Policies and Procedures | Bucks County Community College

Fire + Public Safety — Fire Training Weekends — Policies and Procedures

The following information outlines important requirements and related policies for the Public and Industrial Safety Training & Certification Department.

Accreditation

Public and Industrial Safety Training & Certification at Bucks County Community College is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board®). This means that the levels of accredited professional certification offered by the College meet or exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, along with all requirements set forth by the Pro Board. The process to become accredited is voluntary, and only the most capable agencies apply for consideration. When an emergency services training agency applies for accreditation, its policies are studied, procedures and processes are tested to ensure its certification testing process is evaluated and held to the standards of the accrediting body and compliance with the current NFPA standards.

Bucks County Community College is also accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which brings additional value, knowing your training and certification needs are coming from an accredited higher educational institution.

Training Philosophy

Public and Industrial Safety Training & Certification courses contain an appropriate amount of theoretical and practical content. Many of the courses build on the knowledge of previous courses and create “tracks” that students can follow to achieve their potential.

Advisory Committees

In addition to National Fire Protection Association comments and standards revisions, Public Safety Training and Certification relies on feedback from students, emergency service professionals, Bucks County emergency services, and the Bucks County Fire Chiefs’ and Firefighters Association to ensure courses meet the training needs of these groups.

Partnerships

A partnership between the County of Bucks and Bucks County Community College created the Public Safety Training Center. The center also works closely with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy to ensure consistent course content and instruction.

The Bucks County Fire Service Advisory Board, appointed by the Bucks County commissioners, includes the Fire School Committee. Together, they support open communication and help meet the needs of the Bucks County fire service.

Public Safety Training and Certification Staff

From frontline instructors to administrative and support staff, every member of the Department of Public Safety Training and Certification shares one goal: working together to deliver high-quality training that meets the needs of our customers.

Instructional staff are selected for their technical skills, real-world experience, and teaching ability. All instructors are certified to the NFPA 1041 Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, Level II standard. Many also hold additional professional certifications.

Dress Code and Appearance

The Department of Public Safety Training and Certification prides itself on professionalism. Students shall present a clean, neat, and professional appearance at all times. Hair will be well kept and groomed as to not interfere with personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Jewelry should be limited to avoid loss, damage, and/or injury. Students should wear clothing that is appropriate for the course work they are attending. The following three (3) levels of dress have been established, along with recommended and unacceptable dress to provide direction to students.

Classroom setting: Students in the classroom will wear long pants, shorts and/or skirts. Shorts and skirts must cover their entire buttocks area and must extend to fingertip length plus two inches. Shirts will cover the entire midriff and shoulders of a student. Shoes must cover the entire foot.
Training ground setting: Students on the training grounds will wear long pants (recommended) or shorts of a nature that are durable such as jeans or station pants. They will not have holes in them and will not hang/slide down below the waistline. Shirts will cover the entire midriff and shoulders of a student, same as in the classroom. Shoes will be at least work boots or bunker boots that cover the entire foot when on training grounds.
Suppression activities: Students participating in fire suppression activities are required to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. The long sleeve shirt should be made of cotton and can be a T-shirt or sweatshirt, if the student wishes to add a second layer. If the long sleeve is used as a second layer, the layer underneath must be a shirt that will cover the entire midriff and shoulders of a student, same as classroom and training ground settings.
Recommended dress for all students: It is recommended that students wear some type of station uniform. This would include a fire department T-shirt or uniform shirt with some sort of insignia on it, dark station pants, and black shoes or boots. This is a preferred dress and is not mandatory to attend classes.

Dress that is not acceptable

If any of the below attire is on a student when they report for classes they will be asked to correct their dress before the class begins. If they do not correct the situation they will not be allowed to participate in class for the day, and the instructor will advise the student to leave the facility. The student will then have to make up the class at a different time.

