Okla. Admin. Code § 270:10-1-7

Current through Vol. 42, No. 6, December 2, 2024

Section 270:10-1-7 - Description of essential functions of all eligible firefighters

(a) To be eligible for entrance into the System as a paid firefighter, a candidate must meet minimum medical, physical performance, and agility requirements that reflect the ability of the candidate to perform the essential job functions of fire suppression, prevention and life safety as set forth in title 11 O.S. § 49100.1, et seq. Specifically, title 11 O.S. § 49-116 requires the certification of the candidate's ability to perform the essential job functions of all eligible firefighters, as listed in subsection (b) of this section, in both of the following ways:

(1) The successful completion of a pre-employment physical performance/agility test as directed in Section 270:10-1-6 of these rules, and

(2) The successful completion of a physical examination as performed, or reviewed by, the doctor, selected by the State Board, who certifies that such physical examination was performed pursuant to Section 270:10-1-5 of these rules.

(b) The essential job functions of all eligible firefighters reflect the physical, physiological, intellectual, psychological demands of the occupation including, but not limited to,

(1) Performing firefighting tasks (e.g., hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, and forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles (" PPE") and self-contained breathing apparatus (" SCBA"), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged periods of time.

(2) Wearing an SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure facepiece or HEPA filter mask, and which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads.

(3) Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiologicial hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of PPE including SCBA.

(4) Climbing 6 or more flights of stairs while wearing PPE, including SCBA, weighing at least 50 pounds or more and carrying equipment and tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 pounds.

(5) Wearing PPE, including SCBA, that is encapsulating and insulated, and which may result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C).

(6) While wearing PPE, including SCBA, searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing more than 200 pounds to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.

(7) While wearing PPE, including SCBA, advancing water-filled hoselines up to 2.5 inches in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy (approximately 150 feet), which can involve negotiating flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.

(8) While wearing PPE, including SCBA, climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces that may be wet or icy, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards.

(9) Ability to withstand unpredictable emergency situations including, but not limited to, prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without the benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.

(10) Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.

(11) Ability to make critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving decisions during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, that are further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions.

(12) Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing PPE and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).

(13) Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or an increased risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.

(14) Working in shifts, including during nighttime, that can extend beyond 12 hours.

Okla. Admin. Code § 270:10-1-7

Added at 10 Ok Reg 1063, eff 3-23-92 through 5-28-93 (emergency); Added at 13 Ok Reg 1601, eff 5-28-96; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 2132, eff 6-26-04

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 38, Issue 24, September 1, 2021, eff. 9/11/2021