Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Vehicle Apparatus Safety PDF

TO: ALL PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PERSONNEL FROM: REGINALD K. DUREN FIRE RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR PREPARED BY: FIRE RESCUE PPM COMMITTEE SUBJECT: VEHICLE APPARATUS SAFETY PPM #:...

TO: ALL PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE PERSONNEL FROM: REGINALD K. DUREN FIRE RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR PREPARED BY: FIRE RESCUE PPM COMMITTEE SUBJECT: VEHICLE APPARATUS SAFETY PPM #: FR-O-303 ISSUE DATE EFFECTIVE DATE July 7, 2021 August 4, 2021 PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to promote vehicle safety in order to minimize vehicle incidents involving Fire Rescue employees and vehicles. UPDATES: Future updates to this PPM are the responsibility of the Deputy Chief of Operations, in conjunction with the PPM Committee, under the authority of the Fire Rescue Administrator. AUTHORITY:  Fire Rescue Administrator  County PPM #CW-O-004  Florida State Statutes 316.126, 401.281  NFPA 1451, Fire Service Operations Training Program, as may be amended. SCOPE: This policy applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A: Vehicle Accident/Incident (Crash) Report Attachment B: Accident Tracking Number Attachment C: Risk Management Procedural Reference Guide POLICY: All Fire Rescue personnel who operate a Fire Rescue owned or leased vehicle shall comply with all provisions of this policy. Only those persons who are physically fit and have a safe driving record may operate Fire Rescue automotive equipment. It shall be the responsibility of all supervisory personnel to assure their respective work areas are in compliance. PROCEDURE: 1. Overview: a. This policy contains procedures on the following three (3) subjects: i. Safety Requirements ii. Emergency Driving iii. Vehicle Accidents b. For the duration of this policy the term “vehicle” shall include all vehicles, apparatuses or other motorized vehicles. FR-O-303/Page 1 of 11 2. Safety Requirements a. Driver Rules and General Responsibilities: i. Drivers of all Fire Rescue vehicles shall comply with all Florida State Motor Vehicle Laws, ordinances and regulations as well as all County driver rules and relevant Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. ii. All drivers of any Fire Rescue owned or leased vehicle must have in their possession a valid Florida Driver’s License. iii. Regarding driver’s license check, eligibility and loss of driving privileges, or reinstatement of County driving privileges, refer to County Vehicle Driver Requirements (PPM FR-A-506). iv. All drivers will complete a Defensive Driving course within three (3) months of obtaining driving privilege approval. All drivers will complete an additional driving course every three (3) years after the initial course. This training shall be paid for by the County and performed on County time with compensation. v. Each driver shall ensure the vehicle registration and Palm Beach County accident packet is in the vehicle. Any missing forms should be reported and replaced by the supervisor. vi. Each driver shall observe safe operating procedures at all times so as not to endanger employees, the public, property or equipment. vii. Each driver shall conduct a Safety Circle Check (walk around the vehicle) of the vehicle before the initial operation. The vehicle inspection should include checking for body damage, inoperable lights, loose hardware, connect/disconnect of shore power, unsafe tire conditions, or any other hazardous conditions, which may create an unsafe situation with the vehicle in operation. Report any deficiencies immediately to the supervisor. viii. Report all accidents immediately, even if there is no apparent property damage/injury. ix. Each employee is required to report any suspension or revocation of their license to their Supervisor by the end of the business day. Refer to County Vehicle Driver Requirements (PPM FR-A-506). x. For increased safety, ensure headlights are on when vehicle is in operation. xi. Trailers must be fastened to hitches. Safety pin in locks must be used. Safety chains must be crossed under the hitch and securely fastened before moving the vehicle. Daytime running lights must be used if the vehicle is so equipped. xii. With the exception of single resource unit response, no communication device usage is permitted by the driver while operating a Fire Rescue vehicle if the device is not equipped with a hands-free device. Under no circumstances shall a driver be permitted to use a communication device while responding to an emergency, even if the device is equipped with a hands-free device. xiii. Digital and electronic devices (i.e., pagers, MDT, etc…) should be operated