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

By Bill Adams

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

In this episode of The Apparatus Workshop, Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch take ground ladder selection, platforms/towers vs. aerials, and more and roll them together to cover all the ins and outs of what it means to get a ladder truck to be operational and set up for success.

The city of Atlanta no longer has to rely on others for training, the Atlanta Police Department said in a Facebook post. The new facilities at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center includes a driving skills pad.

“This new skills pad enables us to enhance the safety and preparedness of our city personnel, equipping them with the tools and training they need to serve both residents and visitors with excellence and security,” the department said in the post.

The following were tagged in the post: City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, City of Atlanta Government, City of Atlanta E911 Communications, Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, City of Atlanta Department of Public Works.

Video by: Charis Harris, City of Atlanta Police Department & PIO John Predmore.

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The Genoa Volunteer Fire Department and the Genoa Fire District were honored when Colden Enterprises asked to display our new Engine 1 at the 57th annual Old Forge Fire School, the Genoa Fire Department said in a Facebook post Sunday.

The drill school was held September 12-15 and hosted by the Old Forge Fire Department and Firefighters Association of the State of New York.

The Genoa crew participated in several lecture and hands on classes including Crisis Management, The First Five Minutes, Propane Live Burn, Fire Ground Operations on Main Street, Grant Writing, Hunter Rescue, and Tanker Shuttle.

“We had a great time learning from renowned instructors, and sharing fellowship and networking with other departments from around the state. We can’t wait for next year.”