Fire Brigade Requirements: What Hospitals Need To Know

Fire safety is paramount, especially in hospitals where vulnerable patients may struggle to evacuate. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has strict fire safety requirements, including the provision of fire extinguishers and fixed extinguishing systems. But do these regulations require hospitals to have fire brigades? OSHA's fire brigade standards outline the organization, training, and protective equipment requirements for fire brigades, but do these standards apply to hospitals? This is an important question to ensure hospitals are prepared and equipped to handle fires and keep patients and staff safe.

Fire brigade training

Fire safety training is an essential requirement for all staff working in the healthcare sector. Fire safety training in hospitals covers fire safety, fire prevention, and fire risk assessment. It is important to keep knowledge up to date and front of mind, and employers are legally required to provide fire safety training. Training can stop fires from happening in the first place and will keep staff safer in the event of a fire.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage firefighting. This program must be provided upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter.

The type, amount, and frequency of training and education will vary depending on the purposes for which fire brigades are organized. At a minimum, hands-on training is required to be conducted annually for all fire brigade members. However, for those fire brigade members who are expected to perform interior structural firefighting, some type of training or education session must be provided at least quarterly. In addition to the required hands-on training, it is strongly recommended that fire brigade members receive other types of training, including classroom instruction, review of emergency action procedures, pre-fire planning, and practice using self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fire safety training for hospitals should also include a description of the duties that fire brigade members are expected to perform, the line authority of each fire brigade officer, and the number of training instructors. It should also cover physical capability requirements, with employees who are unable to perform interior structural firefighting assigned less physically demanding tasks. Protective clothing requirements are also important, and fire brigade members must be provided with clothing that reflects the hazards expected to be encountered.

Hospitals are large and complex, and fire safety training must take into account the unique range of fire hazards and issues present in these settings. Fire safety training should cover fire prevention, fire risk assessment, and the use and storage of flammable substances. It should also address evacuation procedures, including assisting people with disabilities or vulnerabilities, guiding them to exits, and encouraging them to exit the building. Additionally, training should cover the importance of fire doors and the shutdown of machinery and power supplies in the event of a fire.

Firefighting equipment

Fire Extinguishers:

Fire extinguishers are fundamental firefighting tools, available in various types, such as water, foam, dry powder, or CO2-based extinguishers. Each type contains specific firefighting agents suited to different classes of fires, ranging from ordinary combustibles to electrical equipment and flammable liquids. Portable and versatile, they are essential for promptly suppressing small fires.

Fire Hose Reels and Cabinets:

Fire hose reels, permanently connected to a water supply, serve as a quick-response method for tackling fires in their early stages. They consist of a cylindrical metal spindle with a hose wound around it, along with a main valve, hose guide, and nozzle. Fire hose cabinets, usually made of steel, store essential fire equipment, including hose reels, extinguishers, and related assemblies. They protect the equipment from theft, vandalism, and dirt and are typically mounted in convenient locations for easy access during emergencies.

Protective Gear:

Protective gear, such as fire suits, gloves, and gas-tight suits, shields firefighters from extreme heat and hazardous environments. This equipment enables firefighters to navigate complex and dangerous areas safely, mitigating the impact of chemical hazards.

Training and Education:

Training and education are vital components of firefighting in hospitals. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires employers to provide educational programs to familiarize employees with fire extinguisher use and the associated hazards. Additionally, fire brigades or response teams in healthcare facilities must undergo training in accordance with OSHA's Fire Brigade Standard, covering topics like interior structural firefighting, emergency action procedures, and the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.

Technological Advancements:

Modern firefighting equipment includes technological advancements such as thermal imaging cameras and drones. Drones, equipped with advanced cameras, provide aerial views, enhancing fire assessment capabilities and allowing for more efficient and precise response strategies.

Protective clothing

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines specific requirements for protective clothing in the context of fire brigades. According to OSHA, the protective clothing requirements apply specifically to fire brigade members who engage in interior structural firefighting operations. These requirements do not extend to external firefighting operations, such as combating brush, forest fires, or crash crew operations.

The selection of protective clothing should be based on the anticipated hazards of the firefighting operation. For instance, foot and leg protection can be achieved through the use of long fire-resistive coats in conjunction with fully extended boots, or alternatively, shorter fire-resistive coats can be paired with protective boots. Firefighters also have access to reserve PPE, including protective jackets, pants, gloves, flame protection hoods, and Holland cloths.

