NCJ Number
190512
Date Published
August 1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This document lists the steps fire departments should take in minimizing the risk of injury and death during structural fire fighting.
Abstract
Fire fighters are frequently injured or killed when burning structures collapse without warning. Fire departments need to be constantly aware of the potential for a structural collapse and take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of fire fighters. Fire departments should implement and review occupational safety programs and standard operating procedures. They should ensure that the incident commander conducts an initial size-up and risk assessment of the incident scene before beginning interior fire fighting. They should ensure that the incident commander always maintains accountability for all personnel at a fire scene -- both by location and function. They should establish rapid intervention crews (RICs), often called rapid intervention teams, and make sure they are positioned to respond immediately to emergencies. They should ensure that at least four fire fighters are on the scene before beginning interior fire fighting at a structural fire (two fire fighters inside the structure and two outside). Fire fighters who enter hazardous areas such as burning or suspected unsafe structures should be equipped to maintain two-way communications with the incident commander. Standard operating procedures and equipment should be adequate and sufficient to support radio traffic at multiple-responder fire scenes. Fire fighters should be equipped with personal alert safety system (PASS) devices and made to wear and activate them when they are involved in fire fighting, rescue, or other hazardous duties. Fire departments should also conduct prefire planning and inspections that cover all building materials and components of a structure. They should transmit an audible tone or alert immediately when conditions become unsafe for fire fighters. And, they should establish a collapse zone around buildings with parapet walls. 14 references, bibliography