It is the intent of the Vista Fire District #1 to place the safety as a priority and to provide to our utmost ability for the safety of our personnel by developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating this Health and Safety Program. I. ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT The Vista Fire District #1 is located in the State of New York, County of Westchester, Town of Lewisboro, and was duly organized as a Fire Protection District to provide fire protection. Membership in the Vista Fire Department, Inc. is comprised of; Active, Associate, and Honorary members. The Vista Fire District #1 understanding its authority and responsibility for the active portion of the membership further divides the active membership into the following job classifications: 1- Interior Firefighters 2- Exterior Firefighters 3- Emergency Medical Technicians 4- Motor Pump Operators 5- Fire Police Officers 6- Logistics Personnel The Vista Fire Department, Inc. was organized to save lives, suppress and control fires, assist the sick and injured, and provide general assistance to the residents of the Vista Fire District #1 during an emergency situation. The Training Programs described by this Health and Safety Program are MINIMUM guidelines for; each class of Active membership, the Officers, and Department Instructors. The intent is to insure each active member has the minimum training to operate safely as a member of the team and to meet any other requirements imposed upon the active members. Additional training is encouraged for all active members. It is the commitment of this District to provide to the best of our ability; a safe operation, prevent accidents, illness, fatalities, comply with all applicable laws and regulations, establish safe work habits and establish written guidelines for all the active members. The Chief of the Department shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining these guidelines in accordance with this Health and Safety Program. These written guidelines shall include as a minimum the job descriptions, duties, and training requirements for each class of active membership. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 1
II. SAFETY OFFICER The Chief of the Department shall appoint a Safety Officer. The Safety Officer shall be chairman of the Safety Committee. The duties of the Safety Officer shall be defined in the Chief s Guidelines and must meet the requirements of OSHA / PESH. When applicable all attempts shall me made to comply with NFPA recommendations. The Safety Officer shall complete NYSOFPC s Incident Safety Officer Course. III. SAFETY COMMITTEE A Safety Committee shall be appointed by the Chief of the Department and shall continue in that position until relieved of those responsibilities. This committee shall serve in an advisory capacity and review the apparatus, facility, and procedures to insure the safety of the membership. This committee shall be chaired by the Safety Officer who shall report to the Chief with their findings at least once every six months. The Chief shall keep the Fire Commissioners abreast of the activities of the safety committee. IV. RECORD KEEPING The Chief of the Department shall establish a record collection system for such records as injuries, illnesses, deaths, exposure to toxic products and infectious diseases, maintenance and inspection of equipment, apparatus, facilities, and any other area deemed appropriate. In addition, the driver s license of all Department Drivers shall we witnessed and the number and expiration date shall be recorded. V. JOB DESCRIPTIONS The Vista Fire District understands that not all volunteers may desire or be able to meet the all encompassing job classification of FIREFIGHTER. In order to take full advantage of all the volunteers the Vista Fire District has divided the all encompassing firefighter job into the following six job classifications. Each of these classifications have different responsibilities and requirements. Active members may qualify for as many jobs as possible but must stay qualified in at least one to maintain his or her active status. Interior Firefighter shall perform duties of a structural firefighter in accordance with OSHA. This also includes emergency response to Haz-Mat and Rescue situations. The use of SCBA is mandatory. Shall attend 10% of calls annually. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 2
