COMPANY QUARTERS

DCN: 1.06.02 REGULATIONS CHAPTER 19 January 1, 1997 COMPANY QUARTERS

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19.1 MAINTENANCE OF QUARTERS

19.1.1 Company commanders shall have charge of company quarters, be responsible for its cleanliness, heating and hot water installations, fuel supply tanks, and other appurtenances; and shall exercise rigid economy in the use of water, gas, fuel, oil, electricity, and other supplies.

In the absence of the company commander, officers on duty shall be equally responsible for the enforcement of this regulation.

19.1.2 No unauthorized changes, additions or alterations in quarters, or to any equipment

thereof shall he permitted without the written approval of the Chief of Department. 19.1.3 When buildings are being erected adjoining or adjacent to quarters, a report shall

be forwarded stating whether provisions relating to height and construction of chimneys contained in the building code are being complied with.

Company commanders shall, upon notice being received of proposed demolition work adjacent to adjoining quarters, forward a report to the Fire Commissioner with full particulars.

19.1.4 Members shall be assigned various duties for the proper maintenance of quarters,

apparatus, and equipment. Officers on duty shall direct and supervise the cleaning of quarters, apparatus, tools and equipment for the purpose of maintaining a clean and orderly condition at all times.

Upon conclusion of such cleaning and maintenance duties, officers on duty shall inspect quarters, apparatus, tools, and equipment, and enter in the company journal their evaluation of the work performed.

19.1.5 Officers on duty shall designate members to attend all hot water and heating

installations in quarters. Officer on duty shall supervise the checking of the water level in all steam boilers, immediately after roll calls at 0900 and 1800 hours.

The water column must be kept at a height of 3/4 of the glass gauge for safe operation of the boiler. A record of such inspection shall be recorded in the company journal.

Should it be necessary to add water to the heating system, the manually operated feed valve shall be opened and water added SLOWLY, until the required water level is reached.

FDNY DCN: 1.06.02 REGULATIONS January 1, 1997 CHAPTER 19

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The circulator unit of hot water heating systems requires a few drops of oil semi-

annually for motor lubrication and monthly inspection of the reservoir of the pump bearing assembly for the proper oil level, adding oil as required. Any circulator developing noise should be shut down immediately and the Fire Department Buildings Unit notified.

19.1.6 Company Commanders shall, once each month, thoroughly examine the apparatus entrance doors to determine their condition and, when necessary, lubricate with a light oil.

19.1.7 Officers on duty shall, immediately after 0900 hours roll call, determine the quantity of diesel fuel and heating fuel in the storage tanks and record same in the company journal.

When indications of water or sediment are present in diesel fuel or heating fuel storage tanks, the officer on duty shall promptly notify the Fire Department Resource Center at 718-999-4357.

19.1.8 In order to preserve the apparatus floors, structural steel, and electrical components, the use of water in apparatus quarters shall be kept to a minimum.

Cleaning of apparatus floors shall be done by the use of brooms and damp mops. Water shall be used sparingly when it becomes necessary to flush out quarters.

Weather permitting, washing of the apparatus shall be performed outside of quarters. During inclement or subfreezing weather, apparatus shall be washed in quarters using a minimum of water. Excess water shall be removed from the floor immediately.

When washing of walls in quarters becomes necessary, care shall be exercised to avoid wetting of the electrical, telephone, and alarm equipment.

19.1.9 When repairs are being made in or about quarters, officers on duty shall provide for the necessary protection of all Department property.

19.1.10 Officer on Duty shall forward any notice of low pressure boiler inspection received from the N.Y.C. Department of Buildings, to the Fire Department Building Maintenance Division. It is to be forwarded to the attention of the Senior Stationary Engineer.

19.1.11 When private contractors commence repairs or other work in or about company quarters, the officer on duty shall telephone all related information to the Fire Department Buildings Unit.

The housewatchman shall make journal entries when a contractor enters and when the contractor leaves quarters. The journal entry shall note the contractor’s name, the company the contractor represents and the nature of work to be done.

19.1.12 When daily time sheets are presented to officers by mechanics from the Fire Department Buildings Unit, such officers shall check the sheets for accuracy before signing.

19.1.13 Deleted.

Rev. 03/11/13


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19.1.14 Company officers shall, when assigning cleaning and maintenance duties, cause

an inspection to be made of all fluorescent lighting fixtures in quarters for burned out and defective lamps. Burned out or defective lamps shall be removed and replaced promptly. If replacement lamps are not available, all lamps in the same fixture shall be removed (to prevent serious damage to ballasts) until replacement lamps are obtained.

