ESTI

Student Safety Manual

E mergency S ervices T raining I nstitute
 Emergency Services Training Institute

ESTI offers more than 130 courses to clients around the world; many courses are tailored
for each delivery to address individual client needs and requirements. Courses meet or
exceed the highest national standards—including NFPA, DoD, U.S. Coast Guard, EPA and
OSHA—and are provided through a variety of training programs:

• Fire Fighting—Municipal, Volunteer, • Fire Investigator

Marine, & Industrial • Fire Inspector
• Recruit Firefighter Academy • Fire Officer
• Hazardous Materials • Fire Instructor
• ARFF • National Fire Academy (NFA)
• Rescue • Online Bachelor Degree
• EMS • Incident Command/
• Maritime Management
• Oil Spill Response • Emergency Management

ESTI has established itself as the leader in year-round, hands-on training of municipal,
industrial, volunteer and marine emergency response personnel. Each year, we train
more than 81,000 firefighters and emergency response personnel from all 50 states and
from more than 50 foreign countries.
Training is conducted at our state-of-the-art training facilities at the Brayton Fire Training
Field in College Station, Texas, at cooperative learning centers located around the
country, and at client locations worldwide.
The Brayton Fire Training Field is one of the largest live-fueled, firefighter training
facilities in the world. The 280-acre site is home to 137 props or specific training stations,
including 22 fueled, live-fire props.
We offer a variety of courses that can lead to certification by the National Board on
Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) and/or college credit. Students
successfully completing these courses and passing the end-of-course test receive
nationally recognized Pro Board certification. Several of our courses have also been
reviewed for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE); students
completing these courses may be eligible to earn college credit at participating colleges
and universities. Students enrolled in the Recruit Academy may be eligible for college
credit through the Blinn College Fire Science Program.

TEEX Emergency Services Training Institute

200 Technology Way
College Station, TX 77845-3424
Phone: 866.878.8900 or 979.845.7641 Fax: 979.847.9304
Email: [email protected]
www.teex.org
 Table of Contents
Emergency Contact Information .................................................................................. 1
Police ............................................................................................................................... 1
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) or Texas A&M
University Property ..................................................................................................... 1
Local ........................................................................................................................... 1
Fire................................................................................................................................... 1
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ............................................................................... 1
Hospitals/Emergency Rooms (Nearest)........................................................................... 2
CHI St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital......................................................... 2
CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Care Center ............................................................ 2
Baylor Scott & White Hospital..................................................................................... 2
TEEX/ESTI Student
Safety Manual ........................................................................................... 3
2020 Student Safety Manual............................................................................................ 5
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Tobacco Policy.......................... 5
Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements .............................. 6
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements .........................................................6
Level 0 ...........................................................................................................................6
Level 1 ...........................................................................................................................6
Level 2 ...........................................................................................................................7
Level 3 ...........................................................................................................................8
Level 4 ...........................................................................................................................9
Level 5 ...........................................................................................................................9
Disaster City ................................................................................................................10
Wildland Fire Fighting.................................................................................................11
Use of Eye Protection Equipment............................................................................. 11
Live-Fire Training Activities (Levels 3 and 4)...................................................................11
Non-Live Fire Training Activities (Level 2) ......................................................................12
Respiratory Protection .............................................................................................. 12
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Use ............................................................13
Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Use ...................................................................................13
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use during Project Ignition .......................... 14

© 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 Exterior Projects................................................................................................................14
Interior Projects.................................................................................................................14
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use When Racking Fire Hose..............................15
Heat Stress............................................................................................................... 15
Heat Cramps ......................................................................................................................16
Heat Exhaustion.................................................................................................................16
Heat Stroke ........................................................................................................................16
Facilities.................................................................................................................... 16
Injuries ...............................................................................................................................16
Lightning Procedure ..........................................................................................................17
Pedestrian Safety ...............................................................................................................17
Vehicle Safety.....................................................................................................................18
Project-Specific Safety Items .............................................................................................18
Classroom Safety ...............................................................................................................19
All information that is either new to this manual or has been updated will appear in red.

ii © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

It is the policy of TEEX that no individual will, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefit of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any system program or activity. If you feel you are being
discriminated against, please contact the TEEX Human Resources Office at 979-458-6801 or
email them at [email protected]. They will be glad to assist you.

