KING COUNTY FIRE MODEL PROCEDURE
Unsecured and Contaminated Equipment
Section 22
Adopted – 05/19/10
Revised -New
1.0
2.0
PURPOSE
1.1
This model procedure is endorsed by the King County Fire Chiefs as a
template for planning and training for all fire departments within King County.
1.2
All Fire Departments within King County should develop local policies precluding the
unsecured transport of hose and equipment. In light of cancer related illnesses and
LODD of area firefighters, transport of contaminated hose in the cab following a fire is
inconsistent with health and safety initiatives intended to enhance the welfare of
firefighting personnel.
REFERENCES
2.1
RCW 46.61.655 Washington State Secure Load Law
Washington State Law requires all loads to be secure. RCW 46.61.655, No vehicle shall
be driven or moved on any public highway unless such vehicle is so constructed or
loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping.
A 2008 report by the AAA Foundation estimates 25,000 accidents a year result from
unsecured loads in North America.
2.2
NFPA 15.10.7 Hose Storage to prevent unintentional deployment
NFPA 15.10.7* - Any hose storage area shall be equipped with a positive means to
prevent unintentional deployment of the hose from the top, front, and rear of the hose
storage area while the apparatus is underway in normal operations.
2.3
Appendix 15.10.7 - Many fire departments have experienced fire hose inadvertently
coming off the apparatus traveling to and from incidents. Several incidents have resulted
in injuries, damage to property, and death.
3.0
DEFINITIONS - None
4.0
MODEL PROCEDURE
5.0
5.1
Discontinue the practice of transporting unsecured fire hose and equipment (e.g. on the
rear step of the fire apparatus).
5.2
Discontinue the practice of transporting dirty fire hose in the cab of Fire apparatus or
EMS vehicles due to its unsecured status and its contaminated condition.
RESPONSIBILITY
6.1
Policy development and implementation will be accomplished by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Unsecured and Contaminated Equipment
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Revised 5/19/10