with current case studies
involving safety issues in the fire service.
Methodology
This lesson uses lecture, discussion, and skills practice. The level of
learning is application.

Estimated Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes

Classroom teaching/written evaluation: 4 hours 50 minutes
Skills Practice: 4 hours
Time Section/Activity Pages
10 min. Section I: Introduction to Chapter 2
45 min. Section II: Introduction to Firefighter Safety 49-57

and Health
25 min. Section III: Risk Management 58-59
60 min. Section IV: Fire Department Safety and Health 59-69

Program
40 min. Section V: Emergency Operations 69-74
20 min. Section VI: Incident Safety Concerns 74-78
15 min. Section VII: Summary and Review
15 min. Chapter 2 Quiz
60 min. Chapter 2 Test
4 hours Skills Practice
Audiovisuals
 Visuals 2-1 to 2-125 (PowerPoint® Presentation)
Evaluation
 Chapter 2 Quiz
 Chapter 2 Test
 Skill Sheets 2-I-1 and 2-I-2

Section I: Introduction to Chapter 2 10 min.
I. INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER 2
A. Lesson Goal
Instructor Note: Briefly review the lesson goal.

Emphasize that the purpose of the lesson is to
familiarize the students with safety and health
issues affecting firefighters. Emphasize safety and
wellness for the performance of the job duties
throughout a career, but also to be able to enjoy a
healthy retirement.
Ask Students: Why is this chapter important to

you as a new firefighter?
Briefly discuss the answers with students. Strongly

emphasize that fire fighting is a hazardous
profession and that safety and health are every
firefighter’s responsibility.
1. Chapter 2 lesson goal — After

completing this lesson, the student
shall be able to apply firefighter
safety and health practices following
the policies and procedures set forth
by the authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ).

B. Objectives
1. List ways to prevent firefighter

injuries.
2. Discuss National Fire Protection

Association standards related to
firefighter health and safety.
3. Discuss Occupational Safety and

Health Administration regulations.
4. Summarize the IFSTA Principles of

Risk Management.
5. List the main goals of a safety

program.
6. Discuss firefighter health

considerations and employee
assistance and wellness programs.
7. List guidelines for riding safely on

the apparatus.
8. Discuss safety in the fire station.
9. Describe ways to maintain safety in

training.
10. Explain how to maintain and service

equipment used in training.
11. Discuss emergency scene

preparedness.
12. Discuss emergency scene safety.

13. Summarize general guidelines for

scene management including
highway incidents, crowd control,
and cordoning off emergency
scenes.
14. Explain the importance of personnel

accountability.
15. Summarize basic interior operations

techniques.
16. Describe emergency escape and

rapid intervention.
17. Respond to an incident, correctly

mounting and dismounting an
apparatus. (Skill Sheet 2-I-1)
18. Set up and operate in work areas at

an incident using traffic and scene
control devices. (Skill Sheet 2-I-2)

Section II: Introduction to Firefighter Safety and Health 45 min.
II. INTRODUCTION TO FIREFIGHTER

SAFETY AND HEALTH
Instructor Note: The purpose of this section is to
introduce students to firefighter safety and health
issues. Emphasize that safety MUST be an issue
that is addressed at all times. Stress the importance
of controlling factors when possible and mitigating
hazards encountered in working in the fire service.
Remind students that accidents can happen to
anyone and that by focusing on safety they
minimize their risk.
pp. 49-51 Objective 1 — List ways to prevent

firefighter injures.
A. Ways to prevent firefighter injuries
1. Conducting effective training
2. Maintaining company discipline and

accountability (team integrity)
3. Following established safety-related

standard operating procedures
(SOPs)
4. Using personal protective clothing

and equipment
5. Maintaining high levels of physical

fitness

Ask Students: What do you think causes the

greatest number of firefighter injuries?
Briefly discuss the answers with the students.

Discuss the latest statistics on firefighter injuries
and fatalities as well as the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation. If possible, find statistics
specific to your department on injury rates and
types as well as any information on cholesterol
levels of the deparment’s work force. Emphasize
that both fitness levels and diet are key to
decreasing incidents such as cardiac arrest among
firefighters.
pp. 52-56 Objective 2 — Discuss National Fire

Protection Association standards
related to firefighter health and safety.
A. National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA®) standards
1. Many standards relate to firefighter

safety and health.
2. Standards are consensus documents

and are not law unless adopted by a
governing body.
3. Many U.S. and Canadian governing

bodies have adopted some NFPA®
standards into their laws and
ordinances; however, many others
have not.

