New Mexico Administrative Code, Part 2, Section 11.5.2.10 - FIREFIGHTING | New Mexico Administrative Code

A. Scope and application:

(1) Scope and purpose: This standard establishes minimum requirements for personal protective clothing and equipment, training, respiratory protection, and medical surveillance for firefighters when exposed to the hazards of firefighting activity. This standard is not intended to supersede any more stringent requirements in effect at any fire department in the state. Fire departments are encouraged to provide protection that exceeds the minimum requirements specified in the standard. This standard is not intended to cover catastrophic situations where private citizens not trained in firefighting are pressed into service.

(2) Application: The requirements of this standard apply to public fire departments, including those composed of private or contractual type fire departments primarily performing duties normally performed by public fire departments, and forest firefighting operations. For the requirements applicable to fire brigades, industrial fire departments, and private or contractual type fire departments generally, see 29 CFR Part 1910.156, Fire Brigades.

B. Firefighting equipment:

(1) General requirements:

(a) All firefighting equipment acquired after July 1, 1989 shall meet or exceed the requirements of the appropriate NFPA standard as published in the national fire codes as specified in Subsection K of this section.

(b) The employer shall inspect firefighting equipment at least annually and maintain records of such inspections. Firefighting equipment that is damaged or in an unserviceable condition shall be repaired or removed from service.

(c) A visual inspection of all equipment which has been utilized for firefighting shall be performed after each fire run or daily, whichever is less frequent.

(d) Personal protective clothing and equipment specified in this regulation shall be provided at no cost to the employee, or the employee shall be reimbursed for the purchase of such clothing and equipment. The protective clothing and equipment shall be used whenever such employees are required to work in a hazardous environment that may be encountered during firefighting activities or under similar conditions during training activities.

(e) The employer shall assure that protective clothing protects the head, body, and extremities, and consists of at least the following components: foot and leg protection; hand protection; eye, face and head protection.

(f) The employer shall assure proper maintenance and use of all protective clothing and equipment.

(g) Employees shall be instructed to wear or utilize appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment when directed to work in a hazardous environment until such time as the officer in charge determines that such protection is no longer required.

(h) Personal protective clothing and equipment that has become damaged or otherwise defective to the point of voiding its intended protection shall be repaired or removed from service.

(2) Foot and leg protection:

(a) Foot and leg protection for structural firefighting may be achieved by either of the following methods:

(i) fully extended boots which provide protection for the entire leg; or

(ii) protective shoes or boots worn in combination with protective trousers that meet the requirements of Subsection E of this section.

(b) Protective footwear for structural firefighting or turnout boots shall meet the requirements of ASTM F2412-05 "test methods for foot protection" and ASTM F2413-05 "specification for performance requirements for foot protection" for class 75 footwear and shall have sole penetration resistance of 300 pounds (1330N) when tested in accordance with MIL-B-2885D (1973) and amendment dated 1975, "Military Specification for Firemen's Boots". In addition, protective footwear shall be water resistant for at least five inches (12.7 cm) above the bottom of the heel and shall be equipped with slip resistant outer soles.

(c) Foot and leg protection provided for other than structural fires shall be appropriate for the potential hazards.

(3) Body protection:

(a) Body protection shall be provided for each firefighter when exposed to the hazards of structural firefighting activity. Body protection shall consist of turnout clothing or an appropriate combination of a turnout coat and protective clothing meeting the requirements of this section.

(b) Performance, construction, testing and certification of firefighter turnout clothing and protective clothing shall be at least equivalent to the requirements of NFPA standard no. 1971 "protective ensemble for structural fire fighting" (2007 edition).

(c) Turnout coats in combination with turnout trousers, or turnout coats and protective clothing meeting these requirements shall be worn on all structural fires until such time as the officer in charge determines that such protection is no longer required. Body protection provided for other than structural fires shall be appropriate for the potential hazards.

(4) Hand protection:

(a) Protective gloves shall be provided for each firefighter when exposed to the hazards of structural firefighting activity. Such protective gloves shall be properly sized and suitable to the hazards encountered in fires and fire related emergencies.

(b) Protective gloves for firefighting shall be made of durable material designed to withstand the effects of flame, heat, vapor, liquids, sharp objects and other hazards encountered in fires and firefighting or shall be appropriate for the hazards encountered.

(c) Protective gloves shall meet the requirements of NFPA standard no. 1971, "protective ensemble for structural firefighting" (2007 edition), or a similar nationally approved standard.