Exterior Firefighter shall perform only to their level of training. Shall work in a support roll for any of the skill positions; Interior Firefighter, EMT, or MPO. Shall attend 10% of calls annually. Emergency Medical Technician shall perform the duties of an EMT as described by NY State DOH plus assist the Safety Officer with accountability and medical evaluations during emergency operations. Shall attend 10% of calls annually. Motor Pump Operator shall perform the duties of driver and operator of the Fire District s vehicles. This will include operation of all pumps and generators. Fire Police Officer shall perform the duties as Fire Police in accordance with NY State Law. Logistics Personnel shall perform only to their level of training. Shall not respond to the emergency scene, rather respond to the firehouse and assist from there. (communications - staging - supply - etc) Rescue Diver (removed) VI. JOB REQUIREMENTS The following is a list of the MINIMUM requirements for each of the active member job classifications. Also listed are recommendations for additional training that the District feels should be completed. All members must be properly trained in a task prior to performing the task during emergency duty. Active members must meet the requirements of at least one job classification but may meet the requirements for more than one at a time. All NYSOFPC courses may be replaced by equivalent nationally recognized training. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 3
INTERIOR FIREFIGHTER Requirements: -be at least 18 years of age. -be approved by the District s Physician for Interior Firefighting. -NYSOFPC s Firefighter I -NYSOFPC s Firefighter Safety and Survival -NYSPFPC s Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations -OSHA Infection Control (Blood borne Pathogens) Training completed. -FEMA - National Incident Management System IS 700, IS 100 INTERIOR FIREFIGHTER (cont.) Additional Training Recommendations: -American Heart Association or Red Cross CPR for BLS providers -NYSOFPC s Fire Behavior and Arson Awareness course -NYSOFPC s Truck Company Operations course -NYSOFPC s Accident Victim Extrication Technician course - Current on Department Standard Operating Guidelines - Final approval by Chief of Department EXTERIOR FIREFIGHTER Requirements: -be at least 16 years of age. -be approved by the District s Physician for Exterior Firefighting. -NYSOFPC Scene Support Operations -NYSPFPC s Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations -OSHA Infection Control (Blood borne Pathogens) Training completed. - Current on Department Standard Operating Guidelines -Chief s approval based on proven ability. -FEMA - National Incident Management System IS 700, IS 100 Additional Training Recommendations: -work towards Interior Firefighter, MPO, and/or EMT level. -American Heart Association or Red Cross CPR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN Requirements: -be at least 18 years of age. -current NY State EMT/D and CPR certifications. -be approved by the District s Physician for all EMT duties. -OSHA Haz-Mat 1 st Responder Awareness Level completed. -OSHA Hazard Communication Training (Right-to-know) completed. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 4
-OSHA Infection Control (Blood borne Pathogens) Training completed. - Current on Department Standard Operating Guidelines -FEMA - National Incident Management System IS 700, IS 100 MOTOR PUMP OPERATOR Requirements: -be at least 18 years of age. -be approved by the District s Physician for all MPO duties. -have a valid NY or CT driver s license. -National Safety Council s Defensive Driving course completed. -OSHA Haz-Mat 1 st Responder Awareness Level completed. -OSHA Hazard Communication Training (Right-to-know) completed. -OSHA Infection Control (Blood borne Pathogens) Training completed. -NYSOFPC s Scene Support Operations -NYSOFPC s Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) -NYSOFPC Emergency Vehicle Operator: Pumps -Qualified by the Chief to operate all apparatus. -FEMA - National Incident Management System IS 700, IS 100 Additional Training Recommendations: -NYSOFPC s Rural Water Supply course. -CDL License FIRE POLICE OFFICER Requirements: -be at least 18 years of age. -be approved by the District s Physician for all Fire Police duties. -complete a NY State approved Fire Police training course. -be sworn in by the Town of Lewisboro as a Fire Police Officer. -OSHA Haz-Mat 1 st Responder Awareness Level training completed. -OSHA Hazard Communication Training (Right-to-know) completed. -FEMA - National Incident Management System IS 700, IS 100 -OSHA Infection Control (Blood borne Pathogens) Training completed. -Chief s approval based on proven ability. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 5
LOGISTICS PERSONNEL Requirements: -be at least 16 years of age. Vista Fire District # 1 Additional Training Recommendations: -work towards Exterior/Interior Firefighter, MPO, or EMT status. -Chief s approval based on proven ability. VII. INSERVICE TRAINING (CONTINUING EDUCATION) Each year active members are required to obtain refresher training based on their Active Status. This refresher training is very important due to our low call volume thus lack of actual hands on experience throughout a year. Any member who fails to obtain the In-service Training for a particular job classification shall be dropped from that particular status until the In-service Training is completed. Any member failing to obtain the Inservice training for any one of our job