WAC 296-305-04503   Automotive fire apparatus equipment.  (1) Vehicles used to transport fire fighters and employer representatives shall have compartments for carrying sharp tools, saws, chisels, axes, etc., or if carried on the outside of the apparatus, equipment with sharp points and edges shall be covered to prevent injury to fire fighters and employer representatives.

     (2) Personnel restraints for traveling.

     (a) All persons riding on fire apparatus shall be seated and secured to the vehicle by seatbelts or safety harnesses at any time the vehicle is in motion.

     (b) Seatbelts shall comply with U.S. Department of Transportation Part 49 CFR Section 571, Standards 209 and 210.

     (c) Riding on tailsteps or in any other exposed position such as sidesteps or running boards shall be specifically prohibited.

     (d) Standing while riding shall be specifically prohibited.

     (e) Members actively performing necessary emergency medical care while the vehicle is in motion shall be restrained to the extent consistent with the effective provision of such emergency medical care. All other persons in the vehicle shall be seated and belted in approved seating positions while the vehicle is in motion.

     (f) Fire departments permitting hose loading operations while the vehicle is in motion shall develop a written policy and guidelines addressing all safety aspects.

Note:

Policy and operating guidelines should address: • The assigning of a member as a safety observer who should have an unobstructed view of the hose loading operation and be in visual and voice contact with the driver. • Allowed maximum fire apparatus speed when hose loading; • Control of nonfire department vehicular traffic; and • Allowing members in the hose bed, but limit standing to only when the vehicle is not moving.

Note:

See WAC 296-305-07011(3) for exceptions for wildland vehicles.

     (3) Each fire apparatus shall carry a current U.S. Department of Transportation chemical identification book or the equivalent.

     (4) Ladders stowed on the sides of apparatus, which protrude past the tailboard, shall have guards over the protruding ends.

     (5) No employer shall permit automotive fire apparatus equipment which has an obstructed view to the rear, to be used in reverse gear unless the equipment has in operation a reverse signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise level.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-05-080, § 296-305-04503, filed 2/17/99, effective 6/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 96-11-067, § 296-305-04503, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]