B. NFPA® 1500, Standard on Fire

Department Occupational Safety
and Health Program
1. The most comprehensive standard
relating to firefighter safety and
health
2. Specifies the minimum requirements

for a fire department safety and
health program
3. May be applied to any fire

department or similar organization
4. Calls upon fire departments to

recognize safety and health as
official objectives of the department
5. Calls upon fire departments to

provide as healthy and safe a work
environment as possible
6. Promotes safety throughout the fire

service
7. Is a minimum standard; departments

or jurisdictions may exceed
requirements specified
8. Among the topics covered in NFPA®

1500 are the following:
a. Safety and health-related policies

and procedures
b. Training and education
c. Fire apparatus, equipment, and

driver/operators

d. Protective clothing and protective

equipment
e. Emergency operations
f. Facility safety
g. Medical and physical

requirements
h. Member assistance and wellness

programs
i. Critical incident stress

management program
C. NFPA® 1500 — Safety and health-

related policies and procedures
1. To be in compliance with NFPA®

1500, fire departments must meet
specific requirements.
a. Develop an organizational plan
b. Develop a risk management plan
c. Develop a safety and health

policy
d. Define the roles and

responsibilities of their members
e. Establish a health and safety

committee
f. Keep records of all job-related

accidents, illnesses, exposures,
and fatalities

g. Appoint a designated department

health and safety officer
2. A departmental safety and health

program must meet specific
requirements.
a. Address all anticipated hazards
b. Include provisions for dealing

with nonemergency issues such
as alcoholism and drug abuse
c. Include appropriate SOPs
D. NFPA® 1500 — Training and

education
1. The goal must be to prevent

occupational deaths, injuries, and
illnesses.
2. Training is usually understood to

mean developing and maintaining
job skills.
3. Education means learning new

information, concepts, and
procedures.
4. Departments must train and educate

personnel to consider safety in all
emergency and nonemergency
activities.
5. Safety must be reinforced continually

in training.

E. NFPA® 1500 — Fire apparatus,

equipment, and driver/operators
1. The standard requires that safety

and health be primary considerations
in the design, specification,
operation, maintenance, and repair
of all fire department apparatus.
a. Providing restraint devices

(seatbelts, etc.)
b. Meeting requirements for

vehicle’s intended role
2. All apparatus driver/operators must

be trained.
3. All personnel riding in apparatus

must be seated and securely belted
inside the cab or body of the vehicle
when it is in motion; three
exceptions: hose loading, tiller
training, and some emergency
medical services (EMS) operations.
4. If the noise level on the apparatus

exceeds 90 decibels (85 dB in
Canada), hearing protection must be
worn.

F. NFPA® 1500 — Protective clothing

and protective equipment
1. Departments must provide all

members with at least one set of
protective clothing and protective
equipment appropriate for the
hazards to which they will be
exposed.
2. Protective clothing
a. Helmet
b. Hood and/or shroud
c. Coat
d. Pants
e. Safety shoes or boots
f. Gloves
g. Goggles or safety glasses
h. Personal alert safety system

(PASS) device
3. Protective equipment
a. Refers primarily to self-contained

breathing apparatus (SCBA),
supplied-air respirators (SARs),
and other respiratory protection
b. May refer to body armor

Instructor Note: Emphasize that respiratory

protection is a critical component of a firefighter’s
overall protective ensemble. The respiratory tract is
the most vulnerable body system. Most
environments during fire operations pose a risk to
the respiratory system, and SCBA is required to
provide adequate protection.
G. NFPA® 1500 — Emergency

operations
1. Requires that fire departments use

an incident management system
during all emergency operations
a. Most departments now use the

National Incident Management
System–Incident Command
System (NIMS–ICS).
b. The system must include a risk

management element or plan.
c. The system must include a

personnel accountability system.
2. Limits emergency operations to

those that can safely be conducted
by available personnel
3. Requires rapid intervention for

firefighters in distress
4. Requires rehabilitation (rehab) for

firefighters during emergencies

5. Requires limiting firefighter activities

and exposure to violence during civil
disturbances
6. Requires postincident analysis
7. Both NFPA® 1500 and also NFPA®

1561, Standard on Emergency
Services Incident Management
System, contain specific
requirements regarding
accountability of members
Examples: Written guidelines are
required for the tracking and
inventory of all members operating
at an emergency incident; company
officers are responsible for all
company members
H. NFPA® 1500 — Facility safety
1. Sets minimum design requirements

for fire department facilities that
meet NFPA® 101®, Life Safety
Code®, and provides a means for
cleaning, disinfecting, and storing
infection control devices
2. Requires fire stations be designated

as smoke-free environments
3. Requires inspection, maintenance,

and prompt repair of facilities

I. NFPA® 1500 — Medical and

physical requirements
1. Requires that firefighter candidates

be medically evaluated to ensure
that they are capable of performing
duties
2. Prohibits any firefighter who is under

the influence of alcohol or drugs
from participating in operations
3. Requires departments to develop

physical performance standards
4. Requires annual medical verification

of continued fitness for duty
5. Requires establishment of job-

related fitness standards and a
fitness program
6. Requires a confidential health

database for each member
7. Requires an infection control

program
8. Requires a designated fire

department physician
9. Requires reporting and documenting

all on-the-job injuries and exposures

J. NFPA® 1500 — Member assistance

and wellness programs
1. Requires fire departments to have a

member assistance program to help
firefighters and their immediate
families deal with substance abuse,
stress, and personal problems that
have an adverse effect on job
performance
2. Requires the establishment of a

wellness program to assist
firefighters with health-related
problems
Example: Quitting smoking
Ask Students: What other NFPA® standards relate

to firefighter safety and health?
Briefly discuss the answers with the students.

