N.J. Admin. Code § 5:73-2.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 5:73-2.4 - Facility requirements

(a) In order to provide firefighter training, the facilities must be adequate. The requirements of this section are the minimum requirements for firefighter training facilities.

(b) Classroom Level A requirements are as follows:

1. A separate classroom for instruction shall be provided. The classroom size shall adequately accommodate the number of students.

i. For classroom training for modules for firefighter 1, a meeting hall or large room will be accepted as an alternative to a separate classroom.

2. The following are required:

i. Adequate lighting;

ii. A writing surface for each student;

iii. Sufficient chairs for students;

iv. A chalkboard, or large pad with easel;

v. Access to overhead projector and screen;

vi. Adequate space for each student;

vii. Comfortable room temperature;

viii. Access to sanitary facilities;

ix. Sufficient electrical outlets for use of training aids; and

x. The classroom must be in a quiet area, that is, removed from disturbances.

(c) Drill Area A requirements are as follows:

1. The area to be provided for drills shall be sufficient to allow hands-on practice by all students. Sufficient area shall be provided for the following activities:

i. The tying of knots;

ii. The carrying and raising of ladders;

iii. The rolling and loading, carrying and dragging and coupling of hose; and

iv. The practice of salvage operations.

2. The following practice aids shall be available:

i. A fire hydrant or other water source;

ii. A sprinkler connection or simulated sprinkler connection; and

iii. Simulated roof area and sufficient practice boards to practice venting through roofs.

3. The following materials shall be available:

i. Fire hose, couplings and tools as specified in the adopted training program;

ii. Forcible entry tools as specified in the adopted training program;

iii. Salvage covers as specified in the adopted training program;

iv. Lengths of rope as specified in the adopted training program;

v. Ladders as specified in the adopted training program;

vi. PEOSHA approved breathing apparatus for each student;

vii. PEOSHA approved personal protective clothing for each student;

viii. Materials for rescue drills as specified in the adopted training program; and

ix. Wedges or sprinkler tongs as specified in the adopted training program.

(d) Classroom Level B: (Reserved).

(e) Drill Area Level B: (Reserved).

(f) Smoke building requirements are as follows:

1. The purpose of the structurally safe smoke building is to acquaint the trainees with the skills and abilities necessary for survival in an oxygen deficient atmosphere by creating a controlled learning situation that is under constant supervision.

2. The smoke building shall meet the following requirements:

i. There shall be an exterior exit or secondary means of egress on every floor;

ii. The smoke building shall be equipped for simulating smoke filled atmosphere and conditions;

iii. The building shall be so designed and equipped so as to allow for constant surveillance of the trainees; and

iv. There shall be a means to provide emergency ventilation which may include automatic or manual control of roof openings, doors and exterior windows.

3. Smoke used should be of a controlled composition with minimum toxicity. Specially designed mechanical equipment may be installed in the facility to produce smoke.

(g) Drill tower requirements are as follows:

1. The purpose of the drill tower is to train fire fighters in basic evolutions using pumper and ladder equipment;

2. The tower shall meet the following requirements.

i. It shall be not less than two stories in height;

ii. It shall be suitable for use with ladders and rescue equipment;

iii. It shall be so designed as to permit raising, lowering, and maneuvering of hose lines and other equipment;

iv. It may be of wood frame, reinforced concrete, steel or other durable material;

v. It shall have structurally sound interior and exterior walls which will withstand the force of master streams;

vi. It shall contain stairways which provide means of access between floor levels;

vii. All stairway treads should be slip resistant;

viii. The drill tower should include provisions for standpipe connections at all floor levels of the facility;

ix. Roof openings should be provided for practice of ventilation procedures;

x. Safety railings should be provided for roof operations; and

xi. A temporary or permanent safety net on at least one exterior side of the building should be provided.

(h) Live burn facility requirements are as follows:

1. The following apply to burn buildings:

i. The purpose of the burn building is to safely train firefighters in methods of interior fire suppression. Every floor shall have an exterior exit or a second means of egress.

ii. Walls, floors, ceilings, and other permanent features shall have strong resistance to heat generated by Class A materials.

iii. Class B materials shall not be used for fuel except when part of an engineered and designed system, such as propane or natural gas simulation, certified by the manufacturer as having been installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.

iv. Emergency ventilation shall be provided by automatic or manual control of the roof openings, doors, and exterior shuttered windows.

2. The following apply to the flammable liquid and flammable gas area:

i. This area should be located as remote from any building as possible. Fencing and/or curbing should be provided as a safety factor.

ii. Pit aprons should be made of concrete, crushed stone, iron ore slag.

iii. There shall be adequate water supply, fuel supply, fuel pumping capability and drainage.

iv. If flammable liquid or gas is fed to an area, the flow shall be controlled by quick shutoff valves. In case of an emergency, an instantaneous shutdown will be necessary.

(i) The following relate to exemptions:

1. An exemption from the training facility requirements may be made upon the following findings:

i. There is no facility in the immediate area where the training can be provided or there are minimum facilities in the area and all prospective applicants cannot be accommodated; and

ii. That alternative training in the form of simulation or other method will be provided which will provide, to the greatest extent possible the same practice/drill opportunity.

2. An application for exemption to this section shall be filed in writing and set forth specifically:

i. A statement of the requirements from which an exemption is sought;

ii. A statement of the manner by which strict compliance with said provisions would result in practical difficulties; and

iii. A statement of the feasible alternatives which would adequately provide the same practice/drill opportunity.

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:73-2.4

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 775(a), effective 2/5/2018