Any items with profanity, drug paraphernalia, or any type of discriminatory wording, phrases, or images printed on them.
Shirts/blouses that have spaghetti straps
Muscle shirts.
Shorts/Skirts that expose the buttocks or genitals in any manner.
Pants that have large holes in them and have the potential of exposing students' buttocks or genital areas.
Sandals / Open toed shoes of any kind.

Facial Hair

In accordance with United States Law, 29 CFR 1910.134, the mandate from the Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner, and NFPA 1403, 1404, & 1500, any course requiring the use of a SCBA or other respiratory protection (APR, PAPR, etc.) will require the participants to be clean-shaven. This means there will be no facial hair anywhere along the jaw line, the chin, or under the lower lip. A well-trimmed mustache is permitted. Any student out of compliance with the policy will be given the option of shaving prior to the start of class or not attending the program.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When required for a given training course, the student is responsible to bring his/her personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for the training courses provided by Bucks County Community College. This will ensure the PPE and SCBA will properly fit. The College reserves the right to inspect the PPE and/or SCBA of any individual attending a training course, and may exclude that student from training if the PPE and/or SCBA are not adequate and/or safe.

The PPE and SCBA ensemble shall include the following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved elements: (1) structural firefighting helmet with eye protection (acceptable: face shields, goggles, or safety glasses; unacceptable: bourkes), (2) firefighting hood, (3) structural firefighting bunker coat, (4) structural firefighting bunker pants, (5) firefighting gloves, (6) firefighting boots, (7) SCBA, and (8) personal alert safety system (PASS) device.

Structural Firefighter Protective Ensemble – Multiple elements of protective clothing meeting the design specifications of NFPA 1971 that, when properly donned and worn together, provide protection from many of the risks of emergency operations. These elements shall consist of the following:

Structural firefighting helmet
Structural firefighting hood
Structural firefighting coat
Structural firefighting pants
Structural firefighting gloves
Structural firefighting boots
SCBA meeting the design specifications of NFPA 1981. Sufficient air shall be provided to ensure the student is able to complete the evolution without the low air alarm activating.
PASS device meeting the design specifications of NFPA 1982.
Approved safety glasses.

Bucks uses a checklist routine inspection of PPE and SCBA. This inspection is in no way a substitute for advanced professional evaluation of the clothing established by NFPA 1851 Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensemble.

Physical Health

All students participating in courses with physical activities should meet the requirements of NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians, within a reasonable period of time prior to entering into physical training or testing to ensure his or her ability to safely perform the required tasks.

All 14 essential job tasks and descriptions from NFPA 1582, 2022 edition that must be met are:

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while performing firefighting tasks (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions, including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods
Wearing an SCBA, which includes a demand-valve-type positive-pressure facepiece or HEPA filter mask, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads
Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (i.e., infectious) and nonbiological hazards, or heated gases, despite the use of PPE and SCBA
Climbing at least six flights of stairs or walking a similarly strenuous distance and incline in jurisdictions without tall buildings while wearing PPE and SCBA, commonly weighing 40–50 lb (18–23 kg) and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20–40 lb (9–18 kg)
Wearing PPE and SCBA that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C)
Working alone while wearing PPE and SCBA, searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing over 165 lb (75 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility
While wearing PPE and SCBA, advancing water-filled hose lines up to 1 3∕ 4 in. (45 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy [approximately 150 ft (50 m)], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles
While wearing PPE and SCBA, climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces that might be wet or icy, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines or other hazards
Unpredictable, prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion as required by emergency operations without benefit of a warm-up period, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration
Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens
Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions
Ability to communicate (i.e., give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing PPE and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines or fixed protection systems (e.g., sprinklers)
Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to members of the public or other team members
Working in shifts, including during nighttime, that can extend beyond 12 hours

Student Participation

The Department of Public Safety Training & Certification at Bucks has a 100% course completion requirement. All course sessions and all course objectives must be successfully completed in order to receive a certificate for any training course. In addition, all students should complete all assigned homework, readings, or other projects as assigned in class to help meet the objectives. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner (see student conduct). This includes being respectful and responsible with the use of cellphones and other electronic devices while in class.