Discuss NFPA® safety-related standards.
pp. 56-57 Objective 3 — Discuss Occupational

Safety and Health Administration
regulations.
A. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
1. Came from the Williams-Steiger

Occupational Safety and Health Act
in 1970
2. OSHA operates under the U.S.

Department of Labor.

3. OSHA sets two overarching duties

for employers:
a. Furnish to each employee a place

of employment that is free from
recognized hazards that are likely
to cause death or serious injury.
b. Comply with the occupational

safety and health standards
contained within the OSHA
regulations.
4. Federal OSHA regulations apply only

to federal employees who fight fires
and to private-sector employees who
fight fires (industrial fire brigades
and incorporated volunteer fire
companies).
5. Although federal OSHA has no

jurisdiction over local and state
public-sector firefighters, the 24
states (and Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands) operating OSHA-
approved state plans do cover them.
a. State plans may differ from

federal standards but must
provide equivalent protection.
b. In states where federal OSHA

regulations do not apply, fire
departments and other agencies
may choose to follow them
because they are recognized
national safety standards.

c. Firefighters must know and

comply with the occupational
safety and health regulations in
their jurisdiction.
B. Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR)
1. Contains federal OSHA regulations
2. Fire departments and other

emergency response agencies follow
specific OSHA regulations.
Examples: 29 CFR 1910.134,
Respiratory protection; 29 CFR
1910.146, Permit-required confined
spaces
3. Knowing the content and focus of

the standards will increase a
firefighter’s awareness of what is
required during emergency
operations.

Section III: Risk Management 25 min.
III. RISK MANAGEMENT

cover risk management. Emphasize the importance
of risk management in the fire service. Remind the
students to control the factors within their influence
and that complacency leads to injuries. Discuss the
fact that accidents usually can be broken down into
very small events that are not recognized until after
the accident occurs. Emphasize that if these
seemingly minor events had been noticed and
addressed that the accident may not have occurred.
pp. 58-59 Objective 4 — Summarize the IFSTA

Principles of Risk Management.
A. Development of IFSTA Principles of
Risk Management
1. NFPA® 1500 requires that all incident

management systems include a risk
management plan.
2. A risk management plan is an

established set of criteria by which
tactical decisions can be made based
on an assessment of the benefits to
be gained compared to the risks
involved.

3. The principles were developed after

a review of risk management plans
used in the fire service. There are
three prominent plans.
a. The one developed by the

Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department
b. NFPA® 1500
c. The "Ten Rules of Engagement

for Structural Fire Fighting"
developed by the International
Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
Instructor Note: Refer students to the

presentation slide 2-43. Discuss the Principles of
Risk Management using the graphic to initiate
discussion on risk in the fire service.
B. IFSTA Principles of Risk

Management
1. Activities that present a significant

risk to the safety of members shall
be limited to situations where there
is a potential to save endangered
lives.
2. Activities that are routinely employed

to protect property shall be
recognized as inherent risks to the
safety of members, and actions shall
be taken to avoid these risks.
3. No risk to the safety of members

shall be acceptable when there is no
possibility to save lives or property.

C. Three key points about the

principles:
1. Team integrity is vital to safety and

must always be emphasized.
2. No property is worth the life of a

firefighter.
3. Firefighters should not be committed

to interior offensive fire fighting
operations in abandoned or derelict
buildings that are known or
reasonably believed to be
unoccupied.
Ask Students: Why do you feel these principles

are important to the fire service?
Briefly discuss the answers with students.

Emphasize that safety should be a priority
throughout their fire service careers.
D. Fireground priority
1. Highest fireground priority is for

firefighters to protect their lives and
those of their fellow firefighters.
a. If a firefighter suffers a disabling

injury he or she will be unable to
help others.
b. Other firefighters will have to

respond to the injured firefighter
and will be unavailable to help
the original victims.

