Safety Standards for Fire Fighters Chapter 296-305 (Continued)

For printing

WAC 296-305-02011 Body armor. 

Fire departments that use protective body armor shall comply with the following:

(1) The fire department shall develop and have in place written guidelines for the care, use and maintenance of the protective body armor in conjunction with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(2) All protective body armor shall meet or exceed National Institute of Justice NIF 0101.03, Threat Level II requirements, April 1987 edition, which is incorporated by reference (or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective), for both wet and dry ballistic performance.

(3) Body armor shall be correctly fitted following the manufacturer's recommendations and shall not be used beyond the manufacturer's warranty.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-02011, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-02013 Foot protection for structural fire fighting.

(1) Protective footwear purchased after the effective date of this standard shall comply with the 1992 edition of NFPA, Standard on Protective Footwear for Structural Fire Fighting 1974 or the 1997 edition of NFPA, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting 1971.

(2) Fire departments shall establish written policy and procedure, care, use, maintenance, and retirement criteria for footwear in conjunction with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Note: Fire departments should establish cleaning and drying instruction including applicable warning regarding detergents, soaps, cleaning additives and bleaches for protective footwear.

(3) Fire fighter footwear may be resoled but the footwear upon resoling shall meet the requirements specified in this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-02013, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-02013, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-02015 Head protection.

(1) Fire fighters who engage in or are exposed to the hazards of structural fire fighting shall be provided with and use helmets that meet the requirements of NFPA 1972, Standard on Helmets for Structural Fire Fighting, 1987 edition.

(2) Helmets purchased thirty days after the adoption of this chapter shall meet the requirements of the 1992 edition of NFPA, Standard on Helmets for Structural Fire Fighting 1972 or the 1997 edition of NFPA, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting 1971.

(3) Fire departments shall establish a written policy and procedure for the care, use, maintenance, and retirement criteria for helmets.

(4) Helmets shall be provided with face shields or goggles.

(5) Helmet accessories shall not interfere with the function of the helmet or its components parts and shall not degrade the helmets performance.

(6) Helmets shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. No modifications shall be made without prior written approval from the manufacturer.

(7) Fire fighters shall follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding cleaning, painting, marking, storage, and frequency and details of inspection.

Note: Helmets should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-02015, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-02015, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-02017 Personal alert safety system (PASS) protection.

(1) Each fire fighter working in a hazardous area requiring the use of SCBA shall wear and use a PASS device. PASS devices shall meet the requirements of NFPA, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) for Fire Fighters 1982, 1993 edition. (See WAC 296-305-07001 through 296-305-07019 for wildland fire fighting application.)

(2) Each PASS device shall be tested routinely to ensure it is ready for use and immediately prior to each use, and shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.

(3) Fire departments shall provide written procedures for the use of PASS devices.

(4) Compliance with this section shall occur no later than two years after the effective date of this chapter.

Note: Fire departments should provide one spare PASS device for each ten units in service. If a department has less than ten devices they should have one spare.

(5) Fire departments shall establish a written procedure for the care, use, maintenance, and repair of PASS devices in conjunction with manufacturer's recommendations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-02017, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-02019 Life safety ropes, harnesses, and hardware protection.

(1) All life safety ropes, harnesses, and hardware used by fire departments shall meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 1983, Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope, Harness, and Hardware, 1990 edition.

(2) Ropes used 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.

(3) Life safety rope used for rescue at fires, or other emergency incidents, or for training, shall be permitted to be reused if inspected before, and after, each such use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and provided:

(a) The rope has not been visually damaged by the exposure to heat, direct flame impingement, chemical exposure, or abrasion.

(b) The rope has not been subjected to any impact load.

(c) The rope has not been exposed to chemical liquids, solids, gases, mists, or vapors of any materials, known to deteriorate rope.

(d) If the rope used for rescue at fires or other emergency incidents, or for training, has been subjected to (a), (b), or (c) of this section, or fails the visual inspection, it shall be destroyed after such use.

(e) If there is any question regarding the serviceability of the rope after consideration of the above, the safe course of action shall be taken and the rope shall be placed out of service. See Appendix B.

(f) Rope inspection shall be conducted by qualified inspectors in accordance with rope inspection procedures established and recommended as adequate by the rope manufacturer to assure rope is suitable for reuse.

(4) Fire departments shall establish written procedures for the use of life safety ropes and rescue operations utilizing harnesses and ropes.

(5) Records shall provide a history of each life safety and training rope. The minimum information to be reflected in the record of history of life safety and training ropes shall include: Date of manufacturer, organization serial number, use list to include inspectors name and space for comments.

(6) Rope used for training evolutions shall be designated as training rope and shall be permitted to be reused if inspected before and after each use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(7) The destruction of a rope means that it shall be removed from service and altered in such a manner that it could not be mistakenly used as a life safety rope. This includes disposal or removal of labels and cutting into short lengths to be used for utility purposes.

(8) All repairs to life safety harnesses shall be done by an authorized manufacturer's representative, or the manufacturer.

Note: See WAC 296-305-06003 (3), (4), (5), and (6) for the testing of life belts, ropes, and harnesses.

(9) Class I safety harnesses shall be used for fire fighter attachment to ladders and aerial devices.

(10) Class II and Class III life safety harnesses shall be utilized for fall arrest and rappelling operations.

(11) Rescue ropes shall be padded when deployed over edges or rough surfaces.

Note: See WAC 296-305-05005 for rope rescue applications.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-02019, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-02501 Emergency medical protection.

(1) Fire fighters who perform emergency medical care or otherwise may be exposed to blood or other body fluids shall be provided with emergency medical face protection devices, and emergency medical garments that meet the applicable requirements of NFPA, Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations 1999, 1992 edition.

Note: Prior to purchase, fire departments should request the technical data package required in NFPA 1999, 1992 edition, in order to compare glove and garment performance data. Departments reviewing these packages should ensure a relative ranking of the performance data before they purchase in order to provide the best performance of the EMS personal protective clothing.

(2) Fire fighters shall don emergency medical gloves prior to initiating any emergency patient care.

(3) Fire fighters shall don emergency medical garments and emergency medical face protection devises prior to any patient care during which splashes of body fluids can occur such as situations involving spurting blood or childbirth.

Note: Fire fighter turnout gear and gloves with vapor barriers may be used in lieu of emergency medical gloves and garments

(4) Contaminated emergency medical garments, emergency medical face protection, gloves, devices, and emergency medical gloves shall be cleaned and disinfected, or disposed of, in accordance with chapter 296-823 WAC, Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

(5) Fire departments shall establish a designated infection (exposure) control officer who shall ensure that an adequate infection control plan is developed and all personnel are trained and supervised on the plan.

(6) The infection control officer shall be responsible for establishing personnel exposure protocols so that a process for dealing with exposures is in writing and available to all personnel.

(7) The infection control officer or his/her designee will function as a liaison between area hospitals and fire department members to provide notification that a communicable disease exposure is suspected or has been determined by hospital medical personnel. The department infection control officer will institute the established exposure protocols immediately after report of an exposure. The infection control officer shall follow the confidentiality requirements of chapter 246-100 WAC and the medical protocol requirements of chapter 296-802 WAC.

(8) Fire departments shall have a written infection (exposure) control plan which clearly explains the intent, benefits, and purpose of the plan. The written document must cover the standards of exposure control such as establishing the infection control officer and all members affected; education and training; HBV vaccination requirements; documentation and record keeping; cleaning/disinfection of personnel and equipment; and exposure protocols.

(9) Policy statements and standard operating procedure guidelines shall provide general guidance and specific regulation of daily activities. Procedures shall include delegation of specific roles and responsibilities, such as regulation of infection control, as well as procedural guidelines for all required tasks and functions.

(10) Fire departments shall establish a records system for members health and training.

(11) Fire fighters shall be trained in the proper use of PPE, exposure protection, post exposure protocols, disease modes of transmission as it related to infectious diseases.

(12) Infectious disease programs shall have a process for monitoring fire fighters compliance with established guidelines and a means for correcting noncompliance.

(13) Fire department members shall be required to annually review the infectious disease plan, updates, protocols, and equipment used in the program.

(14) Fire departments shall comply with chapter 296-823 WAC, Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, in its entirety.

(15) Tuberculosis (TB) exposure and respiratory protection requirements.

(a) Fire fighters shall wear a particulate respirator (PR) when entering areas occupied by individuals with suspected or confirmed TB, when performing high risk procedures on such individuals or when transporting individuals with suspected or confirmed TB in a closed vehicle.