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iv © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.
 Emergency Contact Information
Police

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) or Texas A&M

University Property
University Police Department
Non-Emergency: 979-845-2345
Emergency: 911 (9-911 from campus phones)

Local
College Station Police Department
Non-Emergency: (979) 764-3600
Emergency: 911 (9-911 from campus phones)

Fire
College Station Fire Department
Non-Emergency: (979) 764-3700
Emergency: 911 (9-911 from campus phones)

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

College Station Fire Department
Non-Emergency: (979) 764-3700
Emergency: 911 (9-911 from campus phones)

© 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 Emergency Contact Information
Hospitals/Emergency Rooms (Nearest)

Hospitals/Emergency Rooms (Nearest)

CHI St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital

1604 Rock Prairie Road
College Station, TX 77845
979-764-5100

CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Care Center

2801 Franciscan Drive
Bryan, TX 77801
979-776-3777

Baylor Scott & White Hospital

700 Scott & White Drive
College Station, TX 77845
979-207-0100

2 © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 TEEX/ESTI Student
Safety Manual

© 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual

4 © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
2020 Student Safety Manual

2020 Student Safety Manual

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is the world’s
premier emergency services training provider. This has been
accomplished by using subject matter experts to develop curriculum,
and design/construct realistic training props, as well as by
incorporating safety into everything we do. The result of this is training
that is both safe and of the highest quality.
To assist our students and guest instructors in understanding and
complying with the TEEX/Emergency Services Training Institute
(ESTI) safety requirements, this TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
was developed. This manual is applicable to all TEEX/ESTI-sponsored
training, whether conducted at Brayton Fire Training Field (BFTF),
Cooperative Learning Centers (CLC), area schools, or client-owned
facilities. It is the expectation of TEEX/ESTI that all staff, students,
and guest instructors comply with the requirements of this manual.
The lead instructor has full responsibility for the safety of his/her
students and for ensuring all training is conducted in accordance with
this manual. The lead instructor in consultation with and the approval
of the TEEX/ESTI environmental/health and safety program manager,
the TEEX/ESTI health and safety coordinator, or their designees can
deviate from the policies contained in this manual if the requested
deviation enhances the safety of the students. In no instance will the
safety of students be degraded. Requests for deviations will be handled
on a case-by-case basis.
Any questions concerning the procedures in the manual should be
directed to the TEEX/ESTI environmental/health and safety program
manager, the TEEX/ESTI health and safety coordinator, or their
designees.

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Tobacco Policy

Effective January 1, 2020, TEEX facilities will be smoke-free and
tobacco-free. This initiative complies with the recommendations and
requests of the chancellor and The Texas A&M University System
board of regents across the Texas A&M System.
Per policy:
All forms of smoking and tobacco products including but not
limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, snuff and
chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes (includes vapors,
personal vaporizers, tanks and other electronic nicotine delivery
system) are prohibited in all TEEX facilities. Facilities means all
grounds, buildings and structures, sidewalks and walkways,

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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parking structures, and all vehicles owned, leased, or otherwise

controlled by TEEX.
This rule relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and
cooperation of tobacco users and non-tobacco users for its success.
It is the responsibility of all TEEX employees, students,
participants, and visitors to observe these requirements. Those
violating the rule should be reminded of this rule and asked to
comply.

Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Safety/Clothing requirements are listed beside each course and are
detailed in the TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual (available at
http://www.teex.com/firesafety). All students and instructors are
required to follow this manual at all times. By registering for this
school, guest instructors and students signify that:
• they have read the TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual,
• they agree to abide by the requirements of the TEEX/ESTI Student
Safety Manual at all times, and
• they will make arrangements to bring the proper PPE with them to
the school.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

To ensure the safety of our students and staff during training
evolutions, the following PPE policy has been adopted by TEEX/ESTI.
The policy is based upon five primary levels of protection, with Level 0
as the lowest level of protection. Additionally, Level 5 contains three
levels of protection for specialized training in vehicle extrication,
Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF), and rescue. This policy is to be
followed by all students and all staff during any TEEX/ESTI-sponsored
training activity regardless of the location.

