Station Safety

Being safe in the station has much to do with how we live our daily lives. The station represents a “home away from home,” where virtually every home function occurs. The emergency service organization (ESO) has a responsibility to create a safety culture within itself. The ESO can nurture personal safety behavior by supporting the belief that nothing supercedes safety. The ESO leadership must have the attitude that safety matters and work toward creating cultural and behavioral changes by changing the attitudes of their respective staff. Furthermore, ESO management must have a sound policy, with supporting standard operating procedures and guidelines (SOPs/SOGs), then lead by example.

Scope

Foremost in the pursuit of station safety should be a risk assessment conducted by the ESO to identify safety hazards in and around the station. Management must analyze the assessment information and then prioritize the hazards most likely to cause injury or illness. For example, older stations may not conform to modern safety specifications found in new construction. Once safety hazards are identified, management can then address each issue by eliminating the hazard, or implementing practices to avoid the hazard.

Safety Considerations

Safety considerations encompass numerous subjects and issues, both inside and outside stations. Following is a list of subject areas that justify safety concerns, awareness and best practices. The ESO should take each of these into account:

• The office area presents safety concerns ranging from ergonomic design of chairs and office equipment to visual impairment related to computer screens and room lighting.
• Steps or stairs carry tripping, slipping and falling hazards.
• Kitchen hazards include potential for fire when appliances are left on, burns from hot appliances/food, slips and falls from wet floors, and even knife wounds. Foodborne diseases also present safety concerns.
• Sleeping in the station raises safety concerns including falling off beds, injury resulting from sudden awakening and falling, or issues related to sleep deprivation.
• Horseplay and hazing incidents often result in injury and carry significant risk.
• Air quality concerns exist throughout the station. Vehicles should have exhaust retractors to prevent emissions illness.
• The vehicle bay or garage area has multiple safety concerns. All areas should be clear and free of debris. Walkways should be marked and finished with slip-proof flooring. Maintenance areas should have tools and machinery secured and stored in a manner recommended by the manufacturer. Applicable machinery guards should be in place and used at all times. Oxygen and air cascade systems and air compressor stations should have explosion protection. Battery charging areas necessitate an emergency eye-washing station. Pillars or poles often found in bay areas lend themselves to visual obstruction, risking injury to personnel or vehicles. They should be clearly marked.
• Fire safety is essential throughout the complex. Fire extinguishers, smoke and CO2 detectors are essential. Sprinklers are recommended and can easily be retrofitted to existing structures. Adequate and clearly marked means of egress are crucial.
• Falls from ladders are relatively common. Ladder use should be limited to individuals trained on proper safety techniques.
• Lighting should be adequate for safe operations. Lighting standards can be found in the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code Handbook.
• Ergonomic design should be considered with all station applications. Everything from chairs to maintenance tools and hand railings are available in ergonomic varieties.
• Storage on top of cabinets should have securing mechanisms.
• Exercise facilities require training on proper use. Overexertion and serious muscle injuries are prevalent.
• Hazardous substances should be secured in appropriate storage containers and designated locations.
• Biohazard areas need to be identified and appropriate control measures established.
• Outside storage facilities raise issues pertaining to storage of hazardous substances, lawn mowing/trimming equipment.
• Parking areas should be clearly marked and free from slip-and-fall potential.
• Vehicle egress requires a clear line of sight when exiting the station and leaving the property.
• Building access and applicable internal facilities (rest rooms, meeting rooms, etc.) should be designed with safety in mind by ensuring applicable access for disabilities.

Action Steps

Following are recommended steps that will lead to a safer operation both on and off the job.

• Risk assessment—Walk around the station and take notes using the list of previously referenced considerations. Prioritize your findings based upon the seriousness of the hazards, and begin corrective measures immediately.
• Policy and SOPs/SOGs—Develop policy, with supporting procedures and guidelines, for best safe practices.
• Injury-prevention program—Implement an internal awareness and safety campaign that promotes, encourages and rewards safe behavior while effecting a positive safe attitude.
• Post safety signs throughout the station.
• Place labels and markings on hazardous pathways and hazardous objects.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of facilities.
• Conduct regular compliance monitoring and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure preventive maintenance is performed.
• Ensure availability of a first-aid kit.

Bibliography

• FEMA-USFA. EMS Safety, Techniques and Applications, 1994.
• FEMA-USFA. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Ergonomics, 1996.
• https://www.cdc.gov.
• NFPA. Life Safety Code Handbook, 2002.
• FEMA-USFA. Safety and Health Considerations for the Design of Fire and Emergency Medical Service Stations, 1997.