(b) A NIOSH-approved, 95% efficient particulate air respirator is the minimum acceptable level of respiratory protection.

(i) Fit tests are required.

(ii) Fit tests shall be done in accordance with chapter 296-842 WAC.

Note 1: Emergency-response personnel should be routinely screened for tuberculosis at regular intervals. The tuberculin skin test is the only method currently available that demonstrates infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in the absence of active tuberculosis.

Note 2: If possible, the rear windows of a vehicle transporting patients with confirmed, suspected, or active tuberculosis should be kept open, and the heater or air conditioner set on a noncirculating cycle.

Additional References:

Chapter 296-823 WAC, Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

WAC 296-62-08001(3), Exposure Control.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296-305-02501, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-09-110 (Order 02-29), § 296-305-02501, filed 04/22/03, effective 08/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 99-10 (Order 98-10), § 296-305-02501, filed 05/04/99, effective 09/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-02501, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-03001 Hazardous materials protection.

(1) Structural fire fighting protective clothing shall not be used as primary protection for hazardous material incidents except as noted in the current edition of the Department of Transportation Emergency Response guidebook, which is incorporated by reference or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.

(2) Fire departments shall use the technical data package provided by the clothing manufacturer when selecting the hazardous chemical protection.

(a) The approach to selecting personal protective clothing must encompass an ensemble of clothing items that are integrated to provide a level of protection and the ability to carry out emergency response activities.

(b) The following is a check list of components that may form the chemical protective ensemble:

(i) Protective clothing (suits, coveralls, hoods, gloves, boots)

(ii) Respiratory equipment (SCBA)

(iii) Cooling system (ice vest, air circulation, water circulation)

(iv) Head protection

(v) Inner garments

(vi) Outer protection (overgloves, overboots, flashcovers)

(3) Hazardous chemical protective equipment shall be classified by performance and for the purpose of this chapter are defined as:

(a) Vapor-Protective Suits (Level “A”)

(b) Liquid Splash-Protective Suits (Level “B”)

(c) Support Function Protective Suits

(4) Fire department personnel involved in hazardous materials incident shall be protected against potential chemical hazards. Chemical protective clothing shall be selected and used to protect the respiratory system, skin, eyes, face, hands, feet, head, and body.

(5) Vapor protective and liquid splash-protective suits shall completely cover both the wearer and the wearer's breathing apparatus. Wearing a SCBA or other respiratory equipment outside the suit subjects this equipment to the chemically contaminated environment, increasing possible failure potentials and decontamination problems.

(6) Fire fighters who engage in operations likely to result in significant exposure to vapors that can reasonably be presumed harmful by way of dermal exposure shall have available and make appropriate use of vapor protective suits. Vapor protective suits shall meet the requirements of NFPA, Standard on Vapor Suits for Hazardous Chemical Emergencies in 1991, 1990 edition, with the single exception that suits meeting all but the flammability standard may only be worn in atmospheres verified by means of appropriate air monitoring to be at no more than 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

(7) Prior to the use of vapor protective suits, liquid splash-protective suits or support function protective suits, the department shall consult the technical data package to assure that the garment is appropriate for the specific hazardous chemical emergency.

(8) Vapor protective suits and liquid splash-protective suits shall not be used alone for any fire fighting applications or for protection from radiological, biological, or cryogenic agents or in flammable or explosive atmospheres.

(9) Fire fighters who engage in operations or who are exposed to known chemicals in liquid-splash chemical environments during hazardous chemical material emergencies shall be provided with, and shall use, liquid splash-protective suits. Liquid splash-protective suits shall meet the requirements of NFPA, Standard on Liquid-Splash Protective Suits for Hazardous Chemical Emergencies 1992, 1991 edition.

(10) Liquid splash-protective suits shall not be used when operations are likely to result in significant exposure to chemicals or specific chemical mixtures with known or suspected carcinogenicity as indicated by any one of the following documents if it can reasonably be expected that fire fighters in vapor protective suits would be significantly better protected:

(a) N. Irving Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Chemicals, current edition.

(b) NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, current edition.

(c) U.S. Coast Guard Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS), Volumes 13, Hazardous Chemical Data.

(11) Liquid splash-protective suits shall not be used when operations are likely to result in significant exposure to chemicals or specific chemical mixtures with skin toxicity notations as indicated by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices for 1988-1989 if it can reasonably be expected that fire fighters in vapor protective suits would be significantly better protected.

(12) Support garments shall not be used in the hot zone of any hazardous material operation.

(13) Fire fighters assigned to functional support operations outside the hot zone during hazardous chemical emergencies shall be provided with and shall use support function protective garments. Support function garments shall meet the requirements of NFPA, Standard on Support Function Protective Garments for Hazardous Chemical Operations 1993, 1990 edition.

(14) Support function protective garments shall not be used for protection from chemical or specific chemical mixture with known or suspected carcinogenicity as indicated by (10)(a), (b), or (c).

(15) Support function protective garments shall not be used for protection from chemicals or specific chemical mixtures with skin toxicity notations as indicated in the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Threshold Values and Biological Exposure Indices for 1988-1989.

Note: Decontamination - See Appendix C.

Additional References:

WAC 296-305-05011, Hazardous materials operations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-03001, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04001 Respiratory equipment protection.

(1) Fire fighter's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) shall:

(a) Be pressure demand type (positive pressure);

(b) Operate in the positive pressure mode only;

(c) Have a minimum of thirty minutes service duration;

(d) Be NIOSH certified; and

(e) Meet the requirements of the 1992 or 1997 edition of NFPA, Standard on Open Circuit Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire Fighters 1981.

(2) Closed circuit SCBA shall:

(a) Be positive pressure;

(b) Be NIOSH certified; and

(c) Have a minimum thirty-minute service duration.

(3) Members using SCBA's shall operate in teams of two or more.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, fire departments shall adopt, maintain and implement a written respiratory protection program that addresses the requirements of chapter 296-842 WAC, Respiratory protection and Part I-1, Asbestos, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite. This includes program administration, medical limitations, equipment limitations, equipment selection, inspection, use, maintenance, training, fit testing procedures, air quality, and program evaluation.

Note: Additional information on respirators and respirator usage can be found in ANSI Z88.2 - American National Standard for Respiratory Protection; ANSI Z88.5 - Practices for Respiratory Protection for Fire Service; various NFPA publications (1981, 1404, 1500, etc.), and the Washington State Fire Service Training Program for respiratory training and usage.

(5) When fire departments purchase compressed breathing air from a vendor, the fire department shall require the vendor to provide certification and documentation of breathing air quality as specified in subsection (21) of this section and in chapter 296-842 WAC.

(6) When the fire department makes its own breathing air or uses vendor purchased breathing air, the air quality from compressors, cascade systems cylinders, shall be tested at least quarterly as specified in subsection (21) of this section.

(7) Fit testing shall be conducted in accordance with this section and chapter 296-842 WAC, Respiratory protection.

(a) Each new member shall be tested before being permitted to use SCBA's in a hazardous atmosphere.

(b) Only fire fighters with a properly fitting facepiece shall be permitted by the fire department to function in a hazardous atmosphere with SCBA. (Reference WAC 296-842-18005.)

(c) Fit testing shall be repeated:

(i) At least once every twelve months.

(ii) Whenever there are changes in the type of SCBA or facepiece used.

(iii) Whenever there are significant physical changes in the user. Example: Weight change of ten percent or more, scarring of face seal area, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or any other condition that may affect the fit of the facepiece seal.

(d) The fit testing is done only in a negative-pressure mode. If the facepiece is modified for fit testing, the modification shall not affect the normal fit of the device. Such modified devices shall only be used for fit testing.

(e) The fit test procedures and test exercises described in WAC 296-62-07162, Asbestos, Appendix C, shall be followed unless stated otherwise in this chapter.

(f) Respirator fit test records shall include:

(i) Written guidelines for the respirator fit testing program including pass/fail criteria;

(ii) Type of respirator tested including manufacturer, model, and size;

(iii) Type of fit test and instrumentation or equipment used;

(iv) Name or identification of test operator;

(v) Name of person tested;

(vi) Date of test; and

(vii) Results of test.

Note: Fire fighters should be issued individual facepieces.

(8) Facial hair, contact lenses, and eye and face protective devices.