by a person other than the driver. When no other personnel are available to operate the devices, the driver should use audible features for routing and press buttons prior/after vehicle movement. All personnel in Fire Rescue vehicles must avoid unnecessary use of electronic devices while the vehicle is in motion. xiv. Under no circumstances shall an employee be allowed to push or to have pushed a Fire Rescue owned vehicle. Under such circumstances, employees FR-O-303/Page 2 of 11  should notify the Fire Operations Officer (F.O.O.) who shall contact Support Services for assistance. xv. Loose equipment shall not be permitted in the cab of the vehicle. xvi. Supervisors are directly responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy. Each Division/Section Manager is responsible for ensuring the success of the Vehicle Safety Program in all areas and operations under their control. Fire Rescue, as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) service licensee, shall assure that all employed drivers of ALS vehicles meet all provisions of FS 401.281. xvii. Employee Performance Evaluations shall reflect the employee’s safety performance as it relates to vehicle safety. Employees who violate this policy shall receive appropriate discipline as outlined in the Disciplinary Guidelines (PPM FR-A-101). xviii. The Apparatus Committee shall assist Fire Rescue and the Fire Rescue Purchasing Section, with the purchasing and leasing of the most appropriate emergency vehicles and motorized vehicles. The Apparatus Committee shall consist of membership from: 1. The Union 2. Fire Rescue 3. Risk Management xix. The Apparatus Committee Chairperson shall be appointed by the Deputy Chief of Operations. xx. Open food containers and/or liquid refreshments shall NOT be carried within the cab of emergency response vehicles. xxi. Where equipped, hearing protection shall be worn during the operation of the vehicle when sirens are operating. b. Seat Belts: i. All personnel shall wear a seat belt when riding in a Fire Rescue vehicle. Exceptions are authorized when the use of a seat belt interferes with patient care. ii. Drivers shall not move Fire Rescue vehicles until all persons on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts in approved, riding positions. In addition, while the vehicle is in motion, the donning and doffing of equipment, and personal protection clothing that requires removal of any restraining belt or other device, shall be prohibited. c. Riding on the Tailboard: i. Riding on the tailboard/running board or any other location other than a designated seat of any Fire Rescue vehicle is expressly prohibited. d. Backing of an Apparatus: i. Backing shall be done only after the driver of the vehicle has performed a Safety Circle Check (walk around the vehicle) to ensure the line of travel is safe for backing. ii. When backing a vehicle, the driver shall not back the same unless such movement can be made safely and without interfering with traffic and/or any stationary object. iii. When backing, the driver shall have the assistance of at least one Fire Rescue employee. The default place for this person to position themselves shall be to the rear of the vehicle being backed up, on the most appropriate side, and in such a position that the backup person is not in the path of the vehicle. If FR-O-303/Page 3 of 11  another Fire Rescue person is not available, the driver of the vehicle shall get out and visually inspect the area behind the vehicle before backing. Strict caution is to be observed. iv. Both the driver and the backup person shall have eye-to-eye contact with each other via the most appropriate outside mirror. To ensure the driver can communicate with the backup person, a portable radio shall also be used by the backup person so they shall have a verbal communications link with the driver of the vehicle being backed. In EVERY backup situation, visual contact between the driver and the backup person shall be maintained. IF AT ANY TIME THE DRIVER LOSES VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE BACKUP PERSON THE DRIVER SHALL STOP IMMEDIATELY. The vehicle shall remain stopped until such time that visual contact is restored. v. When backing up a vehicle at night, the backup person should use a flashlight in a manner that allows the driver to see the spotter. Avoid shining the flashlight in the driver's eyes or mirror. e. Parking: i. When vehicles are not on an emergency incident, the driver shall comply with all posted “No Parking” signs. ii. When vehicles are not on an emergency incident, the driver shall not leave the vehicle unattended with the motor running. iii. When operating any Fire Rescue vehicle, the parking brake is to be applied before the vehicle operator leaves the cab