by mobrian on March 6, 2009
Tips for Working on Roadways with Apparatus
By: Michael Eckert, Deputy Chief
Introduction
In our last article, we discussed the imminent implications of 23 C.F.R. Part 634 –Worker Visibility, a federal regulation mandated by SAFETEA-LU, the 2005 act that funds US transportation for a five year period. It became effective on November 24, 2008. Hopefully, by now, all firefighters are wearing their vests diligently, whenever they are working in the right of way. Remember, “If your feet are in the street, keep your vest on your chest.”
As indicated in the last article, it should always be remembered that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense against a hazard. This rings true with traffic safety [click to continue…]
by mobrian on November 22, 2008
Feds Create Common Sense Exception Days Before Rule is in Effect
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued an Interim Final Rule to address safety concerns raised by the firefighting community regarding high-visibility safety apparel (see Worker Visibility Final Rule – 23 CFR Part 634, below).
The Interim Final Rule:
Revises the definition of “worker” to exclude firefighters when they are exposed to flame, fire, high heat or hazardous materials.
Exempts firefighters from the requirement to use high-visibility safety apparel, as defined in this rule, when they are exposed to hazardous conditions where the use of such apparel may increase the risk of injury to firefighter personnel.
Worker Visibility Final Rule – 23 CFR Part 634
A new FHWA regulation (Worker Visibility Final Rule – 23 CFR Part 634) that goes into effect on November 24, 2008 requires firefighters and other first responders responding to or working at an incident on federally funded highways to wear a retro reflective safety vest that meets the Class II or III standards of the American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) 107-2004 publication.
The ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 Public Safety Vest standard has [click to continue…]
