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Questions and Answers
What power does the Charter of the City of Columbus, Ohio, grant to its inhabitants?
Which department is established by the Charter of the City of Columbus?
Which division is specifically mentioned in the administrative structure of the City of Columbus?
What is the status of the powers enumerated in the Charter of the City of Columbus?
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What does the Charter specify about the manner of exercising powers not prescribed within it?
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When was the Charter of the City of Columbus initially adopted?
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How does the charter describe the City of Columbus in terms of legal status?
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What power does the charter NOT explicitly grant to the City of Columbus?
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Who must give expressed written permission before members can send legislation-related communications?
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What is required of members if they are absent for five consecutive working days?
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Members are allowed to engage in which of the following activities while in uniform?
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Who is responsible for notifying the Fire Chief about communications sent to the City Council?
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Which of the following actions is prohibited for members while in uniform?
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What should members do if they receive a complaint from a citizen?
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What must all official division communications be stamped with for posting authorization?
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Which consequence can occur from falsifying personnel records?
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What should members do if they are late for work?
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What type of conduct regarding the character of other members is prohibited?
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How should members handle evidence at a fire or emergency scene?
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What is the consequence of continually neglecting to follow orders?
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What must members not do with confidential information?
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What is required for the adoption or amendment of the administrative code?
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What can take precedence over the administrative code?
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Under whose direction does a department director operate?
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What is the primary duty of the Director of Public Safety?
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Who has the authority to appoint additional firemen during an emergency?
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What is a responsibility of the Chief of the Division of Fire?
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What happens if a fireman fails to obey orders given by the Chief?
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What rights does the Chief of the Division of Police and Fire have regarding suspension?
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Who can appeal a suspension decision made by the Director of Public Safety?
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What must happen within ten days after an appeal is filed with the Civil Service Commission?
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Who is responsible for classifying the service in the Division of Police and Fire?
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What quality is expected from officers in their dealings with subordinates?
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What can happen as a result of the Director of Public Safety's investigation into a suspension?
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What is the primary concern of officers within the Division of Fire?
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What should members do if they receive an improper order?
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What describes the required effort of members in performing their duties?
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Which of the following actions is specifically prohibited regarding giving orders?
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What is the consequence for members who cause loss of life or excessive damage due to negligence?
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What should members do if exposed to contagious diseases while on duty?
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What should members do if they receive orders from another member with a specified directing officer?
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What is the first step a citizen should take to lodge a complaint at a fire station?
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What action must members take when contacted by the news media?
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Who must approve any Fire Division member's participation in a news conference?
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Which statement about media relations is true?
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In what instances may the Deputy Chief approve media requests?
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What is expected of members regarding their knowledge to perform duties effectively?
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What should be done with a complaint lodged by a citizen outside of business hours?
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What is the primary purpose of the Fire Division Complaint Form PI-12?
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What is the main focus of recruit training?
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Which certification must probationary firefighters obtain before the end of their probationary period to avoid dismissal?
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What is the duration of the Apprenticeship training program for firefighters hired after November 1993?
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What role do Journeyman Firefighters have in recruiting new instructors?
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What should be submitted if an individual is removed from training by an instructor?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the three general phases of In-Service Training?
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What might lead to a recruit firefighter's dismissal?
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Who monitors the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program?
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What is a requirement for apprentice firefighters concerning their probationary period?
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What is the minimum duration for the probationary period for apprentice firefighters?
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Which of the following subjects is NOT specifically mentioned as part of recruit training sessions?
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Who provides training and continued education for all Division members?
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What behavior is emphasized for company commanders regarding their members' training needs?
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What is expected of members regarding their personal appearance and physical condition?
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What is prohibited regarding the use of Division vehicles or apparatus?
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What should a Division member do if they are arrested and unable to report for duty?
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Which of the following is NOT a circumstance where members must notify the Fire Chief?
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What is expected of members regarding electronic device use during their duty hours?
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Members are regarded as being available for active duty at all times unless they are:
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What must members do when they are given a new order that conflicts with a previous order?
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What action signifies insubordination among the members of the Division?
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What should a member do if they plan to engage in off-duty employment that may conflict with their duties?
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What is a member prohibited from doing during working hours?
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What must members do after receiving a subpoena related to their service?
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How should members manage their attire during their duty hours?
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What should members NOT do when on Division premises?
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Which of the following items may NOT be used in the workplace?
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What happens if a member receives orders from multiple superior officers?
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What is the minimum number of members required in Engine Companies?
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During what hours are Engine Companies allowed to operate with only three members?
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What kind of specialized training is included in the training programs?
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What must a Battalion Chief do if there is an insufficient number of firefighters on duty?
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What is an 'Acting Officer' defined as?
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What is the role of Acting Officers according to the guidelines?
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How is the staffing among battalions intended to be maintained?
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What approach must be taken before new training programs are presented to Division members?
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What is the minimum staffing requirement for Ladder Companies?
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What is a requirement of Acting Officers regarding changes in policies?
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How many members are designated for Rescue Companies?
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What must Company Commanders report immediately if they cannot meet Division Minimum Staffing Standards?
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Who may instruct officer training programs?
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What color helmet is an officer designated as an Acting Battalion Chief required to wear?
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Under what condition may a member be ordered to accept the Acting Officer position against their will?
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What duties does an Acting Station Captain assume?
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What is a key principle of delegation according to the guidelines?
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What is NOT a situation where supervisors should avoid delegation?
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What comprises completed staff work according to the guidelines?
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How should a rough draft be presented according to the completed staff work principle?
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Under the temporary transfer policy, how are employees chosen for temporary assignments?
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What must members do when reporting for temporary assignments?
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Which of the following is most crucial for completed staff work to be accepted?
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What action occurs upon the arrival of a duly appointed officer for an Acting Lieutenant?
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What should Battalion Chiefs do concerning personnel with specialized skills during temporary transfer?
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Which of the following statements about over-supervision in delegation is true?
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What happens to firefighters temporarily transferred to fill in for absent officers?
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What must officers do when they disagree with an order?
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How should officers relay written communications?
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What behavior is prohibited regarding the Division's policies?
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Under what condition may members consume alcohol while in uniform?
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What must members do if they encounter obscene material?
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What should officers do regarding communications they receive via email?
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What is required for members who have their driver’s license suspended?
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Which of the following is NOT allowed while on duty?
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Which action is permissible for officers when addressing subordinates?
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What must all Division members do in regard to their interaction with the public?
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Which of the following actions demonstrates a breach of protocol?
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What should all members of the Division maintain at all times?
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What is the primary standard of behavior expected from Division members?
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Members of the Division should avoid which of the following when in contact with colleagues?
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What is the maximum duration for a temporary transfer for personal reasons?
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Which of the following is NOT permitted under the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code?
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For how long must all members be clean-shaven when representing the Division of Fire?
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What is the minimum length of time for a temporary transfer?
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What must be coordinated by the Deputy Chief when temporary transfers involve other battalions?
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What is the facial hair policy regarding respiratory protection?
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How should personnel with longer hair style it according to the standards?
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What is the maximum allowable length for hair on the top of the head?
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Which of the following is a requirement for sideburns according to the standards?
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What must personnel do if they have facial hair due to a medical condition?
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What type of earrings may members in administrative positions wear?
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What action is expected of supervisors regarding compliance with grooming standards?
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What must all members ensure regarding their hair according to the standards?
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Which of the following is a condition for not receiving EMS pay differential during a temporary transfer?
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What should Division members do upon returning from vacation or extended absence regarding bulletins?
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What must accompany a proposed bulletin submitted for approval to the Chief?
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Who must provide answers to any questions raised by subordinates regarding bulletins?
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What is the purpose of distributing an index of bulletins at the beginning of each year?
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What channel must information in response to bulletins requesting replies follow?
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What ensures a proposed bulletin is reviewed for content and formatting before reaching the Fire Chief?
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What must supervisors do to ensure proper communication of bulletins among subordinates?
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What is required of Division members each time a new bulletin is introduced?
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What are off duty firefighters allowed to do when responding to an emergent situation?
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When the Division PIO is on the scene of an emergency, what is their primary responsibility?
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Which of the following statements about firefighters' First Amendment rights is true?
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In the absence of both the Division PIO and PIA, who holds the media responsibilities?
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Which situation would NOT classify an off duty firefighter as acting within the scope of employment?
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Which activity is considered NOT part of the Division sanctioned Special Duty assignments?
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Who must be notified of any major incident occurring within the Division?
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What is required for firefighters to receive overtime compensation for subpoenas?
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When is an off duty firefighter exempt from being covered under injury or death benefits?
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What limitation exists regarding firefighters' participation in organized activities for charities?
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Which type of training does the Division of Fire NOT include in its comprehensive training program?
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What is the purpose of the Division's training program?
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Which of the following best describes Special Duty assignments?
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What must an off duty firefighter refrain from doing to ensure they are acting within the scope of employment?
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What is the role of the Chief of the Fire Division regarding the styles not specifically covered?
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Who determines compliance or non-compliance regarding division policies?
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How are candidates for promotion evaluated within the Division of Fire?
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What should happen if the ability of a promotion candidate is questionable?
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What is the correct procedure for submitting employee suggestions to the Chief of the Division?
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How should an intermediate supervisor respond if they disagree with a suggestion?
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What does the policy state about anonymity when submitting suggestions?
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What is the status of employee suggestions after submission?
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What must be included when recommending changes to the manuals or documents?
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What is stated about written communications within the Division?
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What should a supervisor do if they cannot agree with a communication?
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What should communications of a highly personal or sensitive nature include?
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What is required from members regarding the improvement of operations within the Division?
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When submitting a recommendation for a change, what should be stated at the end of the task?
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What is the primary responsibility of the Company Commanders regarding their subordinates' uniforms?
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Which statement is true regarding the signing of bulletins?
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What is the purpose of including a discard date on a bulletin?
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What must the bulletin include in terms of subject categorization?
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How should the personal appearance of fire division employees be perceived?
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What is the role of the Office of In-Service Training after bulletin approval?
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What should all members do to comply with the Division's personal appearance standards?
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What is indicated if a bulletin amends a previous bulletin?
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What must a member obtain before wearing the uniform while off duty?
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Which item is authorized to be worn on the uniform?
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What is required for wearing insignia emblematic of social orders on the uniform?
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What does the time-service insignia represent?
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How should rank-indicating sleeve stripes be positioned on the uniform?
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What type of cap does a Battalion Chief wear?
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Which of these is NOT allowed when wearing the uniform?
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Where should award ribbons be placed on the Class A uniform?
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What is the maximum number of insignia allowed on the Class A uniform's collar?
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What must be done if a major departure from uniform regulations is required?
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How should the collar insignia be positioned on the Class B uniform?
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What color is the fabric Maltese cross for promoted ranks?
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Who is responsible for ensuring that the uniforms of division members are functional and conform to specifications?
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What is the maximum width for the gold rank stripe on the uniform?
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What must each member of the Uniformed Division have available at all times during their tour of duty?
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What is one of the optional items that can be worn with the Class A Dress Uniform?
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Which class of uniform includes a black tie as part of its required attire?
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What item must all members assigned to work uniform duties maintain in a presentable condition?
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Which class of uniform requires that the shirt buttons be properly secured, except for the neck button?
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What is the minimum uniform requirement for all uniformed members regarding structural firefighting gear?
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Which item must all Class C Work Uniform shirts feature?
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What should be the condition of the Class A Dress Uniform at all times?
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What type of attire can be worn with the Administrative Uniform during inclement weather?
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Which of the following is NOT a class of uniforms defined for the Division of Fire?
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What determines if new or replacement uniform products can be introduced?
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What may a navy blue work shirt be embroidered with?
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What color and type of gloves are permitted to be worn with the uniform during cold weather?
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What embroidery is required on the left shirt pocket of Bomb Squad Members when engaged in activities?
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Which type of uniform is worn for ceremonial occasions?
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What type of pants and shirt must Bomb Squad Members wear when involved in bomb activities?
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What is the permitted uniform for Fire Prevention Investigators and Inspectors?
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Which items may be worn on the fireground without prior approval from the Fire Chief?
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What is stipulated for members who are on duty in Civilian Dress?
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When can members wear navy blue shorts as part of their uniform?
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Under what condition can members wear physical training wear outside of quarters?
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What is the maximum allowable type of embroidery on baseball caps worn by members?
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What is required of members wearing shorts during the summer months?
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What must not be altered on turnout gear without authorization?
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What is the condition for wearing division issued or union logo T-shirts during unusual weather circumstances?
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How should members' names and ranks be displayed on their bomb squad shirts?
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What color helmet is issued to members promoted to Captain?
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What must be done when a member is permanently transferred away from their company?
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What information is contained in Form RL-106?
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What color and feature distinguishes a Fire Chief's helmet?
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What must a member do if their fire helmet is lost or damaged beyond use?
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Which helmet color and identification define a Lieutenant?
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When is it permissible for an employee to conceal their Identification Badge?
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What responsibilities do Division personnel have at the scene of a motor vehicle accident?
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What is the purpose of the reflective markings on fire helmets?
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Which color of helmet may rescue certified personnel replace their standard retro-reflective trim with?
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What is the first action to take after a motor vehicle accident involving a Division vehicle?
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What helmet color is designated for the role of Battalion Chief?
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How often should fire helmets be kept in a clean and serviceable condition?
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What should be done if a company member must leave a scene but it causes manpower issues?
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What is required if a vehicle involved in an accident leaves the scene before authorities arrive?
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Under normal circumstances, what should not be done with vehicles involved in an accident?
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What should be recorded on the RL-106 form at the accident scene?
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After an accident, what is important to note regarding conditions at the time of the accident?
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What should the driver do immediately after returning to quarters following an accident?
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What should a division member do if served with a subpoena regarding an accident?
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What action should be taken regarding Division vehicles involved in accidents?
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What is the role of the Fire Alarm Office when notified of a Division vehicle accident?
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What must Division members avoid doing concerning insurance communications?
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What should be done regarding the collection of eyewitness information?
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What should happen with an accident report submitted by the driver of a Division vehicle?
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What is the responsibility of members regarding the status of a vehicle after an accident?
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What is the initial responsibility of the Safety Officer (or Designee) at the scene of an accident?
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Which of these is NOT a responsibility of the Safety Officer regarding Fire Apparatus accidents?
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What document should be provided to the owner of the other vehicle involved in an accident?
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What action must the Division Business Manager take regarding each property damage accident?
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Which committee is responsible for reviewing accidents involving Division of Fire members operating city vehicles?
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In the event of a tie vote within the Fleet Accident Review Committee, who casts the deciding vote?
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What does the Fleet Accident Review Committee report to the member involved after an accident review?
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Which of the following is included in the criteria for a 'No Policy or Procedure Violation' disposition?
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What must the Committee Chairman do before the next Fleet Accident Review Committee meeting?
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If an accident occurs with a Division of Fire vehicle driven by another agency, what is required?
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What is the role of the Bureau of Administration regarding accident claims?
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Who is NOT a representative of the Fleet Accident Review Committee?
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Which scenario would warrant a special meeting of the Fleet Accident Review Committee?
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Which of the following describes the procedure after an investigation by SO2 for accidents with no driver reported?
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Which of the following statements about the Division of Fire's email policy is true?
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What is required when a Division member sends an email to be forwarded through the Chain-of-Command?
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Which activity is strictly prohibited for the members of the Division of Fire regarding their professional conduct?
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What responsibility do Division members have concerning incoming email messages?
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If a Division member receives unsolicited electronic correspondence, what should they do?
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What is the primary purpose of the Division of Fire’s policy regarding multimedia sites?
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What is required of electronic records under the Ohio Public Records Law?
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Which type of email communication is discouraged within the Division of Fire?
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Which types of public events can the Division support?
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Under what circumstances can Division members publicly endorse a product?
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What must be retained according to legal requirements concerning Division of Fire's emails?
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What is the primary purpose of completing the Safety and Health Hazard Report, RI-173?
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When handling email to be processed through the Chain-of-Command, what must be done if disapproval is noted?
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Who determines the Division's association with specific public events?
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What type of emails should be avoided during official communications?
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How should members submit a Safety and Health Hazard Report?
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What should be done with email that creates a hostile work environment?
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What are fitness facilities and the gymnasium at the Administrative Complex restricted to?
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What must occur for changes in security authorization levels to be effective?
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Which practice should be observed regarding personal web pages within the Division of Fire network?
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What actions may lead to disciplinary measures regarding security ID card readers?
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What is required for access to secured areas in the complex buildings?
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Which of these situations would necessitate submission of a Safety and Health Report?
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What is the role of the Safety Officer regarding the submitted Safety and Health Hazard Reports?
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What is the consequence of unauthorized parking in designated areas of the complex?
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What may happen to extracurricular activities during heightened security measures?
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Which statement accurately reflects the parking rules at the Administrative Complex?
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Which group manages the scheduling of complex meeting rooms for external agencies?
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What should members do when they receive an alarm in a station where multiple companies are assigned?
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Which method is designated for distributing and acknowledging Division Bulletins?
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What should members do regarding the handling of public property and utilities?
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Which of the following actions is NOT allowed for members while on duty?
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Who should members contact for business transactions regarding their station?
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Which of the following is a responsibility of Station Captains?
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What is required of a member if they encounter gambling while on duty?
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When a piece of apparatus is parked away from the station during non-emergency, what must be done?
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What is the protocol for maintaining fire station libraries?
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Under what circumstances can vendors demonstrate products at a fire station?
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What must be reported by Station Captains to their Battalion Chief?
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Why must decorations or advertisements be approved by the Chief?
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What is the responsibility of members regarding traffic laws?
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What action must Station Captains take to promote maintenance requests?
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What type of software can be installed on Division of Fire computers?
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What is required of a Division member who discovers questionable software on a computer?
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What is the responsibility of individual users regarding data not stored on network servers?
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What is prohibited regarding the use of Division of Fire network resources?
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Who has the right to examine application software on Division computers?
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What must happen to personally owned software before it can be installed?
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For what purpose is Internet access provided to Division of Fire members?
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What happens if a Division member violates Internet usage rules?
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Which of the following actions is NOT allowed on Division of Fire network resources?
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How must Division members handle copyrighted material downloaded to Division computers?
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What must be done with original software media once it has been installed on a Division computer?
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Which of the following is a responsibility of Division of Fire members regarding the security of network resources?
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What action should be taken if a member requires software that is not officially licensed?
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What is the primary responsibility of Company Commanders regarding protective gear?
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What must Company Commanders do after returning from an emergency?
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How should Company Commanders handle members' driving experience with apparatus?
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What is a key focus when Company Commanders are preparing members for driving and operations training?
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What action should Company Commanders take if their company needs to remain out of service after a fire?
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Which responsibility falls to Company Commanders regarding communication with the Battalion Chief?
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What must Company Commanders ensure about documentation assigned to their companies?
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What is prohibited in Division of Fire Stations under Company Commanders' supervision?
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What should Company Commanders conduct regularly regarding district knowledge?
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What must Company Commanders do regarding their members' training programs?
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What is expected of Company Commanders regarding the monitoring of radios?
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What is the proper procedure when changing to supplementary apparatus?
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What should Company Commanders do regarding their knowledge of Division policies?
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What is an important responsibility of Company Commanders regarding the completion of reports?
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What action should the oncoming officer in charge take regarding personnel who are absent?
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At what time should Battalion Chiefs report for regular duty to relieve off-going Chiefs?
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What must be done when a company is away from quarters at the time of roll call?
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During which circumstance can personnel changes occur at a designated location other than assigned quarters?
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What is the responsibility of the officer in charge at an emergency scene if personnel relief is needed?
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What should personnel do if they are reporting to a location other than their assigned quarters?
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Why is it important for Battalion Chiefs to observe roll call activities in their battalions?
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What must be specified when a change of personnel is to occur at a location other than regular quarters?
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What is the primary responsibility of a Captain assigned to a station when on duty?
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What must Company Commanders do upon reporting for duty if they are temporarily transferred?
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What is the correct procedure for conducting roll call?
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What does the officer in charge of the oncoming unit do after roll call?
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What attire should members be in during roll call?
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What happens if a member fails to stand roll call without prior approval?
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What is the consequence if the officer in charge feels the oncoming officer is not fit to take over duties?
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What must the officer in charge of the oncoming unit do if staffing is below minimum standards after roll call?
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What is the expected member conduct during roll call?
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Who is responsible for conducting roll call at the beginning of each shift?
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What should be included in the information relayed by the officer in charge of the off-going unit?
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When should roll call be assembled based on the public address announcement?
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What must Company Commanders do after roll call is conducted?
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What is the primary responsibility of Station Captains regarding the notification of unusual events?
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What type of books must Station Captains maintain for training purposes?
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What must Company Commanders do before approving trading of time among their personnel?
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Which of the following is a responsibility of Station Captains regarding reports and communications?
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What is required of Station Captains regarding the annual preliminary budget request?
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How often must Station Captains be prepared to assume the duties of their Battalion Chief?
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What must Company Commanders do if they encounter a disciplinary issue that cannot be resolved at their level?
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What is a task Station Captains must ensure their subordinates complete regarding the daily log?
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What actions must Station Captains take concerning voting practices in their stations?
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Which responsibility does NOT belong to Company Commanders regarding their personnel?
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What is the purpose of the procedures file that Station Captains must maintain?
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When reporting acts of courage or merit, what must Company Commanders do?
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What is the consequence of occupying beds in the fire station dormitories during prohibited hours?
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Which of the following is NOT allowed regarding personal property at fire stations?
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What action should members take upon receiving a fire alarm or emergency alert?
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What is the maximum distance members can park their private vehicles from the access lane to the ramp?
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What is required for members to attach any device to Division property?
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What must be done with public property of the Division of Fire?
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What should members do if their apparatus leaves for non-emergency reasons?
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Which of the following describes the noise level expected in the fire station?
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What is the condition for members to temporarily park their private vehicles in restricted areas?
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How should members treat each other's rights in the dormitory?
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When are members allowed to sleep or recline in the fire station?
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What must members do if they need to notify about an alarm received by messenger?
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What is expected of members regarding tools and equipment at their stations?
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What form must be used to report changes of address, telephone number, or marital status?
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Who is responsible for verifying the receipt of station supplies?
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What must Company Commanders log after returning from fires or emergencies?
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By when should Company Commanders transfer information from the daily rough log?
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What is the role of Company Commanders regarding voting procedures?
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What should be reported to the Station Captain regarding routine maintenance?
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When can one Company Commander shift members from one apparatus to another?
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What is a primary responsibility of Company Commanders assigned to multiple company stations?
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What should Company Commanders prioritize during routine station cleaning duties?
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In the event of unusual damage to the fire station, who must be notified?
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What should be done with reports of emergency maintenance requests?
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How should Company Commanders divide house cleaning responsibilities?
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What must Company Commanders ensure regarding their subordinates’ conduct?
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What is a key aspect of the responsibilities of Company Commanders who are in charge?
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Which scenario would NOT be considered a Policy or Procedure Violation?
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Who is primarily responsible for driver’s training within the Fire Division?
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What should be done if faulty equipment is claimed to be the cause of an accident?
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In an accident involving a two-person operated vehicle, who may face disciplinary action?
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What is required of all Division members regarding network passwords?
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Which action is prohibited regarding the usage of personally owned computers within the Division?
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What must be done when a vehicle is being backed up?
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What happens to the accident records of individual members?
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What should members do if they suspect that their network password has been compromised?
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What is the responsibility of Company Officers regarding vehicle operation?
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Before removing any computer equipment from its location, what is required?
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What should be done with any claims of 'faulty equipment' after an incident?
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How should requests for computer hardware and software be submitted within the Division?
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What is the responsibility of Company Commanders in regards to routine duties?
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What action should be taken if a member is excused from roll call more than three times in succession?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a priority for Company Commanders at the station level?
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What should Company Commanders focus on according to Division standards?
