Updates on "Bail Out Rope Law" Available from DOL

The most recent changes to the law often referred to as the "bail out" or self-rescue law was one of the many important topics addressed recently at the NYSAFC 108th Annual Conference and FIRE 2014 Expo.

When first implemented, this law required all fire departments to utilize the same system for self-rescue – bail out ropes – no matter what the relative risks are for interior firefighters in each department.

After much work by NYSAFC and other fire service organizations, amendments were made to the law and each department is now required to do a risk assessment. After much discussion between the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), NYSAFC, FASNY, AFDSNY, and others, the DOL has put forward a sample risk assessment document as well as a video and other resources for fire chiefs to utilize in conducting the risk assessment.

NYSAFC is in the process of reviewing all of the material so that we can provide you with the best information to ensure that you are in compliance and appropriately meet the needs of your firefighters and department.

Please take a moment and review the material provided on the DOL website. Additional information and assistance from NYSAFC is forthcoming.