2022-02 Hawaii Fire Department Performance Audit

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NFPA standards may be legally enforceable when they are predicated on OSHA standards or when incorporated into code. For example, Hawaii County Code Chapter 26 includes the adoption of the state fire code, which incorporates NFPA 1, the Uniform Fire Code. Although not all standards are attainable for every department, there are numerous benefits to adopting achievable NFPA standards. NFPA standards tend to represent evidence of what a reasonably prudent fire department should be doing. Applicable NFPA reference standards • NFPA 1900 is currently being revised to incorporate the following standards: o NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus o NFPA 1906 Standard for Wildland Fire Apparatus o NFPA 1917 Standard for Automotive Ambulances o N F PA 414 Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Vehicles • NFPA 1911 Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In- Service Automotive Fire Apparatus • NFPA 1912 Standard for Fire Apparatus Refurbishing NFPA 1911 • NFPA Chapter 5 Retirement of Emergency Vehicles 5.1.1 states, "The fire department shall consider safety as the primary concern in the retirement of vehicles." • NFPA Chapter 5 Retirement of Emergency Vehicles 5.1.2 states, "Retired emergency vehicles shall not be used for emergency operations." The standard includes a guideline (Annex D, 2017 edition) which offers general guidance. It's important to note that while the standard does not include mandatory replacement schedules, other criteria, including apparatus design, or elements such as seatbelt warning signals, or anti- lock brakes, are required safety features that may be missing from older vehicles. In 2009 major additions were added, including rollover stability, tire pressure sensors, extended seatbelts to accommodate fully dressed firefighters, and new restraint system requirements. The annex suggests that apparatus more than fifteen years old but properly maintained be put into reserve status but should be upgraded according to NFPA 1912 standards. It further indicates that vehicles unable to meet the criteria, and where retro fitment exceeds the salvage value, and those apparatus over twenty-five years old, should be replaced. It also points out that some vehicles may wear out in as little as eight to ten years, whereas quality vehicles treated well, and maintained properly, may still be serviceable as a reserve vehicle at twenty years. 21 Page