Master Plan, CRA/SOC
Town of Southington, CT
Opportunity #6: Facilities and Apparatus Recommendation 6.1: Construct a Southington Fire Department firefighter training facility. NFPA 1402 Standard on Facilities for Fire Training and Associated Props recommends that general considerations for fire training facility locations should include: Figure 140. Fire Training Facility Site Considerations Fire Training Facility Site Considerations 1. Appropriate zoning and selection of a site that will not detract from the value of the neighboring residents or businesses due to the noise, lights, and smoke generated. 2. A location that provides ample space for driving and positioning multiple apparatus and crews (ideally 5 or more acres). 3. The site should possess access to an adequate water supply as well as areas for drainage retention or storm water access. 4. The site should possess a relatively flat grade. 5. A site that is centrally located allowing crews to easily travel to and from the facility. 6. Positive Impact on Service Delivery if co-located with a Fire Station
OSHA CFR 1910.156 requires “Training and education commensurate with duties and functions members are expected to perform, provided before they perform fire emergency activities.” It further requires “Training and education frequently enough to assure each member is able to perform assigned duties and functions satisfactorily and in a safe manner.” ESCI was told repeatedly by Southington firefighters that it has been multiple years since they had attended a live burn training evolution. While it is understood that the skills associated with performing fire suppression activities can be refreshed without live fire, ESCI suggests that the suppression of live fire is one of the most high-risk and low-frequency activities in which Southington Firefighters engage. ESCI’s recommends that the Southington Fire Department make it a priority to incorporate annual live fire training into its training program. This process could be simplified by the construction of a Southington Fire Department Training facility that would help firefighters to perform their jobs more safely and efficiently. Additionally, the construction of a live fire training facility could help the Southington Fire Department achieve maximum reports in the training section of its ISO evaluation.
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