7-6 Training centres
Background
Fire service training centres are used for training firefighters in skills such as fire suppression techniques, search and rescue, confined space and high angle rescue.
Concerns/hazards
Training centres may expose firefighters to hazards if they are not designed for their intended use.
Floors may collapse if they are not constructed to withstand the weight of the personnel, equipment and water that will be used to extinguish the fires. The structure must be able to withstand the repeated heat and flames of the fires that will be burning inside the structure.
Control rooms, where workers control the propane which runs the operation, should be located away from any hazards such as smoke or flames.
Confined space training areas may accumulate water from fire suppression and expose workers to the risk of drowning.
High angle rescue training areas may expose workers to the hazard of falls. Adequate anchor points and guardrails may be needed.
Actions for employers
Employers should:
- consult National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1402 Guide to Building Fire Service Training Centers, 2012 Edition, as the standard for the design and construction of the facility
NFPA 1402
NFPA 1402 provides guidance for the planning and construction of fire service training centres, including administration and support facilities, drill towers, burn buildings, smoke buildings, and facilities for outside simulations.
Note: Listing every item that might be included in a training centre or every type of specialty training facility that might be constructed is impractical and beyond the scope of this guidance note.
Applicable regulations and acts
Read:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable to protect workers
- clause 25(1)(e) a building, structure, or any part thereof, or any other part of a workplace, whether temporary or permanent, is capable of supporting any loads that may be applied to it
- Regulation 632/05 – Confined Spaces
- Regulation 297/13 – Working at Heights Training
Applicable standards
For the design and construction of the facility, read National fire protection sssociation (NFPA) 1402 guide to building fire service training centers, 2012 edition
Related
Read firefighter guidance note 7-5 live fire training considerations for acquired structures