of the vehicle. In addition, wheel chocks are to be applied to the rear wheels of all vehicles that are to be used for extended periods of time in a fixed location, pumping operations, or on any incline. Exception: When the aerial device is to be used, the front wheels of the Aerial shall be chocked instead of the rear wheels. iv. Staff vehicles should have parking brake applied if driver must step away from vehicle while it is still running. v. All vehicles with a load capacity of ¾ ton or larger shall be equipped with a minimum of two 28” traffic cones. These cones shall be placed in the front and rear of the vehicle when parked/unattended. The driver shall then conduct a Safety Circle Check before entering the vehicle for operation. 3. Emergency Driving a. Emergency responses are those responses in which a threat to life, health or serious property damage exists and to which an expedient response by Fire Rescue personnel and equipment is mandatory. b. Stations with an emergency traffic control device (traffic signal) must activate the signal for every emergency response made from that station. Non-emergency use of emergency traffic signals is prohibited. c. The use of emergency warning lights, sirens and other warning equipment is only authorized for emergency responses in accordance with SOG 110-01 Emergency and Non-Emergency Response. Unauthorized use of warning equipment shall be considered a violation of this procedure and subject to disciplinary action. d. Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from certain traffic laws by Florida State Statute. The exemptions, however, do not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from exercising “due regard” for the safety of all persons and property. Emergency FR-O-303/Page 4 of 11  vehicle operation shall at all times, be consistent with “reasonable safety” and Florida State Statute. i. Reasonable safety – factors that must be taken into account when deciding whether the need to engage in emergency vehicle operation is “outweighed” by the potential risk(s) to the public if emergency vehicle operation is initiated. Reasonable safety shall be based upon all available information, including but not limited to: 1. Type of call; 2. Type of roadway, traffic and weather conditions; and 3. Any other factor(s), which could impact on emergency vehicle operation. e. Any authorized emergency vehicle, when en route to meet an existing emergency, shall warn all other vehicular traffic along the emergency route by an audible signal, siren, exhaust whistle, or other adequate device and/or, by a visible signal by the use of displayed blue or red lights. i. Fire Rescue recognizes a Code 1 response to be normal driving which does not require the use of emergency lights and siren. ii. Fire Rescue recognizes Code 2 activity as normal driving with the use of emergency warning lights only, for non-emergency response such as participation in parades, dignitary escorts, or other similar events. iii. Fire Rescue recognizes a Code 3 response as the use of lights and/or siren while responding to an emergency call. f. While responding to such emergency, the emergency vehicle shall otherwise proceed in a manner consistent with the laws regulating vehicular traffic upon the highways of this State. i. The driver of an emergency vehicle shall see that all personnel riding in the vehicle comply with safety requirements regarding the use of personal protective equipment and seatbelts. ii. The driver of an emergency vehicle shall, upon approaching an intersection being controlled by a stop sign, red traffic signal, or other traffic control device that requires the flow of traffic to stop, cause the emergency vehicle to come to a complete stop and proceed only when the traffic flow and safety permits, clearing one lane of traffic at a time. iii. Upon approaching an intersection being controlled by a green traffic signal, the driver of an emergency vehicle shall reduce the speed of the vehicle and cover the brake to a point where it could avoid a collision should the need to do so become necessary. iv. Speeds in excess of the posted speed limit are authorized during emergency responses so long as responders and the public are not endangered. g. Limited Access Highways: i. Emergency vehicles may make use of a U-turn to gain entry to traffic traveling in the opposite direction when responding to emergencies on limited access highways (i.e., Florida’s Turnpike, I-95). ii. For the safety of personnel in the vehicle, at no other times are U-turns on limited access highways permitted. Emergency vehicles shall proceed to the next interchange or exit and turn around in a safe location. Exceptions would include excessive travel distances to next exit (i.e., next County.) FR-O-303/Page 