NEWS IN BRIEF

NEWS IN BRIEF

NAPA to study staffing levels

The National Academy for Public Administration (NAPA) has begun a study of fire department staffing levels at emergency incidents to determine their impact on firefighter safety and health. The two-year study will be managed by the U.S. Fire Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which awarded the grant for the study. The USFA has appointed an advisory committee of fire service organizations to participate in the project. Study recommendations are expected to be published in 1995.

According to FEMA Director James Lee Witt, the study’s objective is to “make sure everything possible is done to protect firefighters while they are working to protect all of us.” The focus of previous studies in this area, he adds, primarily was on operations and efficiency, not firefighter safety. Witt stresses that FEMA wants “the fire service across the country to be comfortable with the study result” and “firefighters to be as safe as they can be on every call they answer.”

NAPA is chartered by Congress as an independent, nonpartisan organization to help improve the effectiveness of government at all levels. It provides expert counsel to government leaders.

FIMA guide lists alternative funding sources

“Report on Alternative Funding Sources,” compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration, a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, suggests methods for approaching foundations, other private-sector funding sources, and local governments for funding and lists available state and federal grant programs. In addition, the free publication contains success stories of fire service and EMS organizations and offers fund-raising suggestions for large and small rural and urban departments as well as volunteer, career, and combination departments.

Among options covered in the guide are development impact fees, subscriptions for fire and EMS services, benefit assessment fees, public/private partnerships with large corporations, and contracting out services. Tables list agencies in each state that serve as contacts for state or pass-through funds from various federal programs.

To obtain the guide, contact USFA’s Office of Fire Technology Programs, 10825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Ml) 21727.

Beniamin Franklin medal sales raise $1.2 million

The sale of 50,000 commemorative Benjamin Franklin silver medals so far has raised S1.2 million for fire and emergency service foundations. Eugene S. Essner, deputy director of the United States Mint, presented a check for the proceeds at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in January. Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA), author of the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Medal and Fire Service Bill of Rights Act ( 1992) authorizing the sale of the silver coin, and more than 200 uniformed firefighters were at the presentation. Minting of the coin began July 1, 1993.

All proceeds above the U.S. Government’s minting costs are distributed among the Franklin Institute (for restoration and renovation) and the following:

• The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation,
• The International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation,
• The International Association of Arson Investigators Educational Fund,
• The Institute for Life Safety Technology and Emergency Management Education,
• The National Fire Protection Association Learn Not to Burn Foundation,
• The National Association of State Fire Marshals John Heinz Scholarship Fund, and
• The National Volunteer Fire Council.

One hundred thousand additional medals must be sold by July 31, 1994, when mintage ends, if the fire service is to receive the maximum financial allocation under the bill, according to the IAFC. The Silver Medal is being offered at a special bulk rate price of S32 for the proof and $28 for uncirculated coins if purchased in minimum lots of 25 medals.

Order forms are available from the LAFC’s Government Relations Department at (703) 273-091 1.

Legislation update

The Congressional Fire Services Institute has reported that the following proposed legislation was among that introduced in the Congress during 1993 and is expected to be considered this year.

FliMA reform:

• S 995 Mikulski (D-MD), HR 2548 Deutsch (D-FL)

These proposals would shift FEMA from a civil-defense to an all-hazards agency and combine the National Fire Academy (NFA) and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). They do not mention fire services. Several hearings pertaining to FEMA were held in 1993; more are likely in 1994.

• HR 2692 Peterson (D-FL)

This proposal is similar to Mikulski’s bill in that it would change FEMA from a reactive civil defense to a proactive allhazards agency. The NFA and EMI would remain separate entities and the status of the FEMA director position would not be changed.

No hearings or other action occurred in 1993; it may receive attention in 1994.

• HR 2873 Mineta (D-CA), S 1350 Inouye (I)-HI)

These measures would expand the federal program of hazard mitigation, relief, and insurance against the risk of catastrophic natural disasters. The National Disaster Coalition was active in forming this bill. Hearings are anticipated in 1994.

• HR 3295 Borski (D-PA)

Crafted with input from major fire service organizations, this proposal would reorganize federal disaster policy to focus on mitigation and all-hazards training. It would provide SI00 million per year for “Federal Disaster Preparedness Grants” and SI00 million per year for “Hazard Mitigation Grants.” Also, the FEMA director would have to have an emergency management or a fire services background. It recognizes firefighters as the first responders to disasters.

OSH A reform.

• HR 1280 Ford (D-MI), S 575 Kennedy (DMA)

Similar to previous Democratic OS HA reform bills that did not become law under previous administrations, it would extend coverage to federal, state, and local government employees/employers and increase safety standards and penalties. Many hearings were held, especially during the second half oZf 1993-

• HR 1878 Andrews (I>NJ)

It would amend the OSH Act of 1970 so that consistent national warning labeling pertaining to personal protective equipment for occupational use would supersede individual state warnings. At press time, Congressman Andrews was attempting to have this amendment made part of HR 1280, scheduled for committee markup the first week of March, according to Michael Smith, CFSI Government Affairs Manager.

