Topic: Requirements for FFII and 2 in 2 out
Question: Could you please provide with the contact information or point me in the right direction for locating minimum standards for Fire Fighter II certification and qualification as use in above/below grade structural firefighting and "2 in 2 out" use. Especially in regards to fulltime employed professional Fire Fighters/public safety officers. As well as requirements for "ongoing" education for full time firefighters.
Answer: MIOSHA part 74 requires full time Fire Fighters to be trained to the firefighter II level. Training outlines, subjects, practical tests, etc are dictated through the Michigan Fire Fighter training council. I assume when you are discussing “public safety” department, you mean the combination of fire and police. That is a very tough thing to do because fire training takes up so much time. However, any police officer who cross-trains must go through the same training as the firefighters.
The 2 in 2 out rule comes from the respiratory protection standard. The fire chief or his designee can conduct this training. The instructor must have extensive knowledge in the department’s standard operating procedures and how the department’s fire ground operations interact. Basically, if the department is in firefighting mode, if two people enter the structure, at least 2 people need to be outside, suited up, and ready to respond in case of emergency.
There are a number of subjects which require annual retraining. Examples include blood borne pathogens, SCBA, and others. Some are mandated through regulations, some by the local fire chief. Of course there are other training requirements as well, such as Hazwoper. A person can not even respond to a hazardous materials event if they are not trained.
In all cases, a person must be trained for the task they are expected to perform before they do it.
Below you will find links to the applicable general industry and health standards to help you.
Applicable Construction Safety Standard/Rule:
Applicable General Industry Safety Standard/Rule: Part 74. Fire Fighting
Applicable Occupational Health Standard/Rule: Part 451. Respiratory Protection
Additional Resources: For complimentary MIOSHA consultation please contact our office at (517) 284-7720 or submit a Request for Consultative Assistance (RCA).
Date Posted: October 15, 2007 /