HEALTH & SAFETY
UPDATED 11/23/09
For Health and Safety Issues contact Capt. Charlie Fraser at Division 4 or call 800-289-7161.
Health & Safety Committee Update
As of November 8, 2009
Capt. Charlie Fraser
New Command Cars
Options were presented to Fleet services to address the rear lighting options. Issue to be address is the application of an LED rear light package in lieu of the highway light bar which cannot be outfitted on the new vehicles. Meeting set with Commissioner Basile to explore the options.
PPE – Boot’s
Meeting held on Monday, November 2nd at Headquarters regard the selection process of the replacement Boot. President Variale attended to ensure the Department is aware the involvement of Local 3621 in the next selection process occurs. See President's report for more information.
PESH – Violation follow-up
PESH COMPLAINTS
Part 1
Inspection #312229776
Compliant Filed on 08/15/08
Violation: Compressed Gas Storage : Oxygen Storage in Command cars and Logistical Support Units
Violation issued on June 9, 2009 for department to correct condition must be answered by September 9, 2009.
Attended Re-Inspection on Friday, October 23, 2009 performed by Michael Marquez (PESH Inspector) at Station 45 and Station 49 and Division 4 (Duty Captain Command Car). It was determined only part of this violation was corrected. The Oxygen tank storage in the Command cars was satisfied as long as they are secured in the bracket with straps and no additional tanks are found free-floating in the equipment tray.
Inspector Marquez will recommend to his supervisor to impose a penalty against the Department in regards the Logistical Support Units (LSU’s) due to the oxygen cylinders carried in milk crates unsecured in a rear compartment upon his inspection.
Part 2
Complaint Filed 11/15/08
Violation :
A) Improper signage at EMS Stations regarding exit doors
B) Insufficient Emergency Lighting
Violation issued on June 9, 2009 for department to correct condition must be answered by September 9, 2009.
Inspection was performed by Michael Marquez (PESH Inspector) on Monday, October 26, 2009 at Station 08 and Station 45. The violation was corrected in regards to part A & B. However at Station 49 the storage of oxygen outside of the facility was unacceptable. The cage was rusted through and did not support the tanks present. A violation was written and forwarded to the Department.
Facility Issues
- Station 45 BBP Area was completed and enclosed with cinder block wall and curtains to control overspray during decontamination of vehicles.
- Station 54 Stove installation is schedule through building maintenance.
Medical Equipment Committee Meeting – October 21, 2009
Fort Totten, Bldg. #325 13:00 hours
Meeting Minutes:
Started at 13:10 hrs
- Last Meeting Minutes were reviewed and accepted by committee
Stair Chair Update:
- A decision was made to field test two chairs for a period of two weeks each. A total of one month two chairs will be provided to units selected through operations. The two chair models will be 1) four wheels 2) Tractor style chair. Two vendors were present at the meeting a provided the following product demonstration.
- Stryker four wheel chair
- Ferno four wheel chair
- Monster Medic
The committee unanimously selected the Ferno four wheel chair as the field test piece. Field test will begin in January of 2010, decision by March of 2010.
Cardiac Monitor Project:
- Pending the announcement by EMS Operations of the selected monitor and implementation date.
Airway Alternative Project:
- The “King” airway has been approved by the medical director and will be used within the system by paramedics within the next six months. January 2010 implementation date is scheduled.
New Business:
- Pediatric Immobilization devices
- Handout with comparison of products on the market was present by Dave Garcia of MEU. A Vendor demonstration will be set-up for the November meeting with a presentation by pediatric E.D. physicians towards their recommendations.
Meeting ended at 14:45 hrs.
Safety & Health Grievances Step III
(Coney Island) Station 43: There are many violations noted. During a walk through on 11/19/09 more violations were discovered and added to the grievance. On 11/25/09 we are scheduled to appear at OLR for a Step III hearing in regards to these violations.
(1 Metro Tech) EMD: We have a list of violations. On 11/25/09 we are scheduled to appear at OLR for a Step III hearing in regards to these violations.
On November 25, 2009 a Step III hearing was held in regards to the Safety and Health violations that exists at Station 43 and EMD. We were successful to get on record the department to acknowledge that these violations do exist. We acknowledged the city has begun to address some of the violations at Station 43 but with the amount of time that has past more should have been completed. None of the violations at EMD have been addressed. The department has stated they expect EMD to be moved into the new PSAC facility. We argued that even if EMD does move the current facility will be utilized as a back up facility so these violations need to be corrected. The department has agreed to correct these violations and conduct another walk through at both locations in approximately two weeks. All parties agreed to meet again at OLR in forty-five days to discuss what progress has been made.
If the department fails to make a good faith effort to correct these violations we will move forward with our grievance to arbitration.
On December 3, 2009 the Local conducted a Health & Safety walk-thru of EMD and PSAC. Although there are issues that need to be addressed at PSAC we found all of the violations at EMD were corrected. We have notified OLR and the department we are satisfied with the corrections made to EMD and consider those issues resolved.
