Draft Concept FSRS 2009

ISO is embarking on a project to review and, if warranted, 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 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 include:

  • a requirement that, for a PPC better than 10, the fire department must have sufficient membership to assure response by at least 6 members (including the chief) to fires in structures
  • eliminating the current ISO equipment inventory 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 standards
  • additional emphasis on firefighter safety and training:
    • training and credentialing for fire officers in accordance with National Incident Management System (NIMS) recommendations and NFPA 1021
    • training for fire apparatus drivers and operators in accordance with NFPA 1002 and 1451
    • no credit for training without proper documentation
    • reference to firefighter safety requirements
    • requirement for personal protective ensemble (PPE) clothing for all fire-suppression personnel at structure fires
  • 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

Increased reference to the American Water Works Association (AWWA)

Possible revisions include:

  • recognition for fire hydrants that produce flows up to 1500 gpm, in accordance with ANSI and AWWA standards, according to manufacturers’ descriptions
  • more emphasis on hydrant inspection programs, including hydrant flow testing

Reference to implementation of master or strategic planning

Possible revisions include:

  • recognition of partial or full Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) — or equivalent achievement of all the core competencies outlined by the CFAI with regard to operations and procedures for firefighting
  • recognition for adoption and enforcement of model building and fire-prevention codes
  • recognition for public fire-safety education programs
  • recognition for adoption of fire department standard operating procedures according to NIMS standards or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publication FA-197
  • recognition for adoption of a fire department incident management system according to NFPA 1561

Revisions to Fire Alarm section

Possible revisions include:

  • changing section name to Emergency Communications and broadening focus
  • streamlined criteria for recognizing enhanced 911 emergency communication services
  • recognition for credentialing of telecommunicators
  • assessment of level of interoperability on the fire ground

Additional revisions under consideration

Possible revisions include:

  • increased recognition of fire sprinklers in residential properties for determination of needed fire flows (NFF)
  • reduction of needed fire flow (NFF) duration for 1- and 2-family dwellings to one hour
  • increased recognition for technology-based systems, such as geographic information systems (GIS)
  • reconsideration of the credit value for reserve pumper and ladder apparatus

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