• HR 2937 Fawell (R-IL)

This proposal would amend the OSH Act of 1970 to extend coverage to federal, state, and local government employees/ employers but would exempt volunteer agencies such as fire departments. Employers would have flexibility in monitoring related policies such as the hiring of safety consultants and inspectors. It would also provide credit for employers with good safety records.

Aboveground tanks:

• HR 1360 Moran (I)-VA), S 588 Robb (D-VA)

These measures would impose tougher regulations and fees on aboveground storage tanks used to store regulated substances. Some of the fees obtained would go to local agencies responsible for monitoring. clean-up, haz-mat. etc. Some in industry oppose it because of the increases in costs and regulations that would result.

Arson:

• HR 1727 Boucher (D-VA), S 798 Bryan (D-NV)

Ilie Arson Prevention Act would establish a program of grants, to be administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, for arson research, prevention, and control. It offers Sll million in grants for arson prevention and research programs over two years and will not be funded before fiscal year 1995. The House version was passed on July 26, 1993. and the Senate version on November 22, 1993. lawmakers will have to create a uniform version of the bill, which could be signed into law during 199-4.

This legislation was actively supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Arson Investigators, the National Fire Protection Association, the International Society of Fire Services Instructors, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association, and the Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services.

Personnel-.

• HR 2722 Owens (D-NY), Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1993

I’he bill would allow fire departments and other public safety agencies to continue to set mandatory retirement ages. Firefighters currently have an exemption from such laws, which expired January 1, 1994. Under this measure, fire departments and law enforcement agencies would continue to set age hiring and retirement guidelines. It was approved by the Committee on Education and Labor on October 19, 1993, and passed the House under suspension of the rules on November 8, 1993. It became stalled in the Senate. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, Sen. Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH) blocked the bill s progress to allow more time for consideration.

Hazardous materials-.

• HR 2178 Amendment N. J. Rahall (DVV)

This amendment would provide that the Hazardous Materials Reauthorization Act provide first-responder hazardousmaterials departments with up to S10 million in federal grants during fiscal years 1994 and 1995. Also, it would authorize a demonstration program to determine the feasibility of creating a national hazardous-materials shipment register. As envisioned, the program would allow first responders access to a database that could provide up-to-date information on the materials present at a given site. It passed the House on November 21, 1993. and is pending in the Senate.

Freon substitute could present fire hazard

A Freon substitute used in automobile air conditioners, manufactured by the Idahobased OZ Technologies Inc. and sold under the trade name OZ-12, could be hazardous to emergency responders, warn New Jersey officials. Reportedly, the fluid has been used to replace Freon in about 50,000 vehicles nationally.

The fluid—which contains butane, propane. and other volatile chemicals and is highly flammable —has been banned in 13 states and the District of Columbia but is sold legally in New Jersey. The substance is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and has not been approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs alerted state firefighter and police organizations through fliers to the possibility that the flammable liquid may be present when responding to car tires and other emergencies involving automobiles.

Source: “N.J. warns firefighters of air conditioner fluid, ” Seamus McGraw, THE RECORD (Hackensack, New Jersey). Jon. 15, 1994, A-4.

Emergency responders to be notified when they ore exposed to infectious diseases

Firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency response personnel now will be notified when they have been exposed to an infectious disease in the line of duty. Guidelines covering the diseases to be included and the details of the notification system were expected to be released by the federal Centers for Disease Control at the end of February (at press time). The system will be implemented 30 days after release of the guidelines.

Under the new notification system, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency response personnel will be able to ask for confirmation when they suspect they have been exposed to a communicable disease. After a documented exposure to blood or body fluids, emergency response personnel —working through a designated officer in their fire department —can request from the medical facility that received the emergency patient information that would confirm whether the patient is carrying certain communicable diseases. Hospitals automatically will be required to notify emergency response personnel of a suspected exposure to infectious tuberculosis.

Alfred K. Whitehead, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, lauds the regulations as “a major step forward in protecting the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and their families.” The IAFF first called attention to the need for an infectious disease notification law in 1985, at which time former Rep. Dennis Eckart (D-OH) introduced a bill. .Alter an intensive lobbying effort by IAFF members across the United States, provisions for disease notification were included in the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, signed into law in 1990.

Despite the fact that the law stipulated that the guidelines be developed within 180 days, however, no action was taken until January 1993. when the draft regulations finally were drafted by the Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control, but the opposition of special interest groups prevented their being released. The ultimate responsibility for issuing the final regulations then was transferred from the Centers for Disease Control to the National Institute of Safety and Health.

The IAFF is working toward having similar notification requirements established for Canadian emergency responders.

1994 emergency vehicle technician certification exam announced

Following is the 1994 schedule of emergency vehicle technician (EVT) certification examinations recently released by the EVT Certification Commission. (The EVT program originally had been instituted as the Fire Apparatus Mechanics Certification Program by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.)

