Health
and Safety Committee
Meeting Minutes
Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
Health and Safety Committee
2007 Annual Report
Under the direction of Chief Bouma and in compliance with Wisconsin
Comm.
30, the Health and Safety Committee (HSC) was formed in January of 2007.
Assistant
Chief Kaminskis was appointed the department Health and Safety Officer and
oversees
the committee. The committee has a hierarchy under the direction of an elected
President, Vice President, and Secretary. In total there are 8 members who
sit on this
committee giving representation to each rank within the department. By conducting
monthly meetings there have been a great number of accomplishments during
the first
year. Although the committee is only in a position to make recommendations
to
department administration, the research and documents compiled by these members
have helped to streamline the implementation process within the department.
Of the handful of items the HSC has addressed in the past year, two of the
most visible
are the “Safety Centers” in every fire station and eye protection being worn
by all EMT’s.
The safety centers make available at one location all necessary equipment
and Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for standard work being performed in and around
the
station. Should an accident happen to a fire department employee, the committee
reviews each accident scene to analyze if any factors could have prevented
the accident
and through their findings provide recommendations.
The committee takes suggestions and concerns from department membership.
Using
NFPA publications as well as departmental operating guidelines and other
existing
standards for guidance, the committee attempts to find recommendations for
solutions to
known hazards as well as potential hazards. By doing such, the HSC reviews
existing
equipment, practices, and on the job injuries for opportunities to be safer
on the job.
In the future the HSC will continue to research and visit new technologies
and
practices that could potentially provide for a safer work environment for
a job that is
inherently dangerous. The members of the HSC should be proud of their efforts
and
ability to stay the course when controversial recommendations have been made.
Their
recommendations and accompanying research have produced changes in both
equipment and policy. Ultimately the HSC has made both the daily workplace
as well as
the ever changing fire ground a safer place for the men and women of the
Mt. Pleasant
Fire Department.
Ryan Scharnhorst
FF/Paramedic/Chairman
Mt Pleasant Fire Department
Health & Safety Committee
December 14th, 2007
Present: Bouma, DeRosier, Kaminskis, Klis, Marsteller, Pie, Scharnhorst,
Smith
Called to Order at 0905 hrs
Meeting minutes from 10/24/07 were read. Discussion was held in regards
to the Chapter 51 topic. Questions were raised that pointed not only
to Chapter 51 calls, but as well as PI accidents. The issue being that
dispatch and/or police officers calling off the ambulance. Klis stated
that he would take all of the said concerns to AC Keiser for discussion.
Further discussion continued until it was decided that the topic needed to
be brought up in “New Business”. The minutes were approved with the
exception of 1 “No” vote by Smith.
Management Report
AC Kaminskis deferred this report to the items he was bringing
forward under “New Business”.
Union Report
L2939 President DeRosier spoke briefly about the Peer Fitness Trainer
program. He will not be able to attend this springs class in Racine
due to its scheduling correspondence with spring break. There is currently
at least 1 spot available for the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department due to his
absence.
Old Business
– Klis presented to all present a 3-paged document
from Dr. Bote on his recommendations for emergent transport to the hospital.
Klis asked that the document be reviewed with discussion tabled until the
next meeting in January. Item tabled.
Chief Bouma requested feedback on the double toning
procedure. All agreed that it is indeed helping and is seen in a positive
light. The new dispatch center may have the ability to improve dispatching
techniques in such areas as ramped up toning volume and/or dim to bright
lighting features in the stations. Topic will be tabled for review
at future meeting.
Smith presented AC Kaminskis with more SOG reviews/development
paperwork that the department officers have been working on. Kaminskis
stated that this mounting stack of recommendations will be discussed in upcoming
officer meetings. On a similar topic, Lt. Marsteller requested that
clarification be provided for the newly adopted response guideline as some
items are still being questioned by personnel. After further discussion,
Chief Bouma stated he will draft a letter with above guideline attached and
present it to dispatch as they are still dispatching incorrect or not dispatching
appropriate resources. Overall these incidents are on a irregular basis
and are viewed as a minor “clean up” issue.
