Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NFPA 1670 and 1006 Standards?
NFPA Standards have become the de-facto global standards for those who respond to technical search and rescue incidents with the goal of ensuring effectiveness, providing a common framework for rescue training and operations, and limiting liability. The Standards cover technical rescue disciplines including rope rescue, surface water rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue, confined space rescue, structural collapse rescue, and trench rescue.
The NFPA 1670 Standard outlines the level of “functional capability” for organizations like fire departments, search and rescue teams etc. who respond to technical search and rescue incidents. The goal of the 1670 Standard is to outline how to conduct operations safely and effectively while minimizing threats to rescuers. The 1670 Standard is intended to help the “Agency Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) assess technical rescue hazards within a given response area, identify the level of operational capability required for each hazard, and establish guidelines for training and incident response.
Conversely, the NFPA 1006 Standard is for individuals seeking verification that their technical rescue skills meet minimum job performance requirements as defined by the NFPA for the purposes of instructing or professional consulting. Upon completion of a formal skill evaluation by an independent third-party, the candidate is considered a “rescue technician”. Rescue 3’s Professional Qualification Workshops ensure individual rescuers have met the NFPA 1006 Standard. All of our instructors have must pass a Professional Qualification Workshop prior to being admitted into Rescue 3’s Instructor’s Course. At this time, Professional Qualification Workshops are only available through Rescue 3 International but Raven Rescue has plans to begin offering these formal assessments in Canada, in the near future.
Both Standards are reviewed and updated every four years. Copies can be purchased from the NFPA.
Given that the NFPA 1670 Standard is the one followed by many Canadian first responder organizations, we have listed its contents here:
NFPA 1670 Standard - Contents
Chapter 1 Administration
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
Chapter 3 Definitions
Chapter 4 General Requirements
Chapter 5 Structural Collapse
Chapter 6 Rope Rescue
Chapter 7 Confined Space Search and Rescue
Chapter 8 Vehicle and Machinery Search and Rescue
Chapter 9 Water Search and Rescue
Chapter 10 Wilderness Search and Rescue
Chapter 11 Trench and Excavation Search and Rescue
Annex A Explanatory Material
Annex B Sloping and Benching
Annex C Structural Types
Annex D Sample Course Outlines
Annex E External Resources
Annex F Hazards Found in Structural Collapse
Annex G Structural Hazard Evaluation
Annex H Classification of Spaces by Types
Annex I Confined Space Needs Analysis Plan
Annex J Excavation Requirements and Soil Types
Annex K Informational References
Index
For more information, please contact the NFPA.
National Fire Protection Agency
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy , MASSACHUSETTS 02169
UNITED STATES
617-770-3000
Website: http://www.nfpa.org
