Firefighting Fitness Exams
The National Fire Protection Association has specified minimum medical requirements for firefighter candidates and veteran firefighters. These are meant to assure safety of the firefighter as well as to protect the safety and health of those the firefighter is serving.

These assessments are to be done before assignment, after leave for a debilitating illness or injury, and annually. They are to be done by a licensed physician and shall be done at no cost to the candidate. The focus of the evaluation includes physical performance requirements, physical fitness, and limiting or preventing exposure of members to infectious and contagious diseases in the performance of their assigned duties.

Alaska Occupational Health is up-to-date on the NFPA requirements and strongly agrees with 8-7.2 of the NFPA recommendations: "In all cases, the fire department shall have ultimate concern for the members' ability to regain and maintain a comfortable, healthy, and productive life during and after their service with the fire department."

National Fire Protection Association (opens in new window):

http://www.NFPA.org/index.html

Diving Medical Exam
Scuba and other modes of compressed-gas diving can be strenuous and hazardous. A special risk is present if the middle ear, sinuses, or lung segments do not readily equalize air pressure changes. The most common cause of distress is Eustachian insufficiency. Most fatalities involve deficiencies in produce, judgment, emotional stability, or physical fitness.

AOH staff is versed in the regulation and Davis explanation of specific conditions in evaluation of the diver.

Related Diving Medicine Links (opens in new window):

Diving Medicine on Line http://www.gulftel.com/~scubadoc/

Diving and Medicine http://www.naui.org/DAN/safety.htm

Mine Safety & Health Administration
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was established by congress in the 1977 Mine Safety and Health act. It’s role is similar to that of OSHA except it’s authority is for mining employees only. In the Code of Federal Regulations this is covered in Title 30 (OSHA is under 29). Many of the regulations are similar to those of OSHA including the new MSHA Hearing Conservation Rule. NIOSH helps to develop the health standards for MSHA, unlike OSHA who they only advise.

Mine Safety & Health Administration (opens in new window):

http://www.msha.gov/safeinfo.html