Fire Brigade Policy

Modern fire brigades must follow government guidelines.

Before official fire departments and firefighters were available to adequately serve all geographic areas, fire brigades were commonly organized within companies and plants to do the job. The first such teams of volunteers were sometimes called the bucket brigade.













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Policy

The basic policy of early fire brigades was to fight and extinguish fires and rescue potential victims through carefully planned teamwork. Modern fire brigades are more specific in their guidelines.

Types of Brigades

A fire brigade may be restricted to organizing evacuations and helping people safely exit buildings. Others can only battle only fires that have just started and are apparently controllable. Some fire brigades are restricted to fighting structural fires inside buildings.

OSHA Guidelines

In 1980, to reduce risks to employees of companies with fire brigades, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed fire brigade standards for employers. It requires employers to clearly document their fire brigade procedures, thoroughly educate employees on the job duties and responsibilities, provide protective clothing, and supply workers with fire fighting tools and equipment. Employers must have their plans reviewed and sanctioned by OSHA.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) : Fire Brigade Policy
• A FirePro: Fire Brigade Policy