CHAPTER 12 The ISO at Structure Fires

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the reconnaissance efforts conducted by the ISO at structure fires?

To provide psychological support to firefighters

To define the incident environment in multiple dimensions (correct)

To perform exterior fire suppression

To establish communication with the Incident Commander

Which component is NOT part of the ISO's skill set for evaluating risks at a structure fire?

Reading hazardous energy

Reading the building

Estimating firewater supply (correct)

Reading smoke

How frequently should reconnaissance efforts be conducted during the progression of a structure fire?

Every day until the fire is extinguished

Once every hour

Every 5, 10, or 20 minutes as needed (correct)

Only at the beginning of the incident

Which of the following is considered a principal hazard under the ISO’s evaluation framework?

Hostile fire events like flashover Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'environmental integrity' refer to in the context of an ISO’s responsibilities?

The structural stability and hazards of the building Signup and view all the answers

What formula does the ISO use to assess risk-taking during structure fires?

Principal hazards ± Integrity + Other hazards ± Resource effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire event is characterized by rapid spread and significant threat to firefighters?

Flashover Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does NOT contribute to assessing collapse potential according to the ISO evaluation?

Presence of hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential part of decontaminating gear after a structure fire?

Gross decontamination of gear prior to mask removal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the role of the ISO during structure fires is accurate?

The ISO focuses on safety details and reducing risk-taking. Signup and view all the answers

What could indicate an issue with the Incident Commander’s (IC) tactics and strategy?

The IC has not adjusted the IAP to changing conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception concerning firefighter cancer rates?

Fire fumes and exposure are contributing factors to higher cancer rates. Signup and view all the answers

What action should the ISO avoid regarding the Incident Commander's tactics?

Criticizing the IC's strategies openly. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is essential to assess when determining the effectiveness of allocated resources during an incident?

The adequacy of personnel and equipment based on the incident action plan Signup and view all the answers

What indicates zero rescue profile conditions in a structure fire?

Turbulent, black smoke filling a space with high temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a high rescue profile indicator?

Windows with rivulets of water moving down inside the glass Signup and view all the answers

What is one situation that should trigger a personnel accountability report (PAR)?

A change in operational mode Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical for the ISO to listen to radio transmissions during an incident?

To monitor for congruence between reported risks and actions taken Signup and view all the answers

What hazard is typically increased due to unstable and rapidly changing fire conditions?

The potential for risk-taking behavior Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of a rapid intervention crew (RIC) mandatory according to OSHA requirements?

Whenever SCBA is utilized in an IDLH environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect to consider when assessing physical features at an incident scene?

Potential hazards like curbs, fences, and drainage Signup and view all the answers

Which NFPA standard is referenced for judging staffing adequacy for structure fires?

NFPA 1710 Signup and view all the answers

What might signal that rehabilitation efforts are failing during an incident?

Signs of heat exhaustion in responders Signup and view all the answers

What should happen if a crew is found to be unaccounted for after a PAR?

Verify the last known position and activate emergency traffic Signup and view all the answers

What does rapid intervention options primarily concern?

Strategies to assist trapped or injured firefighters quickly Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario should an Assistant Safety Officer (ASO) be assigned?

In environments with significant hazards or large fires Signup and view all the answers

What role does weather play in evaluating hazards at an incident scene?

It assists in planning safety measures and evaluating risks Signup and view all the answers

What equipment should be used for gross contamination reduction prior to doffing the SCBA mask air supply?

Bristle brush and mild soap solution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is recommended when preparing to remove structural gloves?

Remove structural gloves and don EMS gloves Signup and view all the answers

What procedure should personnel follow before entering the rehab area?

Use sanitary wipes to cleanse sweat and soot Signup and view all the answers

What is the best practice for crews returning to hazardous environments?

Don clean EMS gloves and head/neck hood Signup and view all the answers

How should contaminated PPE and SCBA be disposed of before leaving the scene?

Put them in a disposable trash bag Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for cleaning smoke residue from SCBA at the station?

Clean using disposable EMS gloves Signup and view all the answers

When is it crucial for the ISO to intervene during firefighting operations?

When smoke conditions worsen rapidly Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) on the fire ground?

Judging strategy and tactics for operations Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contribute to commander dysfunction in an incident?

Inexperience, incomplete incident intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for expressing risk-taking at a structure fire?

Principal hazards ± Integrity + Other hazards ± Resource effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What principle should guide the ISO's observations during a fire incident?

