Introduction to 2 In 2 Out

1
Introduction to 2 In / 2 Out
2
2 In 2 Out Background

• Federal OSHA standard that applies to all workers
  engaged in firefighting activity.
• Initially covered by 1971 federal OSHA standard
  establishing a respiratory protection program for
  respirator wearing workers.
• The two-in/two out rule developed by OSHA was
  originally written in a larger context to protect
  all types of workers from illness and injuries
  associated with hazardous environments that
  require respirators.
• California is one of twenty-three states that has
  its own guidelines that operates with the
  approval and oversight of federal OSHA.

3
Definitions

• IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) -
  An atmospheric concentration of any toxic,
  corrosive or asphyxiant substance that poses an
  immediate threat to life or would cause
  irreversible or delayed adverse health effects or
  would interfere with an individuals ability to
  escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
• Incipient Fire A fire in the initial or
  beginning stage and which can be controlled or
  extinguished by portable fire extinguishers,
  Class II standpipe or small hose systems without
  the need for protective clothing or breathing
  apparatus.
• RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) A specifically
  designated team for the rescue of emergency
  service members operating at emergency incidents.

4
When Does 2 In 2 Out Apply?

• Any structural fire beyond incipient stage is
  considered an IDLH atmosphere by OSHA.
• Once firefighters begin the attack on an interior
  structure fire that is beyond incipient stage the
  2 In / 2 Out rule applies.

5
What It Means

• No firefighter may enter an IDLH environment
  unless there are two qualified and properly
  equipped firefighters outside the IDLH
  environment ready to provide rescue assistance to
  the firefighters inside.
• Properly equipped means full PPE and SCBA.
• The two personnel outside of the fire building do
  not have to be wearing SCBA but must have SCBA
  immediately available.

6
Exceptions

• Upon arrival you find a fire in its incipient
  stage.
• Upon arrival you find an imminent life
  threatening situation or probable life
  threatening situation where immediate action may
  prevent loss of life or serious injury.
  (Examples report of people inside or signs of
  people inside.)
• In the absence of clear signs or report of people
  inside it is to be assumed that no life threat
  exists.

7
More

• Crew members operating in IDLH atmospheres must
  use SCBA and work in teams of two or more.
• Interior crew members must maintain voice or
  visual contact with each other at all times.
• Portable radios and/or safety rope or not
  acceptable replacements for voice or visual
  contact between interior crewmembers.
• Radios can and should be used for fireground
  communications between interior and exterior
  teams.

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Scenario 1

• You and one other firefighter roll up to a
  residence with smoke and flames coming from the
  living room window. It is 2PM on a Tuesday
  afternoon. There are no cars in the driveway nor
  toys scattered around. Can you go interior? Why
  or why not?
• Two minutes later a second fire engine arrives
  with a crew of three. Can you go interior? Why
  or why not?

9
Scenario 2

• You and three other firefighters roll up to a
  residence with smoke and flames coming from the
  living room window. It is 11PM on a Friday
  evening. There are no cars in the driveway. Can
  you go interior? Why or why not?

10
Scenario 3

• You and one other firefighter roll up to a
  residence with smoke and flames coming from the
  living room window. It is 11PM on a Tuesday
  evening. There are is a car in the driveway. Can
  you go interior? Why or why not?
• A neighbor runs over and tells you the woman who
  lives there alone is 80 years old and in poor
  health. Can you go interior? Why or why not?

11
Scenario 4

• You and one other firefighter roll up to an
  elementary school with smoke and flames coming
  from the cafeteria. It is 11PM on a Friday
  evening. Can you go interior? Why or why not?
• A pickup truck with two volunteer firefighters
  pulls up. Both have their structural PPE on. Can
  you go interior? Why or why not?

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Scenario 5

• You are sole firefighter driving an engine and
  roll up to a residence with heavy smoke coming
  from under the eves of the roof. It is 4PM on a
  Friday afternoon. Can you go interior? Why or
  why not?
• A woman is screaming that she cant find her five
  year old son. What do you do? Can you go
  interior?
• You ask the woman where she last saw her son and
  she says he was taking a nap in his bedroom. Can
  you go in?

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Scenario 6

• You and your crew of two and another fire engine
  with three firefighters roll up to a working
  structure fire. Several people are standing on
  the sidewalk and one of them tells you everyone
  has safely evacuated. How many firefighters
  maximum can go interior?

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Scenario 7

• You and your crew of two roll up to a working
  structure fire at the same time as the fire chief
  in his squad. The chief has his PPE and an SCBA
  and takes command of the incident. You do not
  suspect anyone is trapped inside. Can you go
  interior?

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Scenario 8

• You and your crew of two pull up to a pool supply
  business for a reported chemical smell in the
  area. It is 2PM on a Sunday afternoon and the
  business appears to be closed. There is no sign
  of fire but you do notice a chemical smell in the
  air. Can you go inside the building to
  investigate? Why or why not?