Section 296-305-01505. Accident prevention program.

(1) All fire departments shall develop and implement a written safety program.

(2) Fire department safety programs shall have an assigned health and safety officer.

(3) Each employer shall develop a formal accident-prevention program, tailored to the needs of the fire department and to the type of hazards involved. The department of labor and industries' consultation and compliance services division may be contacted for assistance in developing appropriate programs.

A safety orientation program describing the employer's safety program shall include:

(a) How and when to report injuries, including instruction as to the location of first-aid facilities.

(b) How to report unsafe conditions and practices.

(c) The use and care of required personal protective equipment.

(d) The proper actions to take in event of emergencies including the routes of exiting from areas during emergencies.

(e) Identification of the hazardous gases, chemicals or materials involved, along with the instructions on the safe use and emergency action following accidental exposure.

(f) A description of the employer's total safety program.

(g) An on-the-job review of the practices necessary to perform the initial job assignments in a safe manner.

(4) Fire departments shall have a safety committee to serve in an advisory capacity to the fire chief. The number of employer-selected members shall not exceed the number of employee-elected members.

(5) The frequency of safety meetings shall be determined by the safety committee, but shall not be less than one hour per calendar quarter, however, special meetings may be held at the request of either party.

(6) Minutes shall be taken of all safety meetings. After review by the chief or his/her designee the minutes shall be conspicuously posted at all stations.

(7) Employee submitted written suggestions or complaints shall be considered. Action recommendations by the committee shall be transmitted in writing to the fire chief. The chief or his/her designated agent will reply to the submitter.

(8) Inspections of fire stations shall be made at least monthly and records maintained to ensure that stations are reasonably free of recognized hazards. These inspections shall include, but not be limited to, tools, apparatus, extinguishers, protective equipment, and life safety equipment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1910.156, Fire brigades. WSR 13-05-070, § 296-305-01505, filed 2/19/13, effective 1/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 96-11-067, § 296-305-01505, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1910.156, Fire brigades. WSR 13-05-070, § 296-305-01505, filed 2/19/13, effective 1/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 96-11-067, § 296-305-01505, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.