(a) A negative pressure respirator, any self-contained breathing apparatus, or any respirator which is used in an atmosphere immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) equipped with a facepiece shall not be worn if facial hair comes between the sealing periphery of the facepiece and the face or if facial hair interferes with the valve function.

(b) The wearer of a respirator shall not be allowed to wear contact lenses if the risk of eye damage is increased by their use.

(c) If a spectacle, goggle, or face shield must be worn with a facepiece, it shall be worn so as to not adversely affect the seal of the facepiece to the face. See WAC 296-62-07170(2).

(d) Straps or temple bars shall not pass between the seal or surface of the respirator and the user's face.

(9) At the end of suppression activities (to include fire overhaul) and before returning to quarters:

(a) Fire fighters shall be decontaminated prior to removal of respirators whenever fire fighting activities resulted in exposure to a hazardous substance.

(b) When exchanging air supply bottles during suppression or overhaul activities, reasonable precautions shall be taken to maintain uncontaminated atmosphere to the breathing zone and facepiece supply hose.

(10) Self-contained respiratory equipment shall be available and used by all fire fighters who enter into hazardous atmospheres during structural fire fighting activities.

(11) Positive pressure air line respirators may be used only for atmospheres other than IDLH and must be equipped with a five minute minimum capacity positive pressure escape bottle.

(a) If the service life of the auxiliary air supply is fifteen minutes or less it shall not be used for entry into an IDLH atmosphere but it may be used for escape purposes. The auxiliary air supply may be used for entry into an IDLH atmosphere only when the service life of the unit exceeds fifteen minutes and when not more than twenty percent of the noted air supply will be used during entry.

(b) The maximum length of hose for supplied air respirators is 300 feet (91 meters). Such hose shall be heavy duty nonkinking and NIOSH approved.

(12) Respirators 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; or

(c) The atmosphere may rapidly become hazardous;

(13) Anytime fire fighters are working inside a confined space, such persons shall be provided with SCBA or air line respirator with escape bottle, and shall use the equipment unless the safety of the atmosphere can be established by testing and continuous monitoring.

(14) Fire fighters using a properly functioning SCBA shall not compromise the protective integrity of the SCBA by removing the facepiece for any reason in hazardous atmospheres or in atmospheres where the quality of air is unknown.

(15) Fire fighters shall receive training for each type and manufacturer of respiratory equipment available for their use, the step-by-step procedure for donning the respirator and checking it for proper function. Required training shall include:

(a) Recognizing hazards that may be encountered;

(b) Understanding the components of the respirator;

(c) Understanding the safety features and limitations of the respirator; and

(d) Donning and doffing the respirator.

(16) After completing such training, each fire fighter shall practice at least quarterly, for each type and manufacture of respirator available for use, the step-by-step procedure for donning the respirator and checking it for proper function.

(17) Members shall be tested at least annually on the knowledge of respiratory protection equipment operation, safety, organizational policies and procedures, and facepiece seals, to the fire department's standard. Such records shall remain part of the member training file.

(18) Members shall be allowed to use only the make, model, and size respirator for which they have passed a fit test within the last twelve months.

(19) In cases where there is a reported failure of a respirator, it shall be removed from service, tagged and recorded as such, and tested before being returned to service.

(20) Fire fighters shall be thoroughly trained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on emergency procedures such as use of regulator bypass valve, corrective action for facepiece and breathing tube damage, and breathing directly from the regulator (where applicable).

(21) Compressed gaseous breathing air in the SCBA cylinder shall meet the requirements of ANSI/CGA G7.1 - Commodity Specification for Air, with a minimum air quality of grade D, as well as meeting a water vapor level of 24 ppm or less.

(22) SCBA cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested within the periods specified by the manufacturer and the applicable governmental agencies.

Additional reference:

Chapter 296-842 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296305-04001, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01/05. Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050.  02-12-098 (Order 00-20), § 296-305-04001, filed 06/05/02, effective 08/01/02.  Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14) § 296-305-04001, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04001, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04501 Automotive fire apparatus design and construction.

(1) All new fire apparatus with the exception of specialized equip­ment, shall conform to the following minimum safety standards contained in NFPA Booklets No. 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, and other 1900's.

(2) Fire apparatus, purchased after December 17, 1977, weighing 10,000 pounds or more shall conform with the following U.S. Department of Transportation standards, when applicable:

(a) 49 CFR Ch. V (10-93 edition) 571.121 “Air brake systems”;

(b) 49 CFR Ch. V (10-93 edition) 571.106 “Hydraulic brake hoses”;

(c) 49 CFR Ch. V (10-93 edition) 571-211 “Hydraulic brake hoses.”

(3) Employers acquiring used apparatus or used equipment shall not be required to bring it under a more stringent code than the one in force at the time the apparatus was manufactured. However, such vehicle must meet applicable U.S. Department of Transportation standards and chapter 296-865 WAC, Motor vehicles.

(4) Fire apparatus tailboards and steps shall have a nonskid rough surface.

(5) Exhaust systems shall be installed and maintained in proper condition, and shall be so designed as to minimize the exposure of the fire fighter to the exhaust gases and fumes.

(6) Spinner knobs shall not be attached to the steering handwheel of fire apparatus.

(7) The transmission shifting pattern of the apparatus shall be clearly stenciled or labeled and posted so it can be clearly read by the driver while operating the apparatus.

(8) The height of any apparatus, over seven feet in height from the ground to the top of the beacon or highest point of the apparatus, shall be clearly labeled in a place where it can be easily and clearly read by the driver while operating the apparatus.

(9) All apparatus in excess of 10,000 pounds loaded weight, shall have the weight of the vehicle in pounds and tons clearly labeled in a place where it can be easily and clearly read by the driver while operating the apparatus.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-16-099 (Order 04-18), § 296-305-04501, filed 08/02/05, effective 10/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-04501, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04501, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04503 Automotive fire apparatus equipment.

(1) Vehicles used to transport fire fighters and employer representatives shall have compartments for carrying sharp tools, saws, chisels, axes, etc., or if carried on the outside of the apparatus, equipment with sharp points and edges shall be covered to prevent injury to fire fighters and employer representatives.

(2) Personnel restraints for traveling.

(a) All persons riding on fire apparatus shall be seated and secured to the vehicle by seatbelts or safety harnesses at any time the vehicle is in motion.

(b) Seatbelts shall comply with U.S. Department of Transportation Part 49 CFR Section 571, Stan­dards 209 and 210.

(c) Riding on tailsteps or in any other exposed position such as sidesteps or running boards shall be specifically prohibited.

(d) Standing while riding shall be specifically prohibited.

(e) Members actively performing necessary emergency medical care while the vehicle is in motion shall be restrained to the extent consistent with the effective provision of such emergency medical care. All other persons in the vehicle shall be seated and belted in approved seating positions while the vehicle is in motion.

(f) Fire departments permitting hose loading operations while the vehicle is in motion shall develop a written policy and guidelines addressing all safety aspects.

Note: Policy and operating guidelines should address:

• The assigning of a member as a safety observer who should have an unobstructed view of the hose loading operation and be in visual and voice contact with the driver.

• Allowed maximum fire apparatus speed when hose loading;

• Control of nonfire department vehicular traffic; and

• Allowing members in the hose bed, but limit standing to only when the vehicle is not moving.

Note: See WAC 296-305-07011(3) for exceptions for wildland vehicles.

(3) Each fire apparatus shall carry a current U.S. Department of Transportation chemical identification book or the equivalent.

(4) Ladders stowed on the sides of apparatus, which protrude past the tailboard, shall have guards over the protruding ends.

(5) No employer shall permit automotive fire apparatus equipment which has an obstructed view to the rear, to be used in reverse gear unless the equipment has in operation a reverse signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise level.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-04503, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04503, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04505 Automotive apparatus operational rules.

(1) Each employer of staffed fire apparatus shall establish a written policy and procedure whereby the apparatus has a scheduled daily operational check. Each employer of unstaffed fire apparatus shall establish a schedule appropriate to that department's activities.

(2) Any item found to be in need of repair shall be reported immediately to the officer in charge or other appropriate person.

(3) Fire fighting apparatus shall be brought to a full stop before employees are allowed to step from the apparatus.

(4) Fire fighters shall not be in the apparatus hose bed while hose is being run out from the bed.

(5) Headlights shall be on at all times when any fire or emergency vehicle is responding to a call.

(6) All apparatus over 20,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight) shall utilize wheel blocks when parked at an emergency scene.