classifications for an entire year shall be dropped from the Active Rolls of the Department. The following is the In-service Training required by job classification: Interior Firefighter -OSHA s 8 hours of firefighter safety training. -OSHA refresher training for Haz-Mat Ops. -OSHA refresher training for Hazard Communications. -OSHA refresher training for Infection Control. -Live fire training at least once every 6 months. -continued Fire District Physician s approval as an Interior Firefighter. -at least one drill a month unless taking other training. Exterior Firefighter -OSHA s 8 hours of firefighter safety training. -OSHA refresher training for Haz-Mat Awareness. -OSHA refresher training for Hazard Communications. -OSHA refresher training for Infection Control. -at least one drill per month unless taking other training. -continued Fire District Physician s approval as an Exterior Firefighter. Emergency Medical Technician -OSHA s 8 hours of firefighter safety training. -OSHA refresher training for Haz-Mat Awareness. -OSHA refresher training for Hazard Communications. -OSHA refresher training for Infection Control. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 6
-Defibrillation training once every 6 months. -participation in the EMS Quality Assurance / Improvement Program. -continued Fire District Physician s approval as an EMT. -at least one drill per month unless taking other training. -Albuterol Protocol Annual Training -Epi-Pen Protocol Annual Training -Aspirin Protocol Annual Training -At least 1 Call Audit per year Motor Pump Operator -OSHA s 8 hours of firefighter safety training. -OSHA refresher training for Haz-Mat Awareness. -OSHA refresher training for Hazard Communications. -OSHA refresher training for Infection Control. -Annually prove competency on each piece of apparatus via drills, calls, or re-qualification. (driving and pumping) -current Defensive Driving card -continued Fire District Physician s approval as a MPO. -at least one drill per quarter. Fire Police Officer -OSHA s 8 hours of firefighter safety training. -OSHA refresher training for Haz-Mat Awareness. -OSHA refresher training for Hazard Communications. -continued Fire District Physician s approval as a Fire Police Officer. -at least one drill per quarter. Logistics Personnel -OSHA s 8 hours of firefighter safety training. -OSHA refresher training for Hazard Communications. -continued Fire District Physician s approval as Logistics Personnel. -one drill per month unless taking other training. All NYSOFPC courses may be replaced by equivalent nationally recognized training. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 7
VIII. DRIVERS All drivers of Fire District apparatus shall meet the following requirements: -have a valid NY or CT drivers license on file with the Chief. -have a current National Safety Council Defensive Driving Card, or Emergency Vehicle Operators Course certificate on file with the Chief within one year of qualification. -pass the Chief s qualification requirements for operation of each vehicle. This shall include demonstration of: >ability to safely operate the vehicle. >ability to operate pumps and generators mounted on the vehicle. >knowledge of proper radio operations. >knowledge of the Vista Fire District s roads and primary hospitals. >knowledge of location of equipment carried on the vehicle. >knowledge of Department s driving procedures. IX. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING All active members will be issued protective clothing (gear) based on their job responsibilities. All members are to wear their gear during calls to duty and training evaluations as specified by the Chief s Operating Guidelines. No member is to commence any operation without the proper gear for the job. -If any gear is damaged it is to be reported to the Chief or assigned delegate. -All issued gear will meet or exceed OSHA standards for the intended operation. -Each member is to see that their gear is clean and properly maintained. -Gear Shall be annually inspected by the Chief's designee. X. EQUIPMENT It is the intent of the Vista Fire District to provide the best possible equipment for the active membership to accomplish their jobs. The Chief shall assign members to see that all apparatus and equipment is inspected and maintained on a regular basis as described by the manufacturer and/or OSHA. SCBA with PASS alarms are provided on each piece of apparatus for use by the active members. SCBA is to be worn by approved active members assigned to work in potentially dangerous atmospheres. The Chief s Operating Guidelines shall specify the procedures and situations for mandatory SCBA use. Any member who is approved to do so may obtain an SCBA prior to commencing any assigned work. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 8