Student Conduct

The Department of Public Safety Training and Certification supports the National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO) and Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) “Firefighter Code of Ethics” and has adopted this as the standard in which all students shall conduct themselves during courses offered by Bucks County Community College.

Today’s fire service leaders face a variety of challenges in managing budgets, personnel, and programs. Occasionally, ethical issues emerge for which there are no easy answers. To provide guidance to address these complex questions, the National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO) and Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) jointly have released a firefighter code of ethics that can be adopted by local fire and emergency medical service organizations. The ethics statement is the result of almost two years of effort by the Board of Directors of NSEFO.

[Source: U.S. Fire Administration]

Minimum Age Requirements / Junior Fire Fighter

Our instructors are required to follow the guidelines regarding minimum age requirements, and specifically junior firefighter rules, as identified by the child labor law, Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Students under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter a burning structure, operate within an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmosphere, or operate hydraulic tools or stabilizers in accordance with the "Child Labor Law" and ACT 155.

Students under 18 years of age must have an employment certificate. The chief and/or training officer is required to verify that the junior firefighter does have his or her working papers. Junior firefighters should be properly identified during training sessions. Be aware that minors may not be able to complete the entire session of a nighttime class; this should be considered before enrolling them in a course. We recommend that all minors enroll in weekend programs to avoid this issue. If a question arises regarding junior firefighters, consult the appropriate regional field director. A copy of the Junior Firefighter Compliance Manual can be found in the Forms and Documents section of our website.

Some exceptions may apply, but are not limited to students in a technical high school program while participating in class, during school hours, and days under the direct supervision of the technical high school instructor. The same exceptions may not apply to professional certification; the student should consult with the certification department for specific details.

Course Registration Requirements & Terms

All courses advertised require registration before the course start date to guarantee a seat and the course to run as scheduled. This section will go over the process of preregistration and the requirements to be accepted into the course. All courses will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Prerequisites: All prerequisites are required prior to entry into any program. They should be sent in with the preregistration form for the course to avoid delays of being registered. (Canvas based professional certification classes allow for those prerequisites to be uploaded to ensure a complete candidate file.)
Age restrictions: All students are required to meet the minimum age requirements on the first day of the course. Age restrictions are based on Child Labor Laws, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Policy.
Physical health: All students participating in courses with physical activities should meet the requirements of NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians, within a reasonable period of time prior to entering into physical training or testing to ensure his or her ability to safely perform the required tasks.
Enrollment minimum and maximum size: A minimum and maximum course size is established for all courses. All courses will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Cancellations will be made seven (7) days prior to the start date. The College reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.
Notification of acceptance: No confirmation letter (Notification of Acceptance) will be sent until the minimum course enrollment is reached. In the event a course reaches its maximum number of enrollment, then a notification of being placed on the waitlist will be sent out to the student. If space opens up in that course, then students will be placed in the course on a first come, first serve basis. Students that just show up to a course that is full will be sent home.

Authorization and acknowledgement

By accepting these terms and conditions and submitting an online registration, the student and/or sponsoring organization acknowledges, agrees to, and certifies the following:

