Section 296-305-07004. Heat-related illness prevention for wildland firefighters.

(1) At all wildland fires, members shall be provided with a minimum of one quart per hour of electrolyte drinks or potable water.

(2) Officers at wildland fires shall be trained in the symptoms of heat-related disorders and shall observe their crews for such behavior. Appropriate action shall be taken in the event a crew member displays such symptoms.

(3) At all wildland fires, the incident commander shall consider the circumstances of the incident and make adequate provisions early in the incident for the rest, rehabilitation and hydration of all members operating at the scene. These provisions shall include fluid replenishment; other factors to consider are the extremes of the climatic conditions and other environmental factors that increase the firefighter's heat stress.

(4) One hour is the maximum time that individuals can work in high temperatures in structural protective clothing. Agencies may substitute crews to avoid the one-hour bench mark or increase crew size to complete the job in less than one hour.

(5) Members may be reassigned to return to duty throughout the incident cycle once a work-to-rest ratio (company and crew) rehabilitation rotation has been established.

Note:

WAC 296-305-05004, Occupational exposure to heat and cold stress, may be of assistance while developing a plan, establishing training topics, and identifying environmental factors to consider for incident rehabilitation. The 2008 edition of NFPA 1584, Standard on the Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises may also assist in establishing a rehabilitation plan.

[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, § 296-305-07004, filed 2/19/13, effective 1/1/14.]

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, § 296-305-07004, filed 2/19/13, effective 1/1/14.

Rules

296-305-05004,