2 in 2 out Help

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Permalink Reply by Michael Bricault (ret) on May 19, 2011 at 10:09am

-Mike, what specifically are you looking for? The OSHA document on 2 in 2 out, legal responsibility and clarification, what a RIC is....? What do you consider valid information?

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Permalink Reply by Mike France on May 20, 2011 at 11:41am

Any and all info Mike would help with this

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Permalink Reply by Michael Bricault (ret) on May 20, 2011 at 12:58pm

-The first step is for a dept to realize the true nature of the 2 in/2 out requirement. It is not a mathematical formula, meaning 3 ff in an IDLH do not necessitate 3 ff outside as a RIC or 4 ff in an IDLH requires 4 ff as RIC.

-If a firefighter is going to enter an IDLH he must be accompanied by at least one other firefighter, and there must be at minimum 2 firefighters outside prepared to rescue them should the need arise. Those working inside can be of any number as long as there are at least 2 working together and the requirement is satisfied as long as there are at minimum 2 firefighter acting as RIC.

-Firefighters working inside the IDLH must remain in direct physical proximity, direct voice or line of sight contact. Those members acting as RIC may engage in tasks providing those tasks can be immediately abandoned without detriment to the overall operation.

-The only exception to the requirement is if there is an imminent situation in which firefighters know or reasonably believe someone will loose their life unless immediate action is taken, then the 2 in/2 out rule may be disregarded. However, actions must be justifiable and defendable.

-Many people erroneously believe that the 2/2 requirement is a recommendation or guideline, sort of like the NFPA standards being selectively imposed or applicable from state to state or fd to fd. The fact is, if your state is an OSHA state, the 2/2 requirement is enforceable and if OSHA conducts a post incident investigation, especially for a line of duty death or injury, the dept will be held accountable to the requirement. 

-One of the policies we have for 2/2 is for the first arriving engine co. All of our engines are staffed with one officer, one driver and two firefighters. During a first alarm assignment, should the engine co. be operating alone while awaiting the arrival of additional companies, the 2/2 requirement can be satisfied by allowing the two firefighters to begin the intrior stretch while the driver and officer remain outside.

-The reasoning behind this is that the driver and officers job functions will require them to work outside. The driver/operator will be making connections and operating the pump while the officer takes command of the operation and gives a radio size up and instructions to all incoming companies. Both the officer and driver act as an IRIC and will be relieved of this function when another company arrives and can take over the full RIC duties.

-In our system, a first alarm assignment consists of 3 engines, 2 ladders, 2 rescue/ambulances, 2 Batt chiefs and a heavy rescue co. Usually the third arriving engine or a rescue/ambulance will act as IRIT until the arrival of the heavy rescue which is assigned RIC duties at all first alarm fires. If the services of the heavy rescue are needed, another co. will be assigned RIC.

-During a mayday situation a second alarm is immediately struck doubling the on scene assignment, an incident staging area is designated for incoming second alarm co, additional TAC channels assigned as well as additional dispatchers being added to the incident.

-Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Mike France on May 24, 2011 at 9:08am

Mike thanks alot , got your email and we are working thru to do this the right way

 

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Permalink Reply by Fire Chief Billy Greenwood on May 24, 2011 at 12:08pm

Documents that can be used for credibility to a policy or procedure.

 

NFPA 1500

NFPA 1561

NFPA 1710

NFPA 1720

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

 

All of these documents could be used in a legal fashion against a fire chief should you not have a 2 in 2 out "safety team" policy and tactical procedure.

 

 

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