Toronto Fire Emergency Response Driving Guidelines PDF

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRIVING Date Issued: July 25, 2024 Rescinds: July 16, 2024 Section: Apparatus File Code: A-DRV(E) PURPOSE To provide all Toronto Fire Services (TFS) drivers with safe, efficient and practical driving strategies that reduce the risk of a collision when...

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRIVING Date Issued: July 25, 2024 Rescinds: July 16, 2024 Section: Apparatus File Code: A-DRV(E) PURPOSE To provide all Toronto Fire Services (TFS) drivers with safe, efficient and practical driving strategies that reduce the risk of a collision when emergency response driving. RESPONSIBILITY All TFS personnel are responsible to be familiar with their apparatus/vehicle and with the laws and rules governing its operation. Drivers of TFS apparatus/vehicles, in emergency situations, are responsible for all fines/charges issued on TFS apparatus/vehicles where Highway Traffic Act (HTA) regulations are not met. Where the driver cannot be determined, fines are the responsibility of TFS personnel in the vehicle. Company Officers are responsible for ensuring their crew members assigned the responsibility of driving are trained and drive in a safe and proficient manner. Company Officers have the authority to determine which crew member shall drive the apparatus. District Chiefs are responsible to ensure this guideline is adhered to. GUIDELINES 1. Emergency Response Driving At no time shall a driver compromise the safety of the crew or public in an effort to reduce response time. TFS drivers shall be in complete control of their apparatus/vehicle at all times and shall operate at a rate of speed which is prudent to traffic, weather and activity around them. Drivers shall operate the apparatus/vehicle in a manner that considers the care and mechanical preservation of the apparatus/vehicle. Drivers shall be familiar with the streets within their first response district. Drivers shall be knowledgeable of the effect of weight and speed of their apparatus/vehicle as related to braking and total stopping distance. Drivers shall be familiar with provincial laws and municipal by-laws affecting the operation of fire apparatus while emergency response driving. File Code: A-DRV(E) Page 1 of 4  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE The HTA provides exemptions for drivers of emergency vehicles that include the following: (a) The speed limits prescribed under this section, or any regulation or by-law passed under this section do not apply to a fire department vehicle…while proceeding to, but not returning from, a fire alarm or other emergency call. (b) A driver of an emergency vehicle, after stopping the vehicle, may proceed without a green indication being shown, if it is safe to do so. (c) No driver of a motor vehicle shall over-take and pass another vehicle by driving off the roadway….does not apply to the driver of a fire department vehicle. (d) No person in charge of a vehicle….overtaking a street car or the car of an electric railway, operated in or near the centre of the roadway, which is stationary or in motion shall pass on the left side of the car, having reference to the direction in which the car is travelling, but this subsection does not apply to a vehicle belonging to a municipal fire department while proceeding to a fire or answering a fire alarm call or where the street car is being operated on a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic. City By-law No. 1409-2011 gives fire service vehicles the ability to lawfully proceed against the flow of traffic on a one-way street while responding to an emergency event. When it is absolutely necessary to travel against the flow of traffic on one-way streets, it should be done with the utmost caution, at a very slow speed, with emergency lights activated and the siren sounding. In addition to what this by-law states, TFS policy directs that the distance travelled should be no more than is absolutely necessary and in most cases not more than one block. Drivers shall only use HTA exemptions when it is safe to do so. All warning devices shall be used as regulated by the HTA. Drivers of emergency vehicles shall not use cellular telephones while operating an apparatus vehicle. Drivers shall use auxiliary braking system (i.e., transmission retarder or engine brake) if apparatus is so equipped and shall follow all apparatus manufacturer recommendations for retarder operations. Drivers shall avoid overtaking or passing another responding emergency vehicle. Apparatus shall follow each other on multiple vehicle responses from the same fire station or location. Drivers shall be aware of and understand TFS Standard Operating Guidelines File Code: A-DRV(E) Page 2 of 4  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE (SOG’s) and Policies to be followed if involved in a collision; COL(O) – Collisions – Occurrence and Reporting. All required TFS vehicle collision reports shall be completed upon returning to the fire station or work location. Drivers of TFS vehicles shall be aware that any related fines/charges for infractions not covered by the HTA are the responsibility of the driver or, where the driver cannot be determined, are the responsibility of the TFS personnel in the vehicle, or the crew member responsible for keeping a log of drivers. 2. Safety Recommendations regarding Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) While responding in emergency mode, all windows in the apparatus/vehicle shall be in the closed position. It has been identified that the use of the WAIL siren in conjunction with the airhorn exceeds 85dB. Personnel are to be mindful of continuous use. 3. At Scene Upon arrival at a scene, if possible, crew members shall exit apparatus on the curb side. Warning lights shall remain activated while on scene where vehicular traffic exists. Parking brakes shall be applied, and apparatus wheels shall be chocked. Crew cab and compartment doors shall be kept closed when not in use (refer to A-DOOR – Doors on Apparatus/Vehicles). TFS apparatus at an emergency scene shall be positioned to protect personnel from vehicular traffic in high hazard areas. Drivers shall do periodic checks of dash gauges if detained at a scene for a prolonged time. Drivers shall do a circle check of their apparatus/vehicle before putting their apparatus/vehicle into motion. ATTACHMENT(S) N/A RELATED SOGS E-HEAR – Hearing Protection S-HEAR – Hearing Conservation Program File Code: A-DRV(E) Page 3 of 4  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE RELATED CITY POLICIES Vision Zero Road Safety Plan Automated Speed Enforcement Red Light Cameras Fleet Safety Policy and Procedures File Code: A-DRV(E) Page 4 of 4