Instructor Note: Discuss the Phoenix (AZ) Fire

Department's list of key behaviors that are expected
of all PFD personnel (listed on pages 58-59 of the
manual). Emphasize how these behaviors instill a
safety-first mind-set in personnel.
Section IV: Fire Department Safety and Health Program 60 min.
IV. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAFETY AND

HEALTH PROGRAM
pp. 59 Objective 5 — List the main goals of a
safety program.
A. Main goals of a safety program
1. Prevent human suffering, deaths,

injuries, illnesses, and exposures to
hazardous atmospheres and
contagious diseases
2. Prevent damage to or loss of

equipment
3. Reduce the incidence and severity of

accidents and hazardous exposures
Instructor Note: Emphasize that to be effective,

the safety program must be promoted and practiced
at all levels throughout the organization. Emphasize
that rank or time in service does not preclude any
member of an organization from practicing safety in
all activities.

pp. 60-62 Objective 6 — Discuss firefighter health

considerations and employee assistance
and wellness programs.
Ask Students: What do you do to help maintain

your personal health?

Emphasize that firefighters have a responsibility to
maintain health and physical fitness in order to
effectively perform the job. Discuss the items
covered in this objective.
A. Firefighter health considerations
1. Stay informed about job-related

health issues.
2. Wear incident-appropriate personal

protective equipment (PPE) and
respiratory protection.
3. Clean all PPE at least twice annually

and remove heavy contamination
after each use.
4. Follow recommendations for

vaccination against hepatitis B.
5. Use precautions to avoid exposure to

bloodborne pathogens.
6. Use proper lifting techniques to

avoid muscle strains and other
related injuries.
7. Use lifting tools or get help to assist

with lifting heavy objects.

8. Clean, disinfect, and store tools and

equipment used in patient care.
9. Maintain a regular exercise program

to sustain physical fitness.
10. Maintain a diet low in cholesterol,

fat, and sodium.
11. Reduce heart attack and stroke risk

by maintaining blood pressure and
cholesterol levels within acceptable
limits.
12. Reduce cancer risk by eliminating

the use of all tobacco products.
13. Have regular physicals and medical

checkups.
B. Employee assistance program

(EAP)
1. An EAP offers confidential assistance

with problems that could adversely
affect job performance
a. Alcohol abuse
b. Drug abuse
c. Personal and interpersonal

problems
d. Stress
e. Depression
f. Anxiety

g. Divorce
h. Financial problems
C. Wellness program
1. Helps firefighters who are struggling

with other health-related problems
such as:
a. Nutrition
b. Hypertension
c. Cessation of tobacco use
d. Weight control
e. Physical conditioning program

with peer fitness counselors
D. Availability of programs
1. Should be readily available to all

members and their families
2. Should include appropriate referrals
3. Should provide counseling and

education on health concerns
4. Should allow members easy,

confidential access to help
5. Should distribute pamphlets and

flyers throughout department
6. Should make services available to

family members

E. Critical incident stress

management (CISM)
1. Incidents can be stressful to

firefighters, and a critical incident
stress debriefing should be made
available as part of the department's
CISM program.
2. The process of managing stress

should start before firefighters enter
the scene through a prebriefing
process.
3. If working more than one shift in

stressful conditions, firefighters
should go through a minor
debriefing, sometimes called
defusing, at the end of each work
shift.

pp. 63-64 Objective 7 — List guidelines for riding

safely on the apparatus.
A. Safety on the apparatus — Riding
on the apparatus to and from
emergency calls is one of the most
common dangers for firefighters
Instructor Note: Stress the importance of safety

when traveling to and from emergency calls.
According to the USFA, nearly ¼ of all firefighter
fatalities in the United States in 2007 were due to a
vehicle collision. The majority of these incidents
involved volunteer firefighters.
Also stress the importance of safe driving
procedures while volunteers are en route to the
station for a call. Too many accidents have occurred
when volunteers drive erratically or at high rates of
speed on the way to the station.
1. In most departments, firefighters

must have all of the protective
clothing on when they enter the cab
of the apparatus.
2. Some departments allow

driver/operators to wait until arrival
to don coats and helmets.
3. NFPA® 1500 requires all firefighters

to ride in a seat within the cab and
have their seatbelts fastened.
4. If sirens and engine noise levels

exceed 90 decibels (85 db in
Canada) firefighters must also wear
hearing protection.

5. Volunteers responding in their own

vehicles should use defensive driving
techniques.
6. If riding in old apparatus in an

unenclosed jumpseat, firefighters
should protect themselves by using
the safety bars or safety gates and
wear appropriate PPE.
7. In most cases, use steps and

handrails when mounting or
dismounting the apparatus.
Instructor Note: Discuss the fact that one

exception to the use of handrails is when
dismounting an apparatus that is close to electrical
wires.
pp. 65-67 Objective 8 — Discuss safety in the fire

station.
A. Personnel safety — Certain safety
hazards are common to any fire
station
1. Improper lifting techniques
a. Back strains are the most

common injury related to
improper lifting and carrying.
b. Bruises, sprains, and fractures

can also result.
c. They not only cause personal

injury, but can also cause
damaged equipment.