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How should Company Commanders approach the responsibilities of their company members?
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What is a guideline for handling daily operations at the station level?
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What must be included in the submission for members excused from roll call?
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Which personnel are excluded from the provisions regarding roll call absences?
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During the daily routine weekday schedule, what is the primary activity scheduled between 0900 and 1200 hours?
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What is expected from Company Commanders regarding personal activities during the duty period?
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What is the role of the backup watchman in a fire station?
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What should Company Commanders do at the end of the daily schedule?
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What is stated about the weekend and holiday routine work schedule?
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Which time period is reserved for lunch during the daily routine weekday schedule?
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Which activity is NOT included in the weekday schedule from 0830 to 0900 hours?
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What should Company Commanders attempt regarding the time period from 1800 to 0800 hours?
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How should tasks be assigned among company members when it comes to the watchman role?
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What must Company Commanders ensure regarding PA messages and bulletins during their critiques?
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What is the morning activity conducted at the fire station between 0800 and 0830 hours?
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What is an expected task during the weekend schedule from 0900 to 1200 hours?
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During weekdays, what time is designated for training and company school?
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What announcement typically precedes a non-emergency or informational message transmission?
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What type of tone is sounded when relaying EMS runs?
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What must all companies dispatched and responding to emergency runs do?
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What must be included when a message is to be logged in the company journal?
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Who must approve all PA messages and announcements other than emergency or routine activities?
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When may routine business messages be broadcast?
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What option does the Division member in charge have after an emergency run vacates the station?
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What is the first scheduled test time for the Division public address system each day?
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What is prohibited for visitors at Fire Stations between 00:01 and 07:00 hours?
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What control must be maintained for base station radios at fire stations?
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What does the term '10-3' in radio transmissions refer to?
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What is the maximum cumulative time a visitor can stay during one shift?
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What should be done if the words of a transmitted message are not understood?
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What is required when visitors enter dormitory areas during scheduled tours?
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What is the first step after completing the bottom section of the Program Request Form?
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What must happen before a program request assigned to a fire station can be canceled?
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What is the preferred scheduling when rescheduling a program?
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Who is responsible for ensuring that program materials are picked up and returned after a presentation?
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What should be done if snow or ice accumulates during the night after 2200 hours?
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What must all Division members become familiar with regarding overhead doors?
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What is the correct parking procedure for vehicles equipped with a parking gear?
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What is the responsibility of the company officer regarding snow and ice around overhead doors?
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How should apparatus bay areas be heated during the heating season?
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What should be done if snow and ice accumulation is observed under overhead doors?
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What is required to operate overhead doors during electricity failures?
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Which of the following must be done before performing maintenance near overhead doors?
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What is the role of automatic exhaust fans in the bay areas?
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What is the main purpose of a fire station's expense fund?
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Who has the ultimate responsibility for the efficient administration of the station expense fund?
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How can funds for the expense fund be obtained?
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What item is NOT specified to be included in the weekly laundry allocation?
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Which action must be taken if unauthorized linen is delivered to a station?
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What is the maximum amount of money a unit officer can spend without requiring a vote from station members?
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Who is responsible for any shortages in laundry supplies?
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How often must the Financial Statement, Form RI-123, be made available to station members?
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What happens to the items purchased with the expense fund when members are transferred from a station?
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Which of the following is a responsibility of Station Captains regarding the laundry exchange system?
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What should individual members do with their soiled laundry when they plan to be absent?
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Where are the air cascade systems located?
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What is the purpose of air cascade systems in fire stations?
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What is the main responsibility of the company officers regarding air cascade systems?
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What color are the high-pressure cascade system cylinders?
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Which of the following should members do if they suspect a breathing apparatus cylinder is unsuitable?
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How often are systematic fire prevention inspections conducted in buildings?
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What is indicated when the fifth cylinder of a high-pressure system does not have enough pressure?
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What should be the priority for Division members operating air supply vehicles?
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What does the Fire Prevention Inspection Policy primarily aim to achieve?
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What action should take place if a station’s cascade system needs refilling?
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What type of conditions might indicate a breathing apparatus cylinder’s unsuitability?
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What must be done to improve workload distribution among fire inspection teams?
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What color distinguishes oxygen cascade system cylinders from air cascade system cylinders?
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Which type of inspection is not explicitly mentioned in the Inspection Procedures section?
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What should be followed in conducting fire prevention inspections?
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What areas should visitors to fire stations ideally remain in?
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What must occur if there is a scheduling conflict upon receiving a visit request?
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What is the primary role of the Community Relations/Public Education Office regarding visit requests?
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What should be done with the yellow copy of Form OF-270 after confirming a program request?
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What action should be taken regarding children visiting fire stations?
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What happens if a pre-scheduled visit cannot be accommodated?
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What is required when a group of 10 or more requests a station visit?
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Which of the following must Company Commanders enforce regarding non-Division personnel?
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What should be done with the pink copy of Form OF-270 after a program has been presented?
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What type of information is essential for submitting an OF-270 for group visits?
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What must be done if visitors wish to ride emergency service vehicles?
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Which copy of Form OF-270 is forwarded to the unit in charge of the day the program takes place?
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What is the consequence of failure to confirm a program request by the indicated date?
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What is the main role of the JFP Coordinator in the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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Which of the following is NOT a source of intake information for the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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What type of prevention efforts does the Juvenile Firesetter Program focus on?
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What must happen if a child requires referral to another agency after the initial interview in the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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How are educational sessions planned within the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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Who is required to participate in the Juvenile Firesetter Program if referred by the Franklin County Juvenile Court?
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Which phone number should parents call to initiate enrollment in the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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What could be a reason for an exception in the enrollment procedure of the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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What is the primary responsibility of the station watchman regarding fire Division telephones?
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What must a station watchman do before being away from the watch area for more than a moment?
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At what time are station personnel assigned to watch duties permitted to sleep?
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What must the watchman do with all pertinent information received during their shift?
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What should a station watchman do if they receive urgent information over the Division telephone?
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Who should be kept informed of occurrences of an unusual nature at the station?
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How must members answer Division telephones?
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What must members refrain from doing right after an alarm has been transmitted?
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What is the primary role of the Division public address system?
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What action is strictly prohibited regarding the Division base station radios?
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What should be done if a watchman receives communications deemed as important?
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When can station watchmen occupy beds or sleep during their shift?
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What must the watchman do with visitors to the station?
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How should general non-emergency information be handled by the watchman?
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What is the primary intention behind conducting familiarization inspections?
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When are residential inspections performed according to the guidelines?
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What triggers the scheduling of a re-inspection?
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Which situation outlines the requirement for conducting special inspections?
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What is the purpose of the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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How often must personnel participating in the Juvenile Firesetter Program undergo continuing education?
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What is required before canceling a scheduled Community Relations program?
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Which of the following describes the guidelines for conducting school fire drills?
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What is the required immediate action upon receiving a report of a hazardous condition?
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What information is collected during the interview process of the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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Which copy of the Program Request Form is kept by the Community Relations office?
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What characterizes the 'at risk' population in the Juvenile Firesetter Program?
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Who is responsible for determining if a scheduled fire safety education program can be canceled?
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What is the primary responsibility of Company Commanders regarding inspections?
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How often do High Rise Officers receive computer-generated Fire Inspection Records (FIR)?
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What time period is specified for conducting regular inspections on weekdays?
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What is required of members conducting any fire prevention inspections?
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What should inspectors do if they are refused permission to conduct an inspection?
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What is the maximum frequency for conducting regular company inspections in high rise buildings?
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Which of the following items is NOT necessary for inspectors to carry when performing inspections?
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What should be done with Fire Inspection Records (FIR) that have not been acted upon?
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When are permit inspections typically conducted?
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Which action is NOT prohibited for members during inspections?
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Who is responsible for scheduling all regular inspections?
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What is the primary concern of High Rise Officers regarding high rise buildings?
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What documentation should inspectors present upon arrival at the premises?
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What should be done if a member encounters issues during an inspection?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding license inspections?
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What type of identification is required for tools and equipment powered by internal combustion engines?
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How should supplementary engines be marked for identification?
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What is the appropriate placement for company numbers on hose?
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What marking scheme is used for identifying all tools and equipment?
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What should be used to apply company level identification markings?
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What is the designated code letter for a rescue vehicle?
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How should the base of company numbers on hose be oriented?
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What identifier is used for supplementary ladders?
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What is the primary purpose of the supplementary apparatus in the Division of Fire?
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Which fuel priority should be followed when refueling vehicles in the Division of Fire?
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How frequently should an equipment check be performed on supplementary apparatus?
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What must members do when vehicle repairs are required while traveling out-of-town?
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Which type of records must be maintained for supplementary apparatus?
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What action must be taken if changes to the equipment complement carried on supplementary apparatus are needed?
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When should the motors on supplementary apparatus be started and run?
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Where should numbers be placed on hose sections that have no assigned coupling?
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What information is required in the entries made in the supplementary apparatus log book?
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What is the required width of the numbers used on the hose?
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What is the first priority for refueling division vehicles?
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What should happen if a member neglects to properly complete entries in the supplementary apparatus log book?
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Which color paint is recommended for marking items with dark surfaces?
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Which authority maintains an up-to-date list of each piece of supplementary apparatus?
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Where should ladders be marked for identification?
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How often should drivers perform a visual check of the underside of their assigned vehicles?
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What must a member include in the memo for reimbursement after out-of-town vehicle repairs?
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What must be done if a repair cannot be completed at the station level?
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What are the three main sections of the supplementary apparatus log book?
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What is the minimum fuel level required to be maintained in fuel tanks during a shift?
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Which of the following is NOT included in the tasks performed at the fire station level for vehicle maintenance?
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What should drivers or operators do before each work shift regarding Division Apparatus?
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What is a key responsibility of drivers regarding their Division vehicles?
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When marking tools and equipment, what must not be obscured by the markings?
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What is required of drivers regarding vehicle systems and maintenance?
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Which procedure is part of shop-level maintenance?
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What should be done if loose fittings or broken lines are discovered during an inspection?
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What type of paint is used to provide a background for markings on tools with dark surfaces?
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Which of the following items should be prioritized during the post-run vehicle check?
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How often should air pressure in tires be checked?
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What should be checked during an equipment check for tools that are used infrequently?
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What action must be taken if there are missing or damaged tools after completing the daily equipment check?
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When should regularly scheduled oil changes for diesel-powered apparatus typically be performed?
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What must be recorded in the apparatus log book when maintenance or repairs are needed?
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What is required to maintain respiratory protective breathing apparatus systems?
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What should be done if the company commander is unsure about the level of maintenance needed?
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When should all gasoline powered tools and equipment be started and run outdoors?
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Which temperature range is ideal for gasoline engine operation?
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What should be done with tools or equipment that do not meet firefighting standards?
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When should a performance or road test of the vehicle be conducted?
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What maintenance task is specifically mentioned for ladders?
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What action should be taken during a bi-monthly maintenance check for the vehicle's aerial ladder?
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How often should ropes be checked after their use?
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What is the main responsibility of company officers regarding power tools on the apparatus?
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What should personnel do if they notice hydraulic fluid levels are low during a weekly check?
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What is the recommended frequency for lubricating turntable and fifth wheel components?
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Which of the following maintenance rules is NOT mentioned for Division tools and equipment?
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What is the proper action to take if equipment is found to be in need of repair?
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How should drivers or operators handle requests for preventive maintenance supplies?
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What constitutes a routine maintenance task that is to be performed at the station level?
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How should nozzles be treated during maintenance checks?
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What is the maximum time frame mentioned to reach operating temperature for gasoline powered tools?
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What is the primary focus of the inspections conducted after maintenance work is completed?
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What type of maintenance should be performed on power tools?
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Which of the following is NOT a requirement for maintaining tools and equipment?
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What should be done if the motor runs but little or no water is being emitted?
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What is the minimum amount of gasoline/oil mixture that can be prepared at one time?
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Which of the following is a requirement for changing fire hose during operation?
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When should the lower end of the boat motor grease be changed?
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How often should fire hose folds be changed to prevent damage?
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What should be done if the fuel in the tank is over 1 year old?
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What is the correct procedure when inspecting the hose before coupling?
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What is the role of the Station Captain regarding the boat log?
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What should be done if a garden hose kinks during the motor run test?
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What type of oil should be used in a 2-cycle motor?
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How frequently should fire hoses be unrolled and re-rolled?
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What is the correct sequence for conducting the Motor Run Test?
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Which action is NOT recommended when removing fire hose from storage?
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When should the motor be kept in neutral?
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What is the correct cleaning method for ropes made of synthetic materials?
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During which months should rope inspections be conducted?
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What action should be taken if a radio instrument is found to be defective?
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What should a firefighter do if they observe illegal use of a fire hydrant?
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Which of the following is the recommended procedure when using a fire hydrant?
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What information must be included on a repair tag when sending a defective radiation instrument?
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What should be done when water leaks from around the top of a hydrant stem?
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What type of materials are fire ropes constructed from?
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What should personnel do if they observe suspicious activity regarding fire hydrant use?
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What precautions should be taken to preserve the condition of fire hose when storing it?
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What is one way to clean ropes made of natural fibers?
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What is the purpose of inspecting ropes used by the Division of Fire?
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Which factors are detrimental to some types of fire hose?
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When must fire hydrants be pumped dry after use?
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What is required prior to sending hose to be repaired?
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What should personnel submit to the Tool and Equipment Section after a rope inspection?
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How frequently should the fire hose inventory be updated?
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What can be caused by opening or closing hydrant valves too quickly?
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What document signifies that a hose is 'Unfit for Service' or 'Condemned'?
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Who is responsible for ensuring fire hoses learn are properly tested?
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What is the maximum pump pressure generally allowed without prior authorization?
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What is the purpose of the hose testing conducted in May?
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What is the required format for tracking the results of hose tests?
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What action should be taken if a hose is found defective during testing?
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Who oversees the annual testing of high pressure hose?
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What must all high pressure hoses be tested with?
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Which of the following is true regarding salvage covers?
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What additional action is necessary when receiving new replacement hose?
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What should be documented if any equipment is found missing during a check?
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What must be included on Form ET-68 when reporting lost equipment?
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In what order should hoses be listed for supplementary apparatus?
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What is required whenever supplementary apparatus is reassigned to another location?
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How should oil changes and repairs be documented?
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What action should be taken if supplementary apparatus is sent for repairs exceeding 24 hours?
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What is the responsibility of Company Commanders regarding apparatus maintenance?
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What must be performed at the beginning of each shift concerning tools and equipment?
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What should be done if tools or equipment are found damaged during a routine check?
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What is the process if equipment is missing after a thorough check?
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When must the Hose Load Card (Form EI-52) be prepared?
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What action is required when supplementary apparatus is delivered to another bureau?
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What must a member do if they notice any missing equipment during their shift?
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What is the main reason for pumping hydrants free of water before October 15 each year?
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Which shape of operating nut may require special tools different from the standard hydrant wrench?
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What is a requirement for hydrant inspections during the summer months?
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How should the caps of hydrants be secured to avoid unauthorized removal?
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What happens if a hydrant district is not inspected on the assigned day?
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What is the maximum number of hydrants that can be flushed at once to avoid water hammer?
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How should weeds around hydrants be handled during inspections?
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During which period are hydrants to be flushed annually?
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What pressure can some privately owned hydrants develop when supplied by fire pumps?
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What should not be disturbed when pumping hydrants free of water?
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What is the responsibility of Company Commanders regarding leaking hydrants during freezing weather?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of flushing hydrants?
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What specialized tool is commonly used to tighten the caps of fire hydrants?
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What should be done when a hydrant is found leaking and cannot be repaired with recommended procedures?
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Who is responsible for maintaining the Water Atlas showing hydrant locations?
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What is required to be documented if any defects are found during a hydrant inspection?
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During which period must hydrants be inspected daily if used for any purpose?
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What should be done if a hydrant cap is found missing?
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Which item is NOT specifically mentioned to be checked during hydrant inspections?
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What does an inspector need to do if they find water in the hydrant barrel between October 15 and April 15?
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What is a primary purpose of inspecting hydrants systematically?
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How often should the 'Hydrant Out of Service' report be prepared?
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What action is expected from Company Commanders regarding the hydrant inspection districts?
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What happens if a hydrant is found to be in poor condition during an inspection?
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Which entity must be notified if hydrants are used by municipal departments outside the Fire Division?
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What is the minimum height requirement for hydrant outlets above the surrounding ground level?
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What must an inspector do with a hydrant that is out of service?
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What is the primary responsibility of Company Commanders during hydrant flushing operations?
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When are hydrant flushing operations typically conducted?
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What should be done if the water from a flushed hydrant does not clear up after ten minutes?
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What must be included in daily updates to the hydrant maintenance log?
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What action should be taken if a broken hydrant is found during flushing operations?
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What occurs if a hydrant cannot be completely shut off?
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What should be done with hydrants that are reported to have foreign substances inside?
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What is the deadline for privately owned fire hydrants to be pumped free of water each year?
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Who is responsible for ensuring that privately owned fire hydrants are regularly maintained and inspected?
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How often are hydrant districts reviewed and potentially rotated?
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What is the purpose of a soft flush during hydrant maintenance?
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What action is required from Battalion Chiefs between October 15 and November 15 each year regarding private fire hydrants?
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Which of the following describes a Class I call-in during emergency procedures?
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What should be done if hydrant operations interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic?
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What is the purpose of the Division Hydrant Coordinator's annual notification to private hydrant operators?
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How should hydrants be opened during the flushing process?
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What is a sign that a hydrant has been flushed sufficiently?
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Which code section outlines the process for initiating call-ins of off-duty personnel in the fire department?
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What must be done if a hydrant's valve stem slams shut?
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What must Battalion Chiefs report to their superiors regarding private hydrants?
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How are individual hydrant districts coded?
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What must occur if a private hydrant is found to be out of service after inspection?
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What is the follow-up action required after a Class II or Class III call-in?
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What guideline is set for the spot-check frequency of private hydrants during winter?
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Which authority is responsible for authorizing a Class III call-in?
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What additional information is provided to private hydrant operators with the annual notification?
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Who is eligible to receive overtime pay at the rate of time and one-half?
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Which of the following is true about the trading of time policy?
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For Division members working shifts, what is the maximum consecutive hours on-duty allowed?
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What is required of a member who fails to report for duty after agreeing to a trade?
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What must happen if there is a disapproval of a trade request?
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How must trades generally be conducted among Division members?
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What is the consequence for Division members who fail to report for duty after agreeing to a trade?
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What happens if a member is late for duty multiple times?
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Which document must be completed when overtime is worked?
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What is stated about trades regarding training sessions?
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When can a member work a trade on their Kelly Day?
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What is the policy concerning overtime work in emergencies?
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What is the policy regarding the repayment of time owed due to trades?
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What happens after the sixth instance of sick leave in a calendar year?
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What is a requirement for intermittent periods of sick leave to be counted as one absence?
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Who is responsible for completing the accident report if the injured employee is incapacitated?
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What is the consequence for members who are late reporting for duty and are less than six minutes late?
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Which of the following statements regarding injury leave is true?
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What should the immediate supervisor do when a member is reported late for duty?
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What is required of an employee when requesting injury leave benefits?
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Employees are responsible for which of the following concerning their leave?
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Which of the following best describes the action that should be taken for a member who is late for the third time in a 12-month period?
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What documentation should be completed if a member is found to have feigned sickness or made false statements regarding their absence?
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What documentation must accompany Form PR-5 for it to count as one incident of sick leave?
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How is the penalty structured for members who are late for duty?
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Under what circumstance can the first two workdays of sick leave be paid?
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How long after an employee returns to work can intermittent absences be counted as one absence?
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What is the first step taken after a member reports late for duty?
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Which form must be completed for a second late report within a 12-month period?
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What is a common misconception about injury leave benefits?
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Under what condition can a late report be excused?
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What should personnel who arrive at their duty station late be marked as?
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What is required for all entries regarding late reports in the company journal?
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What happens to a member who fails to report their absence correctly?
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What form should be completed when a member is late for duty?
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How often can a member be late before facing mandatory disciplinary action?
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What should form PT-20 include when filed?
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What must be done as soon as practical when an employee is absent?
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Who is responsible for reporting an employee's work-related injury in writing?
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What should the immediate supervisor do upon being informed of an employee's illness or injury?
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What is the time frame for an employee to respond to a letter requesting a doctor's excuse after being on sick leave for six consecutive duty days?
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How long does an employee have to respond to a request for additional medical information after failing to provide initial documentation?
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What is the consequence of failing to provide medical documentation or recertification?
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Who must initiate an investigation into the circumstances of an employee's illness or injury?
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What must be reported to the Payroll Office when an employee is relieved from duty because of illness?
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What is required of employees who are certified off duty?
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What should an employee submit if they wish to request light duty after an injury?
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What document must the immediate supervisor fill out when an employee is off duty due to illness or injury?
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How often must an employee be certified for sick leave after the sixth incident in a payroll year?
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What should the immediate supervisor do with an employee's car and personal property if they cannot return to duty?
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Who must be notified after an employee becomes ill or suffers a work-related injury?
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What is the primary responsibility of employees upon returning to work after an absence due to sickness or injury?
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Which of the following forms must an employee complete for bereavement leave?
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What duration of notification is required for employees who are unable to report for their duty?
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In the event of a work-related injury, what must an employee indicate when certifying off duty?
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What information should an employee provide to the Fire Alarm Office upon hospitalization?
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Which of the following statements regarding Leave Without Pay (LWOP) is true?
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What will happen if an employee fails to certify off duty and does not notify the FAO?
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For which reason can an employee certify off duty under the FMLA?
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What does each call off designation require from the employee?
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When can employees request a COD as LWOP?
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What steps must be taken if an employee is hospitalized?
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Which of the following is NOT a recognized reason for employees to certify off duty?
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What type of injury does the definition of injury or injury leave refer to?
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What document must be submitted within fifteen calendar days of the incident for injury leave requests?
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Which of the following items is NOT required for requesting injury leave benefits?
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Who is responsible for authorizing light duty assignments?
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What aspect determines the job assignments for light duty employees?
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Which form is required to be completed for time missed after the initial date of injury or for continuing treatment?
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What must light duty requests include when notifying the Administration Office?
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What happens if an employee's work restrictions cannot be accommodated?
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What type of assignments are light duty positions classified as?
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What should a supervisor do if an employee does not show satisfactory progress after counseling?
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What action should a supervisor take if an employee admits to personal issues affecting their work?
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Why is proper documentation critical during corrective performance counseling?
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What is the maximum number of performance or conduct problems that should be addressed in a single Memorandum of Counseling?
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What happens if an employee refuses to participate in the Employee Assistance Program after it is suggested?
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Under what condition might a supervisor not document good performance counseling?
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What are the criteria for records to be classified as confidential law enforcement investigatory records?
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What is the supervisor's responsibility after discussing the Memorandum of Counseling with the employee?
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What is required for an unpaid leave of absence to be considered valid?
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What action should a member take upon receiving a subpoena or summons?
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What must be included in the first few paragraphs of the Memorandum of Counseling before the session?
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How should Division members dress when appearing in court?
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What is a consequence of not properly documenting performance issues at earlier stages?
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What could happen if a Division member fails to acknowledge a summons?
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Why should additional sheets be attached to the Memorandum of Counseling if needed?
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Which of the following is NOT true regarding AWOL status?
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What must Division members do before taking FMLA leave?
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Which aspect of the subpoena or summons includes details important for the member?
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What is a disciplinary action a member may face for being AWOL?
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What should members do regarding the details of a case they are involved in?
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In the event of receiving a subpoena regarding a fire incident, which division bureau should be contacted?
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What defines Leave Without Pay (LWOP)?
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What is the consequence of a second ping alert from GPS technology exceeding the specified speed limits?
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How long is the rolling calendar for OF-225 documents and related counseling?
