3. ā£ Fire and emergency services training can occur in a
variety of settings
ā£ Cognitive training can happen in a classroom
setting or may be hosted online
ā£ Psychomotor training typically occurs in a
training facility, such as a fire station or at a
remote site, such as an acquired structure
Learning and Classroom Environment
4. ā£ Wherever training occurs, instructors must control
the learning environment to ensure that students
can concentrate on the lesson and remain safe
ā£ Before conducting training, instructors need to
evaluate the environment to identify and remove
potential distractions and hazards
Learning and Classroom Environment
5. ā£ One advantage of
working in a permanent
classroom is the
environment rarely
changes
ā£ Instructors must be able
to adapt to the location
to create the best
possible learning
environment
Classroom Environment
7. ā£ Instructors must:
ā£ Determine how important it is for students to see
and hear
ā£ Determine how important it is that students can
interact with each other
ā£ Determine the location of table legs
ā£ Ensure that emergency exits and evacuation routes
are not blocked
Seating Arrangements
8. ā£ Work surfaces vary and include
ā£ School desktops fixed to an individual chair
ā£ Work surfaces that unfold across a studentās lap from
between auditorium-type seats
ā£ Tables with varying depths that may accommodate
students on one or both sides or are arranged in a U
or square shape
ā£ Long conference tables
ā£ Round tables
Seating Arrangements
10. ā£ Instructors may not have the opportunity to choose the
type of table or desktop surface for the classroom
ā£ Some training organizations may provide only desks or
tables with small writing surfaces that do not
accommodate an open notebook
Seating Arrangements
11. ā£ Instructors should inspect
the physical setting before
beginning the class
ā£ Have students place
unneeded items in a storage
area to prevent cluttering
the work surfaces
Seating Arrangements
12. ā£ Permanent classrooms have lighting designed to
enhance the learning experience
ā£ Typically, this is a mix of
ā£ Incandescent
ā£ Fluorescent light
ā£ LED (light emitting diode)
Lighting
13. ā£ The primary light source is usually fluorescent
ā£ The trend is moving toward LED lighting
ā£
ā£ Incandescent lighting is often controlled with a
dimmer switch
Lighting
14. ā£ When training must be conducted in a non-classroom
setting, instructors should inspect the room or area
before class
ā£ Whatever lighting is used, the instructor must always
consider student safety as a priority
ā£ A proper balance of lighting will allow students to
clearly see audiovisual components while giving them
safe movement within the training facility
Lighting
15. ā£ The temperature of the learning environment can distract
students and instructors
ā£ When temperature becomes a distraction, instructors
may need to provide more frequent rest breaks for
students
ā£ Learning environments that are too hot or too cold tend
to preoccupy students as they try to become comfortable
Temperature and Ventilation
16. ā£ Instructors should be familiar with the HVAC systems at
classroom facilities
ā£ Determine the location and setting of climate
controls before teaching in the facility
ā£ Determine whether controls can be adjusted and
how to adjust them
Temperature and Ventilation
17. ā£ Contact facility personnel if the instructor does not
have access to the buildingās environmental controls
ā£ Make any climate adjustments within adequate time
for the temperature to change prior to instruction
ā£ Advise students on how to dress for comfort when
the systems cannot be adjusted
Temperature and Ventilation
18. Temperature and Ventilation
ā£ Buildings or areas that do not have HVAC systems may
be equipped with openable windows
ā£ In warm weather, consider whether the fans available
will be sufficient to create a cooling air flow in the
room
ā£ In cold weather, air flow should be minimized
19. Temperature and Ventilation
ā£ Apparatus bays may need
ventilation to disperse
exhaust before instruction
ā£ When conducting training,
monitor air quality within
the learning environment
for the safety of the
students, yourself, and
other instructors
20. NOTE
ā£ In colder climates, training
organizations may have indoor
facilities large enough to host
apparatus training. These facilities
must have adequate ventilation
systems to ensure that apparatus
exhaust does not present a hazard.