XI. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS No operation shall be attempted unless there is sufficient resources to safely conduct the operations. All operations in dangerous areas shall be conducted in teams of two or three who are trained and equipped as Interior Firefighters. The Chief s Operating Guidelines shall establish a personnel accountability system to be used during all interior firefights, Hazardous Materials situations, and any other response where the situation could lead to the need for such a system. Because special situations require special procedures and no two emergency situations are the same the Chief shall provide written Operating Guidelines to all active members. These guidelines shall establish procedures to be followed during emergency calls. The Chief shall see that these guidelines are reinforced during drills. The establishment of these guidelines will be an on going task for the Chief and may be updated and added to by the Chief at any time as long as they comply with this Health and Safety Program. XII. FACILITY SAFETY The Vista Fire District shall make every attempt to provide a safe firehouse and comply with all applicable codes. The Chief s Safety Committee shall inspect the facility at least every 6 months and report their findings to the Chief. XIII. MEDICAL All active members shall receive a physical prior to commencing active duty and at such further intervals as specified by the District s Medical Team. The Medical Team shall determine the members ability to fully operate at any of the job classifications established by this Health and Safety Program plus their ability to use SCBA and drive apparatus during emergency situations. The medical approval alone does not certify a member for a particular job. These physicals shall be provided at no charge to the member. The District s Medical Team shall maintain all confidential medical records. The District and Chiefs shall be told only what jobs a member is medically approved for, weather an individual may wear SCBA, and weather an individual may drive. If a member receives a physical from another licensed physician the information must be forwarded to the District s Medical Team who will determine the members medical status. The District s Medical Team may require additional testing in order to determine the members potential status. The Fire District will not pay for medical exams performed outside of the District s Medical Team. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 9
If an Active Member goes out on medical leave they must obtain the approval of the District s Medical team prior to returning to Active Service. XIV. ALCOHOL Under no circumstances shall an active member act in the official capacity of an active Firefighter, EMT, MPO, or other Fire District or Department capacity when the consumption of alcohol or other substance may affect their ability to perform in a safe manner. (Refer to Fire District Policy. Addendum #1) XV. CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS Any member feeling the need may contact the Westchester County Critical Incident Stress Team through 60-Control s non-emergency phone number at any time for themselves. After any emotional call the Chief, Assistant Chief or Safety Officer may contact the team for all responding members. Remember what you do as an emergency responder is not normal by the general public s view so the help you seek should come from people who understand the emergency responder make-up. This program is confidential and is there to help those who help others deal with the stress sometimes brought on by doing your duty. XVI. PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM The Fire District encourages all active members to participate in a physical fitness program. The Fire District will provide Active Members with access to a physical fitness program. Members must adhere to the district policy on health club membership. XVII. DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTORS It is the commitment of this Fire District to provide the active members with the best possible training. Instructors for all initial training classes shall be certified instructors for the topic by their appropriate agency (NYSOFPC, NYS-DOH, RED CROSS, etc) Instructors for in-service / refresher training may be done by Vista Fire Department Instructors. Vista Fire Department Instructors shall meet the following requirements: -have successfully completed the initial training for the particular subject. -have demonstrated to the Chief a working knowledge of the subject. -have demonstrated to the Chief an ability to present the subject effectively. -have a course outline meeting the Chief s Guidelines with approval of the Chief. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 10