5 of 11 4. Vehicle Accidents a. Accident Notification i. All vehicle accidents must be immediately reported to the Fire Operations Officer, who shall notify the Dispatch Supervisor to take the unit out-of- service. ii. The employee should not admit fault at the scene. iii. The employee should not offer any unsolicited answers to any outside agencies. iv. The F.O.O. shall notify the appropriate Battalion Chief (Supervisor for non- operational incidents) to investigate all accidents. v. The Battalion Chief shall obtain the necessary information and report the information to the F.O.O. vi. The F.O.O. shall notify Risk Management for any accidents involving: 1. Any person injured requiring medical transportation 2. Extensive property damage sustained by either party 3. Any disabling damage to any vehicle (disabling damage is any damage that precludes departure of any vehicle from the scene of the accident, in its usual manner, in daylight, after simple repairs). vii. An Accident Tracking Number shall be obtained from the Fire Rescue Intranet (SharePoint). viii. An Accident Tracking Number shall be obtained by the Battalion Chief. ix. Obtaining an Accident Tracking Number sends automatic email notifications to: 1. Risk Management 2. All Deputy Chiefs 3. All Division Chiefs 4. All District Chiefs 5. All Battalion Chiefs b. Post-Accident Testing i. If an employee is involved in an accident in which the employee was driving they shall be required to undergo a drug test immediately after the accident if any one of the following occurs: 1. An individual dies 2. An individual suffers a bodily injury and immediately receives treatment away from the scene of an accident 3. One or more vehicles sustain disabling damage as a result of the occurrence and are transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other vehicle. a. Disabling damage means damage that precludes departure of any vehicle from the scene of the accident, in its usual manner, in daylight, after simple repairs. b. Disabling damage includes damage to vehicles that could have been operated but further damage would occur if operated. c. Disabling damage does not include damage that could be remedied temporarily at the scene of the occurrence without special tools or parts; i. tire disablement without further damage even if no spare tire is available; or FR-O-303/Page 6 of 11  ii. damage to headlights, taillights, turn signals, horns, or windshield wipers that make them inoperative. c. Accident Investigation i. The appropriate Battalion Chief/Supervisor is directly responsible for the investigation of vehicle accidents involving subordinate personnel. Should the Battalion Chief be a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident, the responsibility shall be passed to the next higher supervisory level. ii. The Battalion Chief shall ensure all Fire Rescue vehicle accidents: 1. Are reported to the F.O.O. 2. Have obtained an Accident Tracking Number 3. Complete the Vehicle Accident/Incident (Crash) Report (FR-O-303 Attachment A) 4. Photograph the accident scene with digital color photography 5. Obtain a Driver Statement (a document stating the circumstances involving the accident) 6. Attach the Driver Statement to the Vehicle Accident/Incident (Crash) Report (FR-O-303 Attachment A) iii. The Battalion Chief shall forward the following to the District Chief within 24 hours of an accident: 1. Vehicle Accident/Incident (Crash) Report 2. All photographs 3. The Driver Statement iv. Non-Operational Supervisors shall forward the same above-listed information to their Division Chief within 24 hours of an accident. d. Accident Classification i. Legal liability or whether or not a citation was issued shall not be used in determining accident classifications. A police report may be used as additional information. ii. The accident classification decision are based solely on the action of the driver and do not take into account the monetary damage or injury involved in the accident. iii. The Battalion Chief shall determine the accident classification as: 1. Non-preventable or Preventable 2. AND one of the following: a. Minimal b. Minor c. Major d. Severe iv. Definitions 1. Non-preventable – an employee took every reasonable precaution to avoid the accident 2. Preventable – an employee did not take every reasonable precaution to avoid the accident 3. Minimal a. Minimal – an incident that involves all of the following conditions: i. Involves only a single vehicle; ii. Results in minimal damage (i.e., less than $100) FR-O-303/Page 7 of 11  iii. Would not have likely caused injury to an individual b. Unlike more serious incidents, minimal violations are very low speed, minimal incidents which do not have a significant cost associated with it and where