(7) Apparatus responding to alarms shall meet specifications in RCW 46.61.035, relating to operations of authorized emergency vehicles.

(8) All operators of emergency vehicles shall be trained in the operations of apparatus before they are designated as drivers of such apparatus. The training program shall be established by each fire department. Once trained, all operators shall familiarize themselves with any apparatus prior to operating such apparatus even for brief periods of time.

Additional Reference:

Washington State Fire Protection Bureau - Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVAP) program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04505, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04507 Fire apparatus maintenance and repair.

(1) If at any time a fire apparatus is found to be in an unsafe condition, it shall be reported immediately to the officer on duty.

(2) If in the officer's determination, the apparatus cannot be used in a safe manner, it shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to a safe operating condition.

(3) All repairs and preventive maintenance to fire apparatus shall only be made by personnel deemed qualified by the registered owners of the fire apparatus.

(a) A preventive maintenance program shall be instituted and records maintained for each individual apparatus in order to record and track potential or on-going problems.

(b) A minimum annual service test of apparatus shall be made according to NFPA guidelines relating to pumper apparatus.

(c) Failure of any portion of the annual service test shall constitute the apparatus to be placed out of service as a pumper until adequate repairs are made and the apparatus successfully completes said tests.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04507, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04509 Aerial ladders.

(1) When operating aerial ladders, the manufacturer's suggested procedures shall be followed.

(2) Aerial ladders shall be used according to the following requirements:

(a) The number of fire fighters permitted on aerial ladders shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(b) Aerial ladders shall not knowingly be positioned under dangerous cornices or other loose overhanging objects that may endanger fire fighters and fire fighters working on, or climbing the ladders, except where rescue operations are essential.

(c) When working on, or near energized electrical lines, the following minimum working clearances shall be observed:

(i) For lines rated 50 kv or below, the minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the equipment shall be ten feet.

(ii) For lines rated over 50 kv, the minimum clearance shall be ten feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kv.

(iii) For low voltage lines (operating at 750 volts or less), the work shall be performed in a manner to prevent the fire fighters contacting the energized conductor.

(d) Fire apparatus aerial ladders shall be positioned for the greatest stability feasible at the fire scene.

(e) The tip of the aerial ladder shall not be forcefully extended against a solid structure.

(f) Aerial ladders shall not be extended or retracted while fire fighters are climbing the ladder.

(g) Locking in shall not be permitted. If it is necessary for fire fighters to be positioned on the aerial, they shall be secured by a life belt.

(h) Ladder pipes, when in use, shall be secured to the aerial in such a manner so that the ladder pipe cannot accidentally be dislodged while in operation.

(i) The operator of an aerial ladder shall remain on the turntable whenever fire fighters are working on the aerial. If the ladder is used only as a ground ladder, no operator is needed on the turntable.

(3) The following shall regulate the design and use of the operating turntable and ladder:

(a) Ladders shall be designed to have nonskid protection on the rungs.

(b) Turntable controls and valves for rotating, extending, or elevating the aerial ladder shall be clearly and distinctly marked as to function.

(c) Aerial controls shall be spring loaded and have a safety catch so that the controls shall return to the neutral position if the operator is incapacitated.

(d) The operator of the aerial shall be provided with a nonskid surface on the turntable surface.

(e) A railing of approximately 44 inches in height, and if possible, not less than 36 inches in length, shall be installed on the turntable in back of the operators position.

(f) A light of not less than 10,000 candlepower shall be provided at the base to illuminate the ladder at night in any position of operation.

(4) The following shall regulate the communication systems on the aerial ladder and on the automotive fire apparatus.

(a) A two-way voice communication system shall be installed between the top fly of the ladder and the lower control station.

(b) There shall be some type of electrical signal or voice communication located in the tractor of tillered aerial for communication signals between the tillerman and driver. The apparatus shall not be moved unless the proper signal, as shown in Appendix E, is received from the tillerman.

(5) When maintaining the aerial ladder, the manufacturer's in­structions shall be followed.

(a) Cables, pulleys, rails and rungs of aerial ladders shall be inspected for wear and tightness on a monthly basis or every ten hours of operating time, which ever comes first.

(b) Pulleys on the aerial with cracks or pieces broken out of rims shall be replaced.

(c) Cables showing evidence of damage or wear shall be replaced.

(d) Rungs or rails that have been subjected to unusual impact shall be tested before usage.

(6) The automotive fire apparatus used in conjunction with aerial ladders shall be designed and used according to the following:

(a) Ground jacks or outriggers shall be deployed before an aerial ladder is put into operation.

(b) Ground plates shall be deployed under the outriggers or jacks at all times.

(c) Hand, airbrakes, and spring brakes for fifth wheel shall be set whenever an aerial ladder is in operation.

(d) In addition to ground jack supports and outriggers, wheel blocks shall be used whenever the aerial is in operation.

(e) Wheel chocks shall be rated by the manufacturer of the chock for the apparatus it is to be used on.

(f) Sand shall be put under jacks and outriggers when operating on ice or snow.

(7) Annual testing of metal aerial ladders shall follow the recommendations of the current National Fire Protection Association Standard.

(a) The aerial ladder, as well as the support section of the apparatus which supports the turntable, shall be nondestructively tested by a certified testing agency every five years.

(b) After any accident that causes structural damage, the test in (a) shall be performed and all de­fects detected shall be corrected before the apparatus is re­turned to service.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04509, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-04511 Elevated platforms.

(1) Elevated platform system design requirements:

(a) The platform shall have a minimum floor area of fourteen square feet.

(b) The platform shall be provided with a guard railing. The guard railing shall be 42 to 45 inches high on all sides.

(c) The railing shall be constructed so that there is no opening below it greater than 19 inches.

(d) There shall be two gates below the top railing, each of which shall be provided with suitable safety latches.

(e) A kick plate not less than four inches high shall be provided around the floor of the platform.

(f) Drain openings shall be provided to prevent water accumulation on the platform.

(g) A heat-protective shield shall be provided on the platform for the protection of the operator.

(h) Hydraulic or pneumatic systems shall have a minimum bursting strength of at least four times the operating pressure for which the system is designed.

(i) The basic structural elements of the hydraulic or articulating boom shall have a safety factor of three.

(j) Each hydraulic or pneumatic system for the boom shall be equipped with a pilot operated check valve or other appropriate device to prevent free fall in the event of hydraulic failure.

(2) Requirements related to the controlling of elevated platforms:

(a) A control or device shall be provided at both the lower control station and the platform control station to allow either operator to completely deactivate the platform controls.

(b) During the deactivation of the platform controls, the lower controls shall remain operable.

(c) A plate shall be located at the platform control unit or units listing the following information:

(i) Model and serial number of the manufacturer;

(ii) Rated capacity of the platform;

(iii) Operating pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic systems or both;

(iv) Caution or restriction of operation or both; and

(v) Control instructions.

(vi) This plate shall be clearly visible to the operator at the lower control position.

(d) There shall be an operator at the lower controls at all times while the fire fighter is in the bucket.

(e) The operator at the lower controls shall make certain the fire fighter on the platform is secured by his life belt, or equivalent, before raising the platform.

(3) Testing of elevated platforms and related apparatus shall be conducted annually.

(a) Testing of elevated platforms and related apparatus shall be in accordance with NFPA, Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Ladders 1914, 1991 edition.

(b) It is recommended that the boom section as well as the support section of the apparatus which supports the turntable should be nondestructively tested by a certified testing agency every five years.

(c) After any accident that causes structural damage, testing shall be performed and all defects detected shall be corrected before the apparatus is returned to service.

(d) Elevated platform testing shall follow recommendations of the current National Fire Code.

(e) Fire apparatus elevated platforms shall be positioned for the greatest stability feasible at the fire scene.

(4) A two-way voice communication system shall be installed between the platform and the lower control station.

(5) Automotive apparatus used in conjunction with elevated platforms shall be used in accordance with the following:

(a) Hand or air brakes shall be set before the platform is operated.

(b) Jacks or outriggers shall be used if the platform is to be elevated.

(c) Wheel blocks shall also be used when the platform is in operation unless the type of apparatus is one that has wheels that lift off the ground when the jacks or outriggers are engaged.

(d) Ground plates shall be used under the outriggers or jacks.

(e) Sand shall be put under jacks and outriggers when oper­ating on ice or snow.

(f) When working on or near energized electrical lines, the fire department shall develop operational procedures for observing the following minimum working clearances:

(i) For lines rated 50 kv or below, the minimum clearance shall be ten feet.

