Background

Fire departments are being required to respond to emergencies involving long distances and limited access from public highways and private laneways. Many fire departments have purchased and are using a variety of supplementary support vehicles (SSVs) to meet the needs of their community.

When purchasing any new equipment, the employer is required to ensure that any worker who will be expected to operate the equipment has received appropriate training for that particular SSV so that they can operate it safely. SSVs also need to be maintained and operated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Depending on the particular SSV, there may be specific provincial legislation that guides how and where that SSV may be operated.

Concerns and hazards

Firefighter injuries and deaths have occurred during the operation of SSVs due to the nature of off-site operations in unknown environments. Many of these tragic incidents involve either the limited skill level of the operator, the inability to understand the limitations of the SSV, and failure to understand how the immediate environment/terrain can adversely affect the safe operation of the SSV. Consideration of the environment has to be a priority in deciding whether the SSV should be deployed in the operation or consider another means of rescue. Examples of the environment or terrain could include, but are not limited to:

  • snow
  • ice thickness
  • slope and ground composition
  • obstructions, whether they are natural or person made

Actions for employers

Employers must:

  • ensure all SSVs are operated in compliance with all federal, provincial and local legislation. This would include, but not be limited to, the employer ensuring:
    • the operator is permitted to operate the particular SSV
    • the SSV is fully equipped with all legislated personal safety equipment
    • the SSV is permitted to be operated within the jurisdiction
  • provide instruction and training on the operations for each type of SSV

Employers should:

  • Use a Risk Needs Analysis (Community Risk Assessment) to determine the need and the appropriate SSV(s) for their community.
  • Develop a separate Fire Department Standard Operating Guideline for each type of SSV.
  • Develop a training course or employ a third party to operate a recognized driver course which each operator must successfully complete. Many manufactures provide operator courses for their SSV or the Volunteer Firefighter Insurance Service (VFIS) offers training on how to prepare an operator’s course.
  • Upon completion of the course, the operator is allowed further time to become more familiar with the SSV to better develop their skill level and appreciate the limitations of the SSV.
  • Ensure operators have proper training regarding the delivery of the vehicle to and from the scene. This training can be included in the operator’s driver training course or could be separate.
  • Ensure the manufacturer’s recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for the SSV is obtained and fits the operator and the operator has been trained to properly use the PPE and is explained any limitations of the PPE. The PPE should also be appropriate for the environment or terrain (such as personal floatation device/floating suits or ry suits when operating on ice).
  • Ensure PPE does not restrict or interfere with operating controls.
  • Develop a maintenance program for the SSV as recommended by the manufacturer.

Considerations

The employer should ensure that any modification or alteration stays within compliance of the manufacturer’s specifications or in consultation with the manufacturer.

Applicable regulations and acts

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • clause 25(1)(a-d) related to the use of equipment, materials and protective devices
    • clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstance to protect a worker
    • clause 28(1)(a-b) for the worker duty to follow the law and use equipment, protective devices or clothing required by their employer

Applicable standards

  • NFPA 1451 — Standard for a Fire and Emergency Service Vehicle Operations and training Program
  • NFPA 1192 — Standard on Recreational Vehicles

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