Level 0
This level consists of everyday, casual clothing suitable for an office
environment. Level 0 is for courses which are completely classroom
based with no hands-on training activities and where students remain in
the classroom for the entire course. No PPE is required for Level 0.

Level 1
This is the lowest level of protection for training outside of the
classroom. Level 1 is for courses where students are not directly
involved with hands-on training but require a slightly higher level of
protection based on the environment and surroundings. Examples
include conducting field inspections or observing training scenarios or

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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hands-on demonstrations. This level is comprised of normal, everyday

outdoor work attire:
• Full-length pants are required for all participants; shorts are strictly
prohibited for any type of training outside the classroom.
• Short sleeves are allowed, but sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
• Closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times, regardless of
classroom or exterior training exercises.

Level 2
This level of protection is the minimum requirement for any hands-on
training activity and is comprised of all Level 1 requirements plus the
following:
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 Standard on
Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity
Fire Fighting-approved firefighter’s helmet or American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) Z.89-approved hardhat (non-live fire
training activities)
• For Level 2 eye protection, see specific requirements under “Use of
Eye Protection Equipment”
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved steel-toe
firefighter’s boots, ANSI Z.41/Americans Society for Testing
Materials (ASTM) F2413-05, ASTM F2413-11, or earlier approved
standards for safety-toe boots (non-live fire training activities)
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved firefighter’s gloves
or suitable work gloves for non-live fire training activities
Note: Loose jewelry, such as necklaces, hoop earrings, and dangling
earrings, is prohibited. It is highly recommended that all piercings be
removed for the duration of the training exercise/evolution for the
individuals’ safety.

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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Level 3
This level of protection is the minimum requirement for any exterior,
live-fire training activity and is comprised of all Level 1 requirements
plus the following:
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved structural
firefighter’s coat and pants:
— Must meet all applicable NFPA standards
— Must be in good condition with all NFPA 1971 Standard on
Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and
Proximity Fire Fighting approval tags in place
— Must be in good standing with all NFPA 1851 Standard on
Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for
Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
Note: This requirement is the responsibility of the individual
providing the equipment and, if needed, individuals can be
asked to provide documentation of compliance with this
standard.
— All closures are in place and in good working condition
— No tears or holes in gear
— Must be a complete set (coat and pants with suspenders)
— Full-length pants are required to be worn in conjunction with
bunker gear
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved firefighter’s helmet
with ear flaps and chin strap
Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath the chin.
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved helmet with the
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) face shield, or NFPA
1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved goggles, or both;
goggles are not recommended for use during exterior fire training
activities
• Sunglasses or other eyewear worn in conjunction with an NFPA
1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting helmet and face shield must
meet ANSI standard Z.87

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire

Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved fire fighting hood;
“double hooding” is not allowed
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved safety toe
firefighter’s boots
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved firefighter’s gloves
• NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services

Level 4
This level of protection is the minimum requirement for any interior
live-fire training activity and is comprised of all Level 3 requirements
plus the use of an NFPA-approved Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) and Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device. All SCBA
and PASS devices used on BFTF will be provided by TEEX/ESTI. All
SCBA and PASS devices used at other locations must document
compliance with NFPA 1981 for SCBA and NFPA 1982 for PASS
devices.

Level 5
This level of protection defines the minimum requirements for
specialized training activities.

Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF)

The use of NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for
Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-compliant
proximity suits is allowable as Level 3 bunker gear (exterior
evolutions) and as Level 4 bunker gear (interior/cabin evolutions).