Meets the qualifications and age requirements to attend, including all of the necessary prerequisites. Copies of prerequisites must be brought to the first day.
Is covered by his/her company’s workers' compensation insurance, or is covered by his/her own health and medical insurance while attending any course sponsored by Bucks County Community College.
Will abide by all the rules and regulations established by Bucks County Community College and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.
Will abide by 29 CFR 1910.134 and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy for being clean-shaven for classes requiring the use of an air-purifying respirator (APR) or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Has no knowledge of conditions that will prohibit full participation in all activities required for successful completion of the class.
Will be responsible for any tuition and/or fees associated with the course, unless otherwise notified by the sponsoring Organization/Employer that is listed.
Junior Firefighters (age 17 and under) will abide by all regulations under the Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws and will not register for or participate in any class with drills involving live fire or smoke generated by live fire.
The candidate should meet the requirements of NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters and Information for Fire Department Physicians, within a reasonable period of time prior to entering into physical training or testing to ensure his or her ability to safely perform the required tasks.
I, the Student, have never been convicted of an offense that constitutes the crime of “arson and related offenses” under 18 Pa.C.S. §3301 or any similar offense under any Federal or state law. I hereby certify that the statements contained herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that if I knowingly make any false statement herein, I am subject to penalties prescribed by law, including, but not limited to, a fine of at least $1,000.

By electronically accepting these Terms and Conditions, the student affirms and agrees to all nine (A through I) authorization items listed above. Electronic acceptance shall carry the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and registrations will not be processed without this acknowledgment.

Course Completion / Professional Certification

Class certificates are processed by the Department of Public Safety & Certification from the information provided on the Bucks County Community College "Registration Form - Non-Credit Course" which is completed by the student at the start of course. A student must meet all of the course objectives, including attendance and prerequisites in order to receive a course certificate. No special certificates will be issued to a student that has not met all of the requirements.

Students will be notified by email when their course completion certificate has been issued. Certificates are provided electronically through Campus Marketplace and will be available within the student self-service environment. The email on file will come from the email used when creating an account through Campus Marketplace. The turn-around time for certificates is approximately four (4) weeks after the lead instructor’s completed paperwork is received.

Students who successfully complete professional certification programs will receive a certificate that is numbered by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). These certification certificates will continue to be printed and mailed at this time. The turn-around time for certification certificates is approximately six (6) to eight (8) weeks.

Cancellations or Withdrawal

Cancellation due to low enrollment

If the minimum enrollment to run a course is not met within fourteen (14) days of the course start date, cancellation due to low enrollment will be made. All students pre-registered for this course will be notified via phone/email, from information found on the form, of the course cancellation.

Drop/withdrawal from a course and the no show policy

In the event a student must withdraw from a course, the student should submit a drop request through Campus Marketplace as soon as possible. Doing so allows the seat to be offered to another participant and helps avoid any applicable no-show fees if submitted prior to the deadline. Once the request is processed, the student will receive a confirmation notification for their records.

Tuition and fees paid for classes cancelled by the College due to insufficient registrations are fully refundable. Other tuition refunds will be processed under the official policy of the College.

Military duty tuition refund

A student unable to complete any course by virtue of being called to Military Reserve Duty, other than a training obligation scheduled prior to the beginning of the course, shall be granted a drop/withdrawal with a 100% refund.

Tuition appeals

The College recognizes that there may be extenuating circumstances that can prevent a student from dropping/withdrawing from a course prior to the registration deadline. An appeal for a tuition refund may be filed if a student was unable to attend courses registered due to medical, personal, or employment-related situations that were beyond the student's control.

If a student is charged for a No Show or Late Cancellation and wishes to appeal the charge, please submit in writing to the BCPSTC or LBPSTC within 30 days of the first statement (Invoice) date, providing your name, class semester/number, and a copy of the invoice the reason for your appeal.

Weather-Related or Emergency Information

When inclement weather or an emergency forces the cancellation or delayed start of classes, announcements will be made using the Omnilert text message and email system, on the College’s website and social media feeds, and on local and Philadelphia television and radio stations. Snow, icy conditions, or road flooding may result in the closing or delayed opening of one or more campuses.

Signing up for text alerts allows you to receive timely information regarding weather-related or emergency notifications. Register your number today!

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Public Safety Training + Certification

267-685-4888 fireschool@bucks.edu

Fax: 215-788-4906

PSTC Course Schedule

Public Safety Training + Certification

267-685-4888 fireschool@bucks.edu

Fax: 215-788-4906