19.1.15 Company Commanders shall be responsible for providing privacy of bathroom

facilities for members of both sexes. Requisitions for missing or defective doors or locks shall be forwarded promptly. Designated female facilities (locker rooms and bathrooms) within quarters are for the exclusive use of FDNY female members and female visitors. Other than for cleaning and maintenance, male members and male visitors shall not enter or use any female-only facilities unless directed to do so by the Company Commander. Chief Officers shall ensure compliance when conducting an inspection of company quarters.

19.2 USE OF QUARTERS

19.2.1 Quarters shall be used only for Department business. Visitors shall not be permitted to remain in quarters after 2200 hours. Social assemblages shall be prohibited at all times. Any type of sales promotions or private business activity shall be prohibited at all times unless permitted by the Chief of Department.

19.2.2 Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a professional work environment

for subordinates. This includes conducting periodic inspections of all Department facilities to ensure that materials prohibited by the Department's EEO or Anti-Hazing / Bullying Policies are not displayed or viewed in any FDNY facility. When a supervisor or officer is unsure as to whether any material violates the Department's policies or regulations, he or she shall promptly consult with the Department's EEO Office.

All areas of quarters are subject to these regulations, including personal lockers.

Company Commanders shall maintain a current list of locker assignments and ensure that lockers assigned to members shall have their name, assigned locker number, and Department issued sticker affixed to the front of the locker. The exterior of the locker shall be maintained free of all other writings, postings or other material. Lockers that have been designated by the Department as memorials to deceased members shall be exempt from this regulation.

Individual members are responsible for the interiors of lockers that are assigned to them and in violation of this prohibition. The interior of lockers shall be secured in a neat, clean and serviceable condition for the storage of uniforms, clothing, and other personal property. Materials prohibited by any Department rules or regulations shall not be posted or otherwise kept on the interior sides of lockers.

Rev. 06/07/18


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Bulletin boards in facilities shall be used only for official Department business or important information relating to approved Departmental organizations. Uniformed commanders and civilian managers shall ensure that copies of the Equal Employment Policy Statement, Sexual Harassment Policy Statement and Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement are posted permanently on the bulletin board of the company quarters/administrative offices. Commanders and managers are responsible to assure that these signs are neither defaced nor removed. Battalion Chiefs, when conducting an inspection of company quarters, shall ensure that the Policy Statements are posted. Chief and company officers will be held strictly responsible for ensuring full compliance with this section.

For further copies of the Equal Employment Policy Statement or Sexual Harassment Policy Statement, contact the EEO Office at 718-999-1446.

19.2.3 Privately owned automobiles or vehicles shall not be stored in quarters without

approval of the Fire Commissioner. 19.2.4 Telephones shall be used only for the transaction of Department business.

Exceptions may be permitted by the officer on duty in cases of sickness, deaths, or emergencies.

19.2.5 Unnecessary or prolonged conversations on Department telephones or use by

persons other than members of the Department shall be prohibited. Civilian members assigned to various bureaus or divisions of the Department may, with permission of the officer on duty, use Department telephones.

19.2.6 Members shall not contract for or cause a telephone to be installed in any

Department building without written approval of the Bureau of Personnel. 19.2.7 Officers on duty shall not permit photographs to be taken in department buildings

under their jurisdiction without approval of the Fire Commissioner. 19.2.8 Officers on duty shall exercise tact and discretion in all instances when a request

is made for aid in the event of serious injury or illness to persons in the vicinity, and immediately summon competent medical assistance through the dispatcher.

The role of any member ordered to respond to such emergency shall be confined to first aid and should, under no circumstances, essay to take over the functions of a qualified member of the medical profession.

19.2.9 Company commanders shall cause the display, on the front of quarters, of a sign

indicating location of the fire alarm box nearest company quarters. 19.2.10 Periodically, for the purpose of educating the public in all phases of fire

prevention, as well as furtherance of sound public relations, fire houses throughout the city shall, while the company is present, be open to the general public and visitors cordially received. Designated dates and hours for such "Open House" periods will be promulgated in advance on department orders.

Rev. 06/07/18


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19.2.11 During "Open House" periods, officers and members shall be on the apparatus

floor, and members instructed to:

A. Give information relative to the general functions and professional operations of the Fire Department.

B. Explain common fire hazards and how to eliminate them. C. Encourage and answer questions on fire prevention. D. Distribute appropriate fire prevention literature. E. Convey the message of the paramount importance of sending prompt

alarms of fire. F. Focus attention, when seasonally appropriate, upon such topics as brush

fires, fireworks, Christmas trees, wrappings, etc.

19.2.12 Deleted 19.2.13 During "Open House" periods no visitors shall be permitted above or below the

apparatus floor.

