Background

Firefighters, in the course of their duties, may be exposed to the dangers of moving traffic while working on roadways.

Concerns/hazards

It is important that all incident scenes on roadways be protected and contained in order to provide a safe work area for firefighters while minimizing the chance of secondary traffic incidents.

Actions for employers

Employers should:

  • identify the hazards to which firefighters are exposed at these unplanned events
  • implement a traffic safety and control program with appropriate health and safety measures and procedures to protect workers
  • consult the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative when developing measures and procedures
  • consult other emergency services and the road authority responsible for the serviced area when developing measures and procedures

Traffic safety and control program

A traffic safety and control program should include:

  • training
  • response protocols which ensure that appropriate apparatus are dispatched to provide a safe work environment
  • personal protective equipment requirements
  • fire apparatus visibility requirements

Training

Training should include:

  • awareness of the dangers of working near moving traffic
  • the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • the proper use of traffic safety equipment such as cones, flares, and traffic triangles
  • the proper use of traffic control equipment such as signs, if firefighters are directed to control traffic
  • vehicle blocking methods to create safe work areas
  • familiarity with response protocols

Personal protective equipment

High visibility safety apparel should be worn by all firefighters who are:

  • working near moving traffic
  • controlling traffic by the use of traffic control stop or slow signs
  • working outside of the area which is protected by apparatus and traffic safety equipment

PPE should meet the high visibility reflective requirements outlined in Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z96-15 High-visibility safety apparel.

Note: Bunker gear does not meet the reflectivity performance requirements of the standard.

Procedures

Employers should develop, maintain and communicate procedures regarding traffic safety and control.

These procedures should include:

  • the requirement to conduct a scene assessment and determine the potential hazards and level of risk
  • the requirement for the incident commander to initiate traffic safety and control procedures for incidents near live traffic
  • PPE use
  • establishment of a traffic control zone to provide initial scene safety
  • establishment of safe work areas in coordination with the police when possible, as only police are permitted to close a highway
  • a deployment plan for responding fire apparatus
  • use of traffic safety and control equipment to establish and maintain safe work areas
  • use of the local roads authority to provide blocking equipment for prolonged incidents

Fire departments should reference Ministry of Transportation Book 7 requirements for unplanned events.

Applicable regulations and acts

Read:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • clause 25(2)(a) for providing information and instruction to a worker
    • clause 25(2)(d) for making workers aware of hazards
    • clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

Applicable standards

For advice on selection, use, and care of high-visibility safety material and recommendations for hazard assessments, read CSA Standard Z96-15 High-visibility safety apparel

For standards for new fire apparatus, read NFPA 1901 Standard for automotive fire apparatus

Related

For information and guidance on traffic control for unplanned events, read appendix 1 of the Ontario traffic manual book 7 temporary traffic control for unplanned events from the ministry of transportation.