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Who is responsible for ensuring personal notification to the deceased firefighter's family?
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When should a military leave application be submitted?
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What is required of employees serving jury duty regarding compensation?
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What happens if there are subsequent alerts after the first violation of speed limits?
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Which form is used for special leave requests?
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Who must be notified immediately upon the death of an on-duty firefighter?
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What should the on-duty Deputy Chief (ES 2) arrange for if requested during the funeral of a current paid firefighter?
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What must accompany the Form PR-2 when applying for military leave?
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What is the primary focus of examination leave for Division employees?
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What is the general rule regarding military honors for retired personnel?
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What action must the Deputy Chief (ES 2) take after learning about a deceased retired firefighter?
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What form must be completed by employees serving jury duty?
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What must happen to any travel costs awarded by the court?
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Who is responsible for directing questions about the collection of witness fees?
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What types of activities may justify paid leave?
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What document must an employee complete to request a return to regular duty after a light duty assignment?
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What is defined as a public record?
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What is required from an employee who has been absent for more than two consecutive working days due to illness?
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Who is authorized to provide access to a Division record?
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Under what circumstance would an employee on light duty not be allowed to return to regular duty?
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What must be done with division records that are permanent documents?
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What must be done if an employee is continuously unable to perform their assigned duties on light duty for a year?
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What document must an employee submit if they have been absent from work due to a family member's illness?
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What should be consulted before disposing of any Division records?
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Which of these records may have restricted access due to their sensitive nature?
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When is a physician's statement not required for an employee returning to duty after illness?
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What is the role of the Administration Office when an employee requests to return to regular duty?
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What constitutes a refusal to comply with record access requests by Division members?
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What is the responsibility of a pregnant employee regarding their work during pregnancy?
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What is required for an employee to request a light duty assignment?
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What action should be taken if an employee is deemed unable to return to regular duty by their supervisor?
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What is the duration for which the Official Division Record Keeper must maintain records of requests?
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What happens if an employee fails to provide a doctor's statement while on light duty?
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What action must be taken if a record associated with an ongoing investigation needs access?
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What must an employee do if they want to return to regular duty after being absent due to FMLA?
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What should be done if non-public information exists in a record before its release?
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What is the typical work schedule for employees on a light duty assignment?
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What is the purpose of the PR-5 form when an employee returns from a work-related injury?
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Employees on light duty are not eligible for which of the following?
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What is the role of a Secondary Record Keeper?
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What condition applies to an employee who has been assigned light duty for an extended period?
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Which of the following is true regarding the procedure for notifying the Division about a requested return to duty?
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What must a member do to obtain records for reasons outside their official capacity?
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What must employees on light duty do if they need to take sick leave?
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What happens if an employee does not want to disclose their medical information publicly?
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Under what condition can employees on light duty utilize division fitness equipment?
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What must be included in a light duty request submitted by the employee?
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When does a light duty assignment for employees assigned to a platoon begin and end?
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What should employees do if they have a short-term medical issue while on light duty?
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What will happen if an employee on light duty was receiving an 8% stipend prior to their assignment?
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Which document must employees complete if they want to participate in a physical fitness program while on light duty?
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What should a light duty employee do if they have a vacation request?
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What is the purpose of the OF-237 form concerning light duty employees?
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What is the primary objective of the Columbus Fire Division regarding substance abuse?
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How is a refusal to submit to drug testing treated under the policy?
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What should members do if they are using therapeutic medications that could impair their performance?
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Under the substance abuse policy, which conduct is strictly prohibited?
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What action must be taken if a member submits an altered drug test sample?
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What is the requirement for members regarding alcohol consumption prior to reporting for duty?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting physical examinations in the Division of Fire?
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What is the intended outcome of good performance counseling?
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What is the designation given to the third-party vendor that performs drug and alcohol testing?
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Which of the following is NOT a consequence for members who test positive for drugs or alcohol?
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Which of the following is an indication that corrective performance counseling may be needed?
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What is the role of officers regarding the enforcement of the substance abuse policy?
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When should a formal corrective performance counseling session be conducted?
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What should supervisors aim to avoid during formal counseling sessions?
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How often can follow-up testing occur after a member has tested positive?
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What is one method of closing a counseling session effectively?
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What is considered an important aspect of maintaining workplace safety in the City of Columbus Fire Division?
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What is the purpose of the Employee Assistance Program within the substance abuse policy?
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What type of counseling is used to address performance problems?
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What is the role of immediate supervisors in the counseling process?
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Which of the following best describes the discipline for prohibited conduct under the policy?
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Why is it important for counseling sessions to be conducted in private?
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What additional contact is required for positive drug or alcohol test results?
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What does the Memorandum of Counseling serve as during a formal counseling session?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of immediate supervisors?
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What is a likely outcome of effective good performance counseling?
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What can prompt a supervisor to conduct a formal counseling session?
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How should immediate supervisors approach the identification of issues requiring counseling?
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What role does the Medical Review Physician (MRP) have regarding test results?
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Which of the following actions may lead the MRP to verify a test as positive without an employee interview?
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What is the responsibility of the Drug and Alcohol Coordinator (DAC) in the CFD program?
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Which statement best describes that all members in the Fire Division are prohibited from?
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What is required of a member using prescribed medications that could impair job performance?
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What occurs if a member does not report the use of a substance that impairs their ability to perform their duties safely?
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Which is a requirement for a member to continue working while taking prescription drugs?
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What is the focus of the additional training provided to officers and firefighters responsible for making reasonable suspicion testing referrals?
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What must a member do if prescribed medication interferes with their duties?
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Which action is prohibited for members in relation to illegal drugs?
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What is the minimum time frame before the start of a workday when consuming alcohol is prohibited?
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What must an officer do if they suspect an employee of substance abuse?
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What happens if the MRP determines that medication use poses a threat to safety?
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What happens to members who do not comply with the Voluntary Request for Assistance guidelines?
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Which course of action must a member take to avoid discipline after seeking voluntary help?
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What must members authorize in relation to their counseling progress?
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Under the Voluntary Request for Assistance, how many random follow-up tests can members expect within a 36-month period?
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What is the main purpose of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
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What confidentiality measures does the EAP maintain for voluntary requests?
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What is a consequence for members who seek EAP assistance after testing positive?
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What type of leave can members take for the duration of their treatment under the Voluntary Request for Assistance?
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What should members do before their substance abuse issues negatively impact their job performance?
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How does the CFD's approach to substance abuse differ from more lenient policies in other industries?
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What insurance-related responsibility do members have regarding treatment costs?
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What must happen before a member can return to active duty after seeking treatment?
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Which of the following is NOT a condition for members seeking voluntary assistance?
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Which type of testing requires confirmation through a blood test if the initial Breathalyzer result is positive?
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How often is random drug and alcohol testing conducted for the members of the Fire Division?
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What is the maximum alcohol concentration level in breath that can be considered negative according to the policy?
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Which entity is responsible for selecting the laboratory that conducts drug test analyses?
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What must be maintained to ensure the integrity of drug test specimens?
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In which situation can an employee be subjected to reasonable suspicion testing?
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What happens if the chain of custody for a specimen is broken?
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What is required of facilities administering breathalyzer tests?
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What is the purpose of collecting a split urine sample during drug testing?
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What is the permitted action for a member when notified of random testing?
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What method is used to select employees for random drug and alcohol testing?
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What is the minimum requirement for personnel conducting breathalyzer tests?
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Which condition would NOT automatically lead to reasonable suspicion testing?
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What is the minimum number of supervisors required to initiate reasonable suspicion testing?
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Which of the following physical signs is NOT mentioned as an indicator of drug or alcohol influence?
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What should be used by supervisors to document their observations during a reasonable suspicion incident?
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What happens if a firefighter refuses to be tested after reasonable suspicion is established?
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In the absence of immediate Union representation, what is the maximum time a firefighter can wait for an alcohol test before it is considered an unreasonable delay?
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When can the DAC consult with a testing facility regarding prescription drug testing?
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What is one of the conditions under which a member must be tested for drugs or alcohol?
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Who is responsible for maintaining confidentiality of drug and alcohol testing records?
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What authority do observing officers have in relation to the testing process?
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Which document is used to present written notice of facts and inferences leading to a testing order?
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What must be included in the written notice presented to a member after reasonable suspicion testing is ordered?
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What is required for monitoring a member's compliance with treatment recommendations?
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What is the role of the DAC during the reasonable suspicion testing process?
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Which of the following options does NOT contribute to establishing reasonable suspicion?
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What division form is utilized when an employee is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
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What action follows if a member fails to comply with the EAP's treatment recommendations?
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If two officers do not agree on reasonable suspicion, what can the first officer do?
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Which division form is used for an employee wishing to avoid immediate termination for a first-time policy violation?
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What behavior might constitute a physical sign of being under the influence?
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How soon must a written notice be filled out after an employee is ordered for reasonable suspicion testing?
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What is the first step after the EAP is satisfied with a member's compliance to return to duty?
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What action is taken if a firefighter or officer refuses to be tested for reasonable suspicion?
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What maximum amount of water is a suspected firefighter or officer allowed to drink before testing?
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What happens to the equipment assigned to a suspected firefighter or officer during the suspicion process?
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How are transportation arrangements made for a suspected firefighter or officer undergoing a drug test?
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What should the officer do if they believe there is not enough reasonable cause following a complaint about suspicion?
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What occurs if the suspected firefighter or officer passes the drug test?
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If no EMS officers are available for transportation, who is used as an alternative?
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What happens to the person under suspicion until the test results are received?
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What information is the Fire Alarm Office prohibited from sharing during transportation arrangements?
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Who initiates the contact for a drug and alcohol test when there is suspicion?
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Under what circumstance will equipment remain under service after a suspicion report?
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What action is taken when a firefighter believes another is under the influence and reports it?
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What proportion of time off is a member entitled to while awaiting their test results?
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What action is to be taken if a member tests positive for drugs or alcohol?
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What defines a positive drug test according to the protocol?
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Who is notified first when a member has a confirmed positive test?
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What is required of a member who disputes a positive result from a drug analysis?
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What is the main condition for a member to return to duty after testing positive?
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What happens if a member refuses to submit to a drug or alcohol test?
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What is a requirement for members using sick leave after a positive test?
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What is a condition for the Re-Entry Contract a member must sign?
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During the reasonable suspicion test process, what is expected of the officer in charge?
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What occurs after a member tests positive and does not agree to the conditions of the Re-Entry Contract?
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What is the role of the Drug and Alcohol Coordinator (DAC) after receiving a confirmed positive test result?
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How must testing be performed if an officer requests to accompany during the reasonable suspicion test?
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What is the consequence for a member who tests positive a second time?
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What is the consequence of refusing to sign consent to a drug test?
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What does the term '2nd offense' refer to in the context of substance abuse policy violations?
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What can gross misconduct related to drug or alcohol use lead to?
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Which action is likely to lead to termination concerning the Collective Bargaining Agreement?
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Which of the following statements about the substance abuse policy is true?
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What is the maximum suspension length for a member who tests positive for the first time?
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What consequence may a member face for a second positive drug or alcohol test?
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In which situation will a member not face disciplinary action on the first occasion?
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What happens if a member tampers with a test specimen?
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What can lead to termination after a member's first voluntary request for assistance?
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Study Notes
Columbus, Ohio Division of Fire Authority
- The Columbus Division of Fire operates under the authority of the City of Columbus Charter and City Codes.
Organization
- The Department of Public Safety oversees both the Division of Police and Division of Fire.
- The Director of Public Safety is the Executive Head of both Divisions.
- The Division of Fire is led by the Chief of the Fire Division.
Fire Division Personnel
- The Division of Fire consists of the Chief, officers, firefighters, and other employees as defined by ordinance.
Fire Chief Authority
- The Fire Chief has general care and supervision of the Fire Division.
- The Fire Chief enforces all provisions of the city's Codes and ordinances.
- The Fire Chief oversees the proper regulation and discipline of Fire Division companies.
General Rules and Regulations
- Fire Division members are expected to uphold the standards of good behavior, as defined by law-abiding citizens.
- Members shall not criticize the Division or its policies.
- Members shall not use indecent or abusive language.
- Members shall not drink alcohol while on duty or report for duty intoxicated.
- Members shall not possess or use illegal drugs.
- Members shall be courteous and respectful to other Division members and the public.
- Members shall maintain a valid driver's license and report any suspension or revocation.
- Members shall be available by phone during off-duty hours.
- Members shall not participate in organizations that interfere with Division discipline or control.
- Members shall not submit legislation to government bodies without the approval of the Fire Chief and Director of Public Safety.
- Members shall not directly send Division-related information to government officials without the Chief's permission.
- Members shall not be absent for five consecutive working days without notifying their supervisor.
- Members shall not participate in political campaigns or conventions for nomination of candidates.
- Members shall not solicit or request contributions without written permission from the Fire Chief.
- Members shall not use official Division channels for personal communications without the Chief's permission.
- Members shall not make false reports or gossip about other members.
- Members shall be careful to preserve evidence at fire scenes.
- Members shall assist citizens with complaints by referring them to the appropriate authority.
- Members shall not falsify records.
- Members shall not be late for work or absent without leave.
- Members shall be silent while on duty.
- Members shall not possess unauthorized weapons or explosives.
- Members shall not violate Division rules or regulations.
- Members shall not damage or steal Division property.
- Members shall not post unauthorized materials on bulletin boards.
Suspension of Fire Division Employees
- The Fire Chief has the authority to suspend any Fire Division employee who is incompetent, negligent, immoral, habitually drunk, disobeys orders, or commits any other offense.
- The Director of Public Safety determines final judgment on suspension, which can include suspension, reduction in rank, or dismissal.
- An employee can appeal the Director's decision to the Civil Service Commission within ten days.
- The commission's judgment is final.
Posting
- No items for sale or promotion of “for profit” business or activity will be authorized for posting
- Members shall not misuse Division of Fire forms, records, lists, or confidential information
- Members shall maintain a clean personal appearance and participate in the Division physical fitness program unless excused by the Chief
- No littering or contributing to poor housekeeping, unsanitary, or unsafe conditions on Division premises
- Members shall abide by safety rules and common safety practices
- No loafing or wasting time outside of designated work hours
Division Vehicle Use
- Division vehicles cannot be used for personal errands or attending to business not related to the Division (e.g., shopping, banking)
- Use of Division vehicles while on standby status requires good judgment to prevent criticism of the Division
Reporting Arrests or Court Actions
- Division personnel who are subject to arrest, court action, or court appearance, except for divorce and/or child custody proceedings, must notify the Fire Chief through the chain of command
- Notification is required when there is an arrest or court action resulting from nonpayment of child support
- Division personnel who initiate lawsuits relating to their employment with the Division of Fire must notify the Fire Chief in writing
- Sworn personnel subject to criminal temporary protection orders or any court orders related to domestic violence must forward copies of the orders along with written notifications
- All sworn and any other Division personnel who operate motor vehicles on duty and are subject to the loss, suspension, or revocation of their driving privileges must report this change to the Fire Chief and provide documentation of conditional driving privileges
- Division personnel who receive a subpoena from, or assist or intend to assist, a party in any civil or criminal matter adverse to the interests of the Division of Fire or the City of Columbus must notify the Fire Chief
- Division personnel who receive a subpoena from, or otherwise assist or intend to assist, the defense in a criminal case must notify the Fire Chief
Performance of Duties
- Division of Fire members must devote their full time and attention to the business of the Division while on duty
- No personal electronic devices can be used unless work goals are met and it does not lead to criticism from the public. Personal items not related to work cannot be used when dealing with the public, on an incident scene, in Division vehicles, or in the workplace, except as authorized by supervision
- Cell phones, pagers and other similar items carried during duty must be set to vibrate
- Members who plan to engage in off-duty employment or business activities that might conflict with work duties must notify the Fire Chief
- Members are considered available for active duty at all times and must be prepared to act immediately upon determining that their services are required
- Members must conduct themselves in a manner credible to the Division of Fire at all times and in all places
- Members must conform to and readily obey all rules, resolutions, regulations, and other directives of the Division
- Members normally receive orders from their immediate superiors, but must comply with all orders issued by any superior officer of the Division
- Members flouting the authority of a superior officer by obvious disrespect or by disputing or ignoring their orders shall be guilty of insubordination
- Members given an order while already under previous orders must respectfully advise the officer issuing the most recent order of their original orders and by whom such orders were issued, before following the instructions of the officer giving the new order
- Members shall refrain from exceeding their authority in giving orders. Wrongful or injurious exercise of authority is strictly prohibited
- Members must exert their greatest effort to perform their duties to the best of their ability under all circumstances
- Members who cause loss of life or excessive damage to property due to lack of judgment, knowledge, neglect, or habitual carelessness shall be held responsible
- Members who neglect to acquire the necessary knowledge to adequately perform their duties shall be deemed inefficient. Ignorance of regulations or orders will not be accepted as an excuse for any violation
- Members shall report any information regarding obstruction of streets, dangerous buildings, leaky hydrants, or any other information pertinent to the City of Columbus or the Division of Fire to their company commander or authorized person
- Members exposed to a contagious disease while on duty must report this fact to their immediate superior as soon as possible and complete all required forms and reports
- All Division members, including officers, shall be guided by all orders and directions received from the Fire Alarm Office and must not ignore or disregard such orders or attempt to give orders to the Fire Alarm Office
- Members receiving orders or directions from other members, when the name of the directing officer is given, must regard such orders as coming directly from the designated officer and promptly carry them out
- Members of the Division shall perform such other duties as are required of them by their superior officers and by the rules and regulations and other orders of the Division of Fire
Taking Complaints
- The Division of Fire Complaint Form PI-12 is available in the Safety Director’s Office, the Administrative Office, and the Professional Standards Unit
- Complaints should be immediately referred to the Administrative Office or the Professional Standards Unit
- If a citizen comes to a fire station or any other Division facility to lodge a complaint, that citizen is to be assisted in calling the Administrative Office or the Professional Standards Unit
- After business hours, a citizen who calls to lodge a complaint should leave a message at 645-4046 and someone will contact them to confirm the information
- Notation should be made in the station or bureau log that a citizen was assisted in lodging a complaint
- The Administration Office or designee shall assign the investigation of the complaint to either the Professional Standards Unit or a supervisor in the Chain of Command
- A file copy of all complaints received will be retained by the Professional Standards Unit
### Media Relations
- When news media or other commercial entities wish to take pictures and/or video inside Division facilities, the request must be referred to the Public Information Office for approval.
- If no staff member in the Public Information office can be reached, the on-duty Deputy Chief may approve the request, if the Deputy Chief decides it is in the best interest of the Division. The Fire Chief and Administration Office may also grant approval.
- All other requests to take pictures or videos inside fire facilities may be granted at the discretion of the Division member in charge of the facility at the time
- Members must use discretion when providing Division information. Any questions or concerns regarding the release of information shall be directed to the Public Information Officer.
- Members are not prohibited from explaining basic Division routine to fire station visitors.
- No Fire Division member, acting as a Fire Division member, may participate in any news conference or interview without the prior approval of the Fire Chief, the Administration Office, or the Public Information Officer, except emergency scene operations and subsequent follow-up interviews with the Incident Commander relative to a recent incident
- Any contact from the news media to a Fire Division member - whether in person, by telephone, electronic means, or in writing - must be reported to the Public Information Officer as soon as possible
- No news media event may take place in any Fire facility or on any property under the control of the Fire Division unless coordinated by the Public Information Officer
- Employees retain their first amendment right of free speech but must understand that if they choose to exercise this right they are doing so at their own free will. Shedding a negative light on the Division of Fire or the City of Columbus may violate other policies and procedures of the division and or the City of Columbus. Keeping in mind, these interviews will be done ONLY on their own time, off duty, out of uniform. The employee must clearly state that they are not speaking on behalf of the Columbus Division of Fire or representing the division in anyway.
- An employee’s First Amendment Right to free speech is limited once they become a public employee. An employee can freely speak about concerns they have that an average citizen may have. An employee may not freely discuss employee relations, generally employer operations or discipline without prior approval.
### Emergency Scene Media
- All media representatives shall be referred to the Media Sector
- If the Division Public Information Officer (PIO) is on the scene, all responsibilities of the Media Sector will be delegated to the Division PIO
- If both the Division PIO and the Public Information Assistant (PIA) are on the scene, the PIA will assist in the Media Sector, as directed by the Division PIO
- If the PIA alone is on the scene, the Incident Commander will retain full responsibility for the Media Sector, or delegate it as appropriate. The PIA will assist with media related tasks, as directed by the person in charge of the Media Sector
- The Division PIO will serve as the Division spokesperson in any situations where the Division PIO is on the scene and determines that it is appropriate to act in this capacity. The Division PIO’s decision to retain the role of spokesperson will carry the authority of the Fire Chief
- The Public Information Office will be notified by the FAO of any major incident that occurs.
### Scope of Employment
- Off-duty firefighters performing duties pursuant to the legal orders of the Fire Chief are considered acting within the course and scope of employment of the City of Columbus for the purpose of granting injury or death benefits. This applies to off-duty firefighters fulfilling Special Duty assignments or similar duties approved and directed by the Fire Chief
- An off-duty firefighter coming to the aid of a person or property will be considered acting within the course and scope of employment of the City of Columbus when: - refraining from such would have a severe and immediate detrimental effect on the person or property, AND - when the aid is the same and/or similar to that which would be provided by the individual as a member of the Columbus Division of Fire, AND - the firefighter is not acting within the course and scope of employment of another employer, or as an independent contractor, or while self-employed
- A firefighter acting within the course and scope of employment of another employer, whether compensated or not, as an independent contractor, or as a self-employed person will not be deemed to be in the course and scope of employment for the City of Columbus. This includes paid or volunteer Fire or EMS service performed for another jurisdiction or employer except as provided in 212.00
- Firefighters serving as a volunteer or paid member in other communities or organizations are advised to seek information regarding health and death benefits available to them for performing services on behalf of the other agency and/or make arrangements to meet their needs from personal sources
- Participating in an organized activity such as supporting a charity, special cause, union function, sports activity, etc. is not considered to be in the course and scope of employment for the City of Columbus if the activity is not a Division sanctioned Special Duty assignment
- Special Duty assignments are restricted to activities that pertain to the business of the Division or special programs sanctioned by the Division. The Chief of the Division will exercise his discretion in approving Special Duty for either the specific activity or for the member submitting a request.
### Subpoena Procedures
- Members will not be compensated, or relieved of duty with pay, for subpoenas which are not a result of their duties and/or position with the Division of Fire, or for instances in which the member is either a plaintiff or complainant in a civil action or administrative proceeding, or a defendant in a criminal action
- Division members are expected to honor any subpoena they receive, but they will be eligible for overtime compensation only if they follow the appropriate procedures as listed in current Division S.O.P.’s
### Training Policy
- The Division of Fire provides a comprehensive training program for all employees under the direction of the Bureau of Training
- The Division-wide training program is progressive, well-developed, effective, and continuous in nature
- The training program includes the following general categories:
- Recruit Training
- Apprenticeship Training
- In-Service Training
- Officer Training
- Specialized Training
### Recruit Training
- Recruit training is the initial phase of basic training for newly appointed Division members
- Recruit training sessions are conducted at the Division Training Academy and consist of fundamental instruction and training
- Recruit instructors include permanently assigned Training Academy personnel, other Division members selected from the EmergencyServices Bureau, and various other fire Division or civilian personnel
- Recruit training sessions cover subjects including basic firefighting evolutions, ventilation practices, ropes and knots, tools and equipment, building construction, apparatus driving and tilling, hose lays and engine operations, self-contained breathing apparatus practices, chemistry of fire, search and rescue, first aid procedures, and numerous other subjects
- The length of the recruit training period is subject to change, depending upon existing conditions and needs
Apprenticeship Training
- The Division of Fire hires and trains recruit firefighters under the auspices of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program
- The JATC program is monitored locally by fire Division members with equal representation from the Local IAFF union
- The JATC reviews programs and reports and makes recommendations for change or improvement to the Fire Chief
Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
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All firefighters hired after November 1993 must complete a 36-month apprenticeship program that adheres to national training standards for firefighters.
