| SAFENETS – R5 – 2008CORRECTIVE ACTIONS for SAFENET #7HD3YFSAFESAFENET:#7HD3YFSAFE TOPIC: Mandatory PPE on the firelineCorrective Action:Thank you for taking steps to improve Firefighter Safety by filing this Safenet.As Doctrine is clearly principal based, there are still mechanisms in place for established ‘rules’ which do include mandatory PPE on the Fireline. As clearly stated in several agency and interagency manuals and handbooks, PPE (hardhat) must be worn on the Fireline as clearly outlined below:Health and Safety Code Handbook (6709.11):•Hardhat: All personnel shall wear Forest Service approved hardhats on the Fireline.Fireline Handbook (Chapter 4, Firefighting Safety Guidelines):•Clothing and Protective Equipment: Wear hardhat while on the Fireline** (as stated in Fireline Handbook: “Remember: Each individual and especially supervisors have and must redeem their safety responsibilities!!!!”Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (“Red Book”, Chapter 6 – Safety):•“All personnel assigned on wildfires and prescribed fires are required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for their duties and/or as identified on JHAs.oRequired PPE: Hard hat with chinstrapoHead Protection: Personnel must be equipped with hard hats and wear them at all times while on the Fireline.In addition, the Regional Office (R5) issued a letter to All R5 employees on January 1, 2008 addressing, “Safety, Our Number One Priority”. This letter specifically addresses PPE as outlined in the following:•Our safety policies and standards reflect the collection of lessons learned through the many years this Agency has been in existence. Most of these standards do not require or benefit from the application of discretion. When we do not adhere to the standards, particularly those of us that are in positions of leadership, we establish new standards – standards that no longer protect us from harm. The erosion of tried and true safety standards is a slippery slope that will ultimately lead to serious and undesirable consequences.•The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most frequently violated standards. Use of PPE is required through Job Hazard Analyses, in the Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11), and elsewhere in the directives system. The use of PPE is a standard; it does not matter whether it is convenient, expeditious, or comfortable, and is required when any of us are in the job environment for which it is prescribed. My expectation is that every one of you will know and understand what is required and comply accordingly. Every supervisor must hold their employees accountable for fundamental safety practices.•I am directing every Forest Supervisor and Director to ensure the use of PPE is a standard discussion in all tailgate and other safety meetings and trainings. I am requiring the Director for Fire and Aviation to ensure that this discussion is included in the annual fire refresher training for line-going personnel. I ask every employee to hold one another accountable to follow our standards for safety by setting an example, and expect no less from one another.•Your safety is foremost on my mind. I want you to avoid the pain and suffering that comes from injury. All of us share in ensuring our own safety through personal responsibility and strict adherence to safe practices and procedures.Other mechanisms that are in place to address the issue of wearing mandatory PPE while on the Fireline include the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Incident Action Plans (IAP) which could certainly augment and emphasize the current regulations. |
