Download - South Carolina Fire Academy

Policies
possession of these devices includes both classroom and field activities. Violators will be asked to secure
the item or to leave the training location. In addition, violators during written test sessions will receive a
zero (0) grade on the exam and will not be allowed to retest. Personal computers are allowed at the SCFA
in the dormitory, cafeteria and classrooms when required.
12. Illness or Injury - Ill or injured students must report immediately to the instructor. Students are expected
to be covered by the agency they represent with Worker’s Compensation insurance or similar coverage.
The SCFA DOES NOT provide Worker’s Compensation or medical insurance coverage for students
and assumes no liability or responsibility for illness or injury experienced while attending or participating in
SCFA programs. An injury report must be filed.
13. Use of Tobacco - The SCFA prohibits the use of any tobacco products inside all buildings and SCFA vehicles
on campus. Designated smoking areas are provided. Use of tobacco products during training evolutions
is limited to scheduled breaks. Keep the site clean by disposing of tobacco products in appropriate
waste containers. Throwing tobacco products on the ground is littering and is unacceptable.
14. Weapons and Explosives - Weapons of any type and/or explosives are prohibited on SCFA grounds except
as may be specifically required to conduct official training. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms,
ammunition, bows, arrows, knives with a blade longer than four inches, blasting agents and/or fireworks.
Any student found displaying and/or carrying any type of contraband will be subject to immediate dismissal.
15. Use of Alcohol, Drugs, Narcotics or Prohibited Substances – Zero Tolerance Policy - The use
and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs/narcotics or non prescribed prescription drugs is
prohibited on SCFA grounds or any facility supervised by SCFA staff. Students may not participate in SCFA
training while under the influence of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs. Possession of, or use of, alcohol by a
student under the age of 21 is a criminal offense and may be prosecuted accordingly.
Students in the 1151 course are required to stay on site, but are allowed to leave site at the end of each
day’s class. Students are subject to call out for simulated emergency response exercises anytime after curfew.
Therefore, students are prohibited from off-campus consumption of alcohol during the course. If any
student is suspected of consuming alcohol or drugs/narcotics on or off campus or appears to be under
the influence may be required to submit to an appropriate test at his/her own expense. Refusal to test will
result in automatic dismissal from the program. If the test confirms a level of impairment or intoxication,
the student is in violation of the SCFA Zero Tolerance Policy and will be dismissed from the program. A
positive test of illegal drugs or prescription drugs without an authorized prescription will result in dismissal
from the program. The fire chief will be notified of the dismissal.
Any student on a SCFA site or in a SCFA course who is impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication or illegal
drugs and who cannot function or behave properly or professionally is subject to disciplinary action up to
and including dismissal. If a student is taking prescription medication that may impair his/her ability he or
she must inform SCFA staff in advance. If it is determined that the medication may cause impairment, or
create a detrimental environment to the students or others, the student will be dismissed from the course
until able to perform properly. If necessary, an impaired student may be transferred to an appropriate
medical facility, or referred to a local law enforcement authority. A student may be offered a dorm room
and permitted to stay until the next day, if safe transportation for departure is not readily available.
16. Personal Items - The SCFA assumes no liability or responsibility for loss, theft or damage of personal
property while participating in or attending SCFA training or staying in the dorm. This includes student’s
PPE, vehicles, valuables, money and any equipment in or on the vehicle. Vehicles should be locked when
not in use, and all personnel equipment or belongings should be stored and secured properly.
17. Personal Hygiene and Grooming - Students are expected to maintain personal hygiene and acceptable
appearance. A student who has hair (stubble, mustache, sideburns, beard, bangs or low hairline), jewelry or
other impediment in the seal area of an SCBA face piece, will not be permitted to wear an SCBA in SCFA
courses requiring breathing protection. SCBA participation may be required for successful course completion.
Passing a booth test with a beard is not allowed by OSHA as meeting the SCBA wearers’ requirement.
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