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A written agreement outlining apprenticeship standards must be signed by each Division member.
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Apprentice firefighters are subject to a 12-month probationary period, during which they may be terminated for failing to meet program requirements.
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The Fire Chief approves the apprenticeship program procedures, which are kept on file in the Bureau of Training.
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Failure to complete all necessary requirements during recruit training will result in a recommendation for dismissal.
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Failure to obtain Fire Safety Inspector Certification, EMT-B certification, or all required Division of Fire qualifications within the probationary period will result in a recommendation for dismissal.
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Recruit company commanders are responsible for guiding and assisting their members in self-study programs, ensuring their participation in in-service training sessions and company-level school activities.
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All Journeyman Firefighters receive official certification.
In-Service Training
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The In-Service Training program consists of three phases: Division-wide standardized training, personal training needs, and physical training.
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All Division members participate in the program as much as their rank and duty assignments allow.
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The three phases include specific training activities that continue until the desired level of proficiency is achieved.
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Continuous evaluation of company and individual member training needs is conducted by company commanders.
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Pre-fire planning of target hazards, incident command and fire ground procedures, driving and tilling practice, fire station procedures, and other related skills that may not be adequately covered under the Division-wide standardized training program are examples of personal training needs.
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Daily physical training is encouraged, which may involve various activities like calisthenics, weightlifting, jogging, and sports.
Officer Training
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Training programs in leadership, management, supervision, employee counseling, instructor training, and other fire officer-related subjects are offered regularly.
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These programs are often attended by Division members whose standing on the promotional eligibility list indicates a potential advancement in the ranks.
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Instructors can be members of the Fire Division or civilian personnel with specialized knowledge.
Specialized Training
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The Division Training Academy conducts educational programs when training concerning specialized procedures or equipment is required.
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Outlines and lesson plans for proposed training sessions are submitted to the Training Academy for review and must be approved by the Fire Chief.
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Examples of specialized training include hazardous materials training, heavy rescue training, first aid and medic training, air crash firefighting, new apparatus and equipment training, fire prevention and arson investigation training, bomb squad training, and training for the Auxiliary Firefighting force.
Staff Distribution Policy
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The Division of Fire maintains a balanced distribution of staff among the battalions, ensuring equal staffing levels within units and battalions.
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Deputy Chiefs are responsible for balancing battalions a day in advance and maintaining at least two members per battalion above the Division minimum standards.
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Battalion Chiefs must notify the Deputy Chief, the Administration Officer, or the Chief if they have an insufficient number of firefighters on any tour of duty.
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Company Commanders must notify their Battalion Chief if they cannot meet Division Minimum Staffing Standards at roll call and, when necessary, hold a member of the off-going unit until directions are received from their Battalion Chief.
Minimum Staffing Standards
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Engine Companies require four members, either one officer and three firefighters or four firefighters.
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Engine companies are allowed to run with a crew of three between the hours of 0800 to 2000 when necessary.
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After 2000 hours, engine companies must have one officer and three firefighters unless the third firefighter is on Division business and in constant communication with the alarm office, capable of immediate response to an emergency.
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Ladder Companies also require four members, either one officer and three firefighters or four firefighters.
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Ladder companies are allowed to run with a crew of three between the hours of 0800 to 2000 when necessary.
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An officer should be in charge of ladder companies whenever possible, as outlined in Section 404.88.
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After 2000 hours, ladder companies must have one officer and three firefighters unless the third firefighter is on Division business and in constant communication with the alarm office, capable of immediate response to an emergency.
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Rescue Companies require three members per unit.
Acting Officers
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An officer or firefighter designated to act in a higher capacity is known as an Acting Officer.
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Acting Officers have the authority and privileges of the position they are acting in, and must be obeyed and treated with due respect.
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Acting Officers must maintain competence commensurate with the requirements and responsibilities of the position.
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Acting Officers must execute duties required of the position they are acting in and adhere to the policies of the Officer in whose position they are acting, within the framework of Division guidelines.
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They should refrain from making changes in standing procedures that affect those policies.
Guidelines for Selecting Acting Officers
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See the current agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67 IAFF for requirements and guidelines for selecting acting officers.
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Firefighters designated as Acting Officers in the capacity of a Captain or Lieutenant are considered "Acting Lieutenants."
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An officer designated to act in the capacity of a Battalion Chief wears a white helmet with orange reflective markings when protective headgear is needed. Acting Battalion Chief helmets are assigned to each Battalion chief vehicle.
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If a member refuses to accept the responsibility of an Acting Officer, their immediate superior may order temporary compliance until a qualified replacement is available.
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An Acting Lieutenant or Officer acting in a higher capacity is superseded upon the arrival of a duly appointed officer.
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When a Station Captain is off duty, the member authorized to work as acting Station Captain is one assigned to the same unit as the Station Captain. This applies regardless of the length of the Station Captain's absence.
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An Acting Station Captain assumes all duties and responsibilities of the normally assigned Station Captain.
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A Lieutenant acting as Station Captain functions as a Captain on the fireground.
Delegation of Authority
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Supervisors cannot perform all their duties efficiently and must delegate authority and responsibility to others.
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Delegation involves giving subordinates clear authority and responsibility to act on behalf of those delegating.
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Over-supervision hinders the purpose of delegation. Subordinates should be allowed to complete assignments independently and held accountable for their results.
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Delegation should remain within the chain of command and be directed only to immediate subordinates.
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Situations requiring the supervisor's knowledge or skills, situations with serious consequences, appraisals of subordinates, rewarding or punishing subordinates, and situations requiring the status and position of the supervisor should not be delegated.
Doctrine of Completed Staff Work
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Completed staff work involves studying a problem and presenting a solution in a form that requires the supervising officer only to approve or disapprove it.
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The subordinate should work out the details and provide a finished product that the supervisor can adopt by simply signing their name.
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Writing a memorandum to a superior officer does not constitute completed staff work. Writing a memorandum for a supervisor to send to someone else does.
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While a rough draft is acceptable, it should be complete in all respects except for the required number of copies and should be free of errors. It should not be used as an excuse for shifting the burden of formulating the action to the superior officer.
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The final test for completed staff work is whether the person submitting the final draft, if they were the Chief, would be willing to sign the paper, risking their professional reputation on it being complete and well-written. If the answer is no or even uncertain, it is not yet completed staff work.
Division Transfer Policy
- See the current agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67, IAFF for the Transfer Policy.
Temporary Transfer Policy
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All employees of the Division of Fire are subject to temporary transfers from their normal duty assignments at any time. These temporary transfers usually involve officers and firefighters working the three-platoon system. They are usually limited to filling vacancies within the employees' assigned work shift (unit).
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Employees temporarily transferred to fill vacancies or maintain balance among the battalions are chosen based on existing needs.
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Deputy Chiefs attempt to staff the battalions so that at least one Chief Officer responds to all large fire assignments.
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Battalion Chiefs needing personnel with specialized skills or certifications are required to choose qualified members from their own battalions before requesting such personnel from other battalions.
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Battalion Chiefs may request particular members from the companies in their respective battalions when deemed necessary.
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Currently certified Emergency Medical and Rescue personnel temporarily transferred to another battalion to meet minimum manning standards are utilized as EMS personnel whenever possible.
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Division members reporting for temporary assignments, including call-in and overtime duty, should seek out and report to the officer in charge of the company to which they have been assigned, preferably before the official reporting time. They should report their name, rank, and normal duty assignment to the officer.
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Members temporarily transferred (tt’d) to other fire stations or duty assignments should obtain all necessary information to ensure timely arrival, especially when they are tt’d for the first time.
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If it becomes necessary to temporarily transfer firefighters to fill in for absent officers, the procedures governing the selection of acting officers should be followed, as outlined in Section 306.10.
Temporary Transfers for Personal Reasons
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Any Division employee who needs to temporarily change duty assignments for personal reasons should notify their battalion chief and submit a PR-2 requesting such assignment. The request should state the reason and approximate length of time needed.
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The member's battalion chief should attempt to make the necessary arrangements within his own battalion whenever possible. Temporary transfers involving other battalions for personal reasons are coordinated by the Deputy Chief.
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Temporary transfers for personal reasons are for a minimum of one 24-hour work shift and for no more than 90 consecutive calendar days. The Emergency Services Assistant Chief reserves the option of deciding specific work assignments based on existing personnel needs.
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Personnel permanently assigned to EMS positions who request temporary transfer out of the EMS field will receive no EMS pay differential for the duration of their temporary transfer.
Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code
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All members of the Division of Fire are guided by grooming standards established by the Chief of the Division.
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All uniformed Division members must conform to the specifications of the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code, which is outlined in this document.
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All members are strictly accountable for compliance with the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code, as are their regularly assigned or current supervisors.
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Members must be clean-shaven when standing roll call and at all other times during their normal tour of duty, especially during inspections and public interactions. This applies to any off-duty ceremonies or occasions where members are acting as representatives of the Division of Fire, whether in or out of uniform.
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Temporary deviations from this policy for certified medical reasons may be allowed upon approval of the Human Resource Office.
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Members cannot wear goatees or beards. Mustaches and sideburns are permitted if in compliance with NFPA1500 and OHSA 1910.
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Facial hair that passes between the sealing surface of the face piece and the wearer's face is not permitted. Members who have facial hair at any point where the face piece is designed to seal with the face or whose hair could interfere with the operation of the unit are not permitted to use respiratory protection at emergency incidents or in hazardous or potentially hazardous atmospheres and are considered to be in violation of the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code.
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If a member has facial hair between the skin and face piece sealing surface, they will not be permitted to conduct face piece testing and will be considered non-compliant.
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Facial hair may be worn on a temporary basis when deemed necessary due to a certified medical condition. The approval of the Human Resource Office is required. Individuals who receive this approval and have the required certified medical condition will wear a full beard no longer than one-eight (1/8") of an inch in length. Said member shall not be permitted to function in any role requiring respirator/sealed face piece (SCBA).
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All members must comb or style their hair in a manner consistent with the provisions of this section, and the length of the hair shall not exceed the maximum limits of grooming set forth in this section.
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If the style, length, or other feature of any member's hair is determined to be a health or safety hazard, or in any way hampers, interferes with, or restricts firefighting duties, it shall be in non-conformance with the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code.
Personnel Hair Standards
- Forehead: When combed, hair shall be at least one (1") inch above the top of the eyebrow.
Hair Requirements
- Hair must be styled so that it is not obscuring the lower half of the ears.
- Hair on the sides of the head cannot exceed 1.5 inches in thickness.
- Sideburns cannot exceed 1.5 inches in width at any point and cannot be thicker than 0.5 inches.
- Hair on the back of the head that extends below the shirt collar must be styled in an upward sweep, bun, braid, or other manner to prevent it from extending below the middle of the collar.
- Hair on the top of the head cannot exceed 3 inches in thickness.
- Hair control devices are permitted as long as they are conservative and do not pose a safety hazard.
Jewelry Requirements
- Administrative personnel (excluding fire recruits) can wear one pair of plain post or button earrings in pierced ears.
- All other personnel are not permitted to wear earrings due to safety regulations.
Smoking Policy
- Smoking is prohibited in all City vehicles and facilities.
Promotion Policy
- When a promotion is to be filled, candidates will be evaluated for their qualifications.
- The most qualified individual will be recommended for promotion.
- Methods of obtaining information for the evaluation include personal interviews and written reports.
- Candidates who are judged to be unqualified will be informed and given the opportunity to improve their performance for future promotion.
Employee Suggestion Policy
- All employees are encouraged to submit suggestions for improving the operations of the Division.
- Suggestions should be addressed to the Chief of the Division and processed through proper channels.
- Intermediate supervisors will review suggestions and provide remarks when asked.
- If a supervisor does not agree with a suggestion, they will mark it "disapproved" and provide an explanation.
- Employees submitting honest suggestions will not be penalized, even if they are critical.
- Suggestions can be submitted anonymously, but they may not be given as much credence.
- All suggestions will be accepted, reviewed, and acknowledged.
Communication Policy
- Communications related to official business should be placed in a standard communications envelope and addressed to the Fire Chief.
- Communications should be forwarded through proper channels without unreasonable delay.
- Supervisors can "disapprove" of communications or mark them "acknowledged".
- Confidential communications can be placed in a sealed envelope marked "CONFIDENTIAL - FOR ADDRESSEE ONLY" and will not be opened by intermediate supervisors.
Bulletin Policy
- Bulletins remain in effect until superseded or a discard date is reached.
- The Administration Officer distributes an index of bulletins issued during the previous year.
- All members must read and acknowledge bulletins, including those who were absent during their release.
- Supervisors will explain the purpose and intent of bulletins to subordinates.
Bulletin Submittal Policy
- When a proposed bulletin is submitted for approval, a list of affected documents should be included, identifying sections that will be superseded, deleted, amended, etc.
- Proposed bulletins are reviewed for content and formatting by Research and Development before being forwarded to the Fire Chief.
- Electronic copies of bulletins should be submitted in "Word" format for easier amendments and archiving.
Division Bulletins
- Bulletins are prepared in a specific format
- The format is available on the computer network
- Bulletins must be signed by the Division Originating Bureau Head and/or the Chief of the Division
- Bulletins are placed online by the Office of In-Service Training
Uniform Regulations
- The importance of personal appearance for all employees of the Division of Fire
- Each employee is responsible for wearing the appropriate uniform reflecting the professional standards of the Division of Fire
Uniform Inspections
- It is the responsibility of Company Commanders or other immediate supervisors to inspect their subordinates' uniforms.
- Inspections should be conducted daily on uniforms worn while on duty
- Focus should be on functionality, maintenance and conformity with Division specifications and SOPs
Uniform Purchases
- Additional uniform articles can be purchased from any approved source
- The Uniform Clothing Committee evaluates new and/or replacement products and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief
- Certain uniform items are outlined in SOPs 04-03-10 and 04-03-11
Uniform Classes
- There are five (5) general classes of Division of Fire Uniforms:
- Class A Dress Uniform
- Class B Administrative Uniform
- Class C Work Uniform
- Class D Structural Firefighting Uniform
- Class E Civilian Dress
Specific Uniform Requirements
- Each member of the Uniformed Division must have a complete dress uniform (Class A) ready at all times
- Members assigned to duties requiring the wearing of a work uniform (Class C) must have a sufficient number of the designated items ready
- All uniformed members must have at least one (1) full set of Class D structural Firefighter turnout gear
Dress Uniform (Class A)
- Black, tropical wool, double breasted blouse
- White long sleeve dress shirt
- White crew neck T-shirt (optional)
- Black tie
- Black trousers
- Black leather belt
- Uniform cap
- Black socks
- Polished black, plain-toe, leather oxford shoes
- Division badge worn centered on the left pocket tab
- Name bar centered over the right breast
- Collar insignias designating rank or assignment
- Sleeve stripes with appropriate time-service insignias
- Female Division members wear a black single-breasted blouse with slacks/skirt
- An approved overcoat with liner can be worn
- All shirt buttons are properly secured
- All shirttails are tucked inside trousers
- Shoes are completely fastened
Optional Clothing Items (Class A)
- Black gloves
- Solid black scarf
Administrative Uniform (Class B)
- Short or long sleeve white shirt with badge holder and pocket flaps
- White crew neck T-shirt (optional)
- Black trousers
- Black leather belt with regulation issued plain belt buckle
- Black socks
- Polished black, plain-toe, leather oxford shoes
- Division badge worn over the left pocket
- Name bar centered ¼ inch above and over the right pocket flap
- Collar insignias or shoulder boards designating rank or assignment
- All shirt buttons are properly secured except for the neck button which is left open
- All shirttails are tucked inside of trousers
- Shoes are completely fastened
- A black tie may be worn with the long sleeve shirt
Optional Clothing Items (Class B)
- Administrative jacket
- Division logo and name and title embroidered
- Black coat-style sweaters without collar and with zipper front
- Black gloves
- Black stocking hat
- Uniform cap
- Solid black scarf
- Navy blue coveralls when work conditions dictate and approved by immediate supervisor
Work Uniform (Class C)
- Navy blue short or long sleeve shirt
- Navy blue crew neck T-shirt (optional)
- Navy blue trousers
- Black synthetic web belt
- Black socks
- Black shoes or boots
- Work shirt shall be embroidered with first initial and last name, title, if appropriate, over right pocket, collar rank insignia, if appropriate, and Division logo over left pocket
- T-shirt shall be embroidered with first initial and last name, title, if appropriate, and Division logo over left pocket
- All shirt buttons shall be properly secured except for the neck button which is left open
- All shirttails shall be tucked inside trousers
- Shoes or boots shall be completely fastened at all times
Optional Clothing Items (Class C)
- Division approved work jacket
- Division logo and name and title embroidered
- Navy blue division approved work sweatshirt
- Navy blue division approved golf shirt with collar and pocket at left breast
- Division logo and name and title embroidered
- Black gloves or solid black wool scarf
- Division approved knit stocking caps or baseball caps
- Baseball caps shall only have the division logo embroidered on the front
- Baseball caps may have the members’ legal last name or company designation embroidered on the rear of the hat
- Stocking caps can be plain or embroidered as above
- No hat may be worn while in quarters
Bomb Squad Members
- Bomb Squad Members are permitted to wear black 100% cotton Mil-spec BDU pants and shirt with black 100% cotton T-shirt when involved in bomb activities
- Members’ name and rank are in gold lettering on black tape over the right shirt pocket
- The division logo is embroidered according to SM 338.24 over the left shirt pocket
Fire Prevention Investigators and Inspectors, Rescue Technicians, HazMat Technicians, and Support Services personnel
- Permitted to wear division approved navy blue coveralls as the work uniform as needed
Physical Training Wear (PTW)
- Navy blue T-shirts
- Navy blue sweatshirts
- Navy blue gym shorts
- Navy blue sweatpants
- All items are 100% cotton
- PT shoes and socks are athletic shoes and socks, black or white
Nightwear (2000-0700)
- Division issued or Union Logo, T-shirts, golf shirts, and sweatshirts
- PT gym shorts and PT sweatpants
Structural Firefighting Uniform (Class D)
- The Division provides all members with required firefighting clothing and equipment
- Replacements are made as required according to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement
Civilian Dress (Class E)
- Division members granted permission to wear civilian clothing are guided by the suggestions of their immediate supervisors
- Appropriate clothing consists of generally conservative styles, including dress shirt and tie or equivalent attire
- Division issued navy blue shorts
Wearing the Uniform
-
Dress Uniform (Class A)
- Reserved for ceremonious occasions or as designated by the Fire Chief
- Worn for parades, promotional ceremonies, awards ceremonies, funerals
- Worn when advised by the member’s Battalion Chief
- Chief Officers may be permitted to wear the Dress uniform when they deem appropriate
-
Administrative Uniform (Class B)
- Worn by administrative personnel who do not expect to be involved in hands-on training or incident responses
-
Work Uniform (Class C)
- Worn by any member throughout the day, regardless of assignment
- Worn at roll call and when performing inspections
- Members may wear long or short sleeves work shirts
- Off going units may wear division issued or union logo tee shirt, golf shirt, approved station logo shirt or sweatshirt during roll call
- Company officers can allow the wearing of the division approved T-shirt in lieu of the work shirt during structural firefighting, training involving physical activities, and apparatus/station/hydrant maintenance
-
Navy blue shorts may be worn by station personnel from May 1st to September 1st
- Members wearing shorts must wear a division issued golf shirt with name and division logo
- Members must also wear a low cut, all black sock that covers the ankle and low cut black athletic shoe
- Black work belt must be worn with the fatigue short
-
Structural Firefighting Uniform (Class D)
- Worn in compliance with Division Standard Operating Procedures
- The Division requires a standard issue uniform to ensure all members are adequately protected
-
Without prior approval of the Fire Chief, Division members while on the fireground shall wear only structural fire gear issued by the Division of Fire
-
No alterations or additions of any kind are to be made to turnout gear except as authorized by the manufacturer and approved by the Fire Chief
-
Civilian Dress (Class E)
- Worn when remaining undercover as determined by the Fire Chief or his designee
Special Uniforms
-
Nightwear
- May be worn between the hours of 20:00 and 08:00
- May consist of Division issued or Union Logo, T-shirts, golf shirts, and sweatshirts
- PT gym shorts and PT sweatpants may be worn while in bedrooms or the dormitory between the hours of 20:00 to 07:00
-
Physical Training Wear (PTW)
- May be worn while actively participating in physical training
- Optional items not division approved, as part of the work uniform, shall be removed within 30 minutes of the cessation of physical training
- PT garments are not to be worn away from quarters unless under turnout gear
- PT garments not to be worn away from quarters unless under turnout gear
-
Special Dutyuniforms
- Will be the appropriate Class A – E uniform, as determined by the Fire Chief
Special Weather Conditions
- Division issued or union logo T-shirts, sweatshirts or golf shirts may be worn between 08:00 and 20:00 with permission of the Deputy Chief during unusual circumstances
- Examples of unusual circumstances are high heat and humidity conditions when the ambient temperature plus the relative humidity is greater than 150
- T-shirts should be worn to reduce heat stress
Special Rules for Wearing the Uniform
- Exceptions to the rules governing the wearing of the uniform may be made at any time at the discretion of the Chief of the Division.
- Fire Division Bureau Heads may be allowed to grant discretion to members of their bureaus where uniform regulations are concerned.
- Any major departure from the standard rules needs approval from the Chief.
- Unless ordered to wear the uniform while off duty, or otherwise required or permitted to wear the uniform in compliance with established Division policies, members may do so only by first going through proper channels and obtaining the permission of the Bureau Head.
- Wearing the uniform for a reasonable period of time just prior to reporting for duty or after having been relieved from duty, shall not be construed as wearing the uniform while off duty.
- No officer or other member of the Division shall wear any emblem, insignia, or device emblematic of any secret, social, or beneficial order on their uniform, unless prior permission to do so has been obtained from the Chief.
- No person other than a member of the Division of Fire shall wear the Division badge or insignia, and no member of the Division shall loan any badge or regulation uniform or portions of such uniform to any person, unless permission to do so has first been obtained from the Chief of the Division.
- No jewelry, watch chains, key chain paraphernalia or similar items will be worn or appear exposed on the uniform.
- The wearing of a personal wristwatch, identification bracelet, or ring is authorized as long as the style is conservative and in good taste.
- The wearing of a chain around the neck is authorized, as long as the style is conservative and no part of the chain lies on the outside of the uniform.
- Eyeglasses and/orsunglasses worn by Division personnel will be conservative and in good taste.
Rank or Assignment Identification
-
Caps
- Chief and Assistant Chief - A combination cap with white vinyl cover, gold chin strap, appropriate gold cap badge, and visor ornamentation as selected by the Chief.
- Deputy Chief and Battalion Chief - A combination cap with white vinyl cover, gold chin strap, appropriate gold cap badge, and plain black visor.
- Captain and Lieutenant - A combination cap with black cover, gold chinstrap, appropriate gold cap badge, and plain black visor.
- Firefighter - A combination cap with black cover, patent leather chin strap, appropriate silver cap badge, and plain black visor.
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Rank-indicating sleeve stripes, worn on the Class A uniform, are described as follows:
- Rank shall be indicated either by a single gold stripe or combination or stripes, and shall be either two inches (2") or one-half inch (1/2") in width, according to specific requirements.
- They are constructed of synthetic gold braid material.
- The lower edge of the first stripe shall be placed two inches (2") from the edge of the cuff, with a one-fourth inch (1/4") interval between the stripes.
- Chief: One 2" stripe with two 1/2" stripes above it.
- Assistant Chief: One 2" stripe, with one (1) 1/2" stripe above it.
