How to Set Up a Fire Brigade in Industry

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides industry standards for establishing and maintaining a fire brigade in Occupational Safety and Health Standard 1910.156. These federal standards apply throughout the U.S. and its territories, but 25 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have state plans and standards that businesses in their jurisdictions must also meet. The OSHA website identifies these states and appropriate contact information for each. (See References 1 and 2.)

Instructions

• 1

  Write an organizational statement establishing the fire brigade and detailing its training and procedures. According to OSHA standards, this statement includes the brigade's organizational structure, a description of its training program including its type, amount and frequency, the brigade's size and its functions. Provide personnel with unfettered access to the organizational statement. (See Reference 1.)

• 2

  Check the health of employees assigned to interior structural fire fighting. OSHA does not allow employees with heart disease, epilepsy, or emphysema to serve in a fire brigade without a physician's certificate of fitness. (See References 1.)

• 3

  Purchase protective clothing and fire-fighting equipment to outfit the fire brigade's fire-fighting personnel. Maintain the equipment. Inspect portable fire extinguishers and respirators monthly and other equipment and clothing at least annually. Remove and replace damaged equipment. (See Reference 1.)

• 4

  Provide appropriate training for fire brigade members before they perform their duties. Cover specific duties. According to OSHA, the trainings should equal the quality of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or the Iowa Fire Service Extension. Provide brigade leaders with more comprehensive training than that of the other brigade members. Repeat trainings at least annually. Include information on workplace hazards such as flammable gases and liquids, toxic and water-reactive substances, and radioactive sources. (See Reference 1.)