Firefighter Medical Certification Guidelines

1. 04-02 Medical Certification

2. 04-02Medical Certification • The Brunswick Fire Company No. 1 shall assure that all members assigned to perform duties that necessitate the use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) are physically fit to perform said duties. • Personnel with known medical conditions, such as heart disease or any other complications that could affect their ability to perform required duties, are prohibited from participation without certification from a doctor that they are fit for such activities.

3. 04-02Medical Certification • This procedure complies with 1910.134 and 1910.156 of the OSHA/PESH Standard and our Respiratory Protection Program. (NYSAFC, OSHA information rev. 4/92) • The Brunswick Fire Company No. 1 shall use an approved Health Care Provider for its entire Medical Certification needs. (Ex. Physicals, EKG, eye and hearing test, fit test, etc.)

4. 04-02Medical Certification • All information about an individual shall be kept confidential and only the Chief Officers of the Brunswick Fire Company No. 1 shall be informed whether or not the individual has been medically certified to perform firefighting activities and any restrictions on those activities. • This information may be reported, along with the Physician’s suggested date for the next exam, as one of the following:

5. 04-02Medical Certification • Class A • Class “A” certification assumes that a firefighter will have the potential for exposure to internal structure fire fighting responsibilities. • This would necessitate the ability to perform work under the most strenuous circumstances with exposure to heat, heavy lifting and emotional stress.

6. 04-02Medical Certification • Physical examination characteristics include adequate cardiovascular status, proper hearing and vision, and the lack of major physical deformities, as well as the absence of predisposing medical condition which would interfere with the responsibilities of the internal structure fire fighter. • Class “A” also requires sufficient pulmonary capability to allow for medical clearance to use a (SCBA) respiratory protective device. This classification also acts as a clearance for such device.

7. 04-02Medical Certification • Class B • This category is designed for active firefighters for whom it is recommended that there be some limitations in the maximum work demands. • This may reflect a limitation in one or more aspects of the physical capabilities.

8. 04-02Medical Certification • The work demands of the external firefighter may be light to moderate with the potential for short term work loads. • Job descriptions may include drivers, engine operators and the hose handlers.

9. 04-02Medical Certification • The use of SCBA respirator is limited to emergency conditions only in which the air may contain toxic dangers. • It is recommended that the use of the SCBA respirator be limited to 30 minutes or less.

10. 04-02Medical Certification • Class C • This category is for individuals who may work at a fire scene and whose limitations would limit them to activities not directly involved in firefighting. • This would include Fire Police and in some situations, drivers.

11. 04-02Medical Certification • Class D • This classification is reserved for firefighters whose health status places them at an increased risk if at a fire scene. • They therefore are limited to administrative duties and/or fire police assigned to the Firehouse.

12. 04-02Medical Certification • Any member upon completing there physical may get the following vaccinations: • Hepatitis B • Tuberculosis (TB) • Those members refusing to get vaccinated shall fill out a refusal form for each.

13. 04-02Medical Certification • Qualified Pending Further Testing • The medical reasons for not certifying a person shall not be communicated to anyone but that individual. • Any other consulting between the Physician and the Chief’s Office about an individual’s certification may only be obtained if the individual gives written permission to release specified medical information.

14. 04-02Medical Certification • Under OSHA/PESH regulations, medical records on these evaluations must be maintained for at least thirty (30) years, even if the individual has left the Fire Company. • The Physician shall maintain the medical exam evaluation records as stated in the OSHA/PESH regulation.

15. 04-02Medical Certification • Should another physician take over for the program, these records shall only be forwarded to that physician. • The Brunswick Fire Company No. 1 shall only retain the results of the evaluation in a report stating only the information requested above, and the date when the next exam should be, in order to remind the individual.

16. 04-02Medical Certification • Individuals in the program should receive the results of their examination and should have access to these records, if needed. • All people participating in this medical evaluation program should be informed and understand this procedure to help assure the confidentiality.

17. 04-02Medical Certification • Frequency • Annual • Any member over the age of 40 seeking a Class “A” or “B” clearance (Once a year)

18. 04-02Medical Certification • Biennial • Any member over the age of 40 seeking a Class “C” clearance and between ages of 30-40 seeking a Class “A” or “B” clearance. (Every 2 years)

19. 04-02Medical Certification • Triennial • Any member under the age of 30 seeking a Class “A”, “B”, “C” clearance, support personnel seeking a Class “D” clearance. (Every 3 years)

20. 04-02Medical Certification Questions?