21. ā£ When inspecting a learning environment, instructors
should attempt to eliminate potential sources of noise
Noise Level
ā£ Depending on the type of facility, they
may be able to turn off or lower the
volume of loudspeakers, radios, and
pagers
ā£ They might also close classroom doors
or windows to reduce outside noise
22. ā£ Students who are in-service or on call may have to
respond to radios or cell phones during class and may
inadvertently cause noise interruptions during a training
session
ā£ Instructors should consult with these students before
sessions to determine how they will be contacted if
called to duty
ā£ Instructors can prepare the rest of the class for this
potential interruption, so that in-service students can
leave with as little distraction to others as possible
Noise Level
23. ā£ If noise exceeds maximum noise exposure levels (90
decibels in the U.S., 85 decibels in Canada), the
instructor should provide safe and approved hearing
protection
Noise Level: Maximum Levels
24. ā£ Instructors can also take steps to eliminate distractions
before using instructional technology tools
ā£ Take time to ensure that the equipment is arranged
properly to allow all students to view presentations
Audiovisual Equipment
25. ā£ Do not stand between the audience and the projected
image
ā£ Locate the projector so that it does not obstruct
studentsā views
ā£ Ensure that the projected image fills the screen area
without extending over the edges or keystoning
Audiovisual Equipment: Avoiding
Distractions
26. ā£ Ensure that the projected image is not distorted
ā£ Locate the projector to minimize motor noise
ā£ Prior to the day of instruction, preview any audiovisual
aids in the classroom from the point of view of the
students so that you can understand transitions
between all media types and ways to present the lesson
as smoothly as possible
Audiovisual Equipment: Avoiding
Distractions
27. ā£ When using a computer and projector system,
instructors should test the presentation before class
ā£ The initial image may be used to welcome students, or
the system may be turned off until it is needed
ā£ When using unfamiliar technology tools, the instructor
should ask the facility staff how to use the equipment;
instructors should become familiar with the operation of
the unit being used
Audiovisual Equipment
28. ā£ Interaction and cooperation with support staff is essential
when providing a course on closed-circuit television,
interactive television, or computers (computer-based training)
ā£ A test of all the equipment and remote receiving sites must
be performed in advance in order to meet all training
objectives
ā£ Broadcast airtime is valuable, and instructors should not
waste it trying to resolve system problems
Audiovisual Equipment
30. ā£ Before beginning a
presentation in a remote
location, instructors should
ā£ Locate necessary electrical
outlets
ā£ Determine need for extension
power cords or power strips
ā£ Know where power cords are
located
Power Outlet Access
31. ā£ Use extension power cords that meet the local fire
code, usually 6 feet (approximately 2 m) and adequate
size for the electrical load being attached
ā£ Never plug too many pieces of equipment into a single
outlet or power strip, as this can overload the circuit
ā£ Be sure to use appropriate electrical outlets, extension
power cords, and adapters
Power Outlet Access
32. ā£ It is a good habit for instructors to unplug all electrical
equipment from outlets at the end of the class each
day
ā£ Safe use of electrical equipment can prevent accidents
or injuries; this includes protecting extension power
cords and eliminating tripping hazards
Power Outlet Access
33. Instructors should also evaluate the following
ā£ Location of adapters for grounded plugs or power
strips
ā£ Condition of extension power cords (whether cords
are frayed or worn or plugs are damaged)
Power Outlet Access
34. ā£ Location of the main breaker panel and identification of
the circuit breaker that controls classroom receptacles
ā£ Locations of timer-controlled automatic power switches
that may turn off lights in the classroom during a
presentation
Power Outlet Access
36. Internet, Phone, and Cable Television
Access
ā£ May be necessary to contact an information technology
representative at facility before instruction to obtain
security passwords for Wi-Fi network or for connection
assistance
ā£ When using distance technology, instructor must ensure all
participants have proper equipment, login information, and
appropriate access
ā£ May be necessary to rearrange seating, move television or
lectern, or arrange for extension cable
38. ā£ Before class begins, an instructor should remove
those decorations and close the window blinds
