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The Fire Engineering Advisory Board is comprised of recognized leaders in the U.S. fire service who help maintain the high editorial standards our magazine is known for. In this blog, our board members share their timely insights on issues, trends, and policies in the fire service. Readers are encouraged to submit comments and help move the discussion forward.
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From Ed Comeau of Campus Firewatch:
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posted by Peter Prochilo
10/30/2007 03:20:00 PM
Folks...a fire in a fraternity at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1999 claimed the life of Dominic Passantino. Within the past few months, a mandatory sprinkler retrofit ordinance was passed requiring all Greek housing to install sprinklers within six years. Donna Henson, Dominic's mother, testified at this hearing which resulted in passage. Victory was won.
Almost.
The Greek community has since lobbied to have this ordinance overturned, citing economic hardship, and the City Council is going to consider this request, which is unprecedented.
It would be very helpful if we could weigh in on this with the City Council, letting them know the importance of sprinklers in saving lives, both those of the occupants and fire fighters, especially in light of the fact that many communities have passed ordinances without going through the tragedy of losing a life. Any personal experiences in your communities would be great.
If you could send an email, showing your support, to the City Council members listed below (just select all of the addresses and paste them into your TO: box), that would be very helpful. (Please CC me on your email).
Thanks for your help and support on this important cause!
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Ed Comeau ([email protected])
Campus Firewatch
PO Box 1046
Belchertown, MA 01007
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posted by Peter Prochilo
10/30/2007 03:20:00 PM
Fire Engineering Editor in Chief Bobby Halton got a chance to talk to magazine regular Larry Collins yesterday. Larry describes some of the action he saw on the front lines of the California firefight. You can listen to the interview on the Web HERE.
Our thoughts go out to the firefighters out there, and to everybody in California affected by this disaster.
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posted by Peter Prochilo
10/25/2007 10:57:00 AM
Our thoughts go out to the firefighters out there, and to everybody in California affected by this disaster.
Labels: Current Events
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posted by Peter Prochilo
10/25/2007 10:57:00 AM
A reported outbreak of MRSA at the D.C. Fire and EMS Academy underscores the serious threat MRSA poses to firefighters. The recent hype about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA following the death of a 17-year old Virgina high school student should serve as a warning to the fire service. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) highlights certain groups of people known to be a high risk for Community Acquired MRSA including athletes, military recruits, children, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, men who have sex with men, and prisoners. Firefighters are not on their list - but wait one moment before you breathe a sigh of relief. Behaviors spread MRSA, not membership in a group! Fire Engineering author Derek Williams, in his December 2006 article, "Drug Resistant Infections: Danger in the Station" described a cluster of MRSA skin infections in the Mesa (AZ) Fire Department. He cited the CDC list of behaviors linked to spread of MRSA: close skin-to-skin contact, openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene. Hmmm. Ever share turnout gear, helmets, towels, linens, SCBA masks, dishes, or have a firefighter with poor hygiene in your quarters? Yup, thought so. Let's get real - the danger of MRSA is far more extreme to firefighters than to the public.
It's time to dust off your old issues of Fire Engineering or maybe surf on over to the CDC website and brush up on how to lower the risk of a MRSA outbreak in your station. Check out http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html pronto before it finds you.
Mike :)
Mike McEvoy, PhD, RN, CCRN, REMT-P
Fire Engineering EMS Technical Editor
[email protected]
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posted by Mike McEvoy
10/20/2007 09:14:00 AM
It's time to dust off your old issues of Fire Engineering or maybe surf on over to the CDC website and brush up on how to lower the risk of a MRSA outbreak in your station. Check out http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html pronto before it finds you.
Mike :)
Mike McEvoy, PhD, RN, CCRN, REMT-P
Fire Engineering EMS Technical Editor
[email protected]
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posted by Mike McEvoy
10/20/2007 09:14:00 AM
1 Comments:
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w's world said...
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Good points, Mike. We work in a dirty “environment,” and at times, our infection control practices are not quite up to snuff!
Though MRSA poses an issue for firefighters, it's especially an issue for our immunosuppressed EMS patients.In hospitals “Nasocomial” infections (healthcare-to-patient) are epidemic and have been under intense scrutiny by regulatory agencies, as well as Medicare! In the near future, we’ll enjoy this same scrutiny and our risk managers will have the luxury of putting out these fires!
W’s World - Wed Oct 24, 11:31:00 PM EDT
I recently spent three days talking to Charleston firefighters in Charleston. I was there to conduct some interviews regarding the department and how they were recovering. I was very much taken by how strong and focused the firefighters and officers were about this recovery. For the interviews I did not cover the tactical aspects of the event, we are waiting for the final reports to be completed hopefully around this December. However I did get to see how these men (Charleston currently does not have any female firefighters) are coping with their tragic losses and life under the microscope.