XVIII. OFFICERS The Vista Fire District shall appoint the following Line Officers to run the day to day operations of the Department in accordance with New York State Law and this Health and Safety Program. Due to the nature of our Fire District it is understood the Chief and Assistant Chiefs may not be available for all the emergency responses thus to insure the safety of the responding members the Vista Fire District shall approve all Line Officers prior to taking office. Line Officer Positions Fire Response and Operations: -Chief -1 st Assistant Chief -2 nd Assistant Chief Fire Captain EMS Captain (Only EMS Response and Operations) Fire Lieutenant EMS Lieutenant (Only EMS Response and Operations) Appointments of the Chief and Assistant Chiefs along with the approval of all other Line Officers shall be made by the Fire District at their April meeting or as soon as possible there after following New York State rules and regulations. All Line Officers serve a one year term, May 1 st through April 30 th. All Line Officers must at the time they take Office meet all the requirements for the position as set forward in this Health and Safety Program. If at any time during the term there is a vacancy in the Fire District approved officer ranks, the Fire Department Inc. policy on filling of vacancies (addendum #2) shall be followed with results subject to approval by the Fire District in accordance with New York State Fire Laws. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 11
XIX. OFFICER REQUIREMENTS Vista Fire District # 1 The following are the minimum requirements to hold a Line Officer position plus recommendations of training courses that should be completed. All NYSOFPC courses may be replaced by equivalent nationally recognized training. FIRE LIEUTENANT requirements: -must be at least 21 years of age. -must have a minimum of 2 consecutive years of active service with the Vista Fire Department prior to approval. -must have completed NYSOFPC s Fire Fighter I and Firefighter II -NYSOFPC s Incident Safety Officer Course -must have completed Incident Command IS 700 and IS 100 must be an Interior Firefighter or Exterior Firefighter. recommended NYSOFPC courses: NYSOFPC s Intro to Fire Officer EMS LIEUTENANT (EMS Operations and Responses only) requirements: -must be at least 21 years of age. -must have a minimum of 2 consecutive years of active service with the Vista Fire Department prior to approval. -current NY State EMT/D and CPR certifications. -an active EMT for a minimum three years -complete IS 100, IS 200 and IS-700 Additional Training Recommendations: -EMS Leadership Academy which is provided yearly CAPTAIN requirements: -must have served at least one year as an Officer with the Vista FD. -must have a minimum of 4 consecutive years of active service with the Vista Fire Department. -must maintain Interior or Exterior Firefighter Status. Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 12
-must have completed NYSOFPC s Fire Fighter I and Firefighter II - NYSOFPC s Inro to Fire Officer and Fire Officer I -NYSOFPC s Incident Safety Officer Course -must have completed Incident Command IS 700 and IS 100 recommended NYSOFPC courses: -Haz-Mat Incident Command -Fire Behavior and Arson Awareness -Principles of Fire Investigation EMS Captain (EMS Operations and Responses only) requirements:. -must have a minimum of 4 consecutive years of active service with the Vista Fire Department prior to approval. -current NY State EMT/D and CPR certifications. -an active EMT for a minimum three years -complete IS 100, IS 200 and IS-700 Additional Training Recommendations: -EMS Leadership Academy which is provided yearly ASSISTANT CHIEF requirements: -must have served at least one year as Captain with the Vista FD. -must have a minimum of 4 consecutive years of active service with the Vista Fire Department. -must have completed NYSOFPC s Fire Fighter I and Firefighter II - NYSOFPC s Inro to Fire Officer and Fire Officer I -NYSOFPC s Incident Safety Officer Course -must have completed Incident Command IS 700 and IS 100 -must maintain Interior or Exterior Firefighter Status. -NYSOFPC Behavior, Arson Awareness -must completed the following NYSOFPC courses as soon as possible: >Haz-Mat Incident Command Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 13
>Cause and Origin Determination or Principles of Fire Investigation. CHIEF requirements: -must have served at least one year as Chief or Assistant Chief with the Vista FD. -must have a minimum of 4 consecutive years of active service with the Vista Fire Department. -must maintain Interior or Exterior Firefighter Status. -must have completed NYSOFPC s Fire Fighter I and Firefighter II - NYSOFPC s Inro to Fire Officer and Fire Officer I -NYSOFPC s Incident Safety Officer Course -must have completed Incident Command IS 700 and IS 100, IS 200, IS 300 recommended NYSOFPC courses: -Additional Fire Officer / Management courses as offered. This Health and Safety Program is adopted by the Vista Fire District #1 on: January 6, 2011 2010 and shall remain in effect until revoked by a majority vote of the Vista Fire District #1 s Board of Fire Commissioners: Members: Commissioner Jim Hackett Chairman Adam Ochs Commissoiner Robin Price, Jr. Commissoiner Peter Raho Commissioner Steven Woodstead Revised 04/05/10 WRD Page 14