(5) Head protection:

(a) Head protection shall be provided for each firefighter, and shall be maintained in a location of readiness for immediate response to fires and like emergencies. Head protection shall be worn by firefighters whenever they are exposed to head injury hazard. Head protection is normally provided for firefighters through the use of helmets.

(b) Helmets provided for use in structural firefighting shall meet the performance, construction, and testing requirements of NFPA standard no. 1971, "protective ensemble for structural firefighting" (2007 edition).

(6) Eye and face protection: employees exposed to eye or facial hazards shall be protected in accordance with the following provisions.

(a) Face shields of plastic or glass shall meet the optical qualities, impact resistance, and light transmission standards specified in ANSI Z87.1-2003, "practice for occupational and educational eye and face protection".

(b) Whenever eye and face protection is not provided by the breathing apparatus facepiece, the face of the firefighter engaged in structural firefighting shall be protected by a face shield attached to the helmet or goggles and either heat and flame resistant hood or high collar and throat strap.

(c) Eye and face protection provided for other than structural fires shall be appropriate for the potential hazards.

C. Medical review:

(1) Firefighting activity requires that a firefighter be able to work with extreme exertion and with agility and endurance in a wide variety of hazardous situations in order to assure the safety of the firefighter and others. The exposures include ranges of heat and cold, smoke, possible allergens and toxins, and noise. The settings include those with poor lighting, slippery surfaces, confined spaces, and heights. The firefighter must be able to work using a self-contained breathing apparatus. The firefighter's life and safety as well as the lives and safety of others depend upon the firefighter's being physically and emotionally fit to work effectively in such situations.

(2) The employer shall assure that firefighters are physically and emotionally capable of performing the specific duties which may be assigned to them by instituting a program of medical review.

(3) Medical review is not intended to eliminate those volunteer firefighters from performing firefighting activities consistent with their medical limitations.

(4) Initial requirements:

(a) At the time of initial assignment the employer shall ensure that each firefighter completes the following forms or equivalents: "medical history for firefighters" Subsection L of this section; "performance criteria for firefighters" Subsection M of this section; and a medical screening examination, performed in conformance with the "medical screening form for firefighters" Subsection N of this section.

(b) Candidates for firefighting activities answering "yes" to any of the questions or with responses left blank or specified as uncertain on the "medical history for firefighters" Subsection L of this section shall be certified for firefighting activities by a physician in accordance with the "physician's certification criteria for firefighters" Subsection O of this section with the following exceptions: if a firefighter answers "yes" to item 21 or 22 of the "medical history for firefighters" Subsection L of this section, a certification from a specialist (e.g. optometrist, ophthalmologist, or audiologist) that the individual can function as a firefighter will suffice in lieu of a complete physician's certification; and if a firefighter answers "no" to item 27 of the "medical history for firefighters" Subsection L of this section, the employer is required to make a tetanus immunization available to the firefighter.

(c) A physician certifying a firefighter shall be provided with a copy of the medical requirements of this section.

(d) Candidates for firefighting activities answering "yes" to any of the questions or with responses left blank or specified as uncertain on the "performance criteria for firefighters" Subsection M of this section may be allowed to perform only those duties for which the employer determines they are fit.

(e) Candidates for firefighting activities who have been screened in accordance with the "medical screening for firefighters" Subsection N of this section and the health professional has designated an answer as "yes", the candidate shall be certified by a physician in accordance with the "physician's certification criteria for firefighters" Subsection O of this section with the following exception.

(f) If the response to item 4, 5, 6 or 7 is "yes", a certification from an optometrist or ophthalmologist that the individual can function as a firefighter in accordance with item 2 of the "physician's certification criteria for firefighters" Subsection O of this section will suffice in lieu of a complete physician's certification.

(5) Periodic requirements: The employer shall ensure that the medical surveillance required by this standard be performed every five years for firefighters below age 35, every two years from ages 35 to 45, and annually after age 45.

(6) Removal: A firefighter may be removed from firefighting activities when the employer becomes aware of a physical or mental condition as specified in Subsections K through R of this section which would affect the safe performance of specifically assigned duties. A firefighter shall be removed from those firefighting duties when it is certified that a firefighter has a physical or mental condition as specified in Subsections K through R of this section which would affect the safe performance of specifically assigned duties. The firefighter may return to such activities only after the changed capability is restored or the firefighter has been approved for those duties by a physician.

(7) Records:

(a) The employer shall maintain the medical records required in this standard for the length of employment of each firefighter plus five years.

(b) The employer shall make available upon request all records required to be maintained by this standard to the bureau for examination and copying.

