what everyone thinks of the new regulations about reflective clothing

hey there everybody was just wondering how everybody thinks about the new ANSI regulation that is to be implemented in november for all Firefighter, EMS and Law Enforcement. I just want to see what everyone thinks of it

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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on September 24, 2008 at 5:46pm

Give it up, Paul. Some people just have to learn the hard way.

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Permalink Reply by Jeanine on September 24, 2008 at 5:55pm

I think the new regs are a good idea.

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Permalink Reply by Dave on September 24, 2008 at 5:57pm

Nothing comes up about him other then from this site. Other Incidents that I have read stated that they have left the safety zone and worked on the traffic side of the fire company. A properly placed fire company will block cars from going around and getting back into the lane involved. If you think a vest would help you then wear it so when the car hits you they can find you in the woods.

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Permalink Reply by Capt.Alex Arnold on September 24, 2008 at 6:12pm

HOLY SH*$!!! I have just finished reading all 5 pages of this forum. At first, I was all "oh yea good point", and "that is interesting." Then has it drug on that was not the only thing dragging. A few of you, I will leave unnamed for self accountability issues, have acted like knuckle dragging low brain pattern apes. You can ask any of my guys, (present and past) I don't fly off the handle and get worked up, normally. This post is really getting to me though!
My department has been using reflective vests as long has I have been here. We just use it because it is a safety issue. If you decide not to use it then that is a personal issue to be dealt with between you and the powers to be. You get killed at an MVI and they find that you weren't using it, even though it was an SOP not an SOG, what do you think your family is going to do or say when they are battling with the powers to be to receive benefits from your death. If you have never had to deal with that issue then shut the hell up and take some notes. When (hopefully never) you are killed in a LODD situation there is alot of investigating. Alot of associations and orginiazations with all kinds of letters will be coming to look. Some of those reports are used to determine fault,liability, yadda,yadda,yaddda. Guess what, they write in their report that you didn't take the necessary safety precautions "MANDATED" then guess who is left behind to fight with the higher powers to get what you have worked so hard to give them if something happened to you, NOT YOU!
We, those that watch these things, see it all the time, "because your loved one didn't follow the mandate, we are denying your benefits." It's insurance companies people!! They are going to find any reason what so ever to not pay. Is it right, no. Does it happen, everyday! If you don't believe me then look at the HOMETOWN HEROES benefit act. That is one of the biggest jokes since no child left behind. They will promise you the world when your breathing, your loved ones have to battle the world if you didn't play by the rules. Think about your kids and spouse the next time you don't want to do something "stupid" like a wear a vest. It doesn't matter if the rigs where placed right or vest or no vest your still dead and we are left behind to pick up the pieces. Be safe and learn something new today.

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Permalink Reply by Greenman on September 24, 2008 at 6:24pm

I still say FDs need to be able to place additional barriers in spots where cars can go around apparatus. A Stop-stick would have puncutred the tires of any car maneauvering around the apparatus.

Properly position the apparatus and have one firefighter deploy high-vis barriers with tire punctures in them on the shoulder to stop any cars attempting to bypass the rig. If the rig is properly positioned the car will have to do this a slow (ish) rate of speed.

I've been overseas for a couple of years, but how common are GPS navigation system in the U.S.? Do they start telling the driver there's a working accident ahead and tell the driver to slow-down or stop? They dash-mounted GPS navigation systems here in Korea for about $500 and they do exactly that. The apparatus transmit a signal which the navigation systems received and notify the driver often before he can even see it. I think they incorprate cell towers to transmit the signal along the highway.

Nothing beats properly position apparatus AND wearing High-Viz vest and PPE, but I think there are other improvements DOT and even industry can make to help us all be safer on the highways.

GM

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on September 24, 2008 at 9:46pm

With you Capt..... Sorry I got a little hot about this and carried on a bit....BUT I do believe that we need to do everything possible to make sure that our people come home safe, in one piece to their families and loved ones....I truely find it hard to believe that people in this line of work would cut corners and put safety aside be it wearing a stupid vest or in wearing ALL their PPE (And yes a hood is part of PPE)...Do I want to....??? Not especially...but if thats the rule then I will....and to throw out there that one knows more than a vollie because he is a career firefighter is bull...Now if he were a PROFESSIONAL that would be different...proves he is not by his attitude....One is not a professional by the mere fact that he/she is paid but rather by their actions.....Enough said....I will not entertain this issue any further.....It just isn't fair to fight a battle of the wits against an unarmed man.....Stay safe Brothers/Sisters......Remember to keep the faith......Paul

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on September 24, 2008 at 9:53pm

Well it isn't in effect for the vests until 11-24-08...But I am sure that you knew that.....and #1 Mr MacCurtain is the Chief of Department for Boston Fire....#2...Mr Fraser is the Fire Commissioner for the Boston Fire Department....according to the SOP/SOG all PPE is to be worn.....oh well....do whatever you want...you aren't in my Department and I won't have to go to your funeral or visit you in the Burn Unit......By the way, YES, I am a vollie....I am also a full time Burn Nurse in the Burn Intensive Care Unit......Have a good night.....Paul....ps...goodbye......I'm done with you...it just isn't worth it.....