- Deputy Chief: One 2” stripe
- Battalion Chief: Three 1/2" stripes
- Captain: Two 1/2" stripes
- Lieutenant: One 1/2" stripe
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Timeservice insignia, shall be worn as follows:
- A white or gold fabric Maltese cross (gold fabric for promoted ranks) of a design approved by the Chief of the Division will be worn on both sleeves of the dress uniform blouse.
- One cross, on each sleeve, will indicate the completion of each five years of service.
- The lower edge of the cross shall be 2 inches from the edge of the cuff.
- The first cross shall be centered on the outside portion of the sleeve.
- The second cross shall be spaced 1/2 inch to the front of the sleeve, the third cross 1/2 inch to the rear of the sleeve, the fourth cross 1/2 inch to the front, etc.
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All of the officers of the Division shall wear the proper rank insignia on both collar sections of the Class A uniform.
-
On the Class B, administrative uniform white shirt, collar insignias or shoulder boards shall be worn.
-
The collar insignia shall consist of approved metal clutch type devices, gold in color.
-
Shoulder boards shall consist of black fabric with gold embroidery.
-
Both shall indicate rank in the following manner:
- Lieutenant 1 Standing Bugle
- Captain 2 Standing Bugles
- Battalion Chief 2 Crossed Bugles
- Deputy Chief 3 Crossed Bugles
- Assistant Chief 4 Crossed Bugles
- Fire Chief 5 Crossed Bugles
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To properly locate the collar insignia on the Class A uniform, set the base of the device on a parallel line with the horizontal edge of the collar section, a distance of 1/2" up from the edge. Place the centerline of the device at a point 3/4 inch from the outer vertical edge of the collar section when measured along the base as illustrated.
-
To properly locate the collar insignia on the Class B uniform white shirt, set the base of the device perpendicular to the centerline of the collar tip. The base will be located 1 ½ inches above the collar tip, as illustrated.
-
Shoulder board shall be placed over the administrative uniform’s white shirt epaulets.
-
Special recognition devices may be worn at the discretion of the Chief of the Division.
-
Awards and recognitions shall only be worn on the Class A uniform
-
Award/recognition ribbons will be worn ½ inch below and parallel to the name bar.
Fire Helmet Markings
- Recruit firefighters are issued black fire helmets.
- Lieutenants are issued red helmets.
- Captains are issued red helmets with markings.
- Battalion Chiefs are issued white helmets.
- Colors and markings on the helmet are safety features to improve visibility
- Markings are also used for rank and department identification.
Fire Helmet Color and Markings
- Fire Chief: White helmet with Chief's shield and yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Assistant Chief: White helmet with Assistant Chief's shield and yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Deputy Chief: White helmet with Deputy Chief's shield and yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Battalion Chief: White helmet with Battalion Chief's shield and yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
-
Captain: Red helmet with Captain's shield.
- Company number or unit insignia is attached with yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Background color depends on role (red for ladder officer, green for engine officers, other colors as stipulated).
-
Lieutenant: Red helmet with Lieutenant’s shield.
- Company number or unit insignia is attached with yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Background color depends on role (red for ladder officer, green for engine officers other colors as stipulated).
- Firefighter: Black helmet with Firefighter shield and company number or unit insignia with red or green background with yellow reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Apprentice Firefighter: Black Helmet with Firefighter shield and company number or unit insignia with red or green background with orange with white horizontal center stripe fluorescent and reflective tetrahedrons.
- Rescue: Rescue certified personnel can replace the standard reflective trim on their fire helmet with blue reflective trim tetrahedrons.
- Fire Prevention Inspectors/Investigators: White or Green Lightweight hard hat with the Division logo on the front or an appropriate fire helmet with proper markings.
Identification Badge
- All non-uniform employees must wear or carry their Identification Badges during working hours.
- The Division provides each employee with a clip, chain, or lanyard to wear the badge.
- Employees can choose how to wear the badge and where, but it must be visible.
- Employees may conceal their badges if it is unsafe to wear them in a visible location.
Motor Vehicle Accident Procedures
- Any contact between a city vehicle and another vehicle, person, or fixed object is considered a motor vehicle accident.
- SO-2 will be notified of all incidents and will be investigated under their guidance.
Responsibilities at the Accident Scene
- Notify the Fire Alarm Office of the accident, giving the exact location.
- Determine if there are any injuries.
- If there are injuries, notify the Fire Alarm office and request a medic and other additional resources as needed.
- Render First Aid and avoid disturbing the scene.
- If the accident occurs while en route to an emergency, and there are no injuries at the scene, minimal damage to the fire vehicle, and the vehicle is safe, it may be possible to continue the emergency run.
- If leaving a company member at the scene would cause an engine or ladder company to fall below minimum manpower standards, the officer in charge must make a decision based on the situation.
- If the vehicle leaves the scene for any reason before the arrival of police or the CFD investigator, the driver and/or member in charge must submit a report explaining the reason.
- If an injury or extensive damage is involved, judgment should be used before moving the vehicles. Do not move vehicles until the arrival of the police and official photographs are taken unless roadway safety becomes an issue.
- Canvass the area for possible eyewitnesses and record their contact information.
- Ensure that Division Form RL-106 is completed at the scene.
- Note conditions existing at the time of the accident, including time of day, weather, road conditions, and disposition of injured persons.
- Get the names and badge numbers of investigating police officers and their jurisdiction, as well as the police Accident Report number.
- Note any other Division equipment or personnel at the scene.
Responsibilities Upon Returning to Quarters
- The driver of the Division vehicle must prepare a typed copy of Form RL-106.
- Company commanders must notify the Fleet Management Body Shop and the FMLO about the accident.
- If the driver is served with a subpoena to appear as a witness in Traffic Court, the member must immediately notify their Chain of Command and copy the Administration Officer.
- Division employees should notify the Administration Office if they receive forms or communication from insurance companies or attorneys.
Responsibilities of the Fire Alarm Office
- When notified of an accident involving a Division of Fire vehicle, the vehicle will be marked out of service unless the accident is minor.
- The FAO will generate a FAA run card and instruct the company involved to monitor 10 Alpha.
- The FAO will dispatch a CFD investigator (SO-2) and notify the Police Department, the Battalion Chief, Fleet Maintenance, and any other involved offices or bureau supervisors.
- The Fire Chief, the Administration Officer, Safety Officer, Support Services Assistant Chief, and the Bureau of Administration, when applicable, will be notified.
Responsibilities of the Safety Officer (SO-2)
- The Safety Officer will go to the scene of the accident, familiarize themselves with the facts, ensure the Division of Fire Form RL-106 is completed, take official photographs of the scene, and gather information from members.
- They will provide the Fire Apparatus Accident Information Card to the owner of the other vehicle and advise them to contact the Business Office for information.
- They will investigate all Fire Apparatus accidents and document these appropriately in the Safety Officer folder.
- When an accident occurs with a Division of Fire vehicle while being driven by another agency, the SO-2 will complete the RL-106.
Responsibilities of the Business Manager
- The Division Business Manager is responsible for maintaining an appropriate file on each property damage accident.
- The Business Office shall contact the parties involved, insurance companies, body shops, and others to expedite claims.
- The Business Office shall invoice for the cost of repairs, collect and deposit money received for damages, and voucher payments for claims against the Division.
- The Bureau of Administration will provide information and, in some cases, seek the advice of the City Attorney's Office and the Office of the Director of Public Safety to settle claims.
Fleet Accident Review Committee (FARC)
- The Division of Fire Fleet Accident Review Committee is made up of the Division Health and Safety Officer (SO-1), an Emergency Services Battalion Chief, the Safety Officer (SO-2), a Columbus Division of Police member, the Local 67 Union Steward, and a Training staff member.
- The Committee examines and reviews all reports and related facts pertaining to accidents involving Division of Fire members while operating a city vehicle.
- The Committee makes the final disposition for each case: No Policy or Procedure Violation or Policy or Procedure Violation.
- The Committee notifies the member involved, Local 67, and the Administration Chief of the FARC findings.
- The Committee Chairman schedules a review of all accidents for the next meeting and can call a special meeting if needed.
Disposition Guidelines of the Fleet Accident Review Committee
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No Policy or Procedure Violation (Green Card):
- The fire vehicle was legally parked.
- The other driver was cited, and there was no contributory negligence on the part of the fire vehicle operator.
- A mechanical failure occurred in the fire vehicle, which was taken out of service at the time of the accident and checked by Maintenance Shop personnel.
- The fire vehicle was illegally parked due to emergency work, but all reasonable precautions were taken by the operator.
- The fire vehicle was operating under urgent or emergency conditions, with no allegations of carelessness or poor judgment on the part of the operator.
- Extenuating circumstances.
-
Policy or Procedure Violation (Red Card):
- The fire vehicle was illegally parked due to emergency business without due regard to existing traffic conditions.
- The fire vehicle was operating under emergency or urgent conditions and did not take all necessary precautions.
- The other driver was at fault or cited, but better defensive driving or preventative measures by the operator of the fire vehicle could have prevented or lessened the severity of the accident.
- The fire vehicle was not operating under urgent or emergency conditions and did not take all necessary precautions.
- The operator of the fire vehicle was not cited, but was careless or negligent in their driving.
- The operator of the fire vehicle was cited and/or at fault.
- The operator was in violation of policy or Division orders.
Driver's Training Program
- Driver's training is the responsibility of all Company Officers.
- Members who violate or have a history of accidents will be provided driver's training through the Training Academy.
Grievance Procedures
- Members have the opportunity to initiate grievance procedures through the IAFF Local 67 if they disagree with a Committee determination.
Off-Duty
- Members required to use their Division vehicles while on stand-by status must use good judgment.
- The Fleet Accident Review Committee will consider incidents involving off-duty members driving city vehicles. ### Fleet Accidents
- Faulty equipment shall be removed from service and sent to the Maintenance Shop for inspection after an accident
- If an accident involves a two-member operated vehicle, either or both members may be disciplined
- While backing up a fire vehicle, all crew members except the operator must be stationed at the front and rear of the vehicle
- The Company Officer is responsible for the vehicle, members, and their actions in any situation
- A file of individual member's accident records shall be maintained and kept current by the Administrative Office
### Division Computer Policy
- Division members shall keep all network and computer passwords private
- All Division users must log off or electronically lock their computer when not present at their computer or terminal
- Computer equipment assigned to members within the Division of Fire is the property of the Division of Fire
- No personally owned computers or peripherals shall be connected to the Division's network without written permission of the Fire Chief
- No Division of Fire desktop computer, terminal, or peripheral equipment is to be removed from its installed location within the Division of Fire without written permission of the Fire Chief or Information Services Staff
- No desktop computers connected to the Division's network shall have a modem installed
- Requests for computers, terminals, computer peripherals, and software shall be made in writing using the proper chain of command
- Only application software and computer code licensed to the Division of Fire shall reside on Division of Fire computers
- All electronic data that resides on Division of Fire computers, networks, or removable media is the property of the City of Columbus, Division of Fire
- Members who are transferred within or outside the Division of Fire, retire, or are terminated shall not remove data from computers or network data depositories
- No recreational games are to be installed or used on any Division of Fire computer
- Personally owned software shall not be installed on Division of Fire computers unless written approval of the Fire Chief has been obtained
- Data saved on network servers is backed up regularly, individual users are responsible for backing up data not stored on the network servers
- All uses of Division computer equipment, electronic facilities, and electronic data are restricted to work-related purposes
### Internet Policy
- Use of the Internet and web browser software is a privilege assigned to Division network users.
- The Internet is provided to Division of Fire members solely for the purpose of conducting City business.
- Division of Fire network and computer resources shall not be used to seek or gain unauthorized access to Division of Fire network resources, City of Columbus network resources, or Internet resources.
- Division of Fire network and computer resources shall not be used to conduct or participate in any actions that are illegal, violate Division of Fire policies, or violate any city, state, or federal law.
- Division of Fire network and computer resources shall not be used to intentionally view, display, transmit, or receive any sexually explicit material or be used to threaten or harass others. The production or proliferation of racial, ethnic, religious, or gender-based slurs shall also be prohibited.
- Division of Fire network and computer resources shall not be used to conduct commercial or private/personal business enterprises or to promote private businesses or product advertisements.
- Division of Fire network and computer resources shall not be used to provide support or solicitation on behalf of individuals, groups, organizations, etc., that are not related to the business of the Division of Fire.
- No Division member shall intentionally disrupt the functions of the Division of Fire network or other computer resources, including propagation of worms or viruses or other debilitating programs. No user shall intentionally destroy the integrity of computer-based information or compromise the privacy and/or security of other users.
- Division of Fire network and computer resources shall not be used to circumvent legal protection provided by copyright and license.
- Due to security risks to the network, applications, programs, or executable files of any type shall not be downloaded from the Internet and run on computers connected to the Division's network. This does not prohibit Information Services staff from downloading service patches or software code required for the operation of the Division's network or servers.
- It is the responsibility of Division of Fire members to check for copyright or licensing agreements when downloading any files. No copyrighted material shall be placed on Division of Fire computers or network without written permission of the owner of copyrighted material, data, application, or information.
- When utilizing "Anonymous" logons to other networks or Internet sites, users shall type in their E-mail address when the site requests a "password." Do not type in your network password.
- Division members shall only subscribe to News Groups and mail lists that relate to the business of the Division of Fire. Subscriptions shall be cancelled when the member no longer requires them.
- Multimedia sites located on the Internet often require special hardware and software to use. Most sound, picture, and video files consume large amounts of network bandwidth and disk space and should be accessed and/or used with discretion.
- Information displayed on the Division of Fire's web pages shall be coordinated through the Division of Fire's Public Information and Community Relations Offices. Personal web pages and web sites shall not be permitted on the Division of Fire network.
### Electronic Mail (E-mail) Policy
- Members of the Division of Fire are responsible for E-mail messages originating from their user logon ID. Theft, forgery (or attempted forgery) and the intentional reading, deleting, copying, or modifying of any E-mail of other members shall be prohibited. Originating email messages from the address of another member without their permission shall be prohibited.
- Division of Fire members who have been provided E-mail capability have an obligation to read incoming messages in a timely manner and respond accordingly.
- The sending of unsolicited junk E-mail, for-profit messages, chain letters, or similar E-mail shall be prohibited. Any message that may create a hostile work environment such as sending harassing, discriminating, and/or other threatening E-mail to another user shall be prohibited.
- The Division of Fire realizes that Division members have little control over aspects of communications received, especially those received from unsolicited sources. Any unsolicited electronic correspondence received should be disposed of accordingly. If you repeatedly receive this type of correspondence, forward the item(s) along with a message to the Information Systems Manager. Be sure to put the words "unsolicited mail" in the subject line.
- E-Mail will be backed up regularly, allowing the Division of Fire to restore current electronic mail in the event of system failure. Division members should assume that copies (back-up copies or otherwise) of electronic mail messages and other electronic correspondence may exist on other systems even though the sender and recipient has discarded his/her copy of the document.
- E-mail and on-line communications may not be appropriate for the transmission of confidential or sensitive information. Judgment should be exercised in using this method of transmission for such information.
- The Division of Fire reserves the right to access and disclose all messages and other electronic data, sent over its electronic mail system or stored in its files, for legal and audit purposes. All Division of Fire public records stored electronically shall be retained according to the Division of Fire records retention schedule. Under the Ohio Public Records Law, any electronic mail can be a public record. Division members should be aware that electronic records are subject to the mandatory public disclosure requirements of the Ohio Public Records Law, subject to the exceptions under the Act.
- E-mail will generally be limited to informal communication. In most cases, communications initiated by Division personnel regarding policies, requests, suggestions, or other official business will be sent through the member's Chain-of-Command in writing and placed in an envelope addressed to the Fire Chief.
- E-mail, an informal transmission or a public record, shall be relayed through proper channels.
- E-mail that is to be forwarded through the Chain-of-Command is not to be Cc’d (carbon copied) to other recipients or to the final recipient. Cc’d email often results in confusion due to personnel receiving multiple copies of the same email that appears to be the same but may have been amended. It also bypasses the required review by members in the Chain-of-Command.
- The body of an e-mail that is to be forwarded through the Chain-of-Command will be in Memorandum format. The memorandum will be addressed to the final recipient.
- Personnel receiving email to be forwarded through the Chain-of-Command shall process the email without delay and shall make a notation on the email to signify their “acknowledgement”, “approval”, or “disapproval”. Disapproval requires a note explaining the reason for such disapproval.
### Endorsements and Advertising Policy
- The Division will not endorse products or services.
- The Division will not associate the organization, our personnel, our logos, or any of our identifiable facilities or equipment with any commercial entities in advertisements.
- No Division member will participate in advertising of any product or service, while identifying themselves as, or in any manner representing themselves as, a Division member.
- No Division member will publicly endorse any products or services while identifying themselves as, or in any manner representing themselves as, a Division member.
### Division Support of Charities
- The Division of Fire will actively support selected charity organizations that operate consistent with the Division's Mission and/or image in the community.
- The Division of Fire will actively encourage the participation of Division members in selected charity events.
- The Division's association with specific charities and their events will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Chief. Charities and charity events that have received the Division's support in the past are approved, unless otherwise stated by the current Fire Chief.
### Division Support of Public Events
- The Division will not endorse, promote, or otherwise support non-Division public events, except those events produced by charity organizations with which the Division has an association or those events produced by a government entity with which the Division has an association.
- The Division's association with specific public events will be determined on a case by case basis by the Fire Chief. Public events that have received the Division's support in the past are approved, unless otherwise stated by the current Fire Chief.
### Safety and Health
- The Division’s Safety and Health Hazard Report, RI-173, provides a means to report safety and health hazards.
- Members should submit a Safety and Health Report any time that they observe an unsafe act, unsafe practice, or an unsafe situation.
- The procedure for filling out form RI-173 is found in the Division of Fire’s Forms Manual.
- Form RI-173 will be submitted to the Division’s Safety Officer.
- The Division’s Safety Officer will acknowledge receipt of each submittal and notify the person submitting the RI-173 of the status of their report.
- The Safety and Health Hazard Report does not take the place of, nor negate the need to fill out, any applicable accident or injury forms.
### Administrative Complex
- The Administrative Complex consists of the land, buildings, structures and parking facilities located in the 3600 block of Parsons Avenue.
- The Administrative Complex houses the offices, training, meeting, storage, repair, and fitness facilities of the Administrative, Training, Support Services, Fire Prevention and Emergency Services bureaus.
- The hours of operation at the Administrative Complex is consistent with the outside limits of the normal forty (40) hour workweek - 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- The Fire Chief may authorize temporary work schedules outside the normal time frame when necessary to meet Division goals. Overtime and/or compensatory time issues require prior approval by the proper authority.
- The complex buildings will be secured after normal working hours. Access is available through doors equipped with a security ID card reader. Access to complex buildings after normal working hours is limited to general meeting areas, halls, and fitness facilities. Access to all other areas, without prior approval, is prohibited.
- Security ID card readers are located throughout the buildings. Tampering with the readers, unauthorized use, or entry after normal working hours without prior approval, and blocking open controlled access doors may be grounds for discipline. Random checks will be made of the security system’s audit of ID card reader use.
- Access to secured areas of the buildings is restricted to authorized personnel, as determined by their duty assignment. Proposed changes to the authorization levels for a duty assignment shall be submitted through channels to the Fire Chief.
- Proper ID is required for access to the complex buildings. Division personnel and City Employees shall be in uniform or have their badge or ID card prominently displayed. Division personnel will stop people that are not displaying the proper ID. The person’s business will be determined and they will be offered an escort to their desired location.
Complex Security
- Access to buildings is restricted during Level Orange or Red security measures.
- Visitors must be escorted by a bureau representative.
- Regular and extended visitors receive a Visitor's Pass.
- Extracurricular activities require the Fire Chief's approval.
- The Administrative Assistant coordinates meeting room scheduling with guidance from the Fire Chief.
- External requests for meeting rooms are reviewed by the Fire Chief.
- The Fire Chief may cancel extracurricular activities and meetings during increased security measures.
- Fitness facilities and the gymnasium are restricted to Division Personnel only.
- Parking is restricted to designated areas.
- Emergency response vehicles park on the concrete roadway in the rear parking lot.
- Handicap parking areas and assigned parking places are for authorized use only.
General Fire Station Rules
- Members cannot maintain permanent living quarters in fire stations or other Division property.
- Members cannot bring personal property onto Division premises without permission.
- Members under suspension are prohibited from entering fire stations or other Division facilities.
- Devices or instruments cannot be permanently attached to Division property without proper authority.
- Private vehicles cannot be placed on the apparatus floor or other areas within fire stations without permission.
- Private vehicles cannot park on fire station ramps or within 6 feet of the ramp access lane except during shift changes.
- Major repairs on private vehicles are prohibited in or around fire stations.
- Private vehicles displaying advertising signs are prohibited on station property.
- Members must be familiar with the location and proper use of tools and equipment.
- Lending, selling, or giving away public property is prohibited, unless granted permission.
- A business-like atmosphere must be maintained in public areas of the station.
- Beds in fire station dormitories are not to be occupied between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm without permission.
- Beds must have the proper linen in place when occupied.
- Members cannot sleep or recline in a position that indicates sleeping outside the dormitory except for the watchperson.
- Members must be considerate of each other's rights and avoid disturbing sleeping members.
- Members must notify the fire alarm office upon receiving an alarm of fire or other emergency, relaying pertinent details.
- Members must notify the fire alarm office when Division apparatus leaves or returns to quarters or is temporarily located elsewhere.
- Members must respond to all alarms of fire or other emergency to which their company is dispatched.
- Members must cease all activities and prepare to respond to an alarm when indicated by communication.
- Members in stations with multiple companies must refrain from starting apparatus engines or activating vehicle horns, bells, or sirens until other companies acknowledge the alarm.
- All Division Bulletins must be distributed and acknowledged electronically.
- Wasting or abusing public property is prohibited.
- Members must follow the chain of command except in urgent matters.
- Members must contact the officer in charge when conducting business.
- Gambling while on duty or keeping gambling devices on Division property is prohibited.
- Religious, ethnic, or political controversies are prohibited.
- Receiving awards, presents, or gratuities for services rendered requires permission from the Chief.
- Placing decorations or advertisements on Division property requires permission from the Chief.
- Members must be familiar with the traffic laws of the City of Columbus.
- Vendors must be referred to the Officer in Charge of the station.
- All vending machines in fire stations or other Division facilities must be the personal property of assigned personnel.
- Vending machines cannot be leased by the company, and vendors cannot place items for a percentage of sales unless by City Contract and approved by FireChief.
Fire Station Libraries
- Division publications must be kept in secure locations, such as an Officer’s Room.
- Removing books or other publications from the Fire Division library is prohibited.
- Loaning books overnight, taking them out of the fire station, or placing them in personal lockers is prohibited.
- Reading material of questionable moral content or potential embarrassment to the Division of Fire cannot be brought into or remain in any fire station.
- When apparatus is parked away from a station for a non-emergency reason, at least one individual must remain with the vehicle for security.
Station Captains
- A Station Captain is assigned to each Division fire station.
- Station Captains are directly responsible to their battalion chiefs.
- Station Captains are responsible for the inspection, care, maintenance, and cleanliness of the station, grounds, and equipment.
- Station Captains provide guidelines for station, equipment, and apparatus maintenance.
- Station Captains submit reports and requests for remedial action and station maintenance.
- Station Captains are responsible for enforcing Division rules and regulations.
- Station Captains provide guidance, counseling, and motivation to members.
- Station Captains report situations where proper coordination is jeopardized.
- Station Captains ensure roll call is conducted properly.
- Station Captains require subordinates to inform them of unusual matters.
- Station Captains ensure all pertinent information is recorded in the daily company journal and temporary daily log.
- Station Captains prepare reports, supply requests, and communications and monitor submission of routine reports.
- Station Captains keep books for training and schooling purposes.
