Compliance program overview

The goal of the commission's compliance program is to ensure the safety of the state's fire protection personnel by inspecting fire departments and other regulated entities to see that they are in compliance with state laws and rules. The compliance inspectors also inspect training records to ensure that fire protection personnel are in compliance with the appropriate certification rules for their disciplines.

Rules governing fire fighter safety, including protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, are in Chapter 435 of the Standards Manual. Rules governing the commission's compliance inspections are in Chapter 445 .

The agency has compliance inspectors in Allen, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock and Lufkin. These inspectors travel to every regulated entity at least once every two years to check fire protection personnel certification status, training records, breathing air test records, protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. If a department is found to be in violation of a state law or commission rule, the compliance section works with the entity to develop a plan that will lead to compliance.

For more information on the compliance program, please contact Paul Maldonado, compliance manager, at (512) 936-3830, or e-mail Paul Maldonado .