Rescue
Students participating in the following courses are required to have at
least the following safety equipment:
• Rope rescue, confined space rescue, and trench rescue courses:
— NFPA 1971-, 1977-, or 1951-approved helmet with chin strap
— Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)-approved hard hat with chin strap
Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath the chin.
— Approved eye protection (at a minimum the approved eye
protection shall be ANSI Z87 rated or higher)

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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— Leather work gloves or rope rescue gloves

— Safety-toed footwear
• Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) operations and wilderness
search and rescue courses:
— NFPA 1971-, 1977-, or 1951-approved helmet with chin strap
Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath the chin.
— Approved eye protection (at a minimum the approved eye
protection shall be ANSI Z87 rated or higher)
— All-leather work gloves or approved rescue gloves
— Safety-toed footwear with ankle support
— Long-sleeve shirt and pants
• Vehicle extrication and machinery courses:
— NFPA 1971 structural fire fighting ensemble or 1951 technical
rescue ensemble
Note: 1977 wildland fire fighting ensemble is no longer
acceptable protection by TEEX/ESTI for vehicle extrication
and machinery courses.
— NFPA 1971-, 1977-, or 1951-approved helmet with chin strap
Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath the chin.
— Approved eye protection (at a minimum the approved eye
protection shall be ANSI Z87 rated or higher)
— All-leather work gloves or approved vehicle extrication gloves
— Safety-toed footwear with ankle support

Disaster City
At minimum, personnel engaged in training or exercising will wear the
following PPE:
• Helmet (ANSI rated Z89.1 - 1997 Type 1) with head lamp and chin
strap
Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath the chin.
• Steel/Composite-toe safety boots (ANSI rated Z41 PT99 M1/75
C/75)
• Eye protection (ANSI rated Z-87.1)
• Work gloves
• Standard work/duty clothing including long-sleeve shirts

10 © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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• N-95 respiratory protection (as needed)

• Hearing protection (as needed)

Wildland Fire Fighting

Protective clothing and equipment for wildland fire fighting meeting
NFPA 1977 Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for
Wildland Fire Fighting may be worn in lieu of bunker gear for wildland
fire fighting evolutions and live-fire training scenarios. A fire fighting
hood is not required, and suitable leather gloves may be worn in lieu of
firefighter’s gloves. All other Level 3 requirements shall remain in
place. (Note: Only the outer shell of department-issued bunker gear
may be worn in lieu of wildland fire fighting protective clothing.)

Use of Eye Protection Equipment

Live-Fire Training Activities (Levels 3 and 4)

Each individual engaged in live-fire training activities must incorporate
eye protection measures. Eye protection must consist of the following:
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved helmet with:
— Chin strap (Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath
the chin.)
and
— OEM face shield
or
— NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved goggles
or
— Both
Sunglasses or other eyewear worn in conjunction with an NFPA helmet
and face shield, must meet ANSI standard Z.87.
Note: ANSI-compliant eyewear will have Z.87 stamped on either the
frame or the lens.

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
2020 Student Safety Manual

Non-Live Fire Training Activities (Level 2)

Each individual engaged in “non-live fire” training activities (i.e.,
hands-on) are to incorporate eye protection measures. Eye protection
must consist of one of the following:
• NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved helmet with:
— Chin strap (Note: Chin strap must be worn securely underneath
the chin.)
and
— OEM face shield
or
— NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved goggles
or
— Both
• Sunglasses or other eyewear worn in conjunction with an NFPA
1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting helmet and face shield must
meet ANSI standard Z.87
• ANSI Z.89-approved hardhat with:
— NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural
Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting-approved goggles
or
— ANSI Z.87-approved protective eye equipment
Note: ANSI-compliant eyewear will have Z.87 stamped on either the
frame or the lens.

Respiratory Protection
Students required to wear respiratory protection during training
exercises should have received prior training, fit testing, and a medical
survey by their employer or department prior to enrolling in a
TEEX/ESTI course. By enrolling in a course which requires the use of
respiratory protection, the student implies these requirements have
been met by his/her employer or department. TEEX/ESTI prefers a
written statement from the employer/department training coordinator
that each student meets these requirements. The following guidelines
will be followed for the use of respiratory equipment.

