201.04 2 In / 2 Out

2 In / 2 Out Procedure

• The purpose of the 2 in / 2 out procedure is to meet the OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.134(g)(4)) and ensure the safety of firefighters during interior structural fires.
• The objective is to have fully equipped firefighters in position to react in case of a Mayday situation.

OSHA Standard

• OSHA states that fire fighters begin the interior attack on an interior structural fire, the atmosphere is assumed to be Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) and the 2 in / 2 out procedure applies.

Exceptions to the 2 in / 2 out Requirement

• Reported or suspected life hazard where immediate action could prevent the loss of life.
• Fire is in an incipient stage (defined as a fire which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus).

Operational 2 in / 2 out

• A temporary two-person tactical reserve assigned at the outset of an incident to allow teams to enter an IDLH, or potential IDLH atmosphere.
• One primary member of the 2 in / 2 out pair must be solely dedicated to tracking interior personnel.
• The second member of the 2 in / 2 out team may be engaged in other activities within the hazard zone.

Implementation of 2 in / 2 out for a Four-Person Crew

• The plug person assumes the primary 2 in / 2 out position and the engineer assumes the secondary 2 in / 2 out position.
• Rescue efforts should be initiated as a team (2 members) and well communicated prior to action.
• Mayday response should be managed with the Risk Management Plan by the incident commander and acted upon based on the capabilities of the 2 in / 2 out team.

This procedure outlines the considerations for meeting the 2 in / 2 out requirement based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(4) for the Phoenix Regional Dispatch System. It aims to meet OSHA standards while catering to tactical needs in hazard zones.