(ii) For lines rated over 50 kv, the minimum clearance shall be ten feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kv.

(iii) For low voltage lines (operating at 750 volts or less), the work shall be performed in a manner to prevent the fire fighters contacting the energized conductor.

(6) Appliances mounted on elevated platforms. Platform mounted monitors shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Additional References:

WAC 296-24-880.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-04511, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04511, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05001 Emergency fireground operations-Structural.

(1) The fire department shall establish an incident command system (ICS) with written guidelines applying to all members involved in emergency operations. All members involved in emergency operations shall be familiar with the ICS system. Personnel shall be trained and qualified by their department in the incident command system prior to taking a supervisory role at an emergency scene.

(2) At an emergency incident, the incident commander shall be responsible for the overall safety of all members and all activities occurring at the scene.

(3) All emergency incidents shall be managed by an ICS, the incident commander 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.

(4) At an emergency incident, the incident commander shall have the responsibility to:

(a) Assume and confirm command and take an effective command position.

(b) Perform situation evaluation that includes risk assessment.

(c) Initiate, maintain, and control incident communication.

(d) Develop an overall strategy and attack plan and assign units to operations.

(e) Develop an effective incident organization by managing resources, maintaining an effective span of control, and maintaining direct supervision over the entire incident by creating geographical and/or functional areas as appropriate for the scope and size of the incident.

(f) Review, evaluate, and revise the operational plan as required.

(g) Continue, transfer, and terminate command.

(5) The fire department shall develop a risk management policy that can be implemented into the function of incident command and the development of incident strategies.

The risk management policy should include direction and guidance to the incident commander in formulating incident planning relating to the level of risk that may be undertaken in any given incident to save lives and to save property in as safe a manner as dictated by the situation.

(6) The fire department shall establish written procedures and guidelines for tracking all members operating at an emergency incident.

(7) The incident command system shall provide for control of access to hazardous areas of the incident scene by department members.

(8) Fire fighters operating in hazardous areas at emergency structural fire incidents shall operate in teams of two or more.

Team members operating in hazardous areas shall be in communication with each other through visual, audible, physical, safety guide rope, or electronic means, or by other means in order to coordinate their activities. Team members shall be in close proximity to each other to provide assistance in case of emergency.

(9) The fire department shall provide personnel for the rescue of members operating at emergency incidents as the need arises.

(10) Before beginning interior structural fire fighting operations, the incident commander must evaluate the situation and risks to operating teams.

(a) Except as provided in WAC 296-305-05001(11), fire fighters must not engage in interior structural fire fighting in the absence of at least two standby fire fighters.

(b) All standby fire fighters must be fully equipped with the appropriate protective clothing, protective equipment and SCBA.

(c) Standby members must remain aware of the status of fire fighters in the hazardous area.

(d) Standby members must remain in positive communication with the entry team(s), in full protective clothing the SCBA donned in the standby mode.

(e) Standby members may be permitted to perform other duties outside the hazardous area, provided constant communication is maintained between a standby member and the entry team(s), and provided that those duties will not interfere with the standby members' ability to participate in a rescue as appropriate.

(f) Early consideration should be given to providing one or more rapid intervention teams commensurate with the needs of the situation.

(11) In the “initial stage” of a structure fire-incident where only one team is operating in the hazardous area, where additional resources can reasonably be expected, and where exceptional circumstances indicate that immediate action may be necessary to prevent or mitigate the loss of life or serious injury to citizenry or fire fighters, at least one additional fire fighter must be assigned to stand by outside the hazardous area where the team is operating.

(a) The standby fire fighter must remain aware of the status of fire fighters in the hazardous area.

(b) The standby fire fighter must remain in positive communication with the entry team, in full protective clothing with SCBA donned in the standby mode.

(c) The standby fire fighter may be permitted to perform other duties outside the hazardous area, provided constant communications is maintained with the team in the hazardous area, and provided that those duties will not interfere with his or her ability to initiate a rescue as appropriate.

(d) Once additional resources have arrived on the scene, the incident must no longer be considered in its initial stage and all the requirements of WAC 296-305-05001(10) must be met.

Note: Nothing in this section shall prevent activities which may reasonably be taken by members first on the scene to determine the nature and extent of fire involvement.

(12) The fire department shall develop and maintain written guidelines for the safety of members at incidents that involve violence, unrest, or civil disturbance. Such situations may include but not be limited to riots, fights, violent crimes, drug related situations, family disturbances, deranged individuals, and people interfering with fire department operations.

(13) Officers at emergency scenes shall maintain an awareness of the physical condition of members operating within their span of control and ensure that adequate steps are taken to provide for their safety and health. The command structure shall be utilized to request relief and reassignment of fatigued crews.

(14) Wildfire suppression personal protective clothing/equipment shall not be utilized for interior attacks on structures.

(15) Teams in the hazardous area shall have positive communication capabilities with the incident command structure. Incident radio communication capabilities within the incident command structure shall include monitoring of incident-assigned frequencies (including mutual aid radio frequencies).

(16) Prior to overhaul, buildings shall be surveyed for possible safety and health hazards. Fire fighters shall be informed of hazards observed during the survey.

(17) During the overhaul phase officers shall identify materials likely to contain asbestos, limiting the breaching of structural materials to that which is necessary to prevent rekindle.

(18) Floatation devices shall be made available to fire fighters at incidents where drowning is a possibility. This is not intended to include pools and hot tubs.

(19) Fire fighters shall not cut the electrical drip loop providing power to the structure nor pull the electrical meter.

(20) Traffic cones or other traffic control devices shall be utilized when vehicular traffic hazards exist at an emergency operation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-05001, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05001, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05003 Confined space rescue operations.

(1) Fire departments shall comply with chapter 296-62 WAC, Part M for their own confined spaces.

(2) Fire departments which have been contracted as an outside rescue service provider shall also comply with Part M and in particular the specific provisions of WAC 296-62-14150(2) which requires authorized entrant training and rescue practices from the host's actual permit spaces or representative permit spaces.

(3) Fire departments which have responded or will respond to calls to perform rescue from a noncontracted permit-required confined space are required to have each member of a rescue team practice making permit space rescues at least every 12 months by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, mannequins or actual persons from permit space. A permit is required for the practice permit space entry.

(4) During an actual rescue response, written and/or verbally recorded hazard sizeup will be allowed in lieu of the written permit requirements in WAC 296-62-14507 and 296-62-14509 and shall be completed prior to any entry. This sizeup shall include at a minimum:

(a) Recognition and declaration of the situation as a confined space incident.

(b) Denial of entry to unprotected persons.

(c) Assessment of all readily available confined space documentation, e.g., MSDSs, any existing permit, plans or blueprints of the space.

(d) Assessment of number of victim(s), locations and injury conditions.

(e) Discussion with witnesses, supervisor, etc.

(f) Assessment of any current or potential space hazards, in particular, any hazard(s) which lead to the necessary rescue.

(g) Determination and declaration if body recovery or victim rescue.

(5) At confined space incidents, at least two people outside shall be equipped with appropriate breathing apparatus to act as the back-up team, which shall remain free of the contaminated area in order to rescue disabled fire fighters.

(6) Written documentation of the rescue team's training on the fire department's confined space operating procedures, authorized entrant training, if applicable, the contracted host's confined space program. A record of each of the hazard sizeups shall be maintained for at least one year.

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050.  02-12-098 (Order 00-20), § 296-305-05003, filed 06/05/02, effective 08/01/02.  Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05003, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05005 Rope rescue operations.

(1) Fire departments engaged in rope rescue operations shall comply with the requirements of this section and WAC 296-305-02019.

(2) Employees engaged in rope rescue operations shall be properly trained and qualified by the employer to perform such activities.

(3) Employers shall establish standard operational procedures for rope rescue activities and training.

(4) When engaged in rope activities, employees shall be provided and wear either structural fire fighting helmets and gloves, or helmets that meet ANSI Standard Z89.1, 1986 edition, Class A and B; gloves.

(5) Records shall be maintained of inspections and repairs made to rope rescue equipment.

(a) Equipment shall be inspected after purchase and prior to placing in service, after each use, and at least semi-annually.

(b) Harnesses shall be inspected for worn or broken stitching, rivets worn out of holes, and damage from abrasion, cuts, or chemicals.

(c) Descending/ascending hardware shall be inspected for wear, cracks, distortion, sharp edges, and ease of operation.