It is important to address the potential health risks associated with contaminated protective clothing. Studies have indicated a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer among firefighters, which may be linked to exposure to hazardous substances, including flame retardant chemicals. Flame retardant contamination has been detected on protective clothing, and this exposure merits further investigation due to the potential health implications.

To mitigate these risks, companies like CWS offer services that include the collection, sorting, washing, drying, and inspection of protective clothing. They ensure that the clothing is free from harmful substances and meets regulatory standards. Additionally, CWS employs innovative washing processes, such as the LCO2 method, which effectively removes toxic residues, enhancing the hygiene and safety of the protective equipment.

Physical capability

The physical capability requirement applies only to those fire brigade members who perform interior structural firefighting. Employees who do not meet the physical capability requirement may still be a part of the fire brigade as long as they are not involved in interior structural firefighting.

Physically capable can be defined as being able to perform the duties specified in the training requirements of section 1910.156(c). This can be determined by physical performance tests or a physical examination by a physician who is aware of the duties that the fire brigade member is expected to perform. It is recommended that fire brigade members participate in a physical fitness program, as it may help to reduce the number of sprain and strain injuries and contribute to the improvement of the cardiovascular system.

Employers must ensure that employees expected to engage in interior structural firefighting are physically capable of performing their assigned duties during emergencies. Employees with known heart disease, epilepsy, or emphysema are not permitted to participate in fire brigade emergency activities unless a physician's certificate of fitness is provided.

Additionally, fire brigade members must be physically and medically capable of wearing respirators and trained in their use. They should perform a qualitative fit test to ensure the best face-to-facepiece seal. After this, the wearer should engage in physical activity reflecting the level of work expected during firefighting activities.

To summarize, physical capability is a crucial aspect of fire brigade membership, especially for those involved in interior structural firefighting. Employers must ensure their employees are physically capable and provide necessary accommodations or alternative duties for those who are not. Members should also be encouraged to participate in physical fitness programs to maintain their health and reduce injuries.

Fire prevention plans

Fire prevention in hospitals is of utmost importance, given the presence of vulnerable patients, expensive medical equipment, and valuable data. A fire can result in substantial property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. Therefore, hospitals must develop a comprehensive fire emergency plan that encompasses prevention strategies and rapid response protocols.

Prevention Measures

Prevention is the cornerstone of fire safety. Hospitals should incorporate fire-resistant materials in their construction and regulate hazardous substances. Smoking should be strictly prohibited, especially near oxygen supplies, as carelessness with cigarettes is a common cause of fires. Proper handling of electrical cords and equipment is essential, as faulty electrical wiring can be a fire hazard. Regular maintenance and testing of fire safety equipment, including alarms and detectors, are crucial to ensure they remain in working order.

Evacuation Plan

Establishing clear evacuation routes and procedures is vital, especially considering the presence of non-ambulatory patients in hospitals. Designated emergency exits should be easily accessible, with unobstructed corridors. Employers must ensure there are adequate exit routes during a fire, discharging directly outside or to a safe open space.

Staff Training

Comprehensive staff training is essential for an effective fire response. All staff should be trained in fire response procedures, including the use of firefighting equipment and safe patient evacuation. Regular fire drills provide hands-on experience and ensure staff familiarity with emergency protocols. Training should also cover the activation of fire alarms, the location of oxygen and compressed gas shut-off controls, and the importance of immediate action for patient safety.

Fire Protection Systems

Hospitals should be equipped with advanced fire protection systems, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarms, and sprinkler systems. ABC-rated fire extinguishers are suitable for addressing fires involving various materials. Smoke detectors, in conjunction with a commercial fire alarm monitoring system, ensure prompt notification of a fire and immediate response from emergency services. Automatic sprinkler systems are particularly effective in high-risk areas. Additionally, integrating smoke extraction systems into HVAC systems helps prevent smoke spread, enhancing safety and minimizing fire damage.

Regulatory Compliance

Hospitals must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding fire safety. OSHA requires employers to have a written fire prevention plan accessible to employees and to provide training on fire extinguisher use. The plan should include organizational details, such as the duties of fire brigade members, line authority, and the number of training instructors. OSHA also mandates the provision of adequate exit routes and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for fire brigades.

Frequently asked questions