Draft Concept FSRS 2009

ISO is embarking on a project to review and update the content of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). Our objective for this “Draft Concept FSRS 2009” project is to identify portions of the current PPCTM evaluation worthy of potential revision.

Over the next few months, we want to engage in discussions with a variety of stakeholders in organizations that deal with water, fire, and emergency communications. We’re seeking feedback on the scope and feasibility of the possible revisions.

We offer the following draft outline of some key items under consideration for revision. We hope the topics will serve as a framework for feedback you may wish to give us.

Increased reference to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards

Possible revisions to the Fire Department section include:

  • a requirement that, for a PPC better than 10, the fire department must have sufficient membership to assure response by at least six members (including the chief) to fires in structures (Recognized automatic aid may contribute up to two of the responding members.)
  • eliminating the current ISO equipment inventory in the FSRS and replacing it with reference to pumper and ladder/service equipment listed in NFPA 1901
  • recognition of Initial Rapid Intervention Crew and Rapid Intervention Crew teams, according to NFPA 1500
  • an increase in minimum pump capacity for engines for Class 9 communities from 50 gpm to 250 gpm, in accordance with NFPA 1901
    • a corresponding increase in the minimum amount of water from 300 to 500 gallons available on the initial alarm (Multiple apparatus may deliver the total amount.)
  • reconsideration of the credit value for reserve pumper and ladder apparatus
  • consideration of credit for compressed air foam systems (CAFS)
  • additional emphasis on firefighter safety and training:
    • credentialing for fire officers in accordance with National Incident Management System (NIMS) recommendations and NFPA 1021 in addition to continuing education officer training
    • training for fire apparatus drivers and operators in accordance with NFPA 1002 and 1451
    • building familiarization and pre-incident planning frequency reduced to annual inspections, in accordance with NFPA 1620
    • no credit for training without proper documentation in accordance with NFPA 1401
    • reference to firefighter safety that supports property loss prevention in accordance with NFPA 1500
    • requirement for personal protective ensemble (PPE) clothing for all fire-suppression personnel at structure fires
  • expanded recognition of automatic-aid personnel responding to first-alarm structure fires
  • extension of full credit for automatic-aid response plans to first-alarm structure fires when the departments have satisfied certain criteria for interoperability, including fireground communications and common standard operating procedures
  • adoption of fire department standard operating procedures according to NIMS or FEMA FA-197
  • adoption of a fire department incident management system according to NFPA 1561

Increased reference to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards

  • expanded recognition for fire hydrants that flow 1500 gpm, in accordance with AWWA standards
  • more emphasis on water-system inspection programs, including hydrant flow testing, valve inspections, and marking of hydrants

Reference to implementation of master or strategic planning

  • recognition of Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) — or equivalent achievement of core competencies in fire suppression

Reference to community risk-reduction programs

  • recognition for adoption and enforcement of model building and fire-prevention codes
  • recognition for public fire-safety education programs
  • recognition for fire and arson investigation programs including incident reporting

Revisions to Fire Alarm section

  • recognition of enhanced 9-1-1, wireless, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) emergency communication services
  • changing section name to Emergency Communications and broadening focus
  • investigation of recognition for credentialing of telecommunicators in accordance with NFPA 1061 or the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project 33
  • recognition of computer-aided dispatch systems

Additional revisions under consideration

  • recognition of fire sprinklers in residential and dwelling properties for reduction of needed fire flows (NFF)
  • reduction of needed fire flow (NFF) duration to one hour for one- and two-family standard-size dwellings
  • increased recognition for technology-based systems, such as geographic information systems (GIS)

 

To offer your comments . . .
. . . on Draft Concept FSRS 2009 — or to offer any alternative suggestions — please use our feedback form.