(d) Equipment showing damage or wear that can affect employee safety, shall be either repaired prior to further use or retired.

(6) The manufacturer's recommended shelf life of rescue ropes shall be followed. If no shelf life is specified, ropes greater than six years old, whether used or not, shall be taken out of service or destroyed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05005, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05007 Trench rescue operations.

(1) Fire departments that engage in trench rescue operations shall adopt and maintain a written response program that addresses training and procedures to follow in emergency life threatening situations.

(2) Employees that directly engage in trench rescue operations shall be trained or shall be under the direct supervision of person(s) with adequate training in trench and excavation hazard recognition, equipment use and operational techniques.

[Statutory Authority: RCWC 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-05007, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05007, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05009 Watercraft rescue operations.

(1) If a manufacturer's specifications are such that an engineer is required for the operation of a vessel, then one shall be provided.

(2) When fire boats perform rescue activities they shall have two dedicated personnel. Any member not specifically required to operate the vessel, e.g., an operator (pilot) or engineer (if required by the manufacturers specification) may be used as a deck hand. This may include the boat officer if his/her duties do not include operating the fire boat.

(3) Watercraft load capabilities shall not exceed the manufacturer's specifications.

(4) Each fire department shall determine the function of their watercraft; as fire fighting, rescue, or both.

(5) Watercraft operating within navigable waters of the state of Washington (as defined by the United States Coast Guard) shall comply with all of the rules of the United States Coast Guard.

(6) Fire boats operating within navigable waters of the state of Washington (as defined by the United States Coast Guard) shall have a fully dedicated pilot.

(7) The operator (pilot) of the watercraft is responsible for its safe operation.

(8) Training for all personnel shall represent the intent of the employer and physical characteristics of the vessel involved and shall be included in the employer's accident prevention program.

(a) All assigned personnel shall be trained in safe operation of watercraft and the operations the craft is intended to perform.

(b) All employees involved in water rescue shall be trained in water rescue techniques and wear Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices, Type III, minimum.

Exception: Employees working below deck or in enclosed cabins.

(9) All employers operating watercraft in nonnavigable waters shall be responsible for training all employees to local hazards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-05009, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05009, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05011 Hazardous materials operations. 

Fire departments engaged in emergency response to releases of hazardous substances shall comply with chapter 296-62 WAC, Part P, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05011, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05013 Aircraft rescue and fire fighting. 

Fire departments that engage in aircraft rescue and fire fighting operations shall review NFPA, Manual for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Operations 402M, 1991 edition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05013, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05501 Fire training.

(1) All members who engage in emergency operations shall be trained commensurate with their duties and responsibilities. Training shall be as frequent as necessary to ensure that members can perform their assigned duties in a safe and competent manner but shall not be less than the frequencies specified in this standard. Minimum training shall be as specified in this part.

(2) Live structural-fire training: Prior to being permitted to participate in live structure-fire training evolutions, the student shall have received adequate training in safety, protective breathing apparatus, fire hose, nozzles and fire streams, ladders, and rescue as defined by the employer.

(a) Strict safety practices shall be applied to all structures selected for live fire training evolutions.

(b) In preparation for live training, an inspection of acquired buildings shall be made to determine that the floors, walls, stairs and other structure components are capable of withstanding the weight of contents, participants and accumulated water.

(c) Removal or neutralization of materials of all hazardous storage and conditions within the structure shall be accomplished.

(i) Closed containers and highly combustible materials shall be removed.

(ii) Oil tanks and similar closed vessels that cannot easily be removed shall be vented sufficiently to eliminate an explosion or overpressure rupture.

(iii) Any hazardous or combustible atmosphere within the tank or other vessel shall be rendered inert.

(iv) Hazards potentially dangerous to participants such as floor openings, missing stair tread and rails, and other such hazards shall be repaired or made inaccessible.

(d) If applicable, floors, railings and stairs shall be made safe. Special attention shall be given to potential chimney hazards.

(e) Debris hindering the access or egress of fire fighters shall be removed before continuing further operations.

(f) Buildings that cannot be made safe as required by this section shall not be utilized for interior live fire training.

Note: The water supply for any individual live fire training evolution should be assessed based on the extent of the evolution, size and structure of the building and contents to be involved, method of attack to be employed, protection of exposures and reserves for potential contingencies. Separate sources should be used for supply to attack and backup lines.

(g) Prior to conducting actual live fire training evolutions, a preburn briefing shall be conducted for all participants.

(i) All evolutions shall be discussed and assignments shall be made for all crews participating in the training sessions.

(ii) All participants shall have a knowledge and familiarity with the layout of the building.

(h) A safety officer shall be appointed for all live fire training evolutions.

(i) One person shall be designated to control the materials being burned and to ignite the training fire in the presence and under the direction of the safety officer. This person shall not be a student and shall wear full protective clothing, including SCBA.

(j) Unidentified materials such as debris which may burn in unanticipated ways, react vio­lently, or create environmental hazards, shall not be used in live fire training evolutions.

(k) Each participant in a coordinated interior live fire training evolution shall be equipped with full protective clothing and SCBA. All participants shall be inspected by the safety officer to insure all protective clothing and SCBA are being properly worn prior to entry into a live fire training evolution.

(l) All instructors shall be deemed qualified to deliver structural fire fighting training by the employer. The instructor-student ratio shall not be greater than one to five.

(m) Officers shall make a head count both when entering and exiting a building during an actual attack.

(n) Supervisors at the training evolution shall maintain an awareness of the condition of members operating within the span of their control. They shall ensure adequate steps are taken to provide for the safety and health of the participants and relief or reassignment of fatigued persons.

(3) Fire fighters shall be trained in the function, donning and doffing, care, use, inspection, maintenance and limitations of the equipment assigned to them or available for their use.

(4) When fire fighters are engaged in training above the ten-foot level where use of life lines or similar activities are to be undertaken, a safety net shall be erected or other approved secondary means of fall protection such as recommended in chapter 296-155 WAC, Part C-1, Fall restraint and fall arrest, shall be used in lieu of nets.

(5) During wet training exercises, hose meeting the 250 pound annual hose test shall be used.

(6) Training shall be provided to fire fighters and officers in order that they will be knowledgeable in the identification and handling of asbestos containing materials likely to be encountered during a fire response.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05501, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-05503 Summary of training requirements.

(1) Training on noise must conform to chapter 296-817 WAC, Hearing loss prevention (noise), and WAC 296-305-02005.

(2) Training on medical procedures shall conform to WAC 296-305-02501.

(3) Training on respiratory equipment shall conform to chapter 296-842 WAC, Respiratory protection, and WAC 296-305-04001.

(4) Training on employee right-to-know procedures shall conform to WAC 296-800-170, chemical hazard communication program.

(5) Training on overhaul procedures and operations shall conform to WAC 296-305-05001.

(6) Training on wildland fires shall conform to WAC 296-305-07001 through 296-305-07019.

(7) Training on confined space entry and/or rescue shall conform to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part M, Permit-required confined spaces and WAC 296-305-05003.

(8) Live fire training in structures shall conform to NFPA 1403 and this section.

(9) The employer shall provide training and education for all members commensurate with those duties and functions that members are expected to perform. Such training and education shall be provided to members before they perform emergency activities. Fire service leaders and training instructors shall be provided with training and education which is more comprehensive than that provided to the general membership of the fire department.

(10) The employer shall assure that training and education is conducted frequently enough to assure that each member is able to perform the member's assigned duties and functions satisfactorily and in a safe manner so as not to endanger members or other employees. All members shall be provided with training at least annually. In addition, members who are expected to perform interior structural fire fighting shall be provided with an education session or training at least quarterly.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296-305-05503, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-11-060 (Order 02-16), § 296-305-05503, filed 05/19/03, effective 08/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-05503, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-05503, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

WAC 296-305-06001 Fire service equipment.

(1) All portable equipment shall be inspected routinely to ensure that it is ready for use.

(2) Any defective equipment shall be removed from service.

(3) Nylon utility straps or straps of equivalent strength should be used instead of hose belts. The utility strap shall be of one-inch nylon, or equivalent belting, with a four-inch overlap and sewn with polyester thread and shall measure at least 102 inches on the outside circumference.

(4) The load capacity shall be stenciled on each portable jack and the load capacity shall not be exceeded.

(5) The instruction plate on portable jacks shall be maintained in a legible condition.

