He is dispatched to the scene of a late-night vehicle accident on a two-lane road. As one of the first responders on site, his responsibilities include securing the scene, keeping civilians safe, and ensuring that emergency crews have space to work.

Without formal roadblocks or police assistance yet on-site, passing vehicles pose a danger to the injured, the rescue team, and Mark himself. In the past, Mark has used cones or flares, which are limited in visibility, unstable in windy or wet conditions, and do little to deter traffic.

Following department protocol and procedure, Mark deploys two Flex-Safe Barricades from the back of his truck. Within seconds, he extends the collapsible barriers across both lanes of the road, creating a visible, sturdy boundary that redirects traffic and protects the emergency zone.

The accident scene remains secure until law enforcement arrives. No secondary accidents occur, and emergency personnel are able to work efficiently and safely. Mark later uses the same barricades at a community event to guide foot traffic around a live fire demo.

• • Fast Setup: The barricades unfold in seconds, enabling rapid response.
  • Highly Visible: Reflective panels and bright colors increase nighttime and low-visibility awareness.
  • Compact & Lightweight: Fits easily in Mark’s personal vehicle.
  • Professional Appearance: Enhances the credibility and authority of a volunteer responder on-scene.
  • Crowd Control Versatility: Can also be used to guide onlookers or manage crowds at local events or fire safety demonstrations.

Federal & Industry Regulations to Consider

1. MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – Federal Highway Administration)

• Relevance: Required for all public roads in the U.S. under 23 CFR Part 655.
• Implication: If Mark is placing barricades on public roadways, the equipment must meet MUTCD visibility and retroreflectivity standards.
• Flex-Safe Solution: Ensure the barricade has reflective sheeting (Type I or better) and proper color coding (orange/white for temporary traffic control).

2. NFPA 1500 – Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program

• Relevance: Provides guidance on emergency scene safety.
• Implication: Fire departments must implement traffic incident management procedures. Use of barricades for scene protection is encouraged under NFPA-compliant incident management systems.
• Flex-Safe Solution: Deploying Flex-Safe as a scene-safety barrier aligns with NFPA 1500 recommendations for protecting responders.

3. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (29 CFR Part 1910 and 1926)

• Relevance: OSHA regulations technically apply to paid workers, not volunteers—but many states adopt OSHA guidance for all responders.
• Implication: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and work-zone controls (e.g., barricades) are encouraged for fall, struck-by, or visibility hazards.
• Flex-Safe Solution: Using barricades adds a layer of safety and helps demonstrate hazard mitigation in compliance with General Duty Clause principles.

4. FEMA – NIMS (National Incident Management System)

• Relevance: FEMA’s NIMS encourages standardized tools and procedures in emergency response.
• Implication: Equipment that enhances interoperability and rapid deployment (like Flex-Safe) supports FEMA’s goals of incident coordination.
• Flex-Safe Solution: Easily integrated into ICS/NIMS protocols for scene control.

Summary for a Volunteer Fireman