• Saturday, April 30: EVT general testing throughout the United States.
• Saturday, August 27: Fire-Rescue International; St. Louis, Missouri.
• Monday, September 12: Washington State Fire Mechanics seminar; Ellensburg, Washington.
• Friday, September 30: Ohio Fire Mechanics seminar; Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
• Saturday, October 22: EVT general testing throughout the United States.

EVT examinations are used in conjunction with tests administered by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to certifytechnicians in specific areas including fire pumps and accessories, aerial fire apparatus, and Allison automatic transmissions.

“Make the Right CalP’ cited for excellence

The “Make the Right Call” national public education campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was awarded three citations in 1993. Developed and promoted by the TriData Corporation and Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart. the campaign’s objective is to educate the public about the nature and scope of emergency medical services and the circumstances under which EMS should and should not be called.

The American Ambulance Association Award of Merit acknowledged the campaign’s “enhancement of the public’s access to quality EMS.”

WASHINGTON EDPRESS, an organization of publications and public relations professionals producing educational materials and sponsor of the Excellence in Print Awards, awarded the campaign a Gold Award and one of the campaign posters, which featured the key program messages, a Silver Award.

The campaign materials include television, print, and radio public service announcements; sample press releases; and informational handouts. More than 20,000 kits written in English and Spanish have been distributed to EMS providers throughout the United States and six foreign countries.

More information about the campaign is available from EMS Campaign, 1901 L Street, NW; Suite 300; Washington, DC 20036.

Misting sprinkler system demonstrated

Hie Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MERI) of the College Park Training Academy recently hosted a premier demonstration of a high-pressure water misting sprinkler system for Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area fire department chiefs.

Noting that the high-pressure watermisting sprinkler system “may shape the next generation of fixed tire protection systems,” the MERI said the objective of the demonstration was to “give advance notice to local fire department leaders about this extraordinary advance in fire control technology.”

“This system creates a fine mist which results in much less water damage to electronic equipment, paper products, and other valuable property,” explains Steven T. Edwards, director of the MERE “Therefore,” he adds, “this system will be of great potential value to libraries, museums, archives, computer laboratories, and other such facilities.”

Marriott International, Reliable Sprinkler Corporation, and Micro-Mist Corporation have been working with the MFRI to develop the high-pressure water misting sprinkler system.

Micro-Mist project managers, researchers, and technicians provided background information for the 15-minute demonstration involving the Micro-Mist system’s performance in a simulated hotel room fire. Project researchers claim that a mist of a maximum of two gallons of water per minute will be sufficient to extinguish a typical hotel room fire in its early stages.

For more information, contact Robert B. Wright, MFRI public information officer, at (301) 220-7248.

NFPA urges hospitality industry to highlight fire protection features

The hospitality industry should include in its corporate and commercial directories fire protection information along with that pertaining to swimming pools, meeting room capacity, and banquet facilities, maintains the National Eire Protection Association. “The hospitality industry is doing meeting planners and other customers a disservice by not supplying fire protection information alongside information about on-site amenities,” says Albert B. Sears, Jr., former president of Meeting Planners International and NEPA’s assistant vice president for meeting programs.

Moreover, says Sears, all hotel staff should be familiar with the building’s automatic fire protection features, and all travelers should ask what fire protection features are available in hotels and motels before booking their reservations. A brochure on this subject sold in packages of 100 is available from the NFPA. For more information, call (800) 344-3555.

Test finds “no acute toxicity” from inhaling halon replacement

The Center for Global Environmental Technologies (CGET) at the University of New Mexico has found that no acutt (severe) toxicity has resulted from inhal ing perfluoromethyl iodide, a second-gen eration halon replacement, during a modi fied acute inhalation toxicity limit test The replacement was tested at a concen tration of 12 percent, four times that required for fire extinguishment.

More information is available from Stephanie Skaggs at (505) 272-7262 or Robert Tapscott at (505) 272-7252.

Fire protection for libraries, museums, and archives subject of study

The National Fire Protection Research Foundation of the National Fire Protection Association is seeking sponsors for a firetesting project focused on ways to increase fire protection for records, archives, and mobile shelving. The te sts and results ultimately will be incorporated in a videotape.

Existing model building codes do not address protection of mobile shelving, which is extensively used by libraries, museums, hospitals, offices, and archive warehouses to store electronic records, paper records, motion picture films, sound tapes, videotapes, still pictures, biological specimens, and other materials, the foundation noted in a recent release. The data generated through the project will be helpful to code and standard writers seeking to improve protection of mobile shelving and develop economical fire protection and detection systems for a variety of archive materials, the foundation adds.

A diverse international technical advisory committee will guide the project and provide a peer review of the results. The National Research Council of Canada will conduct the fire tests and analyze the results.

For more information on the project, contact the Research Foundation at (617) 984-7283.