d. All firefighters should be

instructed in correct lifting
techniques.
i. To lift properly, firefighters

should keep their back as
straight as possible and lift
with their legs, not their back.
ii. Firefighters must not attempt

to lift or carry an object that
is too heavy or too bulky to
safely handle by themselves;
they should get help.
Instructor Note: Review correct lifting techniques

with students. Emphasize the importance of using
correct lifting and carrying techniques. If an object
is bulky or heavy, stress getting help with it. Stress
that asking for help is vital. During a person’s career
as a firefighter lifting objects or patients can cause
cumulative stress to the lower back and other parts
of the body. Lower back and other joint injuries can
cause firefighters to have to leave the profession.
Slips, trips, and falls are also common accidents.
2. Slips, trips, and falls
a. Often result from poor footing

caused by slippery surfaces,
uneven surfaces, objects or
substances on surfaces,
inattention when climbing up or
down stairs, and similar hazards
b. Can result in minor or serious

injuries as well as damaged
equipment

c. Can prevent such accidents with

good housekeeping
i. Keep floors clean.
ii. Keep aisles unobstructed and

stairs well lighted.
iii. Maintain handrails, slide

poles, and slides.
B. Tool and equipment safety — Tools

and equipment are vital to the job
for a firefighter.
1. Accidents can happen if firefighters

are not properly trained.
2. Poorly maintained tools and

equipment can be dangerous.
3. NFPA® 1500 stresses the importance

of tool safety.
4. Always use appropriate PPE at the

station shop or on the emergency
scene.
5. Hand tools and small power tools are

widely used in the station shop.
Observe the following procedures
when using hand and power tools:
a. Wear appropriate personal

protective equipment (PPE).
b. Remove loose clothing and keep

long hair clear of operating tool
heads.

c. Remove jewelry, including rings

and watches.
d. Select the appropriate tool for

the job.
e. Know the manufacturer’s

instructions and follow them.
f. Inspect tools before use to

determine their conditions.
g. Do not use badly worn or broken

tools.
h. Provide adequate storage space

for tools, and always return them
promptly to storage after use.
i. Inspect, clean, and put all tools

in a ready state before storing.
j. Consult with and secure the

approval of the manufacturer
before modifying any tool.
k. Use intrinsically safe tools when

working in potentially flammable
atmospheres such as around a
vehicle’s fuel system.
l. Do not remove safety shields or

modify the tool in any way that
could compromise built-in safety
devices.

6. Power tools — Grinders, drills, saws,

and welding equipment are
commonly found in fire stations.
a. Improperly used, these tools can

cause a serious or life-
threatening injury.
b. Only firefighters who have read

and understand the tool
manufacturer’s instructions
should use the power tools.
c. Tool repairs should be made by

someone trained and authorized
to repair the damaged tool.
d. Keep accurate records of repairs.
e. Any electrical tool not marked

“double insulated” should have a
three-prong plug.
i. For firefighter safety, the

third prong must connect to a
ground while the tool is in
use.
ii. Bypassing the ground plug in

any way prevents it from
protecting the user from
injury or death caused by an
electrical short.

7. Power saws — Follow these safety

rules:
a. Match the saw to the task and

material to be cut.
b. Never force a saw beyond its

design limitations.
c. Wear proper PPE.
d. Remove loose clothing and

contain long hair.
e. Have hoselines in place when

cutting materials that generate
sparks.
f. Avoid using power saws in

potentially flammable
atmospheres.
g. Keep bystanders out of the work

area.
h. Follow manufacturer’s procedures

for proper saw operation.
i. Allow gasoline-powered saws to

cool before refueling.
j. Keep blades and cutting chains

well sharpened.
k. Use extreme caution when

operating any saw above eye
level.

pp. 67-69 Objective 9 — Describe ways to

maintain safety in training.
A. General guidelines
1. Always wear appropriate protective

gear during training.
2. Refer trainees with symptoms of

physical discomfort or illness to a
physician for evaluation prior to
participation.
3. Take into account environmental

conditions and take appropriate
actions such as breaks in hot
weather.
4. Do NOT allow horseplay or other

unprofessional conduct during
training.
B. Live fire exercises
1. Training must be as realistic as

possible; however, live fire exercises
must be conducted according to
requirements of NFPA® 1403,
Standard on Live Fire Training
Evolutions.
2. Key requirements of NFPA® 1403
a. Site preparation — Clear the site

of any potential hazards to
participants.

b. Safety
i. A student-to-instructor ratio
of 5:1 may not be exceeded.
ii. There must be a designated

safety officer and an
instructor-in-charge (acting as
Incident Commander [IC]).
iii. Human beings cannot be

used as simulated victims
inside the structure.
iv. Fires may not be set in egress

routes.
v. Uniforms and PPE must

conform to NFPA® standards.
c. Prerequisite training — All

participants must have completed
basic fire training.
d. Water supply — Adequate water

supply must be provided;
separate water supplies are
required for attack and backup
lines.
e. Training plan — A training plan

must be prepared and a briefing
held to review it.

