Firefighter Seat Belt Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the last 30 years about 400 firefighters have died in vehicle crashes while on duty. Of these 400 men, 300 were not wearing seatbelts. Seatbelt use is widely known to protect victims from being tossed around in vehicle crashes.

The Seat Belt Rule

• According to the NFPA's 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, everyone riding in a fire apparatus should be seated in approved positions with their seatbelts on. The seatbelts should be secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Seatbelts should not be removed or loosened at any time while the vehicle is in motion.

Measures to Implement the Rule

• Many nationally recognized fire-service bodies provide guidance on the proper use of seatbelts. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has various documents to provide guidance, such as Standard Operating Procedures, Fire Department Vehicle Safety, and Safe Emergency Operations on Roadways.

Recommendations to Ensure Proper Implementation

• The IAFF recommends that the company officer and the driver should confirm that all riders are wearing seatbelts before the vehicle starts moving. The NFPA recommends that all vehicles should be installed with a seatbelt warning device that indicates proper use of seat belts. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety recommends legislation by all state governments to mandate the use of seatbelts in fire-safety vehicles at all times, and that all fire departments should make it a part of their training procedures.