Upon receipt of an alarm to which the unit responds, extreme caution shall be exercised and visitors requested to leave quarters before moving the apparatus.

19.2.14 Visits of school children in groups to firehouses, while company is present, shall

follow a policy of cooperation with the Board of Education and other recognized educational institutions. Officers on duty are authorized to make arrangements for such visits directly with the proper educational personnel, and shall see that the following regulations are complied with:

A. Third and fourth grade classes shall have one adult supervisor for each 15 children.

B. Classes of fifth grade and over shall have one adult supervisor for each 30 children.

C. Visits shall be of no more than one hour duration, between 0900 hours and 1700 hours.

D. Classes below the third grade shall have one adult supervisor for each four (4) children.

E. All company personnel on duty shall remain in apparatus quarters and assist in the observance of every precaution for the safety of visitors, in addition to explaining Department routine. During visits of school children to quarters, the provisions of section 19.2.13 shall also apply.

19.2.15 Officers on duty with companies are authorized to arrange directly with the

representative of the local troop for visits of Scout Troops to quarters.

Visiting troops are to be accompanied by authorized adult personnel, with at least one adult for every 20 children. Visits shall not exceed one hour and shall be between 0900 hours and 1700 hours while the company is present. Company personnel on duty shall remain in apparatus quarters and assist in the observance of every precaution for the safety of visitors, in addition to explaining Department routine.

During visits of Scout Troops to quarters, the provisions of section 19.2.13 shall also apply.


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19.3 SAFETY PRECAUTION 19.3.1 The sidewalk in front of quarters and roadway within the fire zone shall be

maintained free from snow, ice and other obstructions which may hinder the prompt response of the apparatus.

Company commanders shall avoid the indiscriminate use of deicers, such as crystallized salts, on concrete surfaces. When conditions demand the use of deicers, only the necessary amount required to perform the job shall be used. Unused salts and residue of de-icers shall be removed from concrete surfaces immediately after they have accomplished the purpose of their use. The method of removal will depend upon the ambient temperature and can be accomplished by either sweeping or flushing.

19.3.2 Officers on duty shall personally supervise the filling of diesel fuel and heating

fuel storage tanks and require the capping of measuring gauge connections while such tanks are being filled. Before the tank truck driver connects to the fill pipe, the officer on duty shall order an accurate measurement of the storage tank's content to determine whether the tank can accept delivery. When filling operations are completed, officers shall check fill pipe connections for assurance that they are properly closed and protected.

During and immediately after the delivery of diesel fuel and heating fuel to storage tanks, the officer on duty shall maintain careful supervision to note any leakage or any unusual amount of odor.

Particular attention shall be given to the condition of piping and any unusual diesel fuel or heating fuel odors in the cellar.

Such officers, at the time of diesel fuel or heating fuel deliveries to storage tanks, shall record an entry in the company journal indicating if compliance with all the requirements of this section have been observed.

Note: Bureau of EMS personnel may fuel their diesel vehicles at any Fire Department location. Whenever it is necessary to utilize the pumps at a Fire Station, Bureau of EMS personnel are encouraged to fuel their vehicles at Fire Stations within their response areas. Members of the Bureau of EMS shall be responsible for actually performing the fueling of their vehicle and are required to make the proper entries in the unit Fuel Log.

19.3.3 Company commanders shall comply with the New York City Health Code

pertaining to the control and welfare of dogs housed in quarters. They shall require the following:

1. Dog is licensed and immunized in accordance with Department of Health guidelines.

2. Dogs shall not be permitted to leave quarters unless escorted and effectively restrained by a leash or chain not more than 6 feet long.

Rev. 01/15/15


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3. Dogs shall not ride on company apparatus.

4. Dogs in occupied quarters shall be under restraint or control to prevent accidental injury to any visitors.

5. Dogs left in unoccupied quarters when apparatus responds may be permitted to remain free of control provided that security of quarters is maintained.

6. Whenever a dog has bitten a person, New York City Health Department shall be notified immediately. In such instances the officer on duty shall be guided by the Health Department's directions. Medical attention shall be provided for the person bitten. Battalion chief and deputy chief on duty shall be notified.

7. A report of the incident giving full particulars shall be forwarded by the officer on duty.

19.3.4 Members shall not place chairs or benches in front of quarters or on the apparatus

floor, other than the chair of the housewatch desk. 19.3.5 When hose is laid across the sidewalk in front of quarters, the housewatchman

shall be responsible for warning pedestrians against tripping. 19.3.6 Officers on duty shall not permit members to stand on outside window sill while

cleaning windows unless equipped with approved safety belts. 19.3.7 Members shall, while engaged in work about quarters, observe every precaution

to avoid injury to themselves or others, or damage to any property. 19.3.8 Doors, guards, and lights at pole hole openings shall be inspected daily and

defects promptly reported. Members shall not remove or render ineffective any such door, guard or light.