I was very impressed with the strength and character of the men I interviewed. I know will be as well when we post these remarkable interviews. We did however have several spirited conversations off camera about tactics. We covered hose, flows, command, ventilation, training, and everything else we always talk about over a few beers. I enjoyed every minute of it. I liked seeing that even though I know that some of the guys were dead wrong--and they thought I was wrong, too--it was absolutely OK to disagree. Everybody seems to have an opinion about what does and does not need to be done in Charleston, and that is just fine. There are no sacred cows in Charleston; these guys are ready for everything and anything. I know the men I spoke to are willing to try anything, except lite beer.
I was also very impressed to find that the men were looking forward to hearing what the review panel had to say. I was able to visit with one of the panel members, who related how diligently and seriously the panel is taking the task of analyzing and reporting on Charleston Fire as compared to best practices nationwide. The full report is available here, including the reaction from the IAFF.
It is not easy coming in and doing a job like these guys have undertaken in Charleston. I am friends with the panel, so I know they are thick-skinned firefighters like the rest of us. I mentioned to my friend some of my thoughts on the initial report, and he sat stunned and said: Is that all? We expected to get a lot more feedback. You see, these guys know they cannot see everything and they are not pompous enough to be so delusional. They know it takes a long time to really understand a place, and so they are using their models and national models of best practice to compare with the current operating conditions in Charleston.
It sure is an interesting report, and well worth reading; I hope you take the time to go through it completely. I would like to know what you think of its approach and the proposed timelines. The panel is too ambitious to some and too cautious to others, but that is what makes being a firefighter so very interesting. Just when I think I have it all figured out one of you points out something I never saw before and we are off the races again.
I gotta tell you the firefighters in Charleston are good guys. The door to the houses are open, the town is beautiful, and if your are lucky they may even pick up the tab on a round or two. Let me know what you think about the report. Be careful out there.
Bobby
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posted by Bobby Halton
10/19/2007 06:45:00 PM
I was very impressed with the strength and character of the men I interviewed. I know will be as well when we post these remarkable interviews. We did however have several spirited conversations off camera about tactics. We covered hose, flows, command, ventilation, training, and everything else we always talk about over a few beers. I enjoyed every minute of it. I liked seeing that even though I know that some of the guys were dead wrong--and they thought I was wrong, too--it was absolutely OK to disagree. Everybody seems to have an opinion about what does and does not need to be done in Charleston, and that is just fine. There are no sacred cows in Charleston; these guys are ready for everything and anything. I know the men I spoke to are willing to try anything, except lite beer.
I was also very impressed to find that the men were looking forward to hearing what the review panel had to say. I was able to visit with one of the panel members, who related how diligently and seriously the panel is taking the task of analyzing and reporting on Charleston Fire as compared to best practices nationwide. The full report is available here, including the reaction from the IAFF.
It is not easy coming in and doing a job like these guys have undertaken in Charleston. I am friends with the panel, so I know they are thick-skinned firefighters like the rest of us. I mentioned to my friend some of my thoughts on the initial report, and he sat stunned and said: Is that all? We expected to get a lot more feedback. You see, these guys know they cannot see everything and they are not pompous enough to be so delusional. They know it takes a long time to really understand a place, and so they are using their models and national models of best practice to compare with the current operating conditions in Charleston.
It sure is an interesting report, and well worth reading; I hope you take the time to go through it completely. I would like to know what you think of its approach and the proposed timelines. The panel is too ambitious to some and too cautious to others, but that is what makes being a firefighter so very interesting. Just when I think I have it all figured out one of you points out something I never saw before and we are off the races again.
I gotta tell you the firefighters in Charleston are good guys. The door to the houses are open, the town is beautiful, and if your are lucky they may even pick up the tab on a round or two. Let me know what you think about the report. Be careful out there.
Bobby
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posted by Bobby Halton
10/19/2007 06:45:00 PM
OSHA REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON NEW REGULATIONS
The following request has been forward to us here and I feel it is worth our time and energy to comment on these new regulations. Here is what OSHA is looking for. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), whose mission is to assure the safety and health of American workers, is requesting input from the public to determine what changes, if any, to make to its emergency response and preparedness standards. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is currently reviewing the request and will be submitting comments.
OSHA currently regulates certain aspects of emergency responder health and safety through seven standards. However, OSHA does not maintain a comprehensive emergency responder standard, and many of the existing standards have not been updated in years.
OSHA is specifically requesting comment on the scope of emergency response, personal protective equipment, training and qualifications, medical evaluation and health monitoring, safety, and more. Comments must be submitted by December 10, 2007. More Information on the request for public comment can be found online at:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-17771.htm
Read more...
posted by Bobby Halton
10/19/2007 05:49:00 PM
The following request has been forward to us here and I feel it is worth our time and energy to comment on these new regulations. Here is what OSHA is looking for. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), whose mission is to assure the safety and health of American workers, is requesting input from the public to determine what changes, if any, to make to its emergency response and preparedness standards. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is currently reviewing the request and will be submitting comments.
