OSHA Begins Process for Updating Fire and Emergency Response Standards

September 11, 2007 – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released its Request for Information, the first step in the process to update all fire and emergency response standards in federal regulations.

The current fire and emergency response standards are outdated and do not reflect changes the IAFF has pushed for and incorporated in NFPA standards – such as the 2-in/2-out rule – over the last three decades.

“This Request for Information is this union’s best opportunity to improve fire fighter health and safety since our 2-in/2-out standard,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “I encourage all affiliates and their members to have a voice in what changes are needed to protect workers involved in emergency response and preparedness.”

OSHA is seeking detailed information relating to fires, emergency medical and other rescue situations, large scale incidents, PPE, training, professional qualifications, medical evaluations and medical monitoring for fire fighters, and skilled support personnel.

The deadline for submitting this information to OSHA is December 10, 2007. The IAFF is also preparing detailed remarks in response to this Request for Information.

Click here to download the Request for Information.