Vehicle_Safety_Belt_System.pdf

Policy 911 Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Vehicle Safety Belt System - 1 Vehicle Safety Belt System 911.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to ensure t...

Policy 911 Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Vehicle Safety Belt System - 1 Vehicle Safety Belt System 911.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all members of the Department utilize the vehicle safety belt system while operating or riding in department vehicles or privately owned vehicles while conducting department business. The use of a safety belt system consisting of lap belts, shoulder harnesses or combinations thereof along with other safety restraints significantly reduces the chance of death or injury in case of a traffic accident (Va. Code § 46.2-1094). 911.2 POLICY It is the policy of the Chesapeake Fire Department that all members utilize a properly adjusted safety belt system along with other safety restraints when operating or positioned in any vehicle owned, leased or rented by this department, or in any privately owned vehicle while on-duty. The member driving such a vehicle shall ensure that all occupants, including any non-members, are properly restrained (Va. Code § 46.2-1094). The officer in charge of the vehicle must confirm that all personnel are on board, properly attired, and with seat belts on before the vehicle is permitted to move. 911.3 INOPERABLE SAFETY BELTS No person shall operate department vehicles in which the safety belt system in the driver’s position is inoperable. No person shall be transported in a seating position in which the safety belt system is inoperable. No person shall modify, remove, deactivate or otherwise tamper with the vehicle safety belt system, except for vehicle maintenance and repair staff, who shall do so only with the express authorization of the Fire Chief. Members who discover an inoperable restraint system shall report the defect to the appropriate supervisor. Prompt action will be taken to replace or repair the system. 911.4 EXCEPTION Tailboard riding is prohibited. The only exception to this is while packing hose in the hose bed of the apparatus. When packing hose, drag hose to the apparatus to load whenever possible. If that is not practical, another option is to drive over the hose to pack. If you must back up to pack hose, all backing and safety rules will apply. While conducting such operations, the utmost of caution must be applied.