12 © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
2020 Student Safety Manual

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Use

• Only TEEX/ESTI-supplied SCBA and PASS devices will be used
during training exercises at BFTF. All SCBA and PASS devices
used at other locations must document compliance with NFPA 1981
for SCBA and NFPA 1982 for PASS devices.
• SCBAs will be used by all students, guest instructors, and
TEEX/ESTI staff (instructors and adjuncts) during training
evolutions involving:
— Interior fire structures
— Exterior fire structures
— Project 67: Pump Seal Project
• When wearing an SCBA, there must be no facial hair in the seal
area of the facepiece. OSHA and NFPA allow no more than a
one-day growth of facial hair. Your TEEX/ESTI instructor and the
TEEX/ESTI health and safety coordinator or his/her designee will
approve or disapprove your use of respiratory equipment.
• Students will be required to clean and sanitize SCBA components
with solution provided by TEEX/ESTI prior to returning the SCBA
to the trailer. TEEX/ESTI instructors will inform students of the
proper sanitation procedures for the brand of SCBA used during
training. Students should notify TEEX/ESTI if they are allergic to
iodine prior to wearing/cleaning their facepiece.

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Use

Requirements for the use of SARs will be the same as that for SCBA.
Requirements for Exterior PPE Use: Once an exterior project has
been ignited, anyone (staff and students) entering the hot zone must be
in full PPE as defined by Level 3. The hot zone for exterior projects is
defined by crossing the fire water main and/or walking onto the project
pad.
Requirements for Interior PPE Use: Once an interior project has
been ignited, anyone (staff and students) entering the hot zone must be
in full PPE as defined by Level 4, with the SCBA in operation. The hot
zone for interior projects is defined as any area inside (structure side)
the red line painted on the project slab.
Special Requirements for Project/Pump Seal Fires: All students and
staff must use an SCBA during all training evolutions on this project.

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use during Project Ignition

A TEEX/ESTI staff member or guest instructor will serve as the
ignition officer for all projects. To ensure the safety of the ignition
officer and students, the following guidelines will be followed:
• Be aware of wind direction and ignite the project from the upwind
side.
• Use only the TEEX/ESTI provided propane torch to ignite projects:
— When project # 66 is used for vapor dispersion evolutions,
ignition of the project will only be made by a
TEEX/ESTI-authorized individual using a
TEEX/ESTI-provided flare gun.
— When project # 88 (Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG]) is used for
fire suppression evolutions, ignition of the project will only be
made by a TEEX/ESTI-authorized individual using a
TEEX/ESTI-provided flare lighting device or flare gun.
• All propane torches are to be turned off at the completion of the
training evolution(s) prior to exiting the project.

Exterior Projects
• The ignition officer is to be in Level 3 PPE during project ignition.
• Verify with the technician where the best ignition location is on the
upwind side of the project.
• Charged hose lines are to be in place and manned to protect the
ignition officer.
• A monitor and spotter can be used in lieu of hose lines to protect the
ignition officer.
• After ignition, the propane torch is to be placed in a safe location
(uphill and upwind) at the outer edge of the project pad.
• All fixed and portable master streams must be manned during
tactical operations when discharging water.

Interior Projects
• The instructor-in-charge, in coordination with the safety officer,
will direct the actions of the ignition officer.
• The ignition officer is required to be in Level 4 PPE during the
ignition of the project.
• Charged hose lines are to be in place and manned to protect the
ignition officer.

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• Propane torches are to be removed from the project’s interior after

ignition and placed in a safe location at the outer perimeter of the
operations area (outside the red line on the project slab).
• Once the project is ignited, anyone crossing the red line on the
project pad is required to be in Level 4 PPE with SCBA in
operation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use When Racking

Fire Hose
Fire hose will only be racked upon command of the lead instructor after
all fire has been extinguished and project valves have been reopened.
NFPA-approved helmet, gloves, and boots will be worn while racking
hose.

