TFD Fire Station Safety Policy

• This document outlines the TFD's policy to ensure TFD fire stations and facilities are reasonably safe for workers and visitors.
• No procedures are associated with this document.
• This document applies to the Deputy Chief of Support Services, the Deputy Chief of Prevention and Preparedness, the Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety and Battalion Chiefs.
• This document replaces the policy from November 2001.
• FIR 349, is the associated form for the Monthly Station Safety Inspection checklist.

Responsibilities

• The Deputy Chief of Support Services is responsible for reviewing building safety deficiencies reported by the Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety.
• The Deputy Chief of Support Services is also responsible for ensuring building repair work is referred to the Deputy Chief of Prevention and Preparedness for scheduling.
• The Deputy Chief of Prevention and Preparedness is responsible for ensuring necessary building repair work is scheduled and completed promptly.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety is responsible for conducting and documenting annual inspections of TFD facilities not inspected monthly by Battalion Chiefs.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety is also responsible for reviewing fire station inspection documentation from Battalion Chiefs.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety reviews identified building safety deficiencies with the Deputy Chief of Support Services.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety maintains files on all TFD station and facility inspection documentation and this document.
• Battalion Chiefs conduct and document monthly safety inspections of assigned fire stations per the document's guidance.
• Battalion Chiefs cannot delegate station or facility inspections.

Definitions

• A TFD station/facility is any building owned, operated, occupied, or routinely used by the Tacoma Fire Department.
• This excludes locations where TFD is summoned for emergencies unless the premises are normally under TFD control.

References

• WAC 296-305-01505 (8)
• WAC 296-305-06501 through 296-305-06519
• City of Tacoma Accident Prevention & Safety Plan October 2007

Rules - General Guidelines

• Every effort should be made to keep Tacoma Fire Department stations and facilities reasonably free of physical hazards and safety risks.
• Inspections of TFD stations and facilities are to identify building conditions needing correction to reduce safety risks for TFD employees and the public.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety will work with the Deputy Chief of Support Services to ensure station/facility repairs are addressed promptly.
• The Deputy Chief of Prevention and Preparedness will collaborate with other city departments and/or private contractors to ensure necessary repairs are scheduled and completed.

Monthly Inspection Assignments

• TFD Battalion Chiefs conduct monthly safety inspections of TFD stations and the Fire Communications Center (FCC) according to specific assignments:
  • Battalion 1A inspects Station 1 and Station 16
  • Battalion 1B inspects Station 14 and Station 17
  • Battalion 1C inspects Station 6 and Station 13
  • Battalion 1D inspects Station 4 and Station 9
  • Battalion 2A inspects Station 2, Station 7, and Station 15
  • Battalion 2B inspects Station 10 and Station 12
  • Battalion 2C inspects Station 8 and the FCC
  • Battalion 2D inspects Station 3 and Station 11

Annual Inspection Assignments

• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety, with the City of Tacoma’s Safety Officer, conducts annual inspections of these TFD facilities:
  • Fire Electrical Shop and shop storage next to FCC
  • Fire Garage and Fire Boat Shop behind the Electrical Shop
  • TFD Headquarters
  • Prevention & Education
  • Training Center
  • Station 5
  • Old Station 12
  • Old Station 15
  • Emergency Operations Center

Documentation

• TFD Battalion Chiefs must record monthly inspection findings on FIR 349 electronically.
• TFD Battalion Chiefs must electronically forward a copy of each month’s completed FIR 349 to the Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety responsibilities for documentation:
  • Review FIR 349 reports submitted by the Battalion Chiefs
  • Inform the Deputy Chief of Support Services of overall findings and needed building repairs
  • Maintain files of FIR 349 reports submitted by the Battalion Chiefs