Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
Fire Alarm Division
34. Nashua Fire Rescue should consider the possible future need to make the communications compliant
with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Center is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title Il, in that they do not have an
elevator to the Center, which is located on the second floor.*
35. Nashua Fire Rescue should install a bollard around the generator in the parking lot at the
Communications Center.
The backup power generator for the Communications Center is located in the parking lot. Bollards
should be installed to prevent a vehicle from disabling the generator.
Capital Improvements
36. Nashua Fire Rescue should implement video monitoring and recording at exterior entry points to
ensure an increased level of security and awareness as to who is or attempting to enter Nashua Fire
Rescue facilities.
These monitoring systems also can record activity occurring in the area of a fire station while crews may
not be in the station. ESCI recommends that Nashua Fire Rescue implement video monitoring and
recording at all exterior entry points to ensure increased security and awareness of those who may
attempt to gain access to facilities.
37. Nashua Fire Rescue should consider implementing an access card system that identifies each fire
department member accessing facilities.
This evaluation should also include the ability of Nashua Fire Rescue leadership to change access of a
staff member immediately from a central location based upon a member's employment status or
operational concern. While the mechanical locks limit the ability of the general public from entering a
facility unannounced, the potential still exists for former employees who may be disgruntled to enter a
facility and act out.
38. Nashua Fire Rescue should store turnout gear in a well-ventilated room to prevent additional
firefighter exposure to off-gassing chemicals absorbed into turnout gear during a fire in Stations 1
and 5. This issue has already been addressed in the rest of Nashua’s fire stations.
The danger for firefighters does not stop when the fire is extinguished, but returns to the fire stations
through their gear, equipment, and vehicles which were exposed and contaminated by smoke or other
vapors. When contaminated gear and equipment is returned to the station via their respective response
apparatus, the potential for cross-contamination occurs. Many agencies have developed significant on-
scene decontamination procedures intended to minimize the potential for contaminants entering the
work environment. While these efforts have a positive impact, additional consideration must be given
to the physical design of the fire station to minimize these exposures further. Nashua Fire Rescue should
limit/reduce firefighter exposure to toxic products of combustion which occur after the fire (i.e., off-
gassing).
3+ Attps://www.ada.gov/regs2o10/titlell_2010/titlell_z010_regulations. pdf.
¢ J Emergency Services
ESC) Consulting International 152