Klis brought to the meeting the old topic of loose equipment
inside apparatus riding areas. With the upcoming delivery of the new
121 and 124 scheduled to run front line for a couple months there will obviously
need to be some equipment movement and securing issues/devices have been discussed
in the past. Motion by Klis that the Health and Safety Committee make
strong recommendation for 124's equipment to be securing stowed prior to
its movement front line duties. 2nd by DeRosier. Unanimous pass.
Marsteller added that he has a diagram from MPO Lockhart that may aid in
this upcoming transition. AC Kaminskis will oversee and direct the
equipment storage activities.
New Business
– The date for the January 2008 meeting was set for the Tuesday the
22nd at 0900 hrs. At that meeting the remainder of the 2008 meeting
schedule will be set. Brief discussion was held about holding meetings
on other shifts outside of “B” shift. Due to the current members on
the committee, “B” shift is only represented by AC Kaminskis and thus presents
the least likely scheduling conflict and least likely to be called away during
a meeting.
During the past 6 months a small handful of meetings
have been canceled. Lt. Marsteller made a motion that should one meeting
be missed then the following months meeting shall have every attempt to be
held. No more than one missed meeting in a row. All such meetings
shall need a minimum of 5 members present. Unanimous pass. It
was also suggested that when the draft meeting agenda is published that all
need to reply to the secretary on their attendance availability.
The implementation of station towels for dishes has
been positively received by all and the efforts are complimented by this
committee.
Prior to this meeting date Scharnhorst had sent all
members of the committee a Powerpoint presentation on the new ANSI/DOT Safety
Vest guidelines. This was done for information as well as consideration
for future purchases. Kaminskis motioned for suggestion to administration
for purchase and existing PPE SOG adjustment in 2008. 2nd by DeRosier.
Discussion followed that due to differing size of individuals that possibly
the best implementation would be to issue each member his/her own as part
of their issued PPE. Vote was taken with unanimous pass.
Kaminskis presented a draft Uniform Guideline with highlighted
adjustments for the new requirement of safety shoes/boots that will require
ANSI Z41 compliance. Discussion followed with questions about the differing
standards inside Z41. The answer to the question on classification is
that the footwear can meet any class as long as it has the Z41 tag and can
hold a polished shine (per existing SOG). Discussion then moved from
safety shoes to the issue of uniform shorts which was tabled for next meetings
agenda.
The next topic of discussion was Health and Safety committee
members attitude. In brief, each member of the committee is expected
to be the exemplary safety advocate and to support any safe measures that
are put into place so as not to undermine the efforts of this committee or
the department. AC Kaminskis solidified this statement by adding that
if any member of the Health and Safety committee does not believe in the adopted
mission statement and isn't dedicated to the safety of the department members,
then they should step down. Motion to table further discussion by Marsteller.
Motion to amend Marsteller's motion by Klis that would strike the topic from
further discussion. Unanimous pass.
A brief discussion was held around the recent publication
of the McGrath consolidation study. At this time there are no safety
issues.
Kaminskis spoke on the call back system research and
his findings. Currently the Racine Fire Department is utilizing Global
Connect – Strategic Voice Broadcasting system. This system would be
a great but simple benefit for the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department where large
incidents would require personnel recall. Expenditures for this system
are minimal and all agreed it sounded like a feasible option that should be
presented to the department administration.
A brief presentation on the new 121 was presented by
AC Kaminskis. Delivery date is intended on January 15th, 2008.
Kaminskis stated that a large number of the departments
high pressure bottles will be receiving their required hydrostatic tests.
SC Johnson is currently receiving more inspections and
a watchful eye from the federal government. They are reviewing and strengthening
their procedures in emergency response and security measures.
Recently AC Kaminskis and other department personnel
met with the Racine Fire Department Special Teams coordinators. It was
learned that Racine is capable and prepared for trench rescue operations.
