NIOSH is stressing the need for clearly developed SOPs on the operation of aerial apparatus after a Fla. firefighter fell to his death during training in January.
William “Jumbo” Elliott, 49, of Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, had already ascended and descended the ladder before returning for a second time.
NIOSH investigators found he had complained of his legs being wobbly and feeling out of shape before he began the climb again.
“After reaching the tip of the ladder on his second climb, the victim failed to immediately come back down,” a report said.
“The fire fighters on the ground did not think anything of it until they heard a noise and looked up to see the victim tumbling down the rungs of the ladder.
“The victim tumbled out of the protection of the ladder rails and struck the passenger side rear outrigger. Lifesaving measures were taken by fire fighters on scene, but the victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.”
Investigators listed contributing factors as:
- Aerial apparatus standard operating procedures not fully developed and implemented to include measures to protect training participants from inadvertent falls and the safe and proper use of aerial apparatus
- Apparatus used as part of an unstructured training evolution and circuit training exercise
- Possible unknown medical problem experienced by the victim
The report recommends fire departments should ensure that SOPS regarding proper use and operation of aerial apparatus are developed, implemented, and enforced
In addition, departments should ensure that a “safe discipline” is maintained at all times, including training
Investigators say fire departments should also consider adopting a comprehensive wellness and fitness program, including annual medical evaluations consistent with NFPA standards and performing annual physical performance (physical ability) evaluations for all fire fighters.
The report said the aerial ladder was set up behind a firehouse so that personnel could climb the ladder for training. Firefighters were dressed in station or exercise attire, and all firefighters, including the victim, were wearing ladder safety belts as they ascended and descended the ladder. Some personnel included the ladder climb into an exercise routine.
The department’s training division had developed an aerial platform standard operating procedure that had been approved by the fire department’s administration, according to NIOSH.
However, despite approving the SOP, the department had not implemented all portions of the document. No specific information regarding appropriate use or in-station training (outside the training division) was included in the SOP.
Prior to placing the new aerial ladder in service, the department’s training division had offered training and familiarization to personnel for approximately eight months, the report said.
The training encompassed every aspect of the aerial ladder including the features of the apparatus, components, setup and operation, water operations, aerial and fire fighter safety, climbing the ladder, and rescues.
Once training was completed, individuals would be designated as tower-qualified (this is not a clearance to drive and operate the aerial ladder truck). Firefighter Elliott had completed 10 hours of training on the new apparatus prior to the incident but had not attended the final training module for the new aerial ladder.
However, the training commander told investigators Firefighter Elliott had completed approximately 38 total hours of aerial ladder training, including operations on aerial apparatus previously used by the department.
Fire department personnel reported to the investigators that at the time of the incident. Firefighter Elliott was wearing his station duty pants, uniform polo shirt, sunglasses, ball cap, and steel-toed work boots.
“The victim’s boots showed moderate tread wear on the heel and toe surfaces,” the report said. “The victim was also wearing an aerial ladder safety belt). All participants wore the same type of ladder safety belt (secured around their waists) and also wore either exercise clothing or their station uniforms. Helmets were not worn by any individuals during the training.”
The medical examiner listed the Firefighter Elliott’s cause of death as due to multiple blunt forces injuries.
“NIOSH investigators cannot say beyond a reasonable doubt why the victim fell from the ladder,” the report said. “It should be noted that during the week leading up to the incident, the victim had complained of not feeling well and even had chest discomfort while swimming, causing him to stop several times.