D. Training:

(1) The employer shall provide training and education for all firefighters commensurate with those duties and functions that firefighters are expected to perform. Such training and education shall be provided to firefighters before they perform emergency activities.

(2) Formal training or education shall be provided at least annually, and at least quarterly for those expected to perform interior structural firefighting.

(3) Suggested training sources are included in Subsection P of this section.

E. Respiratory protection equipment: Employers shall comply with the provisions of 29 CFR Part 1910.134, Respiratory Protection (internet: www.osha.gov).

F. Confined spaces: All confined spaces shall be considered to be immediately dangerous to life or health unless proven otherwise. No firefighter shall be permitted to enter a confined space for firefighting operations, including emergency rescue operations, without wearing a SCBA. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to, wells, cisterns, tunnels, pits and other such spaces where oxygen deficiency or hazardous airborne materials, or both, may be present.

G. Vision: Corrective lenses, if required, shall be fitted in the facepiece in way that provides good vision and shall be worn in such a manner as not to interfere with the seal of the face of the facepiece.

H. Absorption through or irritation of the skin: If toxic materials which irritate or can be absorbed through the skin are encountered or suspected and protective clothing worn by firefighters as specified in Subsection E of this section does not provide adequate protection, an effective fully body covering suit of impermeable materials shall be worn with the SCBA, as specified in hazardous chemical data, NFPA "fire protection guide to hazardous materials 2001 edition".

I. Effects of ionizing radiation on the skin and whole body: The SCBA will not protect the skin or whole body against ionizing radiation from airborne concentrations of certain radioactive materials. All users of SCBA in such contaminated atmospheres shall be made aware of the fact that special protection is necessary in addition to the SCBA.

J. Notification requirements: Employers shall comply with the provisions of 11.5.1.16 NMAC, Recordkeeping and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.

K. References:

(1) The following references are published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269:

(a) NFPA standard no. 1500, "fire department occupational safety and health program" (2007 edition);

(b) NFPA standard no. 1901, "automotive fire apparatus" (2003 edition);

(c) NFPA standard no. 1961, "fire hose" (2007 edition);

(d) NFPA standard no. 1962, "inspection, care, and use of firehose, couplings, and nozzles and the service testing of fire hose" (2003 edition);

(e) NFPA standard no. 1971, "protective ensemble for structural fire fighting" (2007 edition);

(f) NFPA standard no. 1981, "open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for emergency services" (2007 version); and

(g) NFPA "fire protection guide to hazardous materials" (2001 edition).

(2) The following references are published by the American National Safety Institute Inc. (ANSI), 1430 Broadway, New York, 10018:

(a) ASTM F2412-05 "test methods for foot protection" and ASTM F2413-05 "specification for performance requirements for foot protection,";

(b) standard no. Z89.1-2003, "American national standard for industrial head protection";

(c) ANSI standard no. Z87.1-2003, "practice for occupational and educational eye and face protection";

(d) ANSI/CGA G-7.1-2004, "American national standard commodity specification for air";

(e) ANSI Z88.2-1980, "standard practices for respiratory protection"; and

(f) ANSI S3.6-2004 "specification[s] for audiometers".

(3) Copies of the references listed in Paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection are available for review in the Santa Fe office of the bureau.

L. Medical history form: The following form shall be used to record each firefighter's medical history:

MEDICAL HISTORY FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Name of Individual: ______________________________________________

Social Security No: _______________________________________________

Check appropriate response to each question.

Do you have or have you ever had:

NO YES

1. Emphysema () ()

2. Chronic bronchitis () ()

3. Asthma () ()

4. Daily cough persistent for more than eight (8) weeks () ()

5. Coronary heart disease (heart attack or angina pectoris) () ()

6. History of heart murmur, congenital heart problem or

rheumatic fever. () ()

7. Shortness of breath, difficulty staying up with healthy

adults, or walking briskly 1/4 mile. () ()

8. Irregular heart beat or palpitations of heart () ()

9. Chest pain with exertion () ()

10. Other heart problem () ()

11. High blood pressure () ()

12. Diabetes () ()

13. Epilepsy or seizures () ()

14. Emotional illness () ()

15. Arthritis () ()

16. Back disease or injury () ()

17. Neurologic disorder (nerve or brain disease) () ()

18. Disease of muscle or bone () ()

19. Recurrent fainting or dizziness () ()

Do you now have:

20. Other respiratory problem (severe or persistent) () ()

21. Impaired hearing () ()

22. Impaired vision (unless corrected with glasses) () ()

23. Hernia () ()

24. Allergies to substances in the environment or to smoke () ()

25. Other chronic serious disorders or disease requiring

medication or medical care () ()

26. Alcohol or drug abuse problems () ( )

27. Tetanus immunization within 10 years is important.

For prevention of Tetanus. Have you had a Tetanus

immunization within 10 years? () ()

I certify that the answers to the above questions are true to the best of my knowledge.