there was no potential for personal injury. The classification of a minimal violation utilizes discretion since in many cases the act also fits the definition of a minor violation c. Examples include, but not limited to: i. Striking a fixed object ii. Broken vehicle mirror (only) 4. Minor – a minor accident that results from a violation of a FL State Motor Vehicle Law of a violation of a Driver’s Rule or Regulation. a. Certain types of minor violations may be considered minimal accidents if deemed appropriate. b. Examples include, but not limited to: i. Speeding less than 15 miles over posted limit ii. Following too closely iii. Failure to yield to pedestrian or vehicle, which has the “right of way” iv. Violation of a traffic control device (i.e., stop sign, traffic light) v. Violation of Fire Rescue Rules/Regulations vi. Improper passing, signal, towing, backing vii. Unattended vehicle viii. Load dumping, spilling, or not secured ix. Vehicle exceeding weight, length, or height restrictions x. Striking fixed object with greater than $100 damage 5. Major – an employee violated a major State Motor vehicle law or County Safety policy. a. Examples include, but not limited to: i. Speeding more than 15 miles over the posted limit ii. Reckless Driving iii. Careless Driving iv. Leaving the scene of an Accident v. Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License vi. Passing a Stopped School Bus 6. Severe – a major violation with the added element of intent or misconduct. a. Examples include, but not limited to: i. Fleeing or Eluding an Officer ii. Vehicular accident involving a death or serious injury iii. Gross driver negligence (i.e., severe property damage, high potential of loss of life). v. If the Battalion Chief/Supervisor cannot determine the accident classification, it shall be discussed and determined by: 1. The Union 2. Training and Safety Division 3. Risk Management FR-O-303/Page 8 of 11 e. Point System i. Points shall be assessed to preventable accidents. ii. The assignment of points does not require the issuing of a Law Enforcement citation. iii. The Battalion Chief/Supervisor shall assign the points based on the accident classification. iv. Non-accident related citations are not considered for the assignment of points. v. Where more than one accident classification exists, the highest point value shall be used. vi. The point values are: 1. Minimal = 1 point 2. Minor = 2 points 3. Major = 4 points 4. Severe = 8 points vii. Any driver receiving a total of eight (8) or more points within an 18-month period shall be suspended from driving for Fire Rescue until such time as the points again decline to less than eight (8) within an 18-month period. viii. Any points assessed shall be valid for 18 months from the date of the accident. ix. DUI’s are considered outside of the Fire Rescue point system. x. If a backup person was utilized and an accident still occurred, the driver shall receive the points and the backup person shall receive discipline for failure to perform duty of office. xi. If no backup person was utilized and an accident still occurred, the Officer or person in charge shall receive discipline for failure to perform duty of office. f. Completed Investigations i. The District Chief shall review the completed Vehicle Accident/Incident (Crash) Report and Driver Statement and complete an investigative summary statement that supports the report findings. The completed Crash Report and associated statements should be forwarded to the Training and Safety Division to include a copy to the Division Chief of Operations for review. ii. The Training and Safety Division shall review the accident investigation and distribute the information to the appropriate locations. As a result of the accident investigation, should additional information become available, the Training and Safety Division shall contact Risk Management and Support Services. iii. Upon receipt of the Vehicle Accident/Incident (Crash) Report, Support Services shall assure a cost estimate for the necessary repairs is completed and forwarded to Risk Management for insurance purposes. g. Accident Investigation Training i. Battalion Chiefs and District Chiefs must complete Accident Investigation Training offered by Risk Management. This training shall be paid for by the County and performed on County time with compensation. ii. Employees, who are involved in a preventable accident, with two (2) or more points assigned, shall attend a required Remedial Driving Training Class provided by Risk Management within ninety (90) days of assignment of the points. FR-O-303/Page 9 of 11  iii. Employees requesting review by the Accident Review Board (ARB) shall be required to attend the Remedial Driving Training Class within ninety (90) days after a decision, if applicable. iv. The Remedial Driving Training Class shall be paid for by the County and be taken on County time with compensation. v. Failure to complete the Remedial Driving Training Class shall result in the revocation of driving privileges for Palm Beach County. 