National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1900, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances, has many changes, not the least of which is combining several apparatus standards into one. One notable change was moving most of equipment to be delivered with each new rig to the Annex and making it recommended vs. required. This month, we asked Bill Adams and Ricky Riley, “Did the NFPA make the right decision moving most equipment to the Annex and recommending it vs. requiring it on newly delivered rigs in NFPA 1900?”
Answer: Yes It Did
In my opinion, the NFPA made an excellent decision when it moved most of the ancillary equipment requirements in NFPA 1900 to Annex A. The change makes the document a little less confusing and easier to read.
My comments are directed mainly at fire apparatus intended for structural firefighting. The history of why and when NFPA 1900 and its preceding apparatus standards as well as commercial (for-hire) insurance rating organizations developed lists of ancillary equipment is irrelevant for this discussion. It has been addressed previously (https://www.fireapparatusmagazine. com/equipment/apparatus-purchasing-iso-and-nfpa-equipment-lists/).
Removing most of the ancillary equipment requirements reinforces my conviction that NFPA 1900 and its preceding NFPA fire apparatus standards have overstepped my interpretation of the actual scope of the document.
SCOPE
Dictionaries have multiple definitions for the word “scope.” They include intention, objective, range, and purpose. Pick one of your choosing. I concur with NFPA 1900’s published definition of scope as stated in its own words, which is to describe the minimum criteria for an apparatus to transport personnel and equipment to a scene and to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of hazards after arriving on scene. (Underlining is mine for emphasis.) In my opinion, supporting fire suppression does not necessarily mean being responsible for the actual extinguishment. That is “splitting hairs” to justify a personal agenda or belief.
NFPA 1900 Chapter 7 Fire Apparatus-General Requirements (NFPA 1901/1906) section 7.1.1* Scope states: “Chapters 7 through 27 define the minimum requirements for the design, performance, and testing of new automotive fire apparatus and trailers designed to be used under emergency conditions to transport personnel and equipment and to support suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations, including wildfires.” Section 7.2.3 Purpose states: “This purpose of Chapters 7 through 27 is to specify the minimum requirements for new automotive fire apparatus and trailers that will be safe and reliable when maintained and used within design parameters.”
ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
NFPA 1900 does not say its scope includes specifying the ancillary equipment a fire truck has to carry or should carry. Remember: The document specifically says to transport and support. It does not say anything about how to put out a fire, how to mitigate a hazard, or how much and what type of equipment has to be carried to accomplish the mission. Don’t read between the lines!
I wholeheartedly concur with NFPA 1900 determining what is required to ensure an apparatus can safely transport people and equipment. I have no prob