_________________ _______________________________

DATE SIGNATURE

M. Performance criteria form. The following form shall be used to record each firefighter's performance criteria:

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Name of Individual: __________________________________________________

Social Security No: ___________________________________________________

Check appropriate response to each question. When in doubt record "Yes". You need only answer the questions which apply to your work.

Do you have any physical or mental condition that would hamper your ability to do any of the following:

NO YES

1. Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) () ()

2. Run () ( )

3. Stand continuously for three (3) hours () ()

4. Keep balance ( ) ()

5. Crawl () ()

6. Kneel () ()

7. Climb/work at heights greater than 10 feet () ()

8. Work in tight or enclosed places () ()

9. Reach above shoulder height with both arms () ()

10. Fully use both hands () ()

11. Use heavy exertion suddenly and continuously () ()

Is there any reason that you cannot work under any of the following environmental conditions?

NO YES

1. Very dry air () ()

2. Very humid air () ()

3. On slippery surfaces () ()

4. Heat () ()

5. Cold () ()

6. Very bright light () ()

7. Very dim light () ()

8. Noise () ()

9. Dust () ()

10. Smoke () ()

I certify that my answers to the above questions are true to the best of my knowledge.

_____________________ ________________________________

DATE SIGNATURE

N. Medical screening form. The following form shall be used for medical screening of each firefighter:

MEDICAL SCREENING FORM FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Name of Individual: _________________________________________________

Social Security No: __________________________________________________

Check appropriate response to each question. When in doubt record "Yes".

NO / YES

1. Systolic blood pressure (sitting) above 150 mm Hg () ()

2. Diastolic blood pressure (sitting) above 100 mm Hg () ()

3. Pulse (sitting) above 95 beats/min. () ( )

Snellen test (contact lens not allowed)

4. Left eye (corrected) worse than 20/30 () ()

5. Right eye (corrected) worse than 20/30 () ()

6. Left eye (uncorrected) worse than 20/200 () ()

7. Right eye (uncorrected) worse than 20/200 () ()

I certify that the findings are accurate.

________________________ ________________________________

DATE SIGNATURE

_________________________________

PRINT NAME

__________________________________

PRINT PROFESSIONAL TITLE

O. Physician's certification criteria. The following criteria shall be used by any physician in the examination of any firefighter for certification:

PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATION CRITERIA FOR FIREFIGHTERS

1. Hearing threshold level (corrected) in both ears not over 30 dB average at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz, with no single frequency over 35 dB and not over 55 dB at 4,000 Hz based on the zero reference level as specified in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) S3.6-1969 (R1973) "Specifications for Audiometers".

2. Vision acuity worse than 20/30 (corrected) or 20/200 (uncorrected) in either eye. (Contact lenses are not permitted.)

3. Cardiovascular disease including (a) either history or electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infraction or angina pectoris, (b) abnormal electrocardiogram with dysrhythmia, conduction block, or chamber hypertrophy, unless specifically waived as being at risk for firefighting duties by a physician, and (c) systemic arterial hypertension uncontrolled down to levels below 150 mm Hg systolic and 100 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure.

4. Seizure disorder of any type unless free of seizures and not taking anti-seizure medication throughout previous five (5) years.

5. Chronic obstructive or chronic restrictive lung disease with vital capacity or forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) less than 75% predicted, or bronchial asthma requiring chronic or intermittent medication.

6. Other physical or mental conditions that preclude (a) strenuous effort (b) mobility, agility or alertness in dangerous situations, or (c) the carrying out of the duties of a firefighter without excess risk of harm to the firefighter's health or safety.

7. Incomplete tetanus immunization.

P. Suggested training sources:

(1) International Fire Service Training Association, Oklahoma State University, Fire Protection Publication, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-0118.

(2) National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.

(3) New Mexico State Fire Marshal's office, P.O. Box 1269, Santa Fe, NM 87504.

(4) National Inter-agency Qualification System, Publication Management System, 3833 S. Development Way, Boise, Idaho 83705.

