For live fire training the following procedures are required:
Instructor Requirements for Live Fire Training
A member of the Command Staff must be present at the time of any live fire training. This member may function in one of the required Instructor positions.
The Instructor-in-Command shall be responsible for compliance with NFPA 1403 requirements and the requirements of this section of the Standard Operating Guidelines. The Instructor-in-Command shall be a Certified Instructor II.
The Instructor-in-Command shall be responsible for the content of the training session, conducting safety inspections, briefings, pre-burn and post-burn checks, making certain that suitable rehabilitation measures are taken and completion of all documentation. The Instructor-in-Command shall make sure that all Instructors in critical positions are trained in the proper use and operation of the live fire training equipment.
A Safety Officer shall be appointed for any live fire training. The Safety Officer shall be a Certified Instructor and trained in the operations of any live fire training equipment. Responsibilities of the Safety Officer include; preventing unsafe acts, elimination of unsafe conditions, and provide for the safety of all persons on the training ground. The Safety Officer shall have not other responsibilities on the training ground.
The Safety Officer has full authority to intervene and control any aspect of the operations when in his/her judgement a potential or actual danger, accident, or unsafe condition exists.
An Instructor shall be assigned the responsibility of controlling the fuel valves. This Instructor shall have the responsibility of control the fuel to all burn props in use. This Instructor shall not have any other function on the training ground that would interfere with his operation of the fuel valves. The Fuel Control Instructor shall be in constant contact with the Instructor-in-Command and the Safety Officer.
The participating Student to Instructor ratio shall not exceed 5 to 1.
One Instructor will accompany the Rapid Intervention Team.
Additional Instructors or Safety Officers shall be utilized as necessary by function or safety concerns as determined by the Instructor-in-Command.
All participants in live fire training shall have received training to meet the NFPA 1001-1 Firefighter Professional Qualifications Standard performance objectives in the following subjects: Safety, Fire Behavior, Portable Extinguishers, Personal Protective Equipment, Ladders, Fire Hose, Appliances and Streams, Overhaul and Water Supply.
All participants must have complete Personal Protective Equipment that meets the requirements of NFPA 1500.
Instructors must assure that all PPE is properly worn prior to entering into a live fire evolution.
Prior to conducting a live fire evolution, the Instructor-in-Command shall conduct a visual and functional inspection to:
Prior to conducting the training all participants must be briefed on the evacuation procedures and signals.
The Instructor-in-Command shall designate a free radio channel for all instructors and teams to use for live fire training. A role call of all participants will be conducted prior to live fire training.
All participants must participate in a walk though of the structure specifically to familiarize them with emergency exits. Simulated victims or specific objectives need not be pointed out to participants.
No person shall play the role of victim during live fire training.
The Instructor shall brief all crews on the objectives and expectations of the evolution prior to entering the building.
The Instructor-in-Command, Safety Officer, and Crew Instructors shall coordinate with one another prior to beginning the evolution.
Crew Instructors shall take a head count and inspect the crew to make sure PPE is properly worn prior to beginning the evolution. Upon completion of the evolution, the Crew Instructor shall take a final head count.
The Safety Officer shall confirm the head count prior to and after the evolution.
General Requirements
At least one back up line from an independent water source will be provided for all live fire training evolutions. Use of an second engine company with tank water is acceptable for training center exercises, as the valve man can close gas valves and clear the lines in response to any emergency. Two engine companies will be required for any live fire training.
In interior live fire training evolutions, the Instructor-in-Command must direct crews to perform positive pressure ventilation on the structure prior to conducting a second evolution. The Safety Officer shall conduct a walk through of the structure to monitor for elevated levels of flammable gases prior to conducting additional burns.
All fuel must be burned out
of the fuel supply lines prior to leaving the training facility.