Juniors and SCBA's

I live in NC and the state law prohibits the use of the SCBA pack if your under the age of 18. Does any one have any idea on why this is? I think if your 17 1/2 you should be allowed,but limited to, SCBA traing so when your of age you can already have your traing done.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on February 15, 2009 at 3:32pm
Ty is is summed up in one word....."Liability"....If a Jr gets hurt or worse in training or a Fire then the insurance and the legal liability would be devastating....you are not considered of legal age untill 18 in most states....I don't say it is fair, I don't say it is right....BUT...unfortunately that is the way it is.....Be patient my friend...your time is coming.....Stay safe....Always keep the faith.......Paul
Permalink Reply by Heather on February 15, 2009 at 3:43pm
We have Jr's and they are required to train with packs and any other training department is doing under close supervison of the Cheif, Training Officer and the Safety Officer only. They can't do any firefighting at all. Hope this will help u out if I can help in any way let me know. God Bless and Stay Safe out there my friend.
Permalink Reply by Barbara Nelson on February 15, 2009 at 6:03pm
In Oregon it is a child labor law. Any one under 18 is not allowed in an IDLH atmosphere. You also have to pass a medical physcal and have a mask fit test to use SCBA. There are sooo many other things to learn before you turn 18 don't worry about SCBA. Worry about fire behavior, care of PPE, water supply, hoses and streams, expinguishers,ladders, building search, forced entry, ventilation, communications, building construction, and so on. The SCBA should be at the bottom of your list of things to do.
Permalink Reply by Ty Brantley on February 15, 2009 at 9:07pm
Wow, thank you Barbara, I never really thought of it that way. But that was just a question that i had on my mind for a while. And thank yall for your in put. And yall be safe as well
Permalink Reply by Barbara Nelson on February 15, 2009 at 9:36pm
It is good that you are so eager to learn. In the fire service you should never stop learning. You will go far with the go-get-um attatude you have. I Have had the chief pull the reins on me a few times so I know what you are feeling. Like you are being held back, but all good things in time. You will learn alot from this website. stay safe
Permalink Reply by Ty Brantley on February 15, 2009 at 9:54pm
yea im glad i found this web site, just from reading some of the forums i have already learned a lot. I really like firefighting and saving people and helping others, even tho i cant go on many calls. It still gives you a good feeling. you stay safe also
Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on February 15, 2009 at 11:23pm
Ty, it's good to see your into training! There is so much more to learn other than SCBAs. Keep at it bro! Remember you will be of age soon. If you don't have essentials take it. Its long but worth it. The 4th step is structural burn so you have to be 18 but you can take the 1st. 3 steps at the age of 17. Hopefully by the time your 18 it will be burntime!

Goodluck!
Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on February 16, 2009 at 2:19am
Your post was consise and well thought out Barbara. Ty and others under the age of 18 need to be patient, however, I must admit that I am very impressed with Ty's response to you below. It shows maturity and a willingness to accept new information. Qualities essential for a firefighter. ms
Permalink Reply by Paul Kerp on February 16, 2009 at 3:20am
Ty, if you look in the labor statues for your state under minors ( 18 and under ) you should be able to find an answer to your question. It is illegal in most states and in the Federal statues for anyone under the age of 18 to carry, modify or come in contact with any pressurized cylinder of 100 psi or more. The federal labor laws even consider fire extinguishers off limits except in an emergency. There was a discussion about this with our Explorer post, A representative from the states attorneys office located this information for us.
There are some exceptions for schools, but it varies by state and application.

We found a way to train our Explorers, we removed the valve assy. from a few old cylinders and allowed the Explorers to perticipate in black out drills. This enabled them to train with the pack and get used to the weight.

Be Safe!
Permalink Reply by Barbara Nelson on February 16, 2009 at 1:14pm
I agree with you. I feel that he will go far with his career
Permalink Reply by Dennis Brown on February 16, 2009 at 2:11pm
LIABILITY & INSURANCE & THE CHILD LABOR LAWS GET IT NOW

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