- Station Captains maintain lists of contact information for members assigned to their units.
- Station Captains take charge of voting in their stations.
- Station Captains maintain procedures files relative to the operation of their stations.
- Station Captains submit annual budget requests.
- Station Captains administer Station Expense Fund.
- Station Captains can perform the duties of the battalion training captain.
- Station Captains are prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of their battalion chief.
- Station Captains must be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the members under their command.
- Station Captains adhere to rules and regulations pertaining to Division officers and company commanders.
Company Commanders
- Company Commanders are assigned by the Chief and directly responsible to their battalion chiefs.
- Company Commanders are in charge of their company and responsible for the training, counseling, appearance, and conduct of members under their supervision.
- Company Commanders are responsible for the discipline of their subordinates.
- Disciplinary proceedings require a memo detailing the particulars to the Fire Chief.
- Company Commanders must report courageous and meritorious acts, as well as cowardice, dereliction of duty, insubordination, or assault committed by subordinates.
- Company Commanders report matters requiring immediate attention and events of importance to their Battalion Chiefs.
- Company Commanders ensure the provisions of the Division's Trading of Time Policy are followed.
- Company Commanders ensure all members wear the regulation breathing apparatus.
- Company Commanders ensure personnel have and wear all required protective clothing.
- Company Commanders ensure members wear full protection goggles, safety glasses, or face shields when needed.
- Company Commanders afford relief drivers ample driving experience.
Company Commander Responsibilities
- Immediately check apparatus, hose, tools, and equipment upon return to quarters. Exercise judgment on washing, cleaning, and changing hose.
- Return apparatus, hose, and tools to a condition where subsequent operations are not compromised and public reaction is not unfavorable.
- Ensure all members know their assigned vehicle and are able to train others. Provide frequent opportunities to practice driving, tilling, and pump operation. Minimum of two pump operators, two ladder drivers, and two tillermen.
- Notify the officer in charge of fires or emergencies if the company needs to remain out of service.
- Notify the fire alarm office and Battalion Chief when changing to supplementary apparatus.
- Get approval from the Battalion Chief before adding or deleting equipment from the apparatus.
- Monitor the apparatus or base station radio for emergency notifications.
- Immediately notify the fire alarm office when assigned to fill in at other stations. Follow all standard Division procedures.
- Ensure all documents are complete and up-to-date.
- Do not permit members to leave the station unless for Division business or with permission from the Battalion Chief.
- Do not permit pornographic materials in fire stations or offices.
- Ensure all members receive and understand Division training programs, policies, and procedures.
- Conduct regular school and training sessions on the running districts of their companies.
- Maintain proficiency in Division policies, procedures, rules, regulations, forms, manuals and related information.
- Prepare all monthly reports and review forms, reports, memos and requests from subordinates.
- Keep a current roster in the company journal and report all changes in address, telephone number, marital status and other pertinent information.
- Inform the station captain about supply and equipment needs to facilitate monthly requisition.
- Receive all station supplies, verify items with a check list and report discrepancies.
- Log company activities upon returning to quarters, including tools, equipment, injuries, and unusual occurrences. Include the name of the officer in charge.
- Hold subordinates accountable for keeping accurate and complete records on the daily rough log.
- Transfer information from the daily rough log to the smooth log for the company journal before the end of the shift.
- Assist the station captain with voting by ensuring members cast their votes and record signatures.
- Ensure members are available to assist maintenance personnel.
- Report routine maintenance needs to the station captain.
- Report any unusual damage to the fire station to the Battalion Chief and Station Captain. Record information in the company journal.
Multiple Company Stations
- Each officer is in charge of members assigned to his/her company and responsible for training, counseling, personal appearance, conduct and discipline.
- One Company Commander is designated as officer in charge of the station. The station captain automatically assumes this responsibility on the unit to which he is assigned.
- The officer in charge ensures efficient operation of the station. Follow directions of the Station Captain, subject to Battalion Chief orders.
- The officer in charge attends to the needs of all personnel.
- The officer in charge assigns house cleaning duties and areas of responsibility are fairly divided.
- Focus on desired results rather than rigid time schedules regarding station cleaning and maintenance.
- Cooperate with other Company Commanders and rotate duties and responsibilities.
- Do not shift members from one apparatus to another without conferring with the Company Commander of the member(s) involved.
- At least one company officer should be on duty in a double house or multiple company station. If only one officer is present, they should be in charge of the ladder company. Contact the Battalion Chief immediately if this is not possible.
- If a Captain is assigned to a station, they are in charge of any ladder company assigned when on duty. The only exception is if the Captain is assigned as an Acting Battalion Chief.
- Ascertain the number, names, and physical identities of all members assigned upon reporting for duty.
- Perform other related duties as requested by the Station Captain and/or Battalion Chief.
Roll Call
- All Division members below the rank of Battalion Chief who are assigned to stations or offices and who work the three platoon system are required to stand roll call.
- Roll call is conducted with station personnel being alerted via the public address system to assemble for roll call.
- Company Commanders of both oncoming and off-going units require their members to stand in line at attention in the proper uniform.
- Members must be neatly dressed in clean, well maintained, authorized uniforms and clean shaven. Battalion Chiefs may require members to stand roll call in any official fire Division uniform.
- The off-going unit relays all information of importance to the oncoming unit in a loud, clear voice.
- The officer in charge of the oncoming unit calls out the last names of all oncoming members to be answered with "here".
- Any member failing to stand roll call without prior approval is considered late and subject to disciplinary action.
- The oncoming unit reports the number of members ready for duty to the off-going unit. The officer in charge of the off-going unit makes any necessary assignments to cover staffing deficiencies.
- After staffing is assured, the oncoming unit responds to any alarms received.
- The off-going unit dismisses their members and transfers responsibility for quarters, apparatus, and equipment to the oncoming unit.
- If the officer in charge of the off-going unit believes the officer in charge of the oncoming unit is not in the proper condition to relieve them, the off-going officer remains on duty and notifies the Battalion Chief immediately.
- The officer in charge of the oncoming unit notifies the Battalion Chief if the number of members reporting for duty is below minimum staffing standards or if there are other qualifications lacking.
- The Battalion Chief should also be informed of any members held over from the off-going unit.
- Notify the Battalion Chief of any members who are late, absent without leave, absent due to sickness or injury, returning to regular duty, assigned to light duty, etc.
- If a company is at the scene of an emergency at the time of roll call, they can request that any necessary personnel changes take place at a different location.
- The Officer in Charge of the emergency shall notify the Fire Alarm Office as soon as they determine that there will be a need for relief of personnel. This procedure may also be followed when companies are out of quarters for other than emergency reasons.
- Members reporting for trades, regularly scheduled relief personnel, and/or overtime personnel shall report to the officer in charge at the scene.
- Battalion Chiefs reporting for regular duty relieve the off-going Battalion Chiefs no later than 0700 hours to observe roll call. Battalion Chiefs observe roll call activities at least once a month.
- Fire Alarm Dispatchers reporting for duty relieve the off-going dispatcher no later than 0700 hours.
Division Daily Routine
- When going off duty, members excused from standing roll call for authorized reasons more than three times in succession shall have their names submitted to the Division Administration Officer.
- The Division of Fire must employ Division-wide standards of work accomplishment to efficiently serve the public.
- Each Company Commander shall devote their time to work planning, follow-up and inspection of work performance, planning of training needs, instruction of company members, and the evaluation and counseling of subordinates.
- Company Commanders shall refrain from participating in performing routine duties such as station and equipment maintenance and serving as station watchman.
- Company Commanders are responsible for ensuring that prescribed duties are performed by their company members according to Division standards.
- The daily routine weekday schedule for all personnel assigned to Division fire stations on all three units will run from 0800 hours to 1800 hours, completely devoted to accomplishing Division goals.
- The daily routine weekend and holiday schedule for all Division personnel assigned to Division fire stations on all three units will run from 0800 hours to 1200 hours, completely devoted to accomplishing Division goals.
- Company Commanders shall ensure that members do not engage in activities or pursue interests of a personal nature during work hours. Activities such as viewing television for entertainment purposes and playing cards or other games for any reason shall not be engaged in except during the lunch and dinner portions of the day.
- Company Commanders shall hold a daily critique with their company members at the completion of each routine work schedule to review and evaluate the day's activities and relay important information.
Station Watchman
- In each Division fire station, a daily detail of one member shall be assigned each day as station watchman under the direction and general supervision of the officer in charge.
- Division Officers shall not generally perform station watchman duties.
- Members detailed to perform the duties of station watchman shall be responsible for efficiently discharging all of the duties and activities associated with this assignment.
- If it becomes necessary for the station watchman to be away from or out of direct sight of the immediate vicinity of the watch area for more than just a moment or two, they shall first secure the permission of the officer in charge.
- Station personnel assigned to watch duties shall be permitted to sleep in at an officially designated location any time after 2200 hours.
- Station watchmen shall not occupy beds or sleep anywhere in the station after the 0700 hours "wake-up" announcement.
- Station watchmen shall ensure that Division base station radios or monitors are never turned off or unplugged.
- When answering Division telephones, station watchmen shall relay all information of an urgent or emergency nature to the proper officer or member(s) immediately upon receipt thereof.
- The watchman shall properly record all pertinent information received for later entry in the company log.
Fire Station Communications
- Division telephones installed in Division fire stations are to be used for official business only.
- Members utilizing Division telephones shall keep communications as brief as possible.
- Members shall not use Division telephones to contact the Fire Alarm Office for a period of five (5) minutes after an alarm has been transmitted, and for fifteen (15) minutes after a multiple alarm has been transmitted, except in emergency situations.
- Members receiving emergency runs over the Division fire phone, after stating their station, rank and name, shall carefully listen to, and repeat back in a voice loud enough to be heard by other members in the vicinity, all of the information that they are receiving from the Fire Alarm Office.
- Any addresses, directions, or other pertinent information should be written down by the member answering the call.
Public Address System Procedures
- The Division public address system is the primary means by which alarms of fire and other emergencies are relayed from the Fire Alarm Office to the various fire stations.
- When relaying fire runs the Fire Alarm Office will precede the actual dispatching of companies by announcing the talk group for the run about to be dispatched.
- When relaying EMS runs the Fire Alarm Office will sound a warbling tone and then name the responding companies, the address, and nature of the emergency.
- All companies dispatched and responding to emergency runs transmitted over the public address system shall verify their response on their vehicle’s Mobile Data Computer (MDC).
- The announcement "all stations" shall normally be the preliminary means of indicating that a non-emergency or informative message is about to be transmitted.
- All PA messages and announcements other than emergency runs, service runs, routine day-to-day business, and testing activities must be approved by a Deputy Chief (ES-2), or a higher ranking officer, before being put out.
Base Station Radios
- Stations having base station radios shall set and maintain the volume control so that any Division personnel in the immediate vicinity - and particularly the designated station watchman - can easily monitor those communications being transmitted.
Fire Station Visits - Fire Safety Education Programs
- All visitors to City Fire Stations are to be accorded prompt, courteous, and respectful attention.
- Visitors are defined to be all individuals not employed by the Division of Fire, excluding persons making repairs to Division facilities or equipment, or otherwise conducting Division business.
- Visitors are prohibited from entering a Fire Station between 00:01 and 07:00 hours.
- Each visitor’s stay will be limited to three hours of cumulative time during any one shift.
- Visitors may not remain inside Division facilities, which are vacated by Division personnel who leave on non-emergency business.
- Visitors, at all times, are prohibited from entering any dormitory, locker room, or bedroom areas of the station except that officers may have visitors in their offices during non-prohibited hours.
Visitor Policy
- Company Commanders manage public relations at the fire station level
- Welcoming and explaining station equipment is encouraged
- SOP 04-04-02 – “CFD Rider Policy” outlines guidelines for visitors riding emergency vehicles
- Non-Division personnel are generally not permitted in stations with the exception of friends, family, and individuals with official business
- Visitors should remain in common areas like the kitchen and watch booths
- Company Commanders may exclude visitors from the station.
- Company Commanders are responsible for maintaining safety during children's visits.
- Company Commanders should contact the Division's Community Relations/Public Education Office for group visits.
Program Requests
- The Community Relations/Public Education Office will complete a “Program Request Form” (OF-270) for requested visits
- The form should be sent through divisional channels to the designated station
- The station officer will confirm the details with the requestor
- A minimum of two weeks' notice is required for all station visit requests
- Groups with 10 people or less do not require the OF-270 form
- Groups of 10 or more must complete and submit the form through channels
Program Rescheduling
- Company officers must obtain permission from ES-2 before canceling or rescheduling pre-scheduled visits.
- The Deputy Chief has authority to cancel programs.
- Company officers are responsible for contacting the requestor if a visit cannot be handled as initially planned.
- The Community Relations/Public Education Office should be informed of any reschedules.
Program Confirmations
- It is mandatory to confirm program requests by the date indicated on the OF-270
- The yellow copy of the OF-270 should be returned to the Community Relations Office after confirmation
- After a program is completed, the presenter must complete the bottom section of the OF-270 for evaluation purposes
Visual Aids
- Visual aids are to be collected at the Community Relations Office the day of the program
- Visual aids must be returned the day of the program, immediately following the presentation
- Company officers are responsible for ensuring their personnel are properly trained in the operation of multimedia equipment used in programs
Snow Removal
- Public walkways around Division fire stations must be kept clear of ice and snow
- Station entrances and exits must be kept clear of ice and snow
- Station Captains should inventory snow shovels and rock salt before the snow season
Overhead Doors
- All Division members must be familiar with the manual operation of overhead doors
- Personnel performing maintenance near overhead doors must turn off the power supply
- Company Commanders are responsible for ensuring snow and ice does not accumulate beneath the door weather stripping
Apparatus Parking
- Vehicles and apparatus should be parked in the apparatus floor with the gear shift in the “PARK” position
- Vehicles not equipped with a parking gear should be parked in “neutral” with the air brake engaged
- Vehicles should be parked in a way that ensures safe, prompt response from the stations
- At least one Division member is required to guard the rear of backing vehicles
- Stations should maintain apparatus bay temperatures below 72 degrees
Fire Station expense Fund
- Each station must establish and maintain an expense fund for daily conveniences and necessities
- Funds can be obtained through member contributions, or profit from sales
- Station Captains are responsible for administering expense funds.
- Station Captains may delegate collection, disbursement, and record keeping tasks to other officers
- Station Captains are responsible for providing a monthly financial statement
- The maximum amount of money allowed to accumulate in the expense fund is determined by a majority vote of station members
Station Laundry Procedures
- Station Captains are responsible for maintaining a laundry exchange system
- The system is based on a three-platoon system, providing one complete set of linen for each member
- A set consists of two sheets, one pillow case, one towel, and one washcloth
- Weekly laundry deliveries and exchanges occur
- Each station also receives a predetermined weekly allocation of dish towels
- The watchman is responsible for gathering soiled laundry and ensuring linen is properly marked
- Members are responsible for leaving soiled laundry with the watchman if absent
- Company Commanders are responsible for resolving shortages and laundry from separated personnel
- Station Captains should contact the supplier to resolve laundry system difficulties
Air Cascade Systems
- Air cascade systems are located at all stations and the Fire Complex for maintaining breathing air in respiratory protective systems
- ISU-19 (Incident Support Unit) is primarily used for refilling station cascade systems
- A second air supply vehicle serves as a back-up to ISU-19 and can be used for training exercises
- Certified personnel are authorized to operate air supply vehicles
- Air cascade systems are also equipped with oxygen cascade systems
- Company Officers are responsible for inspecting their station's air cascade system each morning
- When refilling is necessary, company officers should contact ISU-19
- For oxygen or SCBA hardware issues, contact Mask Repair
Breathing Apparatus Cylinder Safety
- Members must check individual breathing apparatus cylinders each morning after roll call and after each use.
- Any cylinder showing signs of exposure to high heat or flame should be removed from service and sent to the mask repair section for evaluation and testing.
- Signs of damage include paint turned brown or black, charred or missing decals, and melted gauge lenses.
Fire Prevention Inspection Policy
- The Division of Fire conducts fire prevention inspections within the city limits and on city property outside the limits.
- Inspections are conducted by emergency services fire inspectors at least once a year in all business, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
- There are various types of inspections, including Regular Company Inspections, Permit and License Inspections, High Rise Building Inspections, Familiarization Inspections, Residential Inspections, Special Inspections, Complaint and Request Inspections, Re-Inspections, School Fire Drills, and Public Education Programs.
- Each inspection type is defined in the Fire Prevention Inspection Manual and respective SOPs.
- The Fire Prevention Bureau assigns fire inspection districts to various Division stations and companies, and re-evaluates these assignments periodically.
- Inspections are conducted in a systematic and orderly fashion with uniform procedures across the Division.
- Company Commanders are responsible for monitoring inspection programs in their assigned districts, completing required reports, and ensuring all inspections are performed.
- Battalion Chiefs monitor the inspection activities of companies under their supervision to ensure progress towards completing assigned programs.
Regular Company Inspections
- These inspections are scheduled by the Fire Prevention Bureau based on the Building Inventory Record (BIR).
- Fire Inspection Records (FIR) are then forwarded to designated fire companies and must be completed by the due date listed on the FIR.
- Inspectors carry proper Division identification, wear the appropriate uniform, and adhere to the Division grooming code.
- Tobacco use is prohibited during inspections.
- Inspectors must carry a copy of the Columbus Fire Code and the Fire Prevention Inspection Manual, along with other necessary materials.
- Inspectors must present identification and describe the purpose of their visit upon arrival at a premise.
- If permission to conduct an inspection is refused, inspectors should quietly leave, report the incident to their supervisor and the Fire Prevention Bureau in writing, and keep the Fire Inspection Record for the involved premises at the station.
- Inspections are generally conducted on weekdays between 0900 and 1200, and 1300 and 1600, and on Saturdays between 0900 and 1200.
- Sunday and holiday inspections require approval from the appropriate Battalion Chief.
- Requests for vacation will not be granted unless all companies in a battalion have completed their assigned building inspections.
- Members with inspection problems should contact the FPB inspector assigned to their battalion or the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Permit and License Inspections
- Company inspectors may be called upon to perform annual permit and license inspections.
- Permit inspections are conducted during May and June, while license inspections are conducted in December.
- Inspectors only check the conditions required by the specific permit or license, not the entire occupancy.
High Rise Building Inspections
- A Division officer is assigned to every high-rise building within the inspection jurisdiction.
- The officer responsible for a high-rise building ensures compliance with the Division’s High Rise Program.
- High Rise Officers receive computer-generated FIRs from the Fire Prevention Bureau four times per year.
- Inspections primarily involve meeting with the building’s Certified Fire Safety Director to ensure compliance with specific sections of the code and proper maintenance of egress routes.
- Company Inspectors conduct regular company inspections of the entire high-rise building and all tenant spaces at least once a year.
- Officers are assigned to new high-rise buildings during construction to ensure the High Rise Program is in place before occupancy.
Familiarization Inspections
- Familiarization inspections of high-risk or target hazard occupancies are conducted periodically by Division fire companies.
- Inspections are typically conducted in the company’s first alarm running district, but may be conducted in the second alarm running district as directed by the Emergency Services Deputy Chief.
Residential Inspections
- These inspections are only performed upon request from a homeowner or resident, or at the direction of the Battalion Chief or Emergency Services Deputy Chief.
Special Inspections
- Special Inspections are conducted in conjunction with specific Division programs, such as the annual Christmas Inspections.
Complaint and Request Inspections
- These inspections are assigned and conducted in response to reports of potentially hazardous conditions or violations of the Fire Code.
Re-Inspections
- Re-inspections are scheduled by company inspectors following code violation findings to ensure corrections have been made.
School Fire Drill Procedures
- School fire drills are conducted in accordance with current SOPs at least once a year, preferably during October.
- Drills should be avoided during lunch hours between 10:45 and 12:45.
Public Education Programs
- Public Education Programs are scheduled by the Community Relations Office.
- The Division’s Program Request Form (OF-270) is completed by the Community Relations Office.
- Copies of the form go to the Emergency Services Deputy Chief, the Battalion Chief in whose district the program will be conducted, and Community relations.
- After receiving the form, the company responsible for the program must confirm its schedule by the date indicated on the form.
- Cancellations of scheduled programs must be approved by the appropriate Battalion Chief and Emergency Services Deputy Chief.
- Members with questions or comments regarding Fire Safety Education Programs should contact the Office of Community Relations.
Juvenile Firesetter Program
- The Juvenile Firesetter Program identifies and works with children who play with fire sources and those who have started fires.
- The program teaches fire safety practices to both children and their parents.
- The interview process is used to gather information about the child’s environment and their fire play or fire-setting problems.
- The information is evaluated to categorize the child’s motivation for fire play as either “curiosity” or “troubled.”
- Division members interested in volunteering for the program must submit a request to the Fire Chief.
- All personnel involved in the program must participate in training sessions and continuing education every six months.
- The program receives referrals from various sources, including parents, fire incident reports, Franklin County Children Services, mental health professionals, the Franklin County Juvenile Court, and Division Fire Investigators.
- An initial interview is conducted by the JFP Coordinator to determine if the child needs educational intervention or referral to another agency.
- An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed by the JFP Coordinator, and all educational sessions are scheduled and conducted by the JFP Coordinator or a trained designee.
- The program includes primary and secondary prevention efforts.
- Primary prevention focuses on providing fire safety education for children before a fire occurs.
- Secondary prevention targets children who have been involved in starting fires.
- Those with questions about enrolling children in the program should instruct parents to contact the program coordinator.
Apparatus and Equipment Identification
- All tools, equipment, and fire hoses assigned to the various companies and stations are marked for identification.
- Tools and equipment powered by internal combustion engines have a brass tag number.
- Tools, equipment, including fire hoses and equipment powered by engines are marked with the numerical company designation.
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Code letter and company number combination for all tools and equipment:
- Battalion Chiefs’ Car: BN
- Engine: E
- Ladder: L
- Rescue: R
- Rescue Support Unit: RSU
- Boat: B
- EMS Supervisor: EMS
- Medic: M
- HazMat Vehicle: HM
- Incident Support Unit: ISU
- Air Crash: AC
- Foam Trailer: FT
- Tanker: T
- Station Car: SC
- Most markings are applied with permanent ink pens issued by The Division supply section.
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Supplementary apparatus:
- Supplementary Engines: Marked "XE" followed by the station number.
- Supplementary Ladders: Marked "XL" followed by the station number.
- Other Supplementary Apparatus: Marked with an "X" followed by the appropriate code letter(s) (e.g., a supplementary rescue stationed at Station 4 would be marked "XR-4").
Hose Marking
- The size and placement of company numbers on hoses are uniform.
- Each hose section has markings on both sides parallel to the hose.
- Company markings are ۱۵ inches from the male coupling.
- For hoses without a designated male or female coupling, the number is fifteen inches from one end.
- Numbers are 1/4 inch in width.
Tool and Equipment Marking
- Ladders, tools, and equipment are marked with a block background painted in aluminum paint.
- Markings may be removed due to non-porous surfaces, requiring periodic renewal.
- The size of company numbers should be readily visible and conform to the authorized sample.
- Ladders are marked on the outside of both beams, eighteen inches above the but of the ladder.
- Tools and fittings are marked in a visible area subject to minimal wear.
Apparatus-Maintenance Procedures
- Company Commanders and other Division members are responsible for the care and maintenance of Division vehicles.
- Vehicle maintenance consists of fire station level maintenance and shop level maintenance.
- Station level maintenance includes minor repairs, adjustments, lubrication, bulb replacement, and general cleaning tasks.
- Shop level maintenance includes major repairs, replacement, and adjustment procedures requiring specialized knowledge and equipment.
- Drivers of Division Vehicles are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of their vehicles.
- Drivers must be familiar with all vehicle systems, components, lubrication points, reservoir fill points, battery servicing requirements, and other operating characteristics.
