The NIOSH report on the tragic loss of a Baltimore recruit firefighter was released by NIOSH. Among the recommendations listed:
screen recruits to ensure they meet the physical performance requirements as established by the fire department prior to entering a training program to become a fire fighter
develop an inspection criteria to ensure that all protective ensembles meet the requirements of NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles
Nationwide the two items need careful consideration(The notes below are not about the Baltimore Fire Department).
Recruit firefighters should be able to pass a physical performance test PRIOR to start of training. Forget letting them come to the floor first.
Probationary firefighters are often issued PPE not meeting 1851. In fact this author has photographs of some rookie gear. It is by all accounts in terrible condition.
After reading all three reports, (two Internal BFD and NIOSH) I'm amazed at how
Incompetent the Training Division was that day.
From failure of proper Command and Control, to lack of "Common Sense" related to RIT Preparation, Radio Availability, being in a hurry to perform the drill and failure to follow NFPA 1403-Live Fire Training, this incident shows how Indifference and Ego worked against those who knew better than those in charge of the
Drill site.
Rank out weighed common sense and SOG's.
A current article on line at Firehouse.com
entitled:
"Paralysis of Initative" by Eric Lamar
relates something similiar, involving the
Royal Navy, improper ship manuvers and the
resulting loss of the HMS Victora and 380 Officers and Crew members.
Posted by: uk-fb-buff | December 23, 2008 at 09:17 PM