f. Fuel — Fuels used must have

known burning characteristics
and be as controllable as
possible; flammable liquids are
prohibited in acquired structures
or burn buildings not specifically
designed for their use.
g. Ventilation — Means must be

provided to prevent uncontrolled
flashover and backdraft.
Instructor Note: This list highlights some of the

essential requirements of NFPA® 1403. It is not
intended to replace a thorough review of the
standard. Anyone conducting live fire training in an
acquired structure must be thoroughly familiar with
NFPA® 1403 requirements, and anyone participating
must be familiar with and operate within the
training plan. Briefly discuss the fact that instructors
can be liable for injuries that occur during training.
pp. 69 Objective 10 — Explain how to maintain

and service equipment used in training.
A. Equipment used for fire training
evolutions
1. Must be in good condition
2. Frequently wears out sooner than

equipment used less frequently on
emergency calls
3. Should be inspected before each drill

B. Records and testing
1. Records must be maintained on all

equipment used for training.
2. Training equipment should be tested

according to manufacturer's
instructions and applicable
standards.
Section V: Emergency Operations 40 min.
V. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
pp. 69-70 Objective 11 — Discuss emergency
scene preparedness.
A. Accidents or injuries at
emergencies
1. Often caused by a series of events
2. Can be prevented by always being in

a ready state – being and having all
equipment prepared for immediate
use
B. Actions for preparedness
1. At the beginning of every work shift:
a. Be in the proper uniform,

physically rested, and mentally
alert.
b. Ensure that all of the tools and

equipment are in place and in
proper working order.

c. Ensure that PPE is on the

apparatus in its proper location
and in ready condition.
d. Ensure that SCBA is fully

functional and has a full air
cylinder.
e. Ensure that EMS equipment is

checked and restocked.
2. In the fire station:
a. Firefighters must never put

themselves in a position that
would delay an emergency
response.
b. When emergency alarm sounds,

firefighters must stay calm and
listen to dispatch information.
c. Firefighters should quickly and

calmly mount apparatus wearing
proper gear and belt themselves
into riding position.
3. At any stage of an emergency:
a. If a firefighter is out of balance,

he or she must correct the
situation before going on to the
next stage of the incident.
b. Firefighters must never operate

in a manner that makes them a
part of the emergency or creates
a new one.

pp. 70-72 Objective 12 — Discuss emergency

scene safety.
A. Incident commander (IC)
1. Officer of the first arriving unit

begins to control incident by
assuming Command and
coordinating using an incident
management system.
2. After assuming Command, the initial

IC must size up critical factors which
include:
a. Life safety hazards
b. Nature and extent of the

emergency
c. Building type, arrangement, and

access
d. Resources
e. Special hazards
3. IC must consider most severe factors

and risk management to determine
overall incident strategy.
a. Offensive operations — Inside

the hazard zone
b. Defensive operations — Outside

the hazard zone

B. Incident Action Plan (IAP)
1. IC develops the IAP and bases all

operations around the completion of
the tactical priorities within the
chosen strategy.
2. Tactical priorities in a structure fire

(in order of completion):
a. Firefighter safety (life safety)
b. Rescue (life safety)
c. Fire control (incident

stabilization)
d. Loss control (property

conservation)
3. Priority objectives are reflected in

benchmarks of completion:
a. Personnel Accountability Report

(PAR) — Companies working in
the hazard zone are safe and
accounted for.
b. “All Clear” — Primary search has

been completed and all savable
occupants are out of the hazard
zone.
c. “Under Control” — Fire is

controlled with the forward fire
progress stopped, no additional
units will be required, and there
is no imminent danger to
firefighters.

d. “Loss Stopped” — Property

conservation is complete.
C. Offensive fire operations
1. Operations are based around a

controlled, aggressive interior search
and fire attack.
2. All companies working in the hazard

zone must be assigned according to
fireground organizational structure
and must work within the IAP with
absolutely no freelancing.
3. Company members inside the hazard
zone must be within voice, vision, or
physical contact with each other at
all times.
4. All companies working in the hazard

zone must have at least one portable
radio on the correct tactical channel.
5. After a primary All-Clear and the

Under Control benchmarks have
been completed, all efforts must be
focused on controlling the loss to the
structure and its contents.
D. Defensive operations
1. Operations are based on determining

the boundaries of the hazard zone
along with the potential collapse
zone and keeping all companies out
of these defined boundaries.