Prior to this it was believed that the team out of northern Illinois should
be requested. On their special teams, there are open spots for Mt. Pleasant
members to participate. More information on this will be coming. AC
Kaminskis will be working with their special teams in the upcoming year and
teaching them a pilot program on rope rescue. Their RIT training program
is regarded as being “in a holding pattern” at this time. Mt. Pleasant
training will continue to move forward.
Pie brought to the table the issue of PI accidents and
inquired as to who has authority at the scene, fire or police? AC Kaminskis
replied that ultimately police is the governing authority. Pie also
asked why the PD is allowed to request only a ambulance when our policy is
to have both an ambulance and engine or truck respond. He added that
often times their isn't the need for extrication, but the big rigs blocking
traffic while a patient is pulled onto a long board is needed. Chief
Bouma stated he will send a letter with our current SOG on this matter to
dispatch and to our company officers. Chief Bouma said that our company
officers should be following the established policy “regardless of dispatch
information”.
Pie asked to discuss the issue of ongoing back injuries
within the department. Discussion was held as to possible reasons for the
injuries and if there are any identifiable causes and/or trends. Without
any statistical information at this meeting, it was agreed upon the the issue
will be discussed at future meetings.
Scharnhorst motioned that the committee send a letter
of appreciation and thanks to AC Salvo for his efforts and recent safety/training
postings throughout the stations. All agreed that these actions are
positive, thought provoking additions to our daily work routine that catches
the attention of all members. Similar discussion was held for AC Keiser
and FF/PM Klis's work on the sanitation/decontamination study and report.
Scharnhorst will draft said letter and present them.
Motion to adjourn by Scharnhorst. 2nd by DeRosier. Unanimous
pass.
Adjourned at 1027 hrs.
October 24, 2007
Present: FC Bouma, AC Kaminskis, Lt Marsteller, FF/PM DeRosier, FF/PM
Klis. Called to order at 0900.
Management Report:
AC Kaminskis gave the management report. Safety Centers have been
installed in the stations; protective glasses and earplugs are in place.
Prescription safety glasses for affected firefighters were investigated,
the department is unable to meet the associated cost (>$500 per unit).
A model of protective glasses that fits over regular glasses has been included.
Recent media coverage of MRSA has raised the department’s awareness of bathroom
cleanliness. Sanitizing products and cleaning tools will be purchased,
guidance for their use will be forthcoming. The health department will
be asked to evaluate station 2 mold/mildew and plumbing issues, the department
will strongly consider their recommendations. EMS division will be purchasing
hand sanitizer and dispensers to be installed in squads and Safety Center
areas.
Union Report:
DeRosier gave the union report. Executive officers of the union are
potentially changing due to upcoming elections. Impact on the
membership of this committee is possible but not expected. Concern regarding
the Hastings Court fire response and safety impact was raised, Union and
Management expect to discuss mutual/automatic aid response items at the upcoming
Management/Union meeting (scheduled Nov. 6). Physical Fitness Trainer
discussion and efforts to extend the health and fitness initiative beyond
the fire stations are ongoing with AC Keiser.
Old Business:
-Sturtevant command guidance has been addressed in the August 30, 2007 revision
of the Emergency Response to Sturtevant Guidelines S.O.G. initial response
from MPFD will be as described. Additional alarms should be requested
through MABAS.
-Officer meetings. The schedule for reestablishment of staff/company
officer meetings will be discussed at the Nov. 6 Labor/Management meeting.
The Fire Chief’s intent is to establish a recurring 6-month interval, using
the meeting to focus on performance expectations and officer development.
-GPS has been deferred to the laptop/software committee for consideration.
-Intersection light control switch that is in the former dispatch office
is to be moved to the bay floor in the vicinity of 121/131. AC Pierce
has been tasked with the project.
New Business:
Discussion of details contributing to a recent head injury resulted in a
recommendation that The HSC attempt to make suggestions for accident and injury
prevention based on the circumstances of every department injury. Present
committee members agreed review of these cases should be an integral part
of the injury reduction effort and that medical/personal information would
not be included. The health and safety officer will generate a recommendation
for the department based on the factors of the recent head injury.
