Out There Now...
Visual Reminders for Safety
- Hydration Posters - Proper hydration, especially here in the desert, benefits job functions and recovery. These posters have been posted in station restrooms to help remind people to stay ahead of dehydration.
- "3 Points of Contact" - Injuries can occur when entering or exiting apparatus. To reduce this risk, the rule of thumb is to maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet), with steps or grab rails when descending or ascending the apparatus. Magnetic stickers have been placed on most TFD apparatus to improve awareness of this practice
- Chemical Storage - Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn around the chemical storage cabinets (rubber gloves and eye protection) to prevent the risk of skin or eye injuries. Safety signs to remind crews to wear proper PPE are in place where chemicals are stored.
Rehab Revamped
Workforce groups identified that Rehab operations on the fireground have been initiated with improved regularity. However, adherence to all guidelines and documentation compliance prior to release from rehab was lagging. The MOP for Rehab has since been updated and simplified. Rehab forms have also been generated and delivered to Medics. This is in the hope that they can better ensure everyone leaves the Rehab tent in good physical health, or receives proper care.
Rehab Audit
TFD Safety & Health Division has reviewed the updated Rehab forms to assess what resources, if any, are needed for the medic to ensure that everyone's health is properly evaluated and that rehab tents are set up with enough of the right equipment and a good distance away from the IDLH area. Based on the review, it was determined to include additional training for paramedics on the Rehab form as a component of the next Continuing Education, with noted improvements. The review process also resulted in a change to the physical measure section of the Rehab form, after consulting with the department physician.
Additional Safety Reminders
Other new safety efforts include recommendations from members of the TFD Safety, Health and Survival Committee, which aim to improve awareness of several of the always-present hazards and reduce the likelihood of injuries. Verbal communication of the reminders took place through the District Management meeting process.
Hose Tower PPE - Use of turnout gloves and eye protection is emphasized to help eliminate a number of the cuts, lacerations, and eye injuries.
Peer Safety Check - Significant risks remain during overhaul, demobilization, and clean-up activities; however, self- and situational-awareness are usually reduced. Before going back on the scene, make sure to complete a safety check of your partner to ensure that he or she is wearing all the proper PPE and that any piece of equipment is checked.
Additionally, crews are being reintroduced to the "Double Tap" check for safety readiness - seatbelts on, doors and compartments sealed, and loose items anchored - before rolling out to the call.