5. Disciplinary Action a. Drivers of Fire Rescue owned or leased vehicles that are involved in vehicle accidents may be subject to disciplinary action should the accident be judged as preventable. b. The disciplinary action taken shall be as outlined in Disciplinary Guidelines (PPM FR- A-101) and shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate supervisor. c. The District Chief shall notify the appropriate Division Chief if discipline may be issued. 6. Accident Review Board: a. Determination of Hearing i. The Accident Review Board has been created to verify that the accident classification was appropriate and may hear cases for the following reasons: 1. The employee’s Deputy Chief either disagrees with the accident classification or wants a more in-depth investigation 2. At the request of the Fire Rescue Administrator, or their designee ii. The Accident Review Board shall not hear cases of minimal accident classifications unless it may result in the employee total points adding up to eight (8) points for an 18-month period. b. Requests for Hearing i. All requests for an Accident Review Board hearing shall be: 1. Made in writing to the appropriate Deputy Chief 2. Within fifteen (15) calendar days of accident classification notification and return to work ii. Any request not submitted as outlined above shall be denied. iii. The appropriate Deputy Chief shall recommend the hearing date. iv. Risk Management shall notify the final date of hearing in writing. c. Corrective Actions i. It is not the function of the Accident Review Board to impose disciplinary action on the employee. The Accident Review Board shall serve only to report its findings to the employee’s Deputy Chief. Disciplinary action, if necessary, shall be by the employee’s Deputy Chief. ii. If other corrective action is recommended by the Accident Review Board, it is the responsibility of the employee’s Battalion Chief/Supervisor to ensure that the appropriate action plan be implemented and reviewed for effectiveness. A report of the action plan shall be forwarded to Risk Management. d. Accident Review Board Structure: i. The Accident Review Board shall include eight (8) members, all of which are permanent members. The members are to be appointed as follows: 1. Manager at Risk Management (Non-voting Chair) 2. Safety Specialist from Risk Management FR-O-303/Page 10 of 11  3. Fire Rescue Safety Committee Representative 4. Training and Safety Division Representative 5. Representative of Local 2928 that is a Driver Operator 6. Firefighter, Lieutenant or Operational Captain (must be from an assignment different from that of employed) 7. Battalion Chief 8. District Chief ii. No Accident Review Board members are to be the affected employee’s immediate supervisor. Where a conflict exists, substitutions shall be made on a case-by-case basis. Alternate representatives shall be designated for each of the eight (8) positions to serve in the event of a conflict (i.e., supervisor of affected employee). iii. The Accident Review Board may convene with as few as five (5) members present. Determinations of the Accident Review Board are to be by simple majority of those members present. iv. The ruling of five (5) or more members of the Accident Review Board shall be final. In the case of an even number of Board members present and the vote results in a tie, the Chair can vote and break the tie. e. Accident Review Board Attendance: i. In addition to members of the Board and the affected employee, other interested parties may attend in an observing capacity, pursuant to any Sunshine Laws that may be applicable. ii. Only those persons called for testimony and/or recognized by the Chair shall be given the floor. iii. The Chairman of the Accident Review Board may request the attendance of personnel that may have information relevant to the case. iv. Failure on the part of the employee to appear for a scheduled Accident Review Board hearing, without prior written notification to the Deputy Chief of Operations, shall result in the Accident Review Board hearing the case without the employee present. ______________________________ REGINALD K. DUREN FIRE RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR Supersession History 1. PPM#FR I-32, issued 02/29/1988 2. PPM#FR I-32, issued 10/21/2015 3. PPM#FR I-32, issued 03/24/2016 4. PPM#FR O-303, clerical 03/01/2018 5. PPM#FR O-303, issued 01/03/2020 6. PPM#FR O-303, revised 01/12/2021 7. PPM#FR O-303, revised 07/07/2021 FR-O-303/Page 11 of 11