Heat Stress
Heat stress is one of the greatest concerns for individuals involved in
hands-on training activities. While heat stress is most prevalent during
the warmer months of the year, students and staff should be monitored
for signs of heat stress throughout the year. To prevent heat stress,
students and staff should remove their helmet, hood, coat, and gloves
during all critiques, breaks, and when moving from project to project.
Increased cool down periods, shortened burn evolutions, and regular
re-hydration will also help prevent heat stress. The following hydration
guidelines should be followed to reduce the risk of heat stress:
• Drink ample water throughout the day:
— Drink a cup of water before and after each training evolution.
— Limit the electrolyte consumption (too much could cause
nausea).
— Limit your caffeine intake.
Note: Energy drinks are not recommended for intake prior to
training due to the increased risk of cardiac-related symptoms
these types of beverages can cause.
• Do not drink the fire water being used in training; potable water
will be provided under the project shelters.
• Limit alcohol consumption at night.
• Do not eat a large lunch.
• Notify your instructor of the first signs of heat stress.
• Each shelter has a sign listing heat-related symptoms.
Anyone exhibiting the signs/symptoms of heat stress should be
removed immediately from the training activity and taken to a shaded

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 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
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location for cool down. Heat stress is a true medical emergency and can
progress rapidly to heat stroke. Therefore, a field medic will be called
to evaluate the individual’s condition at the first signs of heat stress.
Students and staff should closely monitor each other for the following
signs/symptoms of heat stress.

Heat Cramps
• Muscle cramps in the extremities and abdomen
• Respiration rate increase
• Pale and moist skin
• Normal body temperature
• General weakness

Heat Exhaustion
• Heavy/Profuse sweating
• Rapid and weak pulse rate
• Rapid and shallow respiratory rate
• Pale and clammy skin
• Normal or decreased body temperature
• Irritability and restlessness

Heat Stroke
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• Strong and pounding pulse
• Headache, dizziness, and dry mouth
• Seizure and coma
• Loss of consciousness and airway problems can occur

Facilities
The following guidelines apply to all training activities at BFTF. It is
the expectation of TEEX/ESTI that CLCs or other locations hosting
TEEX/ESTI-sponsored training events comply with these guidelines
where applicable, and implement equivalent safety guidelines for those
items that are BFTF-specific.

Injuries
It is the goal of TEEX/ESTI that all students have an enjoyable,
informative, and injury-free training experience. Should a student
receive an injury of any type, the instructor or technician working with

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the class is to be notified immediately. All injuries will be evaluated by

TEEX/ESTI field paramedics when the training is occurring at BFTF
or when a TEEX/ESTI field paramedic is acting in such a capacity at
any other training location. The attending medic will advise the
instructor if the injuries warrant the student being removed from the
hands-on training evolutions or the classroom.

Lightning Procedure
The ESTI Safety Department will monitor the weather and advise all
personnel via the field broadcast channel when lightning or severe
weather approaches BFTF.
The fire field will close to all training and maintenance activity when
there is lightning within 8 miles of BFTF.
All students, guest instructors, and staff will seek shelter immediately
at the nearest safe haven (classroom or building).
BFTF will remain closed until lightning has left the area and the All
Clear announcement is made on the radio.
If the radar indicates the severe weather will persist for an extended
period of time, students will be instructed by TEEX staff where to
shelter in-place.
If radar indicates the storm is moving away from BFTF, in the opinion
of the ESTI Director or his/her designee, so that no threat remains to
students/staff, the ESTI Director can make the determination to re-open
the BFTF.

Pedestrian Safety
Due to the large volume of automobile and heavy equipment traffic on
the field, all pedestrians are to comply with the following guidelines:
• On roadways:
— Watch for vehicular traffic.
— Watch for uneven surfaces.
— Walk along the side of roadways so as not to impede vehicular
traffic.
— Do not walk in the middle of the roadways in such a manner as
to block the flow of traffic.
• On projects:
— Watch for uneven surfaces (rocks, curbs, piping, etc.).
— Be aware of fire hose layout.
— Watch for slippery areas.

