The NFPA 1001 Technical Committee on Firefighter Training currently is considering a temporary interim amendment (TIA) that would require candidates complete a NFPA 1582 medical exam prior to participating in an NFPA 1001–compliant training program.

The NFPA is accepting public comment on the proposal through Feb. 13.

The proposed change would return the NFPA 1001 to its 2008 language, which required individuals to meet NFPA 1582 prior to participating in an NFPA 1001 training program. In 2012, the NFPA 1001 Technical Committee voted to remove that requirement. The move was intended to create greater flexibility to AHJs in addressing disabilities at the local level but created the consequence of substantially altering the requirements for candidates, and it places a significant burden on certifying healthcare practitioners. The language in the new edition is confusing in that it requires job-specific evaluations without actually requiring a medical exam ever be performed.

Comments may be submitted by email to tias_errata_fis@nfpa.org; please identify the TIA number (#1087) in the subject line and the body of the email. Comments may also be sent by mail to NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.