(6) Portable powered cut-off saws (rescue saws) shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Exception: The lower blade guard described in WAC 296-24-65501 (1)(a) is not required on hand-held portable powered cut-off saws used by fire/rescue personnel for rescue procedures and/or roof ventilation for smoke removal, provided the operator is wearing appropriate eye, face, head, and body protection as specified in WAC 296-305-02001 through 296-305-02013. This exception also applies to qualified persons (e.g., instructors) wearing personal protective equipment as described herein to instruct personnel in safe roof ventilation/rescue techniques.

(7) When not in use, the cutting teeth on a chain saw shall be covered either by an old section of hose, a wooden scabbard, or an equivalent method.

(8) All axes worn by employees shall be provided with a scabbard to guard against injury from the blade and pick of the axe.

(9) The guards on smoke ejectors, as supplied by the manufacturer, shall not be removed and the operator of the ejector shall wear gloves.

(10) Acetylene cylinders. Handling, storage and utilization of acetylene in cylinders shall be in accordance with the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-1 - 1966 edition.

(11) Powder activated life-line guns and accessories shall be stored in a box or container equipped with a lid or cover.

(a) The box shall be kept closed when not in use.

(b) A loaded life-line gun shall not be placed in the storage box.

(c) Instruction books, cleaning kits and hand tools needed for maintenance or breakdown purposes shall be kept in the life-line gun storage box.

(d) The words “powder activated tool” shall be conspicuously printed on the top of the storage box.

(12) Abrasive blades in storage shall be protected from contact with water, liquids, petroleum products and their fumes.

(13) Fiber rope that has been subjected to injurious chemicals or excessive heat shall not be used for load carrying purposes.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06001, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06001, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06001, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06003 Testing fire service equipment.

(1) When testing fire hose, a restricted orifice disc having not more than a 25% opening, shall be installed on the pumper discharge port. Or in the alternative, the pumper discharge valve may be opened not more than 25% to insure a minimum volume of water in case of a bursting hose.

(2) Safety nets shall be tested annually by dropping a weight of not less than 400 pounds from the highest point to be used above the net. The test weight object may consist of two tightly tied rolls of two and one-half inch hose, each 100 feet long, or any other object having similar weight and dimension.

(a) The net suspension system shall be designed and constructed with a safety factor of four and as a minimum, shall withstand the test loading without permitting contact between the net and any surface or object below the net.

(b) Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports.

(c) Training requiring safety net protection shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested by the weight of three fire fighters on the net.

(d) Safety nets shall extend eight feet beyond the edge of the work surface.

(e) The mesh size of nets shall not exceed six inches by six inches.

(f) All nets shall meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot pounds minimum impact resistance as determined and certified by the manufacturer, and shall bear a label of proof test.

(g) Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.

(3) Life belts shall meet or exceed the strength requirements of ANSI. A10.14 - Requirements for Safety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines and Drop Lines for Industrial Use. Life belts shall be inspected after each use and not less than semi-annually in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(4) Rescue ropes shall be used for rescue purposes only.

(5) Rescue ropes shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Rescue ropes shall be constructed of rot-proof fiber with a melting point of not less than 400 degrees F;

(b) They shall be of abrasion resistant construction;

(c) They shall have a minimum breaking strength of not less than 9,000 pounds.

(6) Rescue ropes shall be inspected after each use and not less than semi-annually in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(7) The method of testing a life line gun shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedure.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06003, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-06003, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06003, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06003, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06005 Ground ladders. 

This section establishes the minimum requirements for the construction, care and use of the common types of ladders used in fire combat.

(1) Ladder locks or pawls on extension ladders shall be so fastened or secured to the beams that vibration and use will not cause loosening of bolts and nuts.

(a) Pawls or ladder locks shall be so constructed that the hook portion of the pawl that engages the rung shall have sufficient bearing surface or area to prevent the hook from cutting into rungs when engaged.

(b) Such hooks shall be properly finished to elimi­nate sharp edges and points.

(2) Staypoles or tormenters shall be furnished on all extension ladders extending over forty feet. Staypole or tormenters spikes shall not project beyond the butt of the ladder when nested.

(3) All ladders shall be stored in a manner to provide ease of access for inspection, and to prevent danger of accident when withdrawing them for use.

(4) Fire fighters shall climb and descend ground ladders with the fly in, for safety purposes, when not in conflict with the manufacturer's recommendations. Even when ladders are routinely used in the fly out configuration, in adverse conditions fire fighters shall be permitted to climb and descend ground ladders with the fly in to assure secure footing.

(5) All ladders regardless of type shall be inspected thoroughly after each use. Records shall be kept of the inspections and repairs.

(6) The following metal ladder components shall be checked:

(a) Rungs for welds, damage or weakness caused by overloading or bumping against other objects, looseness and cracks, etc.

(b) Beams for welds, rivets and bolts, signs of strain or metal fatigue, and deformation from heat or overloading.

(c) Bolts and rivets for tightness.

(d) Butt spurs for excessive wear or other defects.

(e) Halyards for the same defects listed for wood ladder halyards and cable halyards, for fraying or breaking.

(f) Heat sensor label, when provided, for change indicating heat exposure.

(7) The following wood ladder components shall be checked:

(a) Bolts for snugness and tightness without crushing the wood.

(b) Beams for dark streaks; when a wood ground ladder develops dark streaks in the beams, the ladder shall be removed from service and service tested as specified in this chapter, prior to further use.

(c) Protective varnish finish for damage or wear, at least once a month and redone annually or at such frequency as specified by the manufacturer. If the protective finish becomes charred or blistered, the ladder shall be removed from service and service tested as specified in this chapter, prior to further use.

(8) Methods of fastening ladder halyards, either of wire or fibrous material, shall be in a manner that the connection is stronger than the halyard.

(9) Any defect noted in above visual inspection shall be corrected prior to testing.

(10) Every portable ladder shall be tested following the correction of defects disclosed by the visual inspections.

(11) New ground ladders purchased after the effective date of this chapter shall be constructed and certified in accordance with the requirements of NFPA Standard 1931, 1994 edition.

(12) All fireground ladders shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the 1994 edition of NFPA 1932. When metal ground ladders are tested, they shall be tested in accordance with the strength service testing procedures of the 1984 edition of NFPA 1932.

(a) Extension ladders that were constructed prior to the adoption of the 1984 edition of NFPA 1931, may, when tested in accordance with this chapter, be tested with a minimum test load of 400 pounds and a preload of 300 pounds. Ladders tested under this exception shall be used with a maximum load limit of 500 pound distributed or 400 pound concentrated. Ladders shall be tested in the configuration they are used.

(b) Additional requirements for wooden ground ladders; whenever any wood ground ladder has been exposed or is suspected of having been exposed to direct flame contact the ladder shall be service tested as specified in section 5-2 of NFPA Standard 1932, 1984 edition.

Note 1: Hardness testing and eddy current NDE testing is not required in the fire department annual maintenance inspection unless the individu­al ladder has been subjected to a high heat exposure which could have annealed the metal and diminished the structural integrity. The ladder manufacturer's recommendations should be followed with respect to hardness and eddy current testing.

Note 2 Testing should follow the recommended procedures taught by Washington State Fire Protection Bureau.

Additional references:

Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1 and WAC 296-800-290.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-06005, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-06005, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06005, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-06005, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06005, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06005, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06007 Electrical.

(1) Temporary lighting with the use of 110 - 120 VAC equipment.

(a) All lighting equipment shall be provided with heavy duty flexible cords with SO or SJ jackets or equivalent. All lighting equipment shall be used with heavy duty flexible extension cords with 12-3 conductors with SO or SJ jackets or equivalent.

(b) Electrical cords shall have weather tight bodies and caps, 20 amp rated at 120 VAC with appropriately sized plugs and sockets.

(c) Temporary lights that are used in moist, damp, and/or other hazardous locations shall be approved for the purpose.

(d) Temporary lights shall be constructed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders or other electrical parts.

(e) Temporary lights that are used in moist and/or other hazardous locations shall have 120 VAC single-phase 15 and/or 20 amp in-line resettable ground fault circuit interrupters.

(f) Temporary lights shall be equipped with a handle and be insulated from heat and possible electrical shock.

(g) Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electrical cords unless cords and lights are designed and labeled for this means of suspension.

(h) Temporary lights shall be protected by guards of a nonconductive or insulated material to prevent accidental contact with the bulb.

(2) 120 VAC cord reels shall be approved for use in damp or hazardous locations.

(a) Bodies and caps shall be weather tight, 20 amp rated at 120 VAC.

