FPASA BULLETIN FD 19
FIRE TEAM/OCCUPATIONAL FIRE BRIGADE ORGANISATION
The concept of establishing fire teams is well accepted in South Africa.
Unfortunately it has lacked detailed documentation on which the evaluation of
needs and criteria for the formation of teams could be based. Safety legislation in
America and changed to the Codes of Practice in both the USA and UK prompted
the Association to evaluate the situation in South Africa. A study of information and
experience gathered during 131 on-site training sessions and 13 surveys involving
fire team organisation was carried out. The general trend was that companies
appear to have based their organisation on the knowledge/expertise of fire and
safety officers in their employ and information supplied by fire brigades, FPA, and
insurers. Shortfalls identified include:
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No clear legislation requiring the establishment of fire teams, occupational fire
brigades or designated persons to take appropriate action in an emergency as
is the case in the USA.
No code of practice or standard on which the evaluation or establishment of
these facilities can be based including health requirements, minimum safety
standards etc. Municipal fire brigades and designated services in industry are
guided by the Fire Services Act. No substantial guidelines exist for fire teams/
occupational brigades which do not fall into this group.
Shortfalls in written fire defence policies and even no written policy.
Certain industries that have either over or under estimated their needs. This
results in unnecessary additional expenditure or a false sense of security.
An absence of clearly defined requirements that the fire team members are
expected to meet or the duties they are expected to perform.
Inadequate initial, continual and refresher training.
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Because of the shortfalls in specifying the responsibilities and activities
expected from fire teams their safety may be at risk as a result of a lack of
training, equipment or protective clothing.
A lack of fire-fighting guidance notes which help with training and form a
standard operating procedure for specific risks.
The absence of clearly defined options means a fire team could consist of
anything from two people trained to use extinguishers to a group of sic trained
to use pumps, breathing apparatus etc.
To help ensure that fire team options chosen are fit for purpose and to create a
standard that can be used country-wide, the Association has prepared a guidance
note for the organisation and management of fire teams and occupational fire
brigades in commerce and industry.
The guideline is based on NFPA 600 industrial fire brigades and the Loss
Prevention Council, UK Code of Practice for occupational fire brigades.
The most important aspect of the document is the clear definitions and limitations of
actions of each of the following fire-fighting options:
Designated employees – incipient stage fires
When fires can be easily extinguished using fire extinguishers or hose-reels by
designated employees in their normal working clothes without compromising their
safety due to heat, smoke etc. Should the fire not be extinguished during this
phase, it is beyond the capabilities of this option.
Fire teams – small/incipient stage fires
Involves the extinguishment of both interior or exterior fires where the fire team
members:
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Do not have to take excessive evasive action to avoid heat and smoke
Are able to effectively fight the fire using extinguishers, hose-reels, small
capacity foam equipment and large diameter hose and branches, the
discharge from which does not exceed 150ℓ/min for interior fires and 300ℓ/min
for exterior fires.
Members should not perform duties for which they have not been trained.
Occupational fire brigades – large/structural fires
Involves the control and extinguishment of fires past the incipient stage including
exterior, interior, in enclosed plant or involving specific hazards requiring the
application of specialised extinguishing agent where:
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It is listed as a duty and covered by a suitable standard operating procedure.
Suitable necessary protective clothing for fire-fighting has been provided
including helmets, tunics, boots, gloves and breathing apparatus.
Suitable fire-fighting equipment is available.
Members are fully trained. Members should not perform duties for which they
have not been trained.
Their fire-fighting activities can be performed using extinguishers, hose-reels,
large diameter hose/branches of discharges of up to 1 200 /min or specialist
extinguishing agents such as foam.
Any one or a combination of these options could be adopted by an organisation
depending on their needs or circumstances.
To ensure that all key aspects of organising fire teams and occupational fire
brigades are addressed. The document also provides guidance on the following:
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Key components of a fire defence policy.
Consideration when deciding on the type of coverage.
Fire team/occupational fire brigade staff compliment and structures for each
option.
Selection criteria for members including medical examinations.
Equipment/protective clothing requirements.
Training phases and frequency guide.
Incident management.
The need for standard operating procedures for specific risks.
Communication.
Employee benefits.
Fire teams and occupational fire brigades are established to safeguard people and
property within their capabilities but are dependent on knowledge, skills and
equipment. The FPASA guidance note on the organisation and management of fire
teams and occupational fire brigades in commerce and industry sets standards,
facilitates a career in fire-fighting and will help ensure that staff involved are able to
carry out their responsibilities and duties so as not to endanger themselves, their
colleagues or other employees.
Copies of the FPA Guidance Note are available
from the FPASA Publications Department
Published by
Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa
(Incorporated Association not for Gain)
(Reg. No. 73/00022/08)
P O Box 15467
Impala Park
1472