© 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved. 17

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
2020 Student Safety Manual

— Never walk across a project pad while moving to the next

project unless instructed to do so by your TEEX/ESTI
instructor.
— Do not stand, congregate, or walk in the middle of the roadways
next to project shelters in such a manner as to block the flow of
traffic.

Vehicle Safety
Due to the large volume of automobiles, pedestrians, and heavy
equipment traffic, anyone operating a vehicle on the field will comply
with the following guidelines:
• The field speed limit is 10 miles per hour (m.p.h.) for all vehicular
and equipment traffic.
• When seat belts are equipped in the vehicle or equipment, drivers
and passengers will use seat belts at all times when riding in or
operating TEEX/ESTI vehicles or equipment, regardless of the size
of the vehicle or equipment.
• Passengers are not allowed to ride in the bed of TEEX/ESTI utility
vehicles.
• TEEX/ESTI utility vehicles will only be operated by TEEX/ESTI
personnel.
• When riding in truck beds, passengers are to sit on the bed floor,
completely inside the bed area with the tailgate closed.
• Passengers are not allowed to ride on truck bed rails, tool boxes,
tailgates, or bumpers.
• Passengers are only allowed to ride in the passenger compartment
of automobiles, vans, and sport utility vehicles.

Project-Specific Safety Items

Prior to conducting hands-on training, the instructor or his/her designee
shall review the most recent Project Safety Analysis (PSA) to ensure
any unsafe conditions have been addressed prior to the start of training.
Additionally, the instructor or his/her designees shall inspect the
shelter, project, fueling station, and hose racks for any type of
environmental hazards such as:
• Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc. (wasp spray available through
the technician staff)
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Algae build up on walking surfaces (slip hazard)

18 © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
2020 Student Safety Manual

Classroom Safety
While the majority of this manual has focused on conducting safe
hands-on training, the importance of safety in the classroom cannot be
overlooked. Prior to the start of any class at BFTF, the instructor shall
review the most recent PSA for the classroom to ensure any unsafe
conditions have been addressed prior to the start of training. For
training conducted at locations away from BFTF, the instructor will
conduct a safety inspection of the classroom prior to the start of
training. In addition, the following safety items are to be reviewed with
the students prior to the start of any classroom session at all
TEEX/ESTI-sponsored training events:
• Review lightning procedure (BFTF classes)
• Location of emergency exits
• Classroom and/or building evacuation plan
• Rally points in the event of an evacuation
• Procedures for activating alarm and/or evacuation plan as
applicable:
— Fire alarm pull boxes and location of fire extinguishers
— Emergency contact numbers and/or radio channels
— Smoke or Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm locations
• Identity of any potential slip/trip hazards and how hazard has been
mitigated
• Identity of any overhead hazards (low ceiling, low entrance way,
etc.)
• Housekeeping:
— How spills are to be reported to prevent slip hazards
— Proper disposal of trash
— Extinguishment and disposal of cigarette butts in receptacles
provided in outdoor smoking areas
• Ensure coffee pot and other electrical appliances are turned off or
unplugged at the end of the day

© 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved. 19

 TEEX/ESTI Student Safety Manual
2020 Student Safety Manual

20 © 2020, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. All rights reserved.

 Nowhere else can you find more comprehensive firefighter

training and emergency services instruction than with

the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

Whether at the renowned Brayton Fire Training Field in

College Station, Texas, or at customer-specified locations

worldwide, TEEX offers high-quality emergency response

training and instruction in more than 130 specialty areas.

• Annual Schools

• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting

• Degree Program

• Department of Defense

• Emergency Medical Services

• HazMat

• Industrial/Private Sector

• LNG Emergency Response

• Marine

• Municipal

• NIMS/ICS

• Recruit Academy

• Rescue

• Center For Marine Training and Safety

• Oil Spill Control

For more information or to register online, visit

www.TEEX.com/fire
 TEEX Emergency Services Training Institute
200 Technology Way
College Station, TX 77845-3424
Phone: 866.878.8900 or 979.845.7641 Fax: 979.847.9304
Email: [email protected]
www.teex.org