Loose equipment inside the passenger compartments of several apparatus was
considered. Among other companies, 124 often has multiple items loose
in the driver’s side rear cabin when used in place of 121. Reducing
the loose items may entail removing certain tools from the equipment or reconfiguring
the compartments. A standardized plan for arranging 124 when moved up
will be developed by the staff and passed down. Adjustment to other
companies’ inventories or configurations will need staff approval.
Medical Control is developing guidance for lights and sirens transport in
response to national and state trends (expected within 30 days).
Responding to Chapter 51 calls without emergency lights and siren was brought
forward. Discussion revealed that no adequate means of determining medical
necessity exists. Police officers are not trained to judge a subject’s
health condition. Developing a way for dispatchers to reduce the response
urgency is cost and time prohibitive. 51’s will remain a 10-39 run.
Call back for staffing during major incidents can be done through use of
the RFD auto dialer. AC Kaminskis to explore/coordinate with Racine
dispatch.
141 thermal imaging camera is currently out of service. The camera
has become less reliable in recent months due to age. 2 new cameras
have been purchased; MPFD is awaiting their delivery.
The committee agreed that double toning before announcing the call has been
helpful in that the practice allows us to more clearly hear the dispatch information,
especially when awakening from sleep. FC Bouma will direct dispatch
through the control board to adopt the practice full time. Further
discussion of the station toning alert system clarified the concern for “call
shock”- a term for suddenly awakening from sleep and rushing to a fully conscious
state. Gradual volume ramping or less abrupt tones are recommended
to help ease the impact on the heart. Our current system does not have
the ability to volume ramp; the ability to change the alert tones was unknown…
the discussion was tabled.
Infection control training is scheduled. The EMS division is pursuing
infection control improvements through the use of sanitizers, UV lighting,
testing/cultures, and better cleaning products.
Motions to adjust the HSC priority list were approved. The resulting
list:
High Priority
Accident and Injury Prevention
Fire Scene Operations (CO monitoring, RIT at outside agencies)
Comm 30 Compliance
Physical Fitness
Loose Equipment in the Vehicle Cabins
Portable Radio Problems (fire ground failure)
Medium Priority
Roadway Safety Training
Standard Operating Guidelines
Station Toning Alert System
Items struck from the list:
Safety Officer Program- recent training presented by AC Salvo addressed
highest concerns
Performance Standards- Staff/Company Officer meetings will provide a better
forum
Mapping Issues- recent edition of map and books addressed many concerns
Meeting adjourned at 1035
June 14th, 2007
Present: Bouma, DeRosier, Kaminskis, Klis, Marsteller, Pie, Scharnhorst,
Smith, Voss, and guest Vance Forrest from Aegis.
Called to order at 0903 hours.
Scharnhorst read meeting minutes from April meeting that took place on
the 12th of May, 2007. No additions, deletions, or comments were offered.
Motion for acceptance with unanimous pass. Minutes will be posted
at all 3 stations.
1st Order of Business – Klis resignation of Vice-Chair
Klis gave brief explanation of his personal reasoning
for his resignation. Motion by Marsteller to accept resignation.
2nd by Kaminskis. Unanimous pass with zero discussion.
Nominations were held for the position of Vice-Chair.
Nominations were made for both Marsteller and Smith. Motion by Kaminskis
for Marsteller to be voted into position of Vice-Chair. 2nd by Smith.
Unanimous pass.
Management Report
Bouma gave report for management. There has been
no feedback received for the station toning system. Station 3 personnel
are still using the pager system as a backup and are without incident to
date. The station 2 generator solution has been handled by applying
for a Fire ACT grant which also includes new portable radio’s and 15 pagers.
This grant is being reviewed at the peer level (step 2) and monies requested
are in the ballpark of $230,000-$240,000.
Klis poised a question in regards to the radios and
requested that a committee be used for final decision making prior to purchase.