- Drivers check their vehicle's operational readiness at the beginning of each work shift.
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Daily inspection includes:
- Fuel Tanks: Maintained above 1/2 full.
- Oil Level: Maintained within the “safe” range.
- Radiator: Maintained one inch above top of core tubes, using recommended coolant.
- Batteries: Water level above plates, kept clean and terminals tight.
- Tires: Visual check.
- Brake Air Tanks: Build pressure and bleed water daily during freezing weather.
- Water Tanks: Should be full.
- Lights: All emergency and service lights checked.
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Weekly Visual Check:
- Every Monday, drivers of all Division vehicles except chief’s cars, bureau and station trucks, and emergency medical and rescue service vehicles should check the underside of their assigned vehicles.
- Items to check: loose fittings; broken or damaged lines; leaks involving water, fuel, or lubricants; frayed or broken wires; or any other readily apparent condition.
- After each fire or emergency run, vehicles are inspected for damage or malfunctions.
- Drivers are responsible for reporting the need for station level or shop level maintenance.
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Weekly station level maintenance includes:
- Check air pressure in tires.
- Check wheel lug bolts for tightness.
- Test parallel/series valve and governor or relief valve.
- Check priming pump oil level.
- Lubricate intake and outlet valves.
- Oil outlet and drain valve linkage systems
- Operate and climb aerial ladder.
- Clean ladder cable and fittings
- Lubricate ladder cable and fittings.
- Lubricate turntable and fifth wheel.
- Lubricate spring locks and stabilizing jacks.
- Clean contact rings under turntable.
- Check hydraulic fluid reservoirs.
- Perform other maintenance measures as prescribed by manufacturer's manuals and Division policies.
- The Maintenance Shop will determine if repairs are classified as routine (minor) or emergency (major).
- Non-emergency or routine work is performed at the Maintenance shop by appointment.
- All maintenance activity is recorded in the apparatus log book by company commanders and vehicle drivers.
- Station personnel assist the mechanic when maintenance work is done at the station.
- Division members wait in a designated waiting area when work is done at the Maintenance Shop unless requested to assist by the mechanic.
- The driver or member responsible for the vehicle inspects the vehicle against the shop work order after maintenance has been performed.
- A performance or road test is conducted when necessary.
- Entries in the apparatus log book are made upon completion of work, including work performed and vehicle status.
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Regularly Scheduled Maintenance:
- Diesel Powered Apparatus:
- Oil and Filter Change: 100 hours.
- Fuel Filter Change: as needed
- Lubrication: monthly
- Gasoline Powered Apparatus:
- Oil and Filter Change: 4,000 road miles
- Lubrication: according to manufacturer’s recommendation (typically with the oil change)
- Diesel Powered Apparatus:
- Specialized vehicles may require additional care and maintenance activities.
- Vehicle engine temperatures are maintained within a specific range using an auxiliary cooler or radiator fill valve.
- Company commanders are responsible for obtaining the required information for the monthly mileage report.
- Fuel credit cards are used for the purchase of gasoline or diesel fuel.
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Fuel Procurement Priority:
- Division of Fire fuel tanks
- Fleet Management service station at Groves Road
- Fleet fuel card facilities – self-service only
- Diesel-powered apparatus is fueled from the fire station fuel tanks whenever possible.
Out-of-Town Vehicle Repairs
- Members traveling out-of-town are responsible for paying for vehicle repairs, and will be reimbursed after returning to the City and submitting proper documentation.
- For the purposes of this policy, “out-of-town” is defined as any area outside of Franklin County and the counties immediately adjacent to Franklin County.
Supplementary Apparatus - Maintenance and Procedures
- The supplementary apparatus of the Division of Fire serves as replacement apparatus when the regular first-line apparatus is out of service or as a resource for large-scale fire or other disaster situations.
- Supplementary apparatus can be used as a substitute for regularly assigned apparatus or as an additional resource for call-in personnel.
- Supplementary apparatus must receive proper care and maintenance and is fully outfitted with tools and equipment.
- Daily, the personnel assigned to the station or bureau to which supplementary apparatus is assigned conduct an equipment check.
- There are three (3) equipment lists maintained for each piece of supplementary apparatus: one on the apparatus, one on file at the station or bureau, and one on file at The Tools and Equipment Office.
- Requests for changes in the complement of equipment on supplementary apparatus are submitted through channels to The Support Services Bureau Head.
- All motors on supplementary apparatus shall be started and run for thirty (30) minutes each week.
- The Fire Maintenance Liaison Office (FMLO) maintains an up-to-date list of supplementary apparatus and their locations.
- The FMLO and Company Commander are notified whenever supplementary apparatus is put into service or moved to a different location.
- Station Captains prepare and maintain apparatus log books for each piece of supplementary apparatus assigned to their care.
- The apparatus log book is divided into three sections: Log Section, Hose Section, and Maintenance Section.
- All entries in the log book must include: the date, sufficient information to explain the entry, and the station or bureau, unit, rank, and signature of the person making the entry.
- Failure to properly complete required entries in the supplementary apparatus log book may result in accountability for any discrepancies.
Supplementary Apparatus Log Section
- Log entries should detail daily equipment checks, including the date, person making the check, and any missing or damaged equipment.
- If no equipment is missing, this fact must be recorded.
- If equipment is missing, the station captain or their alternate, who is responsible for the apparatus, must be notified.
- A "Report of Equipment Lost" (Form ET-68) must be completed and submitted to the supply office along with a request for replacement.
- The last person to sign the record book before the equipment was discovered missing is held responsible for the missing equipment and may face disciplinary action if neglect or misuse is indicated.
Supplementary Apparatus Hose Section
- All hose permanently assigned to supplementary apparatus should be listed alphabetically and numerically, beginning with the largest hose, on form EL-66.
- Hose sent for repair, replacement, or condemnation should be listed in both the record book and on Form EL-66.
- A "Hose Load Card" (Form EI-52) in duplicate should be filled out and revised each time the hose sequence on the apparatus is changed. One copy is kept on the apparatus and the duplicate is kept in the apparatus log book.
- Hose assigned to supplementary apparatus should be marked separately from the regular inventory and kept separate from the main station's stock.
- If hose from the station inventory is used, it must be removed when the apparatus is moved to a new location.
Supplementary Apparatus Maintenance Section
- All maintenance work, whether major or minor, should be recorded in the Maintenance Section of the log book.
- This includes oil changes, lubrication, mileage information, and any other relevant data.
- Proper signatures are required for both routine maintenance and major repairs.
- When a supplementary apparatus is delivered to the Training Academy or Logistics Center, a thorough equipment check should be conducted before and after use.
- Any missing or damaged tools should be recorded in the vehicle log and reported to the Chief.
- Members at the receiving bureau are responsible for safeguarding the hose, tools, and equipment assigned to the vehicle.
- When a supplementary apparatus is sent to the shop for repairs lasting longer than 24 hours, all equipment, including hose fittings, should be removed and kept at the assigned station.
- Only the vehicle's log book should remain with the apparatus.
Tools and Equipment Maintenance and Procedures
- Company members are responsible for maintaining tools and equipment under the direction of the Company Commander.
- Daily equipment checks are required after roll call to ensure the availability, cleanliness, and functionality of all tools.
- Special attention should be paid to infrequently used tools and any improper storage practices should be corrected.
- The status of equipment should be recorded in the company journal, including any missing or damaged items.
- A letter of explanation should be initiated by the Company Commander and sent to the Chief if tools, equipment, or hose are damaged or fail.
- If no missing items are found, an appropriate notation should be recorded in the company journal.
- A complete equipment check should be performed before returning to quarters after a fire or other emergency.
- Equipment should be returned to operational readiness as soon as possible after returning to quarters, with a particular focus on respiratory protective breathing apparatus.
- Respiratory protective breathing apparatus systems must be thoroughly checked and cleaned daily and after each use.
- Whenever possible, respiratory protective systems should be returned to operational readiness (cylinders changed, facepieces cleaned, etc.) before leaving the emergency scene.
- Tools or equipment not meeting firefighting standards should be cleaned, lubricated, or repaired as necessary. If conditions warrant, they should be tagged and sent to Tools and Equipment for repair or replacement.
- Gasoline-powered tools and equipment should be started and run outdoors weekly until they reach operating temperature.
- Nozzles should be checked frequently and handled carefully as they are precision instruments.
- Ladders should be inspected regularly and after each use.
- Ropes must be protected from moisture and stored away from sharp objects. Ropes should be checked after each use and a thorough inspection must be performed every six months.
- General maintenance rules for all Division tools and equipment include:
- Maintaining visible brass tag numbers and company identification numbers on all tools.
- Keeping unpainted surfaces free from rust.
- Ensuring that moving parts are lightly oiled.
- Cleaning and repainting appropriate tools when necessary.
- Keeping tools free from dirt and grease.
- Using the proper tool or item of equipment for the task at hand.
Power Tools and Equipment Maintenance and Procedures
- Power tools and equipment used in the Division are complicated, expensive, and prone to damage. Proper care and maintenance are essential.
- Power tools should be stored securely in their proper compartments on the apparatus.
- All members need to be familiar with the operation of all power tools carried on the apparatus, including those specific to rescue companies.
- Power tools requiring weekly scheduled tests and preventive maintenance should typically be performed on Monday.
Boats, Boat Motors, and Equipment Maintenance and Procedures
- Boats, motors, and water rescue equipment should be maintained in a state of readiness.
- The station to which the equipment is assigned is responsible for maintenance.
- Each boat must have a log book with an equipment list, tool and equipment status (RL-135), weekly check forms, and a record of maintenance.
- Weekly checks, including motor run tests, are to be performed by the personnel assigned at the responsible station on Wednesday of each week.
- When boats, trailers, or equipment need repair, Tools and Equipment should be notified.
- If a motor needs repairs, Tools and Equipment will arrange for repairs.
- Any missing or damaged equipment should be recorded in the Boat Log and a Form ET-68 should be completed if necessary.
- The Station Captain should review the boat log periodically to ensure that weekly checks are being conducted and logs are properly maintained.
Boat Motor Run Test
- A motor flusher is required for motor run tests.
- The lower unit of the motor and rubber cubs on the flusher should be thoroughly wet before sliding the flusher into place over the water intake openings.
- A garden hose should be attached to the flusher connector and water should be turned on to ensure proper cooling.
- The motor should be placed in neutral, started, and run at shift speed for five minutes.
- The motor should not be left unattended while running.
- The discharge should be monitored continuously. If little or no water is being emitted, the engine should be stopped immediately.
- The hose should also be inspected for kinking or misalignment of the flusher.
- If a problem persists, the engine should be stopped and Tools and Equipment notified immediately.
- If the boat is deemed unusable for an emergency situation, the Fire Alarm Office should also be notified that the boat is out of service.
Boat Motor Fuel Procedures and Preventive Maintenance
- Two-cycle motors must be run on a gasoline/oil mixture. The oil (lubricant) can be obtained from Tools and Equipment.
- The proper outboard oil/gasoline mixture should be used, as specified on the motor.
- Gasoline stabilizer must also be added.
- Gas and oil should never be mixed in less than 6-gallon quantities.
- When the fuel tank falls below half full, the fuel should be removed and stored in an approved container. A new 6-gallon mixture should be created.
- The removed fuel should be disposed of by adding it to the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
- If the fuel is over 1 year old, it should be replaced even if the tank is more than half full.
- Fuel change information can be obtained from the boat log weekly check form.
- The lower end of the motor contains grease that needs to be changed annually. This change, along with a preventive maintenance check, will be performed in April of each year and scheduled by the Maintenance Shop.
Fire Hose General
- Hose should not be left on the apparatus when muddy or soiled.
- Hose made of synthetic fibers can pick up contaminants and debris that may be harmful to apparatus, personnel, or public property and should be removed.
- Hose should be cleaned or replaced with a clean, dry supply as conditions warrant.
- All mud and debris should be removed by washing or brushing. When necessary, hose should be dried according to the requirements for the specific type of hose.
- Under normal conditions, hose used at fires, training, or other purposes should be changed or cleaned regularly by the shift that used it or by subsequent shifts.
- Hose changes and related information should be recorded in the Company Journal and on Form EL-51.
- The Hose Load Card (EI-52) should also be revised.
- When more than half of the normal complement of a particular size hose (excluding 2” or smaller) needs changing, the Fire Alarm Office must be contacted and permission obtained to call the apparatus out of service in order to make the change. If less than half of the load is being changed, companies do not need to call out of service.
- When changing hose, the Company Commander should have the replacement hose laid out, coupled together, and ready to be loaded.
- The used hose should be removed and the fresh load put in its place as quickly as possible.
- All gaskets in hose connections should be inspected for damage and replaced before the hose is loaded on the apparatus.
- Cold temperatures can cause damage to rubber but hose can be stored in cold areas if it is first thoroughly drained and dried.
- Frozen fire hose is susceptible to cracking if bent and should be handled with care.
- The folds of all hose loaded on the apparatus should be changed at least monthly to reduce damage from kinks, mildew, and other harmful actions. The folds of synthetic rubber ribbed hose should be changed three times per year in January, May, and September.
- All hose stored in fire stations should be unrolled, inverted, and re-rolled at least quarterly.
- All fire hose should have water passed through it at least once per year, including auxiliary supplies and hose loaded on the apparatus. This requirement is typically accomplished during the annual hose test.
- Hose stored in fire stations should be stored to allow for air circulation and inspected monthly for signs of mildew and deterioration.
- Fire hose should not be exposed to direct sunlight or hot, dry air.
- When using fire hose, care should be taken to prevent the section closest to the engine or hydrant from being chaffed by vibration against the ground.
- Acids, oils, rust, gasoline, chemicals, and fumes can damage certain types of fire hose and should be avoided.
Hose Inventory
- An accurate hose inventory must be kept in the Company Record on Form EL-66.
- Company Officers are responsible for properly updating the hose inventory form.
Hose Repair and Replacement
- When hose is sent to the Hose Repair for repair, the following steps must be taken:
- Clean and dry each section.
- Attach a repair tag that includes the date, section number, officer's name, station, unit, a brief description of the damage, the location of the damage, and whether or not the hose leaks.
- Circle any leaks or defects with a permanent black marker.
- List the damaged hose number from Form EL-66 in the company log.
- Companies should contact the ICP Manager for guidance on obtaining replacement hose.
- Upon receiving replacement hose, the company officer should verify that appropriate information is recorded in the company log, the hose is properly marked, and the hose is tested.
- If repairable, damaged hose will be repaired and returned to the station from which it came.
Hose Requirements and Testing
- Fire hose should be tested annually with predetermined maximum pressures.
- Tests are supervised by the Emergency Services Bureau.
- All hose testing follows the NFPA 1962, the Administrative Code of Ohio, and SOPs.
- Damaged hoses will be designated as "Unfit for Service" or "Condemned" and sent back to the station.
- High-pressure hose is tested annually by a hose repair technician.
- All hose testing procedures and requirements are documented in the Hose Inventory / Test Record (EL-66e).
Salvage Covers
- Salvage covers are used to protect property from damage caused by fire, smoke, water, heat, cold, and weather.
- Salvage covers can be made of canvas, vinyl, or disposable plastic.
- Disposable plastic sheeting is obtained from the Supply Section.
Ropes - Maintenance & Procedures
- All ropes should be inspected monthly in May and November.
- Ropes made of natural fibers should be cleaned by brushing, flaking, or peeling.
- Ropes made of synthetic materials can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent.
- Rope Inspection Forms are used to document the condition of ropes.
- Ropes should not be stored near sharp objects.
Radiation Instruments - Maintenance & Procedures
- Radiation instruments are assigned to all fire stations and various vehicles.
- These instruments are maintained by the Emergency Management Agency.
- All instruments should be checked and tested regularly by station personnel.
- Defective instruments are sent to the Office of Research and Development for repair or exchange.
Fire Hydrant Inspections and Procedures
- Fire hydrant valves should be opened and closed slowly to avoid damage to water mains and service lines.
- Hydrants used between October 15 and April 15 should be pumped dry.
- Any hydrant used between October 15 and April 15 or found leaking should be reported on Hydrant Web.
- A permit is required for any person other than employees of the Fire and Water Divisions to use hydrants.
- All members of the Fire Division should report any suspected illegal use of a fire hydrant.
- Each station commander is responsible for maintaining a map showing the location of all hydrants in their assigned district.
- Missing fire hydrant caps should be replaced using regular requisition procedures.
- Company Commanders are responsible for the care and inspection of fire hydrants closest to their station, as these hydrants are normally used for training purposes.
Hydrant Inspections
- Fire hydrant inspections are carried out systematically to ensure accessibility, visibility, and operation.
- Inspections are completed to familiarize personnel with the location of all fire hydrants within the City of Columbus.
- Any defects found during inspections should be noted on Hydrant Web.
- Company Commanders are responsible for ensuring that the "Hydrant Out of Service List" is kept up to date.
- Company Commanders are responsible for replacing missing fire hydrant caps.
Summer Hydrant Inspections
- Summer hydrant inspections are conducted from April 15 to October 15 each year.
- Summer hydrant inspections focus on ensuring the visibility of hydrants from all directions.
- Weeds surrounding any hydrants should be cut.
Winter Hydrant Inspections
- All hydrants within the city limits should be pumped free of water each fall before October 15 or earlier if weather conditions warrant.
- Winter hydrant inspections are conducted between October 15 and April 15 each year.
- Winter hydrant inspections determine the condition of each hydrant and ensure that hydrants are pumped free of water to prevent freezing.
- Additional inspections may be required in the event of heavy snow or unusual icing conditions.
Fire Hydrant Flushing Procedures
- Flushing of all city fire hydrants is accomplished according to the provisions of this section.### Hydrant Flushing
- Hydrant flushing occurs between April 15th and October 15th of each year
- Two to three hydrants should be flushed at a time
- The Division Hydrant Coordinator will notify those responsible for maintaining private hydrants that they are required to be pumped free of water by October 15th
- The soft flush method is to be strictly observed, Company Commanders are responsible for insuring that proper hydrant flushing procedures are followed.
- Hydrants that are found to be out of service during flushing are to be reported on Water-Web.
- Hydrant districts will be assigned to the various Companies. Districts will be rotated or reassigned as necessary on or about April 15 of each year.
Pay Procedures
- All employees of the Division of Fire shall be paid on a bi-weekly basis.
- Payday will be the Thursday immediately following the completion of each designated pay period.
- Overtime pay is at the rate of time and one-half the hourly rate.
- Members assigned to 40-hour positions shall receive overtime pay for all time that they are required to work in excess of that stipulated as their regular daily shift -- or in excess of 40 hours in any week.
Trading of Time Policy
- Trading of time shall be repaid hour for hour, and shall not include any other form of compensation.
- Trading of time is a privilege not a right and may be granted at the discretion of the respective Battalion Chiefs.
- Trades shall ordinarily be between Division members of equal rank, and whenever possible, similar skill levels.
- Members owing time to other Division members as a result of trades must expect to repay this obligation within a reasonable time.
- Members shall be limited to not more than 49 consecutive hour's on-duty.
Late for Duty
- Division members who are not physically present at their permanently assigned duty station or properly sanctioned temporary work location and in compliance with the Division grooming code shall be marked as reporting late for duty.
- Members working the three platoon system who are required to stand a formal roll call shall be in formation at 0800 hours and in compliance with the Division grooming code or be considered late for duty.
- Members working a forty (40) hour work week are required to report to duty at their specified time and be in compliance with the Division grooming code or be considered late for duty.
### Vacation Procedures
- See the current agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67 IAFF for the Vacation Policy and Procedure.
Call-In Procedures
- The call-in procedures are divided into three classes: Class I or "special" call-in, Class II or "regular" call-in, and Class III or "general" call-in.
- Class I Call-in: selected officers and members are called in according to need. This could be based on a predetermined plan where individual expertise and/or special skills are required (i.e., tank specialists, bomb squad, etc.).
- Class II Call-in: the work shift that is next due on duty is called in. Members will be instructed to report to special designated areas, or to their normal duty stations.
- Class III Call-in: all off-duty personnel are called in. Members will be instructed to report to special designated areas, or to their normal duty stations.
Additional Information
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Battalion Chiefs shall be aware of the following procedures concerning all government or private hydrants within the boundaries of the city hydrant districts assigned to the companies under their supervision.
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The individual hydrant districts shall be numbered according to the following code:
- First digit shall represent the unit number (1, 2, or 3)
- Second digit shall represent the Battalion number.
- Third digit shall represent the company to which the district is assigned followed by the letter E, L, or R.
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Government institutions, private plants, apartment complexes and all other occupancies having their own private fire hydrant system are responsible for maintaining, servicing, pumping, and inspecting such hydrants on a regular basis.
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All future annexed territories shall be included in and made a part of the existing hydrant districts that they adjoin. All new city hydrant installations shall also be included within the existing districts, but if such installations are not within existing hydrant districts, they too shall be made a part of the hydrant districts that they adjoin.
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Any contracted hydrant districts will be assigned to the appropriate station to be maintained and inspected.### Late for Duty Reporting
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A late report for duty requires a verbal report by the supervisor to the Battalion Chief, and a written Late For Duty Report (Form PT-20).
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The supervisor shall investigate the member's excuse for being late and includes comments in the report.
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Form PT-20 is sent through channels to the Administrative Officer.
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Entries concerning late reporting are required in the daily Personnel Status Report, daily log, and company journal.
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The Battalion Chief recommends, signs, and forwards the report to the Deputy Chief.
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The Deputy Chief recommends and forwards the report to the Administrative Officer for final approval.
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The Administrative Officer makes the final determination of excuses, based on criteria in 710.20 and 710.22.
Late for Duty Penalties
- Members are charged 1/10th of an hour’s pay for every six minutes they are late.
- There is no loss of pay for members who are less than six minutes late.
- The first late in a 12-month period results in verbal counseling and a Memorandum of Counseling.
- The second late in a 12-month period results in a Personnel Warning Report and a possible verbal warning.
- The third late in a 12-month period results in a Personnel Warning Report and a written reprimand from the Bureau Head.
- Fourth and subsequent lates in a 12-month period trigger a disciplinary hearing before the Chief.
Sick and Injury Leave
- Sick and injury leave policy follows the employee’s current bargaining agreement or compensation plan.
- Employees are entitled to paid leave for sickness or injury unless it resulted from employment outside the City of Columbus.
- Employees are responsible for reporting absences and may forfeit pay for uninvestigated absences.
- Employees must complete Form PR-5 upon returning to work and Form PR-3 for bereavement leave.
- Injury leave applies to injuries directly related to work duties, but does not guarantee BWC claim approval.
Certifying Off Duty
- Employees must notify the Fire Alarm Office or utilize Telestaff at least 45 minutes before their scheduled shift.
- Failing to notify the FAO or use Telestaff may result in the employee being marked AWOL.
- Employees failing to certify off duty at least 45 minutes before roll call may be charged with a late.
- Off duty reasons include illness, work-related injury, FMLA, DIF, SLOTS, and LWOP.
- Each off-duty designation has its own rules and procedures.
Hospitalization
- Employees must notify the Fire Alarm Office and provide information about hospitalization, including reason, visitor status, release date, and other relevant information.
- The Fire Alarm Office enters this information into Telestaff or notifies ES-2 or the assigned bureau.
- The information is recorded in the Company Journal and the assigned supervisor notifies the Battalion Chief and the Payroll Office.
Certifying off Duty While on Duty
- Employees becoming ill or injured on duty are to be taken to a hospital, urgent care, personal healthcare provider, or home, depending on the severity.
- The employee's immediate supervisor is notified as soon as possible.
- The injured employee must submit a City of Columbus Accident Report Form (A-1) to their supervisor.
- On-duty employees must inform their supervisor and the Fire Alarm Office.
- The supervisor notifies their own supervisor, the Emergency Services Deputy Chief, and makes the necessary entries in the Company Journal.
