Spring Fire Department Two In/Two Out Procedures PDF

**[PURPOSE]** To establish guidelines for firefighting personnel entering IDLH atmospheres on initial fire attack that comply with the requirements set forth by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Texas Administrative Code Title 37, part 13, Chapter 435, Rule 435.17), and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(...

**[PURPOSE]** To establish guidelines for firefighting personnel entering IDLH atmospheres on initial fire attack that comply with the requirements set forth by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Texas Administrative Code Title 37, part 13, Chapter 435, Rule 435.17), and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(4). **[SCOPE]** All Spring Fire Department Personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with this guideline. **[REVIEW]** The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and assuring its accuracy. **[DEFINTIONS/REFERENCES]** IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) -- Any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life, or that produces immediate, irreversible, debilitating effects on health. Potential indicators include, but are not limited to: A. Lack of visibility due to smoke condition B. Presence of extreme heat C. Rapid deterioration of interior/exterior of structure D. Any fire that has progressed beyond the incipient stage **[GUIDELINE]** Fire crews will not enter a structure in which one or more potential indicators of an IDLH atmosphere exists until the two in/two out requirements are met. Apparatus staffed with a minimum of four personnel meet the two in/two out requirements and may initiate an interior attack prior to the arrival of additional apparatus. Apparatus staffed with less than four personnel do not meet the two in/two out requirements and must wait for a second apparatus to arrive on location prior to making an interior attack. A team of at least four fire protection personnel must be assembled before an interior fire attack can be made when the fire has progressed beyond the incipient stage. Fire protection personnel entering the IDLH area must remain in visual or voice contact with each other (not radio). One outside crewmember must be dedicated to monitoring the status of interior crewmembers while the second outside crew member may assume other duties such as the pump operator, Incident Commander, etc., so long as this individual is able to perform assistance or rescue activities without jeopardizing the safety or health of any fire protection personnel working at the scene. These crewmembers must remain outside the IDLH atmosphere, equipped with a complete set of PPE, SCBA, and retrieval equipment that may be required for rescue, ready to perform rescue of the fire protection personnel inside the IDLH atmosphere. Fire protection personnel outside the IDLH atmosphere must remain in communication (including, but not limited to, radio) with fire protection personnel in the IDLH atmosphere. Use of signal rope as a communications instrument for interior firefighting is not permitted by the commission. Anytime human life is in jeopardy, fire (rescue) crews may enter the structure without the required minimum two outside personnel. When fire crews enter non-IDLH atmospheres and conditions change resulting in a suspected IDLH atmosphere, interior crews must verify that two standby personnel are available outside the structure, or they must exit the structure immediately.