NFPA 1500 specifies the minimum requirements for an occupational safety and health program for fire departments or organizations that provide rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation, special operations, and other emergency services.

The NFPA 1500 prohibits standing on the running boards while riding in an apparatus en route to an incident. Eating snacks or listening to music are not specifically prohibited, however, the focus of this safety standard is to prevent actions that could put firefighters at risk.

This standard outlines a complete health-related fitness program (HRFP) for members of fire departments involved in emergency operations to enhance their ability to perform occupational activities and reduce the risk of injury, disease, and premature death.

NFPA 1500 has required all riders on fire apparatus to be seated and belted prior to the movement of the apparatus. But considering many are not abiding, a “seated and belted” policy should be enforced to ensure the safety of all fire fighters, and this responsibility falls on the operator.

The requirement for initial arriving apparatus to be staffed with at least 4 personnel to initiate an interior fire attack is not new.

NFPA 1500 (1997) states that a minimum of four firefighters is required while performing interior, structural firefighting operations. While two personnel are inside the structure with suppression efforts, a minimum of two back-up firefighters are required outside, in the stand-by mode.

NFPA 1710 recommends that each company be staffed with four firefighters, including a company officer, and that the company officer must remain as part of the company; they can't stay outside the building as command.