Fire and emergency services safety officer chapter 10. Fire Service Facility Inspections

• Regular facility inspections and maintenance are crucial for preventing deterioration and ensuring safe working conditions in fire and emergency services.
• The goal is risk assessment, using procedures from organizational and operational risk management.
• Inspections should be part of a defined process with schedules and assigned responsibilities.

HSO's Role in Facility Inspections

• HSOs coordinate facility inspections due to their safety and health objectives for the workplace and workers.
• They ensure all inspections are completed, with responsibilities varying across departments based on inspection reasons.
• HSOs focus on addressing violations and corrective actions to improve workplace safety.
• Standardized checklists are used to ensure consistency and should be included in SOPs/Gs.

Types of Facility Inspections

• Inspections can be informal (daily) or formal (scheduled).
• Informal inspections occur daily, with personnel reporting facility conditions during shift changes or daily assignments.
• Formal inspections are defined by the department, NFPA, and legal mandates.
• NFPA 1500 requires monthly safety and health inspections and annual fire and life safety code inspections.
• Daily inspections address minor issues.
• Weekly inspections use checklists and forward significant issues.
• Monthly inspections comply with NFPA 1500 and include safety and health considerations.
• Quarterly/Semi-annually inspections meet state OSHA regulatory requirements.
• Annual inspections comply with NFPA 1500 and all fire and life safety codes.
• Post-damage inspections occur after significant natural or man-made events, coordinated by the HSO.
• Upon request inspections can be requested by OSHA, EPA, FEMA, or risk management, with the HSO coordinating.

Compliance Determination

• Determining compliance with fire and life safety codes is a primary annual inspection goal.

Specific Items Evaluated include

• Functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors per NFPA 1500 with alarms that sound throughout the building.
• Air quality assessment for carbon monoxide, dust, pollutants, temperature, and humidity; solutions focus on HVAC, maintenance, and plumbing.
• Proper separation of living and working areas to minimize vehicular exhaust exposure.
• Noise level testing according to 29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure.
• Quick access fire pole safety (floor opening and landing area).
• Operational readiness of generators, fuel storage, appliance shutoffs, air compressors, eyewash stations, lighting, elevators, and communication systems.

Inspection Process

• Conduct inspections in an organized, systematic, and methodical manner.
• Note the general condition of the grounds and exterior.
• Be aware of personnel actions and safety compliance.
• Start with a general condition assessment, then meet with facility personnel, and begin the standard inspection process.

OSHA Inspections

• States/provinces where OSHA is not the authority may have stringent inspection procedures.
• HSOs should use checklists developed in their jurisdictions for OSHA or state/provincial inspections.
• HSOs should review areas with the highest number of OSHA violations and correct them proactively.
• OSHA inspection checklists are extensive.

Top 10 OSHA Standards (at the time of writing)

• Fall Protection — 1926.501
• Hazard Communication — 1910.1200
• Scaffolding — 1926.451
• Respiratory Protection — 1910.134
• Powered Industrial Trucks — 1910.178
• Lockout/Tagout — 1910.147
• Ladders — 1926.1053
• Electrical, Wiring Methods — 1910.305
• Machine Guarding — 1910.212
• Electrical, General Requirements — 1910.303

Common Hazards

• Health hazards and physical hazards, requiring corrective actions.
• Ergonomics to ensure the facility design doesn't risk worker injury.
• Special attention to shop areas, maintenance facilities, and mechanical rooms.

Health Hazards

• Addressed through good work practices and exposure protection policies.

Areas to Inspect and Maintain

• Designated cleaning and disinfecting areas
• Laundry facilities
• Restrooms
• Kitchens
• Sleeping quarters
• Living/dining/office areas
• Exercise rooms
• Training rooms/facilities
• Apparatus bay
• Storage areas
• Boiler rooms
• General hazardous materials use and storage
• Safety signage
• Common areas
• EMS patient walk-in areas
• Upper floor weight limitations
• Fuel storage
• Workroom machinery safety components
• Staircase railings

Key Definitions

• Cross-Contamination: The spread of a harmful contaminant into an environment where it shouldn't be.

Physical Hazards

• Addressed in the design phase, with documentation and recommendations for corrective actions if not initially addressed.

Common Physical Hazards

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Basic housekeeping
• Illumination
• Air quality (exhaust/asbestos/mold)
• Noise pollution
• Electrical safety (grounding, extension cords, power tools)

Ergonomics

• Definition: The applied science of equipment and workplace design to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.
• Ergonomic Risk Factors: Aspects of a job that might cause biomechanical stress.

Ergonomic Risk Factors Include

• Force (including dynamic motions)
• Repetition
• Awkward positions
• Static postures
• Contact stress
• Vibration
• Temperature extremes

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

• Definition: Injuries or disorders of muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and supporting structures caused or increased by exertion or exposure to motions, force, vibration, or posture.
• Examples: Carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome, sciatica, tendinitis.

Ergonomics Program Elements

• Management leadership and employee participation.
• Hazard information and reporting.
• Job hazard analysis and control.
• Training.
• MSD management.
• Program evaluation.

Practical Ergonomics

• Consider workstations, tools, facilities, equipment, materials, and processes.
• Consult OSHA and NIOSH resources on MSDs.
• Discuss working conditions with facility staff to identify potential MSD issues.

Engineering Controls

• Are the most effective means of eliminating MSDs.

During Construction/Renovation

• Address storage height, equipment access, and office design.
• Document and assess buildings built before ergonomics was a design consideration.
• Administrative policy and training can address process or operational issues like proper lifting.

Necessary Resources and Equipment for Inspection

• Laptop or tablet computer
• Flashlight
• Cellular phone
• Pen
• Clipboard
• Digital camera
• Refrigerator temperature gauge
• Noise level measuring device
• Electrical ground tester
• Fire and life safety code manual
• Safety and health inspection checklist
• Inspection form

Attire

• Appropriate for the facility, including standard uniform in office settings and protective gear in maintenance or storage areas.

Coordination

• Coordinate schedules of fire prevention staff and operational personnel.
• Coordinate with external agencies like OSHA, EPA, and risk managers.

Safety Precautions

• Meet with the facility supervisor before starting the inspection.
• Avoid interfering with facility operations.
• Pay attention to moving apparatus and personnel.
• Use appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
• Conduct inspections with at least one other person.

Recognizing Violations

• Personnel are obligated to report building/fire code violations and safety/health hazards.
• Serious hazards must be immediately addressed by cordoning off the area and posting warning signs.
• Assistance from fire prevention inspectors, building safety inspectors, or risk management personnel can help identify violations.

Code Knowledge

• HSOs must be knowledgeable of the current adopted code.

Documenting Violations

• Document any violation of a code, standard, or regulation promptly.

Minimum Form Information

• Address of facility
• Name of facility
• Date of inspection
• Name of inspector
• Type of inspection
• Compliance violation reference
• Compliance violation description
• Date of reinspection (if necessary)
• Signatures of facility representative and inspector

Form Distribution

• Provide copies to the facility supervisor, station personnel, and fire administrative staff.
• File original copies according to department policy.

Correcting and Closing Violations

• Take all code violations seriously.
• Enforcement must have command staff support.
• Correction responsibilities depend on the violation's type and complexity.
• Ensure extended corrections are included in the budget approval cycle.
• Review the inspection process for effectiveness.

Purpose of Workplace Safety Program

• Prevention of workplace injuries through a comprehensive program.
• All members participate, with some in the formal process to ensure facility safety.