(b) Cords on cord reels that do not exceed 150 feet in length shall be SO or SJ type jackets or equivalent.

(c) Cords that exceed 150 feet in length on reels, shall have 10-3 conductors.

(d) Cord reels that are not permanently mounted on a vehicle shall be insulated from the ground when in use.

(3) Twelve volt portable type hand lanterns shall be constructed of molded composition or other type approved for the purpose.

(a) Portable hand lanterns used in moist and/or other hazardous locations shall be operated at a maximum of 12 volts.

(b) Hand lamps shall be equipped with a handle and a substantial guard over the bulb and attached to the lampholder.

(4) Portable and vehicle-mounted generators.

(a) Portable generators. Under the following conditions, the frame of a portable generator shall not be required to be grounded and shall be permitted to serve as the grounding electrode for a system supplied by the generator:

(i) The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator or cord-connected and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator, or both, and

(ii) The noncurrent-carrying metal part of equipment and the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the generator frame.

(b) Vehicle-mounted generators. Under the following conditions, the frame of a vehicle may serve as the grounding electrode for a system supplied by a generator located on the vehicle:

(i) The frame of the generator is bonded to the vehicle frame; and

(ii) The generator supplies only equipment located on the vehicle and/or cord-connected and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the vehicle or on the generator; and

(iii) The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment and the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the generator frame.

Additional references:

Article 250 National Electrical Code. Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L and WAC 296-800-280.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-06007, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080 (Order 98-14), § 296-305-06007, filed 02/17/99, effective 06/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06007, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06007, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06007, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06501 Requirements for fire station facilities. 

WAC 296-305-06501 through 296-305-06519 pertain to all fire department facilities as defined in WAC 296-305-01005.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06501, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06501, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06501, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06503 General requirements.

(1) Stations and administrative offices shall comply with the requirements of the general occupational health standards, WAC 296-800-210, Lighting in the workplace.

(2) Every new fire station built after the effective date of this chapter, whether manned or unmanned, shall be equipped with an approved emergency lighting system that will light dormitories, hallways, and apparatus bay areas in case of electrical power failure.

(3) No new fire station or new addition to an existing fire station, shall incorporate sliding poles or slides in their design or construction.

(4) The requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part B-2, Window washing, shall be followed when employees are engaged in window washing operations.

(5) All new fire stations and other new fire department facilities which contain sleeping quarters shall be fully protected with automatic sprinkler systems.

(6) All existing fire stations and existing fire department facilities with sleeping quarters, that undergo a major renovation that consists of more than sixty percent of the assessed evaluation of the existing structure shall be fully protected with automatic sprinkler systems.

(7) Eye protection shall be worn when charging, changing or adding fluid to storage batteries. Personnel that will be charging storage batteries shall be qualified to perform this function by the employer. See WAC 296-24-23015.

(8) Stairway tread shall be of a nonskid design. Examples of nonskid: Grip strut grating, serrated edge grating, metal grating, aluminum safety tread, abrasive metal stair tread, or pressure sensitive nonskid type.

(9) In existing facilities where sliding poles or slides are used, the pole or slide hole shall be guarded in such a manner as to prevent anyone from walking directly into the pole or slide hole opening.

(10) To absorb the shock to sliding employees, the bottom of all slide poles or slides shall have a three-foot diameter cushioned rubber mat, or its equivalent.

(11) Nothing shall be stored or placed at the bottom of a pole or slide hole for a radius of three feet from the pole. Doors shall not protrude within three feet of the pole or slide.

(12) Stair and landing protection: Stairways, guardrails, landings, and handrails shall be constructed to the requirements of chapter 19.27 RCW the State Building Code Act, and chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1.

(13) A standard guard railing for a landing platform shall include a toeboard, which is a vertical barrier, at floor level erected along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, platform, runway or ramp to prevent falls of material.

(14) Any new facility, or addition, alteration, or repair to an existing facility shall be in compliance with chapter 19.27 RCW, the State Building Code Act.

(15) New stations containing a kitchen, and station kitchens remodeled after the date of this chapter, shall have an alarm activated service disconnect of fixed cooking appliances.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-06503, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06503, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06503, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06503, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06505 Sanitation, disinfection, cleaning, and storage areas.

(1) Fire departments shall provide facilities for disinfecting, cleaning, and storage.

(2) A designated cleaning area shall be provided for under the fire department's exposure control plan for the cleaning and disinfecting of protective equipment, portable equipment, and other clothing.

(a) Fire departments that engage in emergency medical operations shall provide or have access to disinfecting facilities for the cleaning and disin­fecting of emergency medical equipment.

(b) Disinfecting shall not be conducted in fire station kitchen, living, sleeping, or personal hygiene areas.

(c) Disinfecting facilities in fire stations shall be vented to the outside environment, and designed to prevent contamination of other fire station areas.

(d) The disinfecting facility shall contain a sink with hot and cold water faucets. All surfaces shall be nonporous surfaces.

(e) Handwashing facilities shall be readily accessible to members. Handwashing facility means a facility providing an adequate supply of running potable water, soap and single use towels or hot air drying machines. When provision of handwashing facilities is not feasible, the employer shall provide either an appropriate antiseptic hand cleaner in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towelettes or antiseptic towelettes.

(3) Protective clothing or equipment that needs to be decontaminated and/or disinfected shall not be allowed in any kitchen, living, sleeping, or personal hygiene area.

(4) The designated cleaning area shall be physically separate from areas used for food preparation, cleaning of food and cooking utensils, personal hygiene, sleeping, and living areas.

(5) Drying areas for protective clothing shall be well ventilated.

(6) Storage areas: Emergency medical supplies and equipment stored in fire stations, other than that stored on vehicles, shall be stored in a dedicated enclosure and maintained per manufacturer's instructions.

(7) Reusable emergency medical supplies and equipment, protective clothing, and protective equipment shall not be stored in kitchen, living, sleeping, or personal hygiene areas, nor shall it be stored in personal clothing lockers.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06505, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-06505, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06505, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06505, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06507 Sleeping areas.

(1) All sleeping areas in fire stations shall be separated from vehicle storage areas by at least one-hour fire resistive assemblies. Compliance with this section shall be required within three years of the effective date of this chapter.

(2) Sleeping areas shall be protected by smoke detectors.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06507, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-06507, filed 7/6/88; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06507, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06509 Apparatus areas.

(1) Three feet of clearance shall be maintained around apparatus parked within the station where the station's width permits.

(2) All fire stations built after December 17, 1977, shall have a minimum of three feet of clearance around the apparatus, which shall be maintained free of any storage or obstruction.

(3) The station's apparatus floors shall be kept free of grease, oil, water and tripping hazards.

(4) Floors shall have slip-resistant surfaces on areas where personnel would normally mount or dismount apparatus.

(5) No Class I or Class II flammable liquids shall be used for cleaning purposes to remove grease or dirt from apparatus.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06509, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-305-06509, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06509, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06509, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06511 Indoor air quality. 

Air quality shall be consistent with WAC 296-62-075 through 296-62-07515, Air contaminants and WAC 296-800-240, Environmental tobacco smoke.

Note: For extended work shifts all eight-hour PEL's shall be time-weighted to adjust for additional worker exposure during extended work shifts.

(1) If indoor air monitoring indicates over-exposure to contaminant PEL's, engineering controls shall be utilized to reduce fire fighter exposure to the lowest feasible level.

(2) All fixed internal combustion equipment such as, but not limited to emergency generators, shall be effectively exhausted to the exterior of the fire stations.

(3) All facilities dedicated to the maintenance and repair of internal combustion equipment shall have means for effective ventilation to the exterior of the building.

(4) All fire stations built after January 1, 1997, shall be designed and constructed to conform to ACGIH ventilation recommended criteria for exhaust of internal combustion engines.

Additional reference:

Industrial Ventilation Manual of Recommended Practices ISBN No.: 0-936712-65-1.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-305-06511, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06511, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06511, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305-06513 Refueling areas.

(1) Refueling pumps, if installed, shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code and WAC 296-24-33015.

(2) Dispensing of Class 1 liquids shall be as required in the Uniform Fire Code.

(3) Spillage of oil or fuel shall be properly disposed of or completely evaporated and the fuel tank cap replaced before restarting engine.

(4) Fueling areas shall be posted - “NO SMOKING - STOP YOUR MOTOR.”

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-06513, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06513, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]

WAC 296-305 Continued