Texas Administrative Code › Title 37 - PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS › Part 13 - TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION › Chapter 421 - STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION › Section 421.3 - Minimum Standards Set by the Commission

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) General
				statement. It shall be clearly understood that the specified minimum standards
				described in this section are designated as a minimum program. Employing
				entities are encouraged to exceed the minimum program wherever possible.
				Continuous in-service training beyond the minimum standards for fire protection
				personnel is strongly recommended. Nothing in these regulations shall limit or
				be construed as limiting the powers of the Civil Service Commission, or the
				employing entity, to enact rules and regulations which establish a higher
				standard of training than the minimum specified, or which provides for the
				termination of the services of unsatisfactory employees during or upon
				completion of the prescribed probationary period.
(b) Functional position descriptions.
(1) Structural Fire Protection personnel. The
				following general position description for structural fire protection personnel
				serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications,
				competencies, and tasks required of the fire fighter operating in the State of
				Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific
				job descriptions within each jurisdiction.
(A)
				Qualifications. Successfully complete a commission approved course; achieve a
				passing score on written and performance certification examinations; must be at
				least 18 years of age; generally, the knowledge and skills required show the
				need for a high school education or equivalent; ability to communicate
				verbally, via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, drag, and
				balance weight equivalent to the average human weight; ability to interpret in
				English, written and oral instructions; ability to work effectively in high
				stress situations; ability to work effectively in an environment with loud
				noises and flashing lights; ability to function through an entire work shift;
				ability to calculate weight and volume ratios; ability to read and understand
				English language manuals including chemical, medical and technical terms, and
				road maps; ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers;
				ability to document in English, all relevant information in prescribed format
				in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse in English with
				coworkers and other emergency response personnel. Good manual dexterity with
				ability to perform all tasks related to the protection of life and property;
				ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven surfaces; ability to withstand
				varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture; and
				ability to work in low or no light, confined spaces, elevated heights and other
				dangerous environments.
(B)
				Competency. A basic fire fighter must demonstrate competency handling
				emergencies utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in
				Chapter 1 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.