OSHA currently regulates certain aspects of emergency responder health and safety through seven standards. However, OSHA does not maintain a comprehensive emergency responder standard, and many of the existing standards have not been updated in years.
OSHA is specifically requesting comment on the scope of emergency response, personal protective equipment, training and qualifications, medical evaluation and health monitoring, safety, and more. Comments must be submitted by December 10, 2007. More Information on the request for public comment can be found online at:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-17771.htm
Read more...
posted by Bobby Halton
10/19/2007 05:49:00 PM
A month or two ago, In Fire Engineering's' Round Table, we asked a question concerning Overhaul and the use of SCBA's.
In Toledo, we have changed our SCBA policy due to new findings concerning smoke by-products - specifically Hydrogen Cyanide and Free Radicals. These chemicals are present hours after the visible smoke is gone. Due to these findings, we instituted a policy that states that all members must wear their SCBA "in service" anytime they are in a building that has had a fire, including during overhaul. Our guys and gals call it - "All Mask All the Time". Even when we go back to check for hot spots an hour after leaving the scene, they wear their SCBA's and breathe out of them.
Does your department do anything similar to this and when do you think it is a proper time to stop wearing a SCBA?
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posted by Skip Coleman
10/16/2007 07:15:00 PM
In Toledo, we have changed our SCBA policy due to new findings concerning smoke by-products - specifically Hydrogen Cyanide and Free Radicals. These chemicals are present hours after the visible smoke is gone. Due to these findings, we instituted a policy that states that all members must wear their SCBA "in service" anytime they are in a building that has had a fire, including during overhaul. Our guys and gals call it - "All Mask All the Time". Even when we go back to check for hot spots an hour after leaving the scene, they wear their SCBA's and breathe out of them.
Does your department do anything similar to this and when do you think it is a proper time to stop wearing a SCBA?
Read more...
posted by Skip Coleman
10/16/2007 07:15:00 PM
2 Comments:
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Charity said...
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We do not have an SOP or SOG stating this however on my own power I will not go in without an SCBA and mask on. There are just to many chemicals being used in everyday household products now, and it simply is not safe to go without a mask on.
- Wed Oct 24, 03:27:00 PM EDT
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Harold said...
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Just a question. Where did those new findings come from and where can they be found?
A new Sop that is being developed states that SCBA shoud be worn untill two hours after the fire is out. - Thu Oct 25, 02:49:00 AM EDT
Below are comments from Fire Engineering Contributing Editor Jack J. Murphy regarding this article from Engineering News (subscription required):
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posted by Peter Prochilo
10/16/2007 02:57:00 PM
The ink is not yet even dry on the IBC final code hearing in Rochester this past summer where one of the 30 NIST/WTC recommendations on high-rise building was made into a code. Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) need to take into consideration that all-hazard emergencies other than fire will require various evacuations to safeguard the occupants. Some of the types of all-hazard evacuations are: internal building relocation, partial or full building evacuations. The need for a third stair in a mega high-rise building (420 feet) is more prevalent today because of the potential threats, whether man-made or natural. Each type of evacuation will depend on the incident situational awareness to the building and how to best act accordingly to an all-hazard threat. OSHA is also advocating that all large occupied buildings participate in emergency preparedness beyond just fire.
Labels: Current Events
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posted by Peter Prochilo
10/16/2007 02:57:00 PM
2 Comments:
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Bruce Lacillade said...
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I strongly support the third stairwell in a highrise building. As a retired Fire Prevention Inspector(Burlington,Ontario)
I was involved in the retro-fitting of a number of high-rise(>7 stories)residential bldgs.
Even though a Retro-fit Section was added to the Ontario Fire Code in the 1990's we still had to, at times, be rather creative in achieving compliance and at times go with meetint the 'intent'of the Code. A third stairwell will not only add to the safety of the evac. of the occupants but also aid in fire suppression. - Wed Oct 17, 10:23:00 AM EDT
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Peter Prochilo said...
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Comments below by George H. Potter:
Forty plus story hgh rises are extremely complicated structures. Thousands of persons, some, few or many, could be disabled or handicapped. The evacuation of these occupants and possible visitors is extremely complicated, and if free flowing access by fire and rescue responders is hampered by the flow of evacuees, the results could be disastrous. There are projects in the USA and world-wide for buildings surpassing 100 floors, hinting at occupancies of possibly 10,000 persons per building.
If builders and promoters oppose a third, or more stairwells, their utter disregard for life safety is obvious. It also indicates their total lack of respect for humanity. A point to ponder, how many of these grand and enlightened businessmen have their offices or corporate headquarters above the 10th floor?
George H. Potter
Fire Protection Specialist
High rise operations instructor - Fri Oct 19, 08:34:00 AM EDT
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