Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BURNS

NYSLL Article 2, Section 27 -a.3.a(1): The employer did not furnish to each of its employees employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that are causing or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees and which will provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, safety or health of its employees. In applying this paragraph, fundamental distinctions between private and public employment have been recognized. a) Westmoreland Fire District - During the performance of their assigned live fire training, the interior structure firefighters and other Westmoreland Fire District employees were exposed to the safety hazard of fire and smoke. The firefighters' exposure to smoke and fire resulted in one (1) fatality and two (2) accidents on 09/25/01 during a live fire training session. Reasonable and adequate methods to abate this hazard may include but are not limited to: When live fire training evolutions are conducted, a minimum of two qualified and certified state fire instructors shall be assigned with the second instructor to serve as safety officer. If a second state fire instructor is not available to serve as the safety officer, a qualified and verified county fire instructor, municipal training officer or municipal fire instructor may be utilized. All live structural fire evolutions shall be conducted at designated department, town, or county training facilities. Such structures shall be of non-combustible or fire resistive construction as those terms are defined in the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building code as designed for fire training. Acquired buildings shall not be used for live fire evolutions. The safety officer has the authority to intervene and control any phase of the live fire training evolution when in his/her judgement, a potential or actual danger, accident or unsafe operation exists. The safety officer is responsible for the safety of all persons on the scene, including students, instructors, visitors and spectators. He/she will not undertake any duties that would interfere with his/her safety responsibilities. His/her general duties include: - prevention of unsafe acts; and - removal of unsafe conditions. Emergency evacuation of the building shall be planned and provided for. The signal for evacuation shall be discussed and demonstrated prior to any evolutions. Emergency medical services shall be available to treat any injuries. Written reports shall be made on all injuries and medical treatment rendered. A copy of such report should be mailed to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control as soon as possible. Minimum on scene medical levels shall consist of at least one certified first responder equipped to provide initial treatment for burns, trauma, or cardiac related injuries. The proper method for accessing the local emergency medical system shall be identified, provided to all participants and reviewed during the briefing session. No person shall be placed inside the structure to play the role of victim. In order to perform Live Fire Drill, work rules and subsequent training must include the following: 1) Lead instructor has reviewed the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) Live Fire Training Policy immediately prior to planning and conducting the exercise(s). 2) Safety instructor has reviewed the OFPC Live Fire Training Policy immediately prior to planning and conducting the exercise. 3) Establish location of command post. Establish location of rehabilitation center. Establish position of all hoselines (including backup lines). Establish location of emergency evacuation assembly area. Determine water supply. Obtain weather report. Establish operations area and mark perimeter. Establish communications with operations area and with dispatch center. 4) All participants briefed on the following: - Building layout. - Crew and instructor assignments. - Safety rules and accountability procedures. - Building evacuation procedures. 5) Proper personal protection equipment in accordance with OSHA regulations. 6) Proper interior structure fire fighting training. 7) Instructor has verified that adequate EMS is available. These rules and regulations are per the New York State Department of State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, National Fire Protection Association Standards #1403 and #1500, and any pertinent guidelines for Live Fire Training.