2. The highest priority on all defensive

fires is firefighter safety.
E. Minimizing risks at incidents
1. Work within the IAP.
2. Adequately assess the situation and

maintain situational awareness.
3. Wear appropriate PPE.
4. Work together as a team.
5. Follow all departmental SOPs.
6. Maintain communications with team

members and Command.
7. Do a risk/benefit analysis for every

action.
8. Employ safe and effective tactics.
9. Use a personnel accountability

system.
10. Have one or more rapid intervention

crews (RICs) standing by.
11. Set up Rehab on all extended

operations.
12. Use appropriate emergency escape

techniques when needed.
13. Maintain company discipline and

team integrity while working in the
hazard zone.

pp. 72-74 Objective 13 — Summarize general

guidelines for scene management
including highway incidents, crowd
control, and cordoning off emergency
scenes.
A. Highway incidents
Instructor Note: Emphasize that firefighter

operating on active roadways are always at great
risk. Firefighters must be aware of this risk and
work to minimize it.
1. Position fire apparatus to block

oncoming traffic.
2. Turn front wheels of blocking

apparatus away from the emergency
so it will not be pushed into the
emergency responders if it is struck
from the rear.
3. Set out traffic cones, signs, or other

devices to detour traffic around the
emergency scene.
4. Turn off lights that face opposing

traffic to avoid blinding drivers or
distracting them.
5. Emergency responders must never

walk with their backs to the traffic.
6. Wear reflective vests when PPE is

not required.

7. Close at least one traffic lane next to

the incident.
8. Whenever possible, move apparatus

not directly involved in mitigating the
problem to the shoulder or
completely off the roadway.
Ask Students: What precautions have you noticed

emergency responders taking at vehicle accidents?

Emphasize that safety at vehicle accidents is an
important for responders working at the scene.
B. Crowd control
1. Usually crowd control is the

responsibility of the law enforcement
agency on the scene.
2. Crowd control may sometimes have

to be performed by firefighters or
other emergency responders.
3. The IC is responsible for ensuring

that the scene is secured and
properly managed.
4. All bystanders should be restrained

from getting too close to the incident
for their own safety and for that of
victims and emergency personnel.
a. People at emergency scenes can

be emotional and should be
handled with care.

b. Relatives and friends of victims

should be gently but firmly
restrained from getting too close.
i. Should be kept some distance

from the actual incident but
still within the cordoned area
ii. Should not be left entirely on

their own; a firefighter or
other responsible person
should stay with them until
the victims have been
removed from the scene
C. Cordoning off
1. In many cases, the best way to

maintain scene security is by
establishing control zones; often
done by cordoning off the scene.
2. Control zones will keep bystanders a

safe distance from the scene.
3. Many fire departments set up control

zones.
a. Zones are commonly labeled

"hot," "warm," and "cold."
b. There is no specific distance from

the scene or area that should be
cordoned off.

c. Zone boundaries should be

established taking the following
into account:
i. Area needed by emergency

personnel to work
ii. Degree of hazard presented

by elements involved in the
incident
iii. Wind and weather conditions
iv. General topography of the

area
4. Cordoning can be done with rope or

fireline or caution tape tied to sign
posts, utility poles, parking meters,
or other stationary objects; tape
should not be tied to vehicles
because they may need to be moved
during the incident.
5. The boundary should be monitored

to make sure unauthorized people
do not cross the line.

Section VI: Incident Safety Concerns 20 min.
VI. INCIDENT SAFETY CONCERNS

p. 74-76 Objective 14 — Explain the importance
of personnel accountability.
A. Use of accountability systems
1. Every fire department must use

some system of accountability that
identifies and tracks all personnel
working in the hazard zone at an
incident.
a. The hazard zone in structure fires

is anywhere within the collapse
zone or anywhere firefighters
must have SCBA.
b. An accountability system should

be SOP.
2. Accountability is vital in the event of

a sudden and unexpected change in
fire behavior or structural collapse.
B. Personnel accountability systems
1. Passport system (sometimes called a

tag system) — Can aid in accounting
for personnel within the hazard zone
a. Every company officer has a

passport that lists the names of
every member of that crew.

b. Before entering the hazard zone,

company officers give their
passports or tags to a designated
Accountability Officer (AO) or
supervisor.
c. The passports are then attached

to a control board or personnel
identification (ID) chart.
d. Upon leaving the hazard zone,

the officers collect their
passports.
e. This system enables Command to

know exactly which companies
and which personnel are
operating in the hazard zone.
2. SCBA tag system — Provides even

more accountability data on
personnel inside a hazard zone
a. Before entering the hazard zone,

officers give their tags to an AO
who records time of entry and
expected time of exit based on
the pressure in the lowest-
reading SCBA in the team.
b. AO also does a brief check to

ensure that all protective
equipment is on and functional.
c. Officers leaving the hazard zone

take back their tags so that the
AO knows who is outside and
who is still in the hazard zone.

p. 76-77 Objective 15 — Summarize basic

interior operations techniques.
A. Techniques for interior operations
1. Scan the outside of the building

before entry to locate windows and
doors that could be used as escape
routes.
2. Wear full PPE including SCBA and

follow an air management plan.
3. Firefighters must take the

appropriate tools and equipment in
with them.
4. Firefighters must maintain team

integrity by remaining in physical,
voice, or visual contact with other
members of their team.
5. Remain in radio contact with

Command or others outside the
building.
6. Firefighters must take a hoseline or

tag line (lifeline) with them into the
hazard zone.
7. Firefighters must pay attention to

their immediate surroundings.