- The supervisor is responsible for employee's belongings, transportation, and ensuring the Payroll Office has the correct information.
- The Battalion Chief investigates the illness or injury, checks on the employee's condition, and informs the appropriate bureau head.
Sick Leave Certification
- Employees on sick leave longer than six consecutive duty days or after the sixth sick leave incident in a calendar year will be sent a letter requesting a doctor's excuse.
- Employees have ten days to submit the doctor's note and may be charged AWOL if they do not respond.
- The Division may request additional information from the employee's doctor.
- Failure to provide documentation may result in denial of sick leave.
- Medical documentation determines whether the employee is cleared for full duty or light duty.
Injury Leave - General Information
- Injury leave is a contractual benefit for work-related injuries reported within 15 calendar days.
- Incapacitated employees can have the accident report filed by their supervisor.
- Injury leave is a separate benefit from BWC.
- Human Resources determines eligibility for injury leave.
- Employees are responsible for monitoring their leave balance and providing required information to Human Resources.
- Employees use their regular leave balance until approved for injury leave.
Injury Leave
- To request injury leave, submit the following to the Division’s Human Resource Office:
- Accident Report Form (A-1) within fifteen (15) calendar days of the incident
- Signed medical documentation (Medco-14 or similar form) that supports missed time off work. This must include:
- Diagnosis/ICD Code
- Date(s) off work that support the COD dates
- Healthcare Provider’s signature
- City of Columbus Recurrence or Continuing Care Form, required for time missed after the initial date of injury or for continuing treatment/therapy
Light Duty
- Light duty assignments are temporary and meant for employees who are injured or incapacitated.
- Light duty is not automatically granted and assignments are based on the needs of the Division of Fire.
- The Administration Bureau Chief is responsible for authorizing light duty assignments.
- To request a light duty assignment, the Bureau Head must notify the Administration Office of the need to have work completed and provide a description of that work.
- Job assignments for light duty employees will be determined by the skills of the employee and/or the needs of the Division.
- Employees who are incapable of performing their regular duties due to a work-related injury or illness, but are capable of performing duties in a limited capacity, shall request a light duty assignment.
- Failure to do so may make an employee ineligible for injury leave benefits.
Light Duty Request Procedure
- Submit a RT-154, Intra-Divisional Communication, requesting a light duty assignment, no less than one week before the anticipated start date, and include the following:
- Start date
- Reason for requesting
- Whether or not the light duty is for a work-related injury
- Submit a completed doctor’s statement, BWC form Medco-14 or similar, including the following:
- Date the employee is eligible to work with restrictions
- Details of all restrictions placed on the employee
- Whether the restrictions are temporary or permanent
- Date of the employees estimated or expected return to regular duty
Light Duty General Policies
- Employees must have a current doctor’s statement on file with the Administration Office or the Division’s Human Resource Office for the duration of their light duty assignment.
- Light duty assignments for employees permanently assigned to a platoon assignment will begin and end on the Sunday of the Kelly Day cycle. This does not apply to employees permanently assigned to a 40-hour assignment.
- Employees on light duty will generally be assigned to a 40-hour workweek with an eight-hour day, Monday thru Friday.
- The 40-hour, 8% stipend, will not be paid to employees on a light duty assignment.
- Employees on light duty are not eligible for shift differential, OOC, Special Duty or Special Events.
- Employees on light duty may not accept a turn of overtime.
- If placed on a 40-hour light duty assignment from a platoon assignment, the employee’s vacation hours will be converted to a 40-hour equivalent balance.
- Employees on light duty may be offered position-specific training.
- Vacation may be taken in one-hour increments with prior approval.
- Sick or injury leave may be taken in one-hour increments.
- Light duty employees that need to COD (certify off duty) are to follow the normal call off procedures.
Light Duty Utilizing Fitness Equipment
- Employees on light duty may use division fitness equipment only with a medical release from their physician and signed authorization from the Administration Bureau Chief.
- Submit a completed medical release form from your treating physician, including:
- Type of exercise and/or physical equipment recommended for physical therapy
- Weight restrictions
- Exercise duration
- Submit a typed RT-154, Intra-Divisional Communication, to the Administration Bureau Chief, requesting to participate in a physical fitness program with the medical release form attached.
- When using the division’s fitness center, employees on a light duty assignment are required to document their time by signing in and out.
Returning to Regular Duty
- To return to regular duty, an employee must request and be approved to return to their regular full duty assignment.
- Submit a completed RT-154, Intra-Divisional Communication, requesting to be released from their light duty assignment, including:
- Date the employee will be returning to regular duty
- Submit a completed doctor’s statement, Medco-14 or similar form, including:
- Date the employee is released to return to regular duty
- Statement that the employee is capable of returning to regular duty
Light Duty Review Process
- The Fire Chief or authorized designee shall review the status of employees who are consistently unable to perform their regularly assigned duties.
- These employees are required to attend interactive meetings while on light duty.
- The Fire Chief may cause an investigation to determine fitness for duty of employees who are unable to consistently perform their regularly assigned duties for a period of 1 year.
- For this investigation, employees must:
- Participate in an interactive process
- Produce medical documentation from the employee’s physician or appropriate treating medical professional
- Undergo examination by an appropriate medical professional designated by the city.
Returning to Duty General Provisions
- Employees returning to their regular duty assignment after having been off duty for illness or a work-related injury shall comply with the provisions of this section and the applicable portions of the employee’s current bargaining agreement or compensation plan.
- When returning from injury, sickness, SLOTS or FMLA, complete a PR-5 and submit it to their immediate supervisor.
- When required, all physicians’ statements or other related documents shall be attached to a completed PR-5 and submitted.
- An employee may send their medical information directly to the Division’s Human Resource Office, marked confidential.
- If in the opinion of their immediate supervisor, an employee is not able to perform the duties required of their job assignment upon returning from illness or injury, the supervisor shall immediately notify the Division Administration Bureau Chief. The Administration Bureau Chief will then schedule an appointment at an appropriate facility for the purpose of examining the involved employee.
Returning to Regular Duty From Illness
- Division employees working the forty-hour week who are absent from work due to an illness for more than two (2) consecutive working days must present a written statement from their personal physician that they are able to return to duty.
- Employees who have been absent due to illness for two (2) days or less may return to duty without a statement from their physician.
- Division employees working the platoon system who have been absent due to illness for more than one (1) tour of duty must present a written statement from their personal physician to return to duty.
- An employee absent due to illness for one (1) complete tour of duty or less, may be allowed to return to duty if, in the opinion of such employee’s immediate supervisor or bureau head, the employee in question is able to properly discharge his assigned duties.
Returning to Regular Duty From Work-Related Injury
- Division employees who have been absent from their regularly assigned duties because of a work-related injury – including those employees who have been temporarily assigned to a “Light Duty” position – must obtain the written approval of their healthcare provider and present this statement to their immediate supervisor upon returning to regular duty.
Returning to Regular Duty From Sick Leave Other Than Self (SLOTS)
- When an employee returns after certifying off duty from SLOTS, they must submit a written excuse from their family member’s attending physician to their immediate supervisor.
Returning to Regular Duty From FMLA
- When an employee returns after certifying off duty from FMLA, they shall indicate the type of FMLA used on the PR-5.
Returning to Regular Duty From LWOP
- When an employee returns after certifying off duty by requesting LWOP, they shall do the following if they have not already done so.
- Submit a RT-154, Intra-Divisional Communication, to the Fire Chief as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours of the incident.
- Identify the specifics which required the COD and the form of leave they are requesting
Physical Examination Procedures
- Physical examinations may be requested by individual Bureau Heads, when a special need is indicated, subject to the approval of the Chief
Employee Counseling Procedures
- Counseling is one of the key elements of leadership and a responsibility of immediate supervisors.
- It is the art of communicating advice, instruction, or judgment, with the intent of influencing a person's attitude or behavior.
- Counseling should be conducted periodically.
Good Performance Counseling
- Good performance counseling should not be used solely to point out and attempt to improve job performance or conduct.
- Through counseling for good performance, the immediate supervisor can satisfy the need for self-esteem.
- In counseling for good performance, be specific to emphasize and reinforce that which is particularly noteworthy.
Corrective Performance Counseling
- If an employee’s job performance or conduct is below standard, the supervisor should conduct corrective counseling.
- The goal of corrective performance counseling is to improve the job performance or conduct of the employee.
- Corrective performance counseling can range from the informal discussion to the formal session which is documented with a Memorandum of Counseling.
- It is important that the session be conducted in private.
Indications for Corrective Performance Counseling
- When a probationary employee or apprentice firefighter is having difficulty learning or performing necessary elements of the job.
- When a previously good performer begins to perform below par consistently.
- When a normally attentive employee suddenly displays a lack of attentiveness or concentration which adversely affects job performance.
- When an employee is involved in deliberate acts of misconduct or refuses to follow orders or instructions.
- When an employee abuses or exhibits a disregard for the rules, regulations, policies or procedures of the Division of Fire, or the City of Columbus, or the Civil Service Commission.
Conducting the Formal Counseling Session
- During the formal counseling session, the supervisor should structure the discussion using the Memorandum of Counseling as a guide.
- Remember the goal of the counseling session is to correct shortcomings in job performance or conduct, not to cause embarrassment.
- After each paragraph of the Memorandum of Counseling has been thoroughly explained, steps should be taken to close the conversation in a friendly manner.
Corrective Performance Counseling
- Purpose: To address job performance or conduct deficiencies.
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Procedure:
- Supervisor must document the counseling session with a "Memorandum of Counseling".
- If the employee is struggling due to personal issues, refer them to the City's Employee Assistance Program.
- If the issue persists, consider further formal counseling or disciplinary action.
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Documentation:
- Adequate documentation is crucial to illustrate the employee was informed of the problem and given an opportunity to correct it.
- The "Memorandum of Counseling" is the primary source of documentation.
- Only one specific performance or conduct problem should be addressed per memorandum.
GPS Discipline Policy
- Purpose: To ensure safe operation of CFD vehicles.
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Enforcement:
- First GPS alert of exceeding speed limit (90 mph or 30 mph over posted limit): Informal counseling.
- Second GPS alert: Memorandum of Counseling.
- Subsequent alerts: Progressive discipline, including verbal and written warnings, and potentially a hearing with the Fire Chief.
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Record Keeping:
- All documentation and counseling records are maintained for two years.
Funeral Procedures
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On-Duty Firefighter Death:
- The on-duty Deputy Chief (ES 2) is responsible for notifying the deceased's family.
- Notification should involve the Deputy Chief, a Battalion Chief, a family friend, and potentially a Division of Fire Chaplain.
- The Fire Chief and Administrative Officer must also be notified.
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Off-Duty Firefighter Death:
- The procedures for notifying the family are the same as for an on-duty firefighter.
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Other Procedures:
- The Deputy Chief (ES 2) is responsible for completing the "Funeral Notice" Form (PI-15) and transmitting it to the Fire Alarm Office for public address transmission.
- The Deputy Chief will also offer transportation to the family to assist with funeral arrangements.
- The Deputy Chief will arrange for flowers to be sent from the Fire Division to the funeral home.
- An Honor Guard will be provided at the funeral home if requested by the family and the firefighter was on current paid status.
Military Leave Procedures
- Policy: Conforms to the provisions of the Labor Agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67 IAFF.
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Application:
- Members must complete Form PR-2 and submit it to the Chief with a copy of their military orders at least three working days prior to the leave.
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Payment:
- Upon return, a military pay voucher must be submitted to the Division of Fire Payroll Office to deduct military pay from the next regular paycheck.
Special Leave
- Policy: Conforms to the provisions of this section and the Labor Agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67, IAFF.
- Requests: Must be submitted on Form PR-9 at least two working days in advance.
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Jury Duty:
- Employees are allowed time off while serving on a jury.
- They must obtain a City of Columbus, Jury Duty Report Form from the Division Administrative Officer.
- Uniformed members will receive their regular salary minus any compensation received from the court.
- Non-uniformed members will receive their regular salary and payment from the court.
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Examination Leave:
- Employees are allowed time off with pay for participation in Civil Service tests.
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Court Leave:
- Employees are allowed time off with pay to attend court as a witness for the City of Columbus.
- Payment from the court will be received by the employee and forwarded to the Bureau of Administration.
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Miscellaneous Leave:
- May be granted for approved educational institutions, Union business, benevolent duties, or other activities approved by the Chief.
- Time off will not be granted if it would result in an engine or ladder company operating with fewer than four people after 2000 hours.
Public Records - Access, Release, and Retention
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Public Records:
- Any record held by the Division of Fire is a public record.
- Records must be maintained according to the City of Columbus' regulations and Division of Fire guidelines.
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Access:
- Only the Official Division Record Keeper, identified in the Fire Division Forms List, or their designee may provide copies of or access to Division records.
- The Secondary Record Keeper directs requests for copies of records to the Official Division Record Keeper.
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Retention:
- Permanent records must be retained indefinitely.
- All other records must be disposed of in accordance with City and Fire Division procedures.
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Access Methods:
- “A” Typical Public Records: Released freely
- “B” Medical Records: Specific requirements for release.
- “C” Confidential Law Enforcement Investigatory Records: Subject to specific procedures and access restrictions.
Unpaid Leaves of Absence
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Types:
- AWOL (absent without leave): Unapproved absence, subject to disciplinary action.
- LWOP (leave without pay): Pre-approved leave, must be approved by the Chief.
- Suspension: Absent as a result of disciplinary action.
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Considerations:
- Members are responsible for monitoring their sick leave and vacation balances.
- Unauthorized absences without sufficient leave will be considered AWOL.
- FMLA leave requires prior approval, except in emergency situations.
Subpoena/Summons Procedures
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Requirements:
- Any Division member receiving a summons or subpoena is legally responsible for acknowledging and answering the citation.
Subpoenas and Summonses
- Fire division members must notify their supervisors immediately upon receiving a subpoena or summons.
- The documents will detail the appearance date and time, court address, courtroom number, defendant's name, plaintiff's name, and prosecutor or attorney's specifics.
- Members must determine the circumstances of the incident, including date, address, parties involved, nature of the incident, and the subject matter of the case.
- Members should not discuss case details with anyone except those directly involved.
Court Appearance Procedures
- Members must wear the appropriate dress uniform for court appearances, unless approved by their bureau head.
- Members appearing in Juvenile Court should report to the front desk, identify themselves, and ask for the courtroom number.
Substance Abuse Policy and Procedures
- The policy requires a drug-free workplace, ensuring that all members are fit and able for duty.
- All members are subject to drug testing as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the IAFF and the City of Columbus.
- Refusal to submit to testing is considered a positive test.
- Testing positive for drugs or alcohol prohibits members from returning to work until a return-to-duty test is passed.
- The policy prohibits possessing, using, selling, purchasing, manufacturing, or dispensing any illegal drug.
- Reporting for work or working under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited.
- Members are required to not use alcohol for four hours before reporting for duty to ensure they are within the acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC) limit.
- Members are required to report the use of any prescription or over-the-counter medications to their supervisor if the substance could impair performance.
- A third-party vendor is responsible for administering all drug and alcohol testing.
Applicability
- The drug and alcohol testing policy applies to all uniformed employees in the bargaining unit.
- Enforcement of this policy is critical for ensuring a drug-free environment.
- Failure to enforce the policy consistently may result in disciplinary action for officers.
Medical Review Physician (MRP)
- The MRP is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting test results.
- If a test is initially determined to be positive, the MRP will examine alternate medical explanations.
- The MRP can verify a test as positive without interviewing the employee if they are not contacted after five days.
- The MRP will contact the Fire Chief to notify them of a positive test result.
Education and Training
- All CFD members will be given training about the Substance Abuse Policy.
- Supervisors are provided additional training on identifying potential substance abuse.
Prohibited Conduct
- The policy prohibits the use, possession, delivering, dispensing, manufacturing, or selling of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Working with positive levels of illegal drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited, even if ingested off duty.
- Members are prohibited from:
- Reporting to work or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Consuming alcohol during the work day or the four hours prior to work.
- Consuming or possessing alcohol on any city premises or job sites.
- Possessing, using, selling, purchasing, manufacturing or dispensing any illegal drug.
- Abusing any prescription drug, regardless of whether it is prescribed for them or another person.
Use of Prescription Drugs
- Members must report use of prescription drugs to their supervisor if the substance could impair performance.
- Members unable to perform their duties safely due to prescription medication may be required to take sick leave.
- Written verification from a physician is required for prescription drugs.
- A member may be permitted to continue working if the MRP determines that the medication use does not pose a safety threat.
Voluntary Request for Assistance
- Members are encouraged to seek professional help for substance abuse through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or privately.
- Members who voluntarily seek help will not be disciplined, but must:
- Cooperate and complete treatment.
- Discontinue use of illegal drugs and alcohol.
- Authorize disclosure of progress and treatment information.
- Complete any prescribed counseling or treatment.
- Agree to random follow-up testing for 36 months.
- Members failing to comply with these requirements may be subject to discipline.
- Treatment and rehabilitation costs are covered by the member's insurance, subject to deductibles and policy limits.
- Members can use their accrued leave or take an unpaid leave of absence for rehabilitation.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- The City provides an EAP for members experiencing substance abuse or other personal or emotional problems.
- Initial services are free, and members can contact the EAP without CFD permission.
- The EAP keeps requests for assistance confidential unless the member authorizes disclosure.
- Members are encouraged to seek help through EAP before problems negatively impact their job performance.
- EAP assistance cannot be used as a defense for disciplinary action after testing positive.
- Members seeking voluntary assistance through EAP before testing positive will not be disciplined if they successfully complete treatment.
Additional notes
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The CFD strongly encourages members to seek help for substance abuse.
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The policy is designed to create a safe and productive work environment for all members. ### Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
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The Columbus Fire Division has a Drug and Alcohol Testing program for members, governed by a policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement
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The program aims to encourage self-referral for alcohol and/or drug issues before they pose a safety threat
### Types of Tests
- Four types of tests are conducted: Reasonable Suspicion, Random, Return to Duty, and Follow-up
- All tests are performed by an outside contractor approved by the City and the Union
### Testing Standards
- The laboratory conducting drug tests must be certified by the Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Breathalyzer test facilities and personnel must hold all necessary licenses and certifications and must be approved by the Union
### Urine Specimen Collection and Drug Testing
- Urine samples are collected and stored according to HHS guidelines
- A split sample is collected for independent analysis in the event of a positive result
### Breathalyzer Testing
- Alcohol tests are conducted using an evidential breath testing device (EBT) approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Tests exceeding 0.04 alcohol concentration are considered positive and require blood sample confirmation
- Refusal to submit to blood testing is considered a positive result
### Random Testing
- All Fire Division employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing
- The number of tests conducted annually is equal to 25% of the total number of employees
### Reasonable Suspicion Testing
- Reasons for reasonable suspicion include: being under the influence, possessing alcohol or drugs in violation of the contract, abusing prescription drugs, and having five or more lates/absences within a year
- Two supervisors must witness the member exhibiting physical signs of intoxication, and the observations must be documented
### Reasonable Suspicion Incident Procedure
- At least two supervisors must confirm the reasonable suspicion based on observable behavior
- The suspected member is informed of their right to IAFF Local 67 representation
- Transportation to the testing site is provided by a designated EMS officer
- If the member refuses to be tested, refusal is considered a positive test
- The member is relieved of duty until the test results are received
### Time Off Pending Testing Results
- Members are not permitted to work pending the receipt of reasonable suspicion test results
- Sick time is used for time off while fitness for duty is being determined
- Paid time is provided for hours lost if the employee passes the test and has no sick time available
### Transportation for Testing
- EMS-11 is responsible for transporting members for reasonable suspicion testing
- The member is transported to a collection site with a supervisor or a medic
- The member is relieved of duty and remains off duty until test results are received
- A member is not permitted to drive themselves until the test results are negative
### Disciplinary Action
- Positive test results require evaluation by a substance abuse professional
- Members may use vacation leave, compensatory time, sick leave, or a combination of these to cover absence during the evaluation
- Members are subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Positive Drug or Alcohol Test
- A positive test includes:
- Exceeding drug test standards
- Indicating abuse of prescription drugs
- Exceeding alcohol test standards
- Refusing a drug or alcohol test
- Refusing to sign the "Employee Consent to Testing" form (PI-33)
- Submitting an altered urine specimen for drug testing
Procedures After Positive Tests
- The DAC notifies the Fire Chief if there's a confirmed positive test
- The Fire Chief notifies the member, relieves them of duty, and ensures compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement
- The member must cooperate with chemical dependence evaluation and consult the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- The EAP monitors progress, confirms compliance, and clears the member for return to duty after a negative return-to-duty test
- The member remains off duty until the EAP confirms readiness and a negative test
- The member returns to duty on their next scheduled shift if the return-to-duty test is negative
- If a return-to-duty test is positive, the member remains off duty, the DAC notifies the Fire Chief, and disciplinary action is initiated
- Members can request an analysis of a split specimen within 72 hours of a positive result, at their own cost, in a lab meeting HHS guidelines
Re-Entry Contract
- Members who tested positive or voluntarily entered rehabilitation must sign a Re-Entry Contract with the City and the Division of Fire before returning to work
- The contract is Form PI-36, Substance Abuse Policy Conditional Employment Contract
- The contract requires compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Refusal to sign or comply with the contract results in disciplinary action, up to and including termination
Follow-Up Tests
- Members returning to work must undergo follow-up testing as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement
- The DAC and the contractor determine the time and location of follow-up tests
Records and Division Forms
- The DAC handles drug and alcohol testing information confidentially
- Records are kept confidential and only released to the member or a designated person with written authorization
- Records are not kept in personnel files
- Written statements and forms are sent to the Fire Chief in a sealed envelope
- A written notice with Division form PI-18, Reasonable Suspicion Incident Checklist, must be given to the member within 24 hours of a reasonable suspicion test order
- Division form PI-11, Reasonable Suspicion Incident Flow Sheet is used by an officer with reasonable suspicion of an employee being under the influence
- Division form PI-18, Reasonable Suspicion Incident Checklist, is used when an incident suggests an employee is under the influence
- Division form PI-33, Employee Consent to Testing, is used when an employee suspected of being under the influence is ordered to be tested
- Division form PI-36, Substance Abuse Policy Conditional Employment Contract, is used by an employee seeking to avoid immediate termination for their first violation of the policy
Monitoring of Member's Compliance
- Members sign a release of information form allowing the DAC to communicate with the EAP
- The EAP refers the member to a substance abuse professional who establishes a treatment regimen during the member's leave of duty
- The EAP notifies the DAC when the member is compliant and requests a return-to-duty test
- The EAP notifies the DAC if the member fails to comply with treatment recommendations after returning to work, resulting in disciplinary action, up to and including termination
Disciplinary Action: First Offense
- Members who test positive for drugs or alcohol for the first time will not be discharged but may be suspended.
- Suspension length is determined case by case but generally does not exceed 10 calendar days.
- If the member fails to provide evaluation results within the 10-day period, they may face further disciplinary action.
- First offense for voluntary assistance requests will not result in discipline if the member adheres to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Members who test positive due to refusal to test, reasonable cause, sample tampering, or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs while on duty will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination.
Disciplinary Action: Second Offense
- A second positive test for drugs or alcohol results in termination.
- Any violation of the substance abuse policy for a second time - regardless of the specific violation - results in termination.
- Failure to comply with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement after a first offense also results in termination.
- Gross misconduct coinciding with improper drug or alcohol use is subject to disciplinary action including termination based on Central Work Rules Violations.
- The disciplinary actions outlined are not exhaustive and other violations and penalties may apply.
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Explore the structure and authority of the Columbus Division of Fire. This quiz covers key personnel, organizational hierarchy, and the rules governing the conduct of fire division members. Test your knowledge of the functions and regulations within the fire authority.