Federal authorities say Massachusetts should enact laws that require firefighters to wear selt belts and be tested on air brakes before they are allowed to drive fire trucks, according to an investigation report released today on the fatal fire truck crash in Boston last year.

The investigation conducted by the Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concludes that a fire lieutenant who was killed and two firefighters riding in a ladder truck when it lost brake pressure and crashed into an apartment building on Jan. 9, 2009, were not wearing their selt belts. The driver also was not adequately trained on how air brakes work, the report says.

What rules govern seat belt use in your department? Comment in the area below!

Categories: Fighting Fire, Proper Practices
Tags: fire trucks, firefighters, seat belts