Report from Vance Forrest, Aegis representative, Loss control consultant
Mr. Forrest gave a brief overview of his position with
Aegis as well as his position with the Village of Mt. Pleasant. Chief
Bouma invited Mr. Forrest to this meeting. Mr. Forrest stated that
he would like to included in this committee’s e-mail group. He stated
that he recently sent correspondence to Chief Bouma via e-mail on the issue
of ergonomics as well as other topics. Mr. Forrest then questioned
why this committee was looking into the driving standards, to which Marsteller
responded. On a separate issue, Mr. Forrest stated that he would be
able to provide statistical data to this committee so that if any trends
of injuries are developing they can be identified.
Union Report
Voss, who was sitting in for DeRosier, stated he had
nothing to report.
Old Business
Fit Testing- Kaminskis stated that the fit testing has
been completed, but there are still 8 members who require further testing
on the N95 masks.
SOG development- Smith stated that there have not been
any submissions at this time. Bouma also stated that he hasn’t seen
any updates yet.
File Cabinet- Scharnhorst has spoken with Lori and the
HSC will have file cabinet space in the closet at the front of station 1
for record keeping purposes. Scharnhorst will label appropriately and
keep all meeting minutes as well as other documents submitted to committee
in this location.
New Business
• It was identified that there has been a handful of
eye injuries/exposures in the recent months. Comments and discussion
were held for ways to increase safety protection for member’s eyes.
Motion by Kaminskis: HSC will recommend
to the Fire Chief the development of an guideline that safety glasses will
be used on all emergency calls with Local 2939’s involvement for issues
of mediation and discipline. 2nd by Klis.
Brief discussion was held that brought
about a motion by Pie to table this topic. There was no second to
this motion and it died. Discussion continued and questions were raised
if the new and upcoming revisions to the MPFD’s SOG manual will solve this
issue. The current SOG was referenced and read aloud by Scharnhorst.
Mr. Forrest was asked if he could provide a 3-year synopsis on eye exposures
for the MPFD and he agreed that he could and would provide this to department
administration.
Call for vote was heard. Motion
passed with only 2 opposed (Pie and Scharnhorst).
• Scharnhorst brought up the topic of the Hwy 31 and
Hwy 11 intersection light controls. A department member approached
Scharnhorst and requested investigation to see if the old intersection controls
were still in place and if they could be used. Kaminskis commented
and stated this was a facilities issue between the old and new dispatch center.
Scharnhorst will send correspondence to AC Pierce for inquiry.
• Kaminskis stated that the Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)
recommendations have been submitted.
• On the issue of members names being attached to the
bottom backside of turnout coats, Scharnhorst presented the topic via request
from department member. Years ago members used to have their names affixed
to their turnout coats and it was requested that this be reinstated for safety
reasoning. The submitting member made not connection to Scharnhorst
about what safety reasoning there was. A small discussion was held
by the HSC and it was agreed upon that we could not identify any safety advantages
at this date and time. There will be no further action on this topic
at this time.
• Pie initiated discussion as to the priorities of the
HSC. Marsteller agreed that there is limited access by members to
share safety concerns, especially in the anonymous area. Also, last
months meeting was not held and there was explanation as to why. Further
discussion was held as to the powers of the elected leaders of this committee
and to the unique hierarchy that they are presented with (i.e.: line FF
as President addressing Fire Chief and giving directions to said individual).
Motion by Klis: 1) Establishment of a format that department membership
can forward ideas to this committee.
2) Define rolls and
responsibilities of committee members/officers.
Second by Scharnhorst.
Discussion followed with ideas about creating a HSC Safety form that could
be anonymously filed and placed into any HIPPA box and sorted by Lori and/or
AC’s that would then be passed along to this committee. Discussion
was held and agreed upon that motioned item #1 should receive the highest
priority. Vote held and passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn by Kaminskis
2nd by Voss.
Unanimous pass
Meeting adjourned at 1028 hours.
Have a safety concern or just a comment for the committee?
Please let us know!
e-mail
the committee secretary