Q. Inspection and maintenance check list for self-contained breathing apparatus:

SERIAL #______ MANUFACTURER _____________ MODEL #______ LOCATION #____________

REGULATOR CHECK

CYLINDER CHECK

AUDI-LARM CHECK

APPARTUS CHECK

FACEPIECE CHECK

GASKET & AIRLEAK TEST

REMARKS

INSPECTED BY & DATE

1. Regulator Check: The functions of the reducing value and of the emergency by-pass valve shall be checked for proper operation.

2. Cylinder Check: Cylinder pressure shall be at least 80% of the full operating pressure. Observation of cylinder pressure gauge and regulator guage for corresponding pressure.

3. Audi-Larm Check: Check for Audi-Larm function when system is activated and again when system is deactivated and pressure falls below 400-600 psi.

4. Apparatus Check: Inspect conditions of straps on harness, tightness of screws and fasteners, and locking devices.

5. Facepiece Check: Inspect facepiece components for damage and the condition of headband straps, exhalation valve, speaking diaphragm, breathing tube and facepiece lens.

6. Gasket & Airleak Test: Inspect condition of breathing tube, "O" rings, and speaking diaphragm. If a leak is suspected, apply soapy water to the threaded connection between the valve body and the cylinder, to the pressure gage and its connection between the valve body, to the safety plug, and to the regulator. Open the cylinder valve and apply soapy water to the valve stem and packing gland nut. Expanding bubbles indicate leaks.

7. Remarks: Use this column to list and describe any replacement parts used or any repairs made to the SCBA.

R. Qualitative fit test protocols (QLFT):

(1) Irritant smoke test: The irritant smoke is produced by air flowing through a commercially available stannic tetrachloride or titanium tetrachloride smoke tube normally used to check the performance of ventilation systems. Ventilation should be provided in the test room to prevent contamination of the room with smoke. If the respirator wearer detects penetration of smoke in the respirator during the test, the wearer should be permitted to readjust the seal of the SCBA. The test operator operates the smoke tube to direct smoke over the SCBA while the wearer is inhaling, keeping the smoke tube about one foot from the facepiece, and watches the reactions of the wearer. If the wearer does not detect penetration of smoke into the facepiece, the test operator moves the smoke tube closer to the facepiece and observes the reactions of the wearer. When the smoke tube has moved to within six inches of the facepiece and the wearer still has not detected penetration of smoke, the smoke may be directed at potential sources of leakage (for example, beneath the chin and around the cheeks, temples and forehead) in the seal of the facepiece to the wearer. If the wearer still does not detect penetration of smoke, the wearer should carry out a series of exercises such as deep breathing, turning the head from side to side, nodding the head up and down, frowning, and talking while smoke is directed at the respirator. If the wearer is unable to detect penetration of smoke, a satisfactory fit has been achieved.

(2) Odorous vapor test:

(a) A material commonly used in the odorous vapor test is isoamyl acetate. The simplest means of carrying out the test is to saturate a piece of fabric or sponge or fill a stencil brush with liquid isoamyl acetate and then move the fabric, sponge or stencil brush around the facepiece of a respirator worn by a person. The fabric, sponge, or stencil brush should be passed close to the potential sources of leakage in the seal of the facepiece while the wearer is inhaling and performing the recommended exercises. If the wearer detects the odor of isoamyl acetate vapor during the test, the wearer should be permitted to readjust the seal of the facepiece. If the wearer is unable to detect the odor of isoamyl acetate vapor when inhaling, a satisfactory fit has been achieved.

(b) A major drawback of a test using isoamyl acetate vapor as the test agent is that the odor threshold varies widely among people. Most can detect by odor a concentration of isoamyl acetate vapor in air as low as 0.1 parts per million by volume. After a person has smelled the odor for a long period of time, olfactory fatigue may cause a failure to detect the odor of low concentration of isoamyl acetate vapor in the air. Several hours before a facepiece fitting test is performed, all those who are to undergo the test should first be tested to determine their ability to detect the odor of isoamyl acetate vapor in air. It should also be noted that people being tested can fake the test by indicating that they do not detect the odor when they actually do, or vice versa.

S. Availability of forms: The forms illustrated in Subsections L through Q of this section are available from the bureau.

New Mexico Administrative CodeTitle 11 - LABOR AND WORKERS' COMPENSATIONChapter 5 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETYPart 2 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY - GENERAL INDUSTRYSection 11.5.2.10 - FIREFIGHTING

New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 11 - LABOR AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Chapter 5 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Part 2 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY - GENERAL INDUSTRY
Section 11.5.2.10 - FIREFIGHTING