ā£ If training is conducted in work areas, seating should
face away from the apparatus, other equipment, or
working personnel
ā£ The only thing that should be visible behind the
instructor is a blank wall or projection screen
Visual Distractions
39. During session introduction,
instructors should inform
students of
ā£ Location of restrooms
ā£ Location of water fountains
ā£ Applicable tobacco/drug use
policies
ā£ Location of refreshments, if
applicable
Comfort Facilities
40. During session introduction, instructors should inform
students of
ā£ Location of storm shelters
ā£ Location of exits, including emergency exits
ā£ Potential disaster emergencies, when necessary
Safety Hazards and Emergency Exits
43. ā£ Lead instructor requirements of safety levels
found in
ā£ National laws
ā£ State/provincial laws
ā£ Local ordinances
ā£ Government rules and regulations
ā£ International consensus standards
ā£ Organizational policies and procedures
ā£ Case law
Training Ground Environment
44. ā£ Safety analysis of
remote sites may
include an incident
action plan
Remote Sites
45. When developing list of possible remote training sites,
instructors collect data including
ā£ Location
ā£ Name of owner/representative
ā£ Availability (access and time)
ā£ Water supply source
ā£ Types of training evolutions site can support
Remote Sites
46. ā£ Parking lots
ā£ Subdivisions under
construction
ā£ Acquired structures
ā£ Military or
government-owned
reservations
Remote Sites
48. ā£ Provide rehabilitation for students exposed to
temperature extremes and high humidity
ā£ Provide shielded observation and waiting areas to protect
against strong winds and rain
ā£ Provide cleats to add to the soles of shoes or boots on
icy ground ā Sand, salt, and/or ice melt can be spread
to help melt the ice or provide foot traction
Weather Conditions
49. ā£ Prohibit some operations such as the use of aerial
devices or ground ladders during high wind or
thunderstorms
ā£ Follow regulations and local policies that dictate
under what conditions (temperature, humidity, wind,
etc.) students may train
ā£ Training should be cancelled, rescheduled, or
changed to meet conditions if student safety cannot
be maintained with the original plan
Weather Conditions
51. When training near vehicle
traffic
ā£ Limit or prohibit public
access whenever possible
ā£ Enforce the use of safety
cones and vests
ā£ Involve local department of
public works, department of
transportation, or law
enforcement personnel to
provide scene support
Vehicle Traffic
52. ā£ Precautions to protect
students from training
ground noise
ā£ Follow appropriate
guidelines for hearing
protection
ā£ Turn off vehicle and
machinery motors
when instructors are
giving instructions or
explaining procedures
Training Ground Noise
53. ā£ Bring extension cords to place noisy generators and
compressors out of the immediate training area
ā£ If noise cannot be controlled, use a microphone and
speaker system
Training Ground Noise
54. Instructors on the training ground should
ā£ Provide initial instruction in a well-lit and
comfortable area
ā£ Light the immediate training area and staging areas
where tools and other items are kept during training
Lighting
55. ā£ Make sure the terrain is well lit to help prevent
tripping and falling
ā£ When applicable, use fluorescent markings to
highlight potential hazards
Lighting
56. Site map should indicate
ā£ Access and egress points
ā£ Traffic flow
ā£ Relationship between staging and incident areas
Other considerations
ā£ Additional personnel may be required to control
access to the site
ā£ Whenever possible, provide at least two means of
egress
Access/Egress
57. ā£ Drill towers
ā£ Burn buildings and smokehouses
ā£ Flammable/combustible liquid pits
ā£ Vehicle driving courses
Permanent Training Facilities
58. Before teaching at a training facility, instructors should
ā£ Inspect the area to determine the condition of the
facility and training props
ā£ Identify and mitigate any safety concerns
ā£ Locate simulated incidents, student parking lots,
apparatus staging areas, and observation seating
Permanent Training Facilities
59. At beginning of outdoor training sessions, instructors
should provide students
ā£ An overview of the training scenario which includes
safety issues, expected outcomes, and assignments,
whether at the unit, company, or individual level.
ā£ Demonstration of any skills.
ā£ Walk-through of the area or structure, emphasizing
exit routes, control zones, rehab facilities,
accountability practices.
Permanent Training Facilities
60. Instructors should develop a list of
ā£ Potential facilities
ā£ Types of training props available
ā£ Names of facility representatives
ā£ Types of evolutions that can be performed at each
location
Permanent Training Facilities