19.3.9 Members shall not be summoned to apparatus quarters by the manual use of the

alarm bell, nor shall sliding poles be used except in connection with response to alarms.

19.3.10 Company commanders shall be responsible for the training of all members under

their command in the correct and safe operation of apparatus entrance doors. 19.3.11 When starting and running engines of apparatus in quarters having fume removal

equipment (exhaust fans), the officer on duty shall be assured that such fans are used. Firefighters performing housewatch shall be suitably trained and supervised, especially in those quarters where electrical switch override is present, to accomplish this. Fumes from idling diesel engines may be hazardous to members health, and the foregoing is promulgated to lessen such hazards.

Rev. 01/15/15


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19.3.12 Sidewalk cellar vault doors to quarters shall be maintained in the closed position,

except when movement of material to and from the cellar by this means require that they remain open. During such use, in order to prevent accidental injury, the officer on duty shall designate a member to guard the opening and warn pedestrians.

If sufficient reason exists to keep such cellar doors open at times other than described above, the officer responsible for condition of quarters shall request the Fire Department Buildings Unit to install adequate safeguard devices.

19.3.13 Apparatus tormentors and outriggers shall NEVER be deployed while the unit is

in quarters. The weight of the apparatus is transferred to these supports, thereby placing an enormous amount of stress on the area on which they come in contact with. This pressure can damage the floor and possibly cause a collapse.

19.4 AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE

19.4.1 Deleted 19.4.2 Officers on duty shall be responsible for all fuel drawn from storage systems.

Fuel shall be drawn slowly to avoid disturbance of sediment at the bottom of the tank. No fuel shall be delivered to other than Department vehicles without approval of the Bureau of Support Services.

19.4.3 When daily time sheets are submitted to officers by mechanics from the Fleet

Maintenance Division, such officers shall, before signing, fill in the required information.

19.4.4 Deleted

19.5 FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

19.5.1 The National Flag shall be displayed at the peak of staff on company quarters, from sunrise to sunset, on all days of the year when weather permits. The flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except

when an all-weather flag is displayed. On Memorial Day, the National Flag shall be displayed at half-staff from sunrise

to noon, and at peak of staff from noon until sunset.


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19.5.2 After the receipt of Signal 5-5-5-5, or notification of a line of duty death of any

member of the NYC workforce, the Officer on Duty shall cause the National Flag to be displayed at half-staff on company quarters. This mark of respect shall continue until sunset on the day of the funeral (or the time designated in the Department Order).

When the National Flag is displayed, Unit Commanders shall comply with the provisions of Section 19.5.1 of the Regulations.

19.5.3 When notified of the death of an active member, the National Flag shall be

displayed at half-staff, until sunset of the day of the funeral, from the quarters of the company to which the deceased member was assigned.

19.5.4 Except as provided for in this chapter, the National Flag shall not be displayed,

nor shall it be loaned. It shall never be flown to the breeze after sunset. 19.5.5 Each company in quarters shall be provided with a National Flag suitable as an

emblem of display.

When, in the opinion of the Commanding Officer of a unit, the condition of the National Flag is such that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, it shall be properly folded and delivered to Division Headquarters for proper disposal, obtaining a receipt therefor.

19.5.6 Disposal of National Flags.

1. Condemned flags shall be retained at Division Headquarters.

2. During the month of May, the New York Fire Department American Legion Post No. 930 will contact the Divisions and arrangements will he made for the pick up of the condemned flags. Receipts shall be prepared.

3. The proper storage of the flags, until Flag Day, will be arranged by the New York Fire Department American Legion Post No. 930.

4. On Flag Day there will be a proper ceremonial disposal of flags conducted by the New York Fire Department American Legion Post No. 930 in cooperation with the Bureau of Training.

5. At the conclusion of the flag disposal, the Commander of the New York Fire Department American Legion Post No. 930 will forward a report to the Bureau of Fiscal Services as to the number of flags disposed of.

Rev. 08/06/09


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19.6 PUBLIC ACCESS TO FIRE DEPARTMENT RECORDS

19.6.1 When a member of the public requests copies of fire reports, fire records, violations or summonses he/she is to be directed to contact the Fire Department's Fire Records Unit. Requests for other records must be made, by the inquiring individual, to the Records Access Officer of the Fire Department's Legal Division.

COMPANY QUARTERS

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