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Regulations and Standards for Fire and Rescue Departments
Some things to take into consideration while you are applying for an AFG grant are covered in this article. It is not enough to just say you need a new fire truck. You will want to include statistics and data that relate to your company’s policies and that you should refer to regulations and standards for Fire and Rescue Departments.
State and federal regulations and laws apply to the operations of the fire fighter and rescue personnel. The most important that has mandatory minimum requirements for health and safety are from the state and federal OSHA agencies. The laws that their regulations are based on are to ensure all employers comply with providing a safe and known hazard-free workplace for all of its employees. Civil fines and criminal prosecution can result in neglecting or violating their regulations whether state or federal.
Governmental agencies are not the only organizations that have an input into the safety and well-being of the fire fighters and rescue personnel. Other organizations that issue non-binding standards are the National Fire Protection Association, and the American National Standards Institute. Another set of groups that help support the training sector of standards are the International Fire Service Training Association, and the National Association for Search and Rescue. Although these private groups and associations do set their own high standards and make recommendations, these are not binding by law. These groups indeed contribute to the overall safety and training of our fire fighting and rescue personnel. Their recommendations and sets of standards are thoroughly researched and thought out that many have been incorporated into state and federal laws and regulations. Those that have are then required to be followed by law or penalties will be assessed.
The impact of the state and federal laws along with the volunteer standards must always be considered. Even though fire fighters and rescue workers have immunity statute from lawsuits, grossly negligent acts by fire and rescue departments are not covered. In some court cases, the voluntary standards are so well written and meaning that they are, in effect, an enforceable standard of care. The protection of the citizens as well as the fire fighter and rescue workers should always be the primary consideration. Be sure to mention the appropriate parts of this in your AFG Fire Grants application.
Click here for assistance with: AFG Fire Grant Application
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