22 Unsecure and Contaminated Equipment

KING COUNTY FIRE MODEL PROCEDURE Unsecured and Contaminated Equipment Section 22 Adopted – 05/19/10 Revised -New 1.0

2.0

PURPOSE 1.1

This model procedure is endorsed by the King County Fire Chiefs as a template for planning and training for all fire departments within King County.

1.2

All Fire Departments within King County should develop local policies precluding the unsecured transport of hose and equipment. In light of cancer related illnesses and LODD of area firefighters, transport of contaminated hose in the cab following a fire is inconsistent with health and safety initiatives intended to enhance the welfare of firefighting personnel.

REFERENCES 2.1

RCW 46.61.655 Washington State Secure Load Law Washington State Law requires all loads to be secure. RCW 46.61.655, No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any public highway unless such vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping. A 2008 report by the AAA Foundation estimates 25,000 accidents a year result from unsecured loads in North America.

2.2

NFPA 15.10.7 Hose Storage to prevent unintentional deployment NFPA 15.10.7* - Any hose storage area shall be equipped with a positive means to prevent unintentional deployment of the hose from the top, front, and rear of the hose storage area while the apparatus is underway in normal operations.

2.3

Appendix 15.10.7 - Many fire departments have experienced fire hose inadvertently coming off the apparatus traveling to and from incidents. Several incidents have resulted in injuries, damage to property, and death.

3.0

DEFINITIONS - None

4.0

MODEL PROCEDURE

5.0

5.1

Discontinue the practice of transporting unsecured fire hose and equipment (e.g. on the rear step of the fire apparatus).

5.2

Discontinue the practice of transporting dirty fire hose in the cab of Fire apparatus or EMS vehicles due to its unsecured status and its contaminated condition.

RESPONSIBILITY 6.1

Policy development and implementation will be accomplished by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Unsecured and Contaminated Equipment

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Revised 5/19/10