B. Increasing chances for survival
1. Maintain situational awareness —

Your knowledge of the situation or
environment around you
2. Firefighters must know their

department's protocol for calling a
Mayday.
p. 77-78 Objective 16 — Describe emergency

escape and rapid intervention.
A. Emergency escape
1. Emergency escape techniques

involve breaking through doors,
windows, or walls if necessary to
escape a life-threatening situation.
2. Situations can occur when there is a

sudden and unexpected change in
fire behavior or a collapse of all or
part of the structure.
3. Emergency escape may also be

necessary if a firefighter becomes
lost or disoriented in a smoke-filled
building and is in danger of running
out of breathing air.

B. Rapid intervention
1. NFPA® and OSHA regulations in 29

CFR 1910.134 state that whenever
firefighters are in an atmosphere
that is immediately dangerous to life
or health (IDLH), including the inside
of burning buildings when the fire is
beyond the incipient or early growth
stage, they must work in teams of
two or more; and at least two fully
trained and equipped firefighters
must be standing by outside.
2. The outside team must be ready to

enter at a moment's notice to rescue
the entry team.
3. This is known as the "two-in/two-

out" rule.
4. Rapid intervention crew (RIC)

members may be assigned other
fireground support duties but must
always be able to fulfill their primary
function.

Section VII: Summary and Review 15 min.

summarize the lesson and review key points.
Answer any questions students may have about the
lesson or course in general.
VII. SUMMARY AND REVIEW

A. Chapter Summary
1. Firefighters are sometimes put at

some risk during training and
emergency operations. It is the
firefighters’ responsibility to maintain
their physical and mental readiness
to handle these situations.
2. During fires and other emergencies,

firefighters may be ordered into
inherently dangerous situations, and
to protect themselves they must be
aware of the hazards and risks
involved.
3. Firefighters must always remember

that along with their department,
they are responsible for their own
safety. And firefighters must
remember the most fundamental of
all firefighter health and safety rules
— everyone looks out for everyone
else.



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Firefighter I Firefighter Safety and Health

Fire Protection Publications 2-1

13. Summarize general guidelines for scene management including

Fire Protection Publications 2-2

Important instructor information is provided in shaded boxes throughout

Fire Protection Publications 2-3

Estimated Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes

Time Section/Activity Pages

10 min. Section I: Introduction to Chapter 2

45 min. Section II: Introduction to Firefighter Safety 49-57

25 min. Section III: Risk Management 58-59

60 min. Section IV: Fire Department Safety and Health 59-69

40 min. Section V: Emergency Operations 69-74

20 min. Section VI: Incident Safety Concerns 74-78

15 min. Section VII: Summary and Review

15 min. Chapter 2 Quiz

60 min. Chapter 2 Test

4 hours Skills Practice

Fire Protection Publications 2-4

Section I: Introduction to Chapter 2 10 min.

Instructor Note: Briefly review the lesson goal.

Ask Students: Why is this chapter important to

Briefly discuss the answers with students. Strongly

1. Chapter 2 lesson goal — After

Fire Protection Publications 2-5

1. List ways to prevent firefighter

2. Discuss National Fire Protection

3. Discuss Occupational Safety and

4. Summarize the IFSTA Principles of

5. List the main goals of a safety

6. Discuss firefighter health

7. List guidelines for riding safely on

8. Discuss safety in the fire station.

9. Describe ways to maintain safety in

10. Explain how to maintain and service

11. Discuss emergency scene

12. Discuss emergency scene safety.

Fire Protection Publications 2-6

13. Summarize general guidelines for

14. Explain the importance of personnel

15. Summarize basic interior operations

16. Describe emergency escape and

17. Respond to an incident, correctly

18. Set up and operate in work areas at

Fire Protection Publications 2-7

Section II: Introduction to Firefighter Safety and Health 45 min.

II. INTRODUCTION TO FIREFIGHTER

pp. 49-51 Objective 1 — List ways to prevent

1. Conducting effective training

2. Maintaining company discipline and

3. Following established safety-related

4. Using personal protective clothing

5. Maintaining high levels of physical

Fire Protection Publications 2-8

Ask Students: What do you think causes the

Briefly discuss the answers with the students.

pp. 52-56 Objective 2 — Discuss National Fire

1. Many standards relate to firefighter

2. Standards are consensus documents

3. Many U.S. and Canadian governing

Fire Protection Publications 2-9

B. NFPA® 1500, Standard on Fire

2. Specifies the minimum requirements