Gather factual observations for risk reduction Signup and view all the answers

What should a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) confirm?

Number of people in each assignment and personnel locations Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the greatest traffic risk to firefighters at structure fires?

Arriving and moving apparatus Signup and view all the answers

When should the ISO consider requesting ASOs (Apparatus Support Officers)?

When fires occur in large or hazardous buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ISO in relation to RIC standby?

Evaluate incident conditions and communicate the need for RIC Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following environmental conditions is NOT typically assessed by the ISO when determining RIC adequacy?

Fire department staffing levels Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential for the ISO to ensure effective communication with the RIC?

Providing ongoing information about fire behavior issues Signup and view all the answers

In scenarios that present Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) threats, what is a basic requirement for RIC allocation?

Considering whether a risky rescue may be necessary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about residential and commercial fires?

Residential buildings can exceed in both size and hazard levels compared to commercial buildings Signup and view all the answers

What critical factors must the ISO consider when managing buildings with central hallways and stairwells?

Control of smoke and heat to ensure firefighter safety Signup and view all the answers

What risk is particularly associated with strip malls and fast food buildings in fire incidents?

High fire loads and rapid fire spread due to architectural design Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant factor for an ISO to manage during high-rise incidents?

Control of building systems such as HVAC and elevators Signup and view all the answers

What is a prevalent cancer risk factor for firefighters after engaging with structure fires?

Wearing contaminated PPE after the fire Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do to actively reduce contamination during structure fires?

Minimize exposure to smoke residue prior to overhaul Signup and view all the answers

Which component is a priority for the ISO to assess before deploying RIC?

Position and movements of interior crews Signup and view all the answers

In building resource assessments, which of the following is NOT typically considered by the ISO?

Historical data of past incidents at the site Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the use of SCBA in dealing with contamination?

SCBA must be utilized for safety throughout the overhaul process Signup and view all the answers

Which element should the ISO prioritize during the assessment of a high-rise incident?

Evaluating risk versus gain in terms of firefighter safety Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Incident Safety Officer (ISO) Functions

The ISO plays a critical role in specific incident types, such as structure fires.
Key issues regarding general and unique considerations for each incident type are addressed.

General ISO Functions at Structure Fires

Front-loaded skill set: Read 3
- Read smoke, read the building, read hazardous energy.
- Essential for evaluating risks and preventing firefighter injuries or fatalities.
Reconnaissance Efforts
- Conduct early and repeated recon throughout the incident's progression.
- Evaluate incident environment’s 3D aspects: principal hazards, environmental integrity, surrounding effects.
- Use a formula for risk evaluation: Principal hazards ± Integrity + Other hazards ± Resource effectiveness.
Defining Hazards
- Principal Hazards include flashovers, backdrafts, building geometry, and collapse potentials.
- Environmental Integrity categorizes building conditions from stable to rapidly changing.
- Resource Effectiveness assesses resource allocation and task application.

Risk-Taking Evaluation

Judgments about risks at structure fires rely on evaluating potential survivability of victims.
Rescue Profiling Indicators
- High indicators: clear windows, minimal smoke, temperature contrasts.
- Marginal indicators: thick smoke, no heat stress cracks.
- Zero indicators: turbulent black smoke, high temperatures, collapse risk.
Tie risk-taking to tactical priorities and incident benchmarks.

Safety System Effectiveness

Accountability Systems
- Personnel Accountability Reports (PAR) ensure all personnel are accounted for.
- PARs triggered by operational changes, benchmarks achieved, collapse, or a Mayday declaration.
Rehabilitation
- Focus on heat, exertion, and weather exposure.
- Rehabilitation also applies to outside responders and supporting staff.
Radio Transmissions
- ISO must be aware of communication indicating risks such as "Mayday" or "emergency traffic."

Unique Considerations for Structure Fires

Traffic Risks
- Law enforcement is needed to manage street hazards.
- Apparatus movement poses the greatest traffic risk during operations.
Assistant Safety Officer (ASO) Need
- Request ASOs for large fires, unique hazards, or Mayday situations.
Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Interface
- RICs require trained personnel ready for emergency situations.
- ISO’s responsibilities include assessing environmental conditions and ensuring adequate RIC resources.
Residential vs. Commercial Fires
- Misclassification can result in improper risk assessment; size and fire load vary widely.
Central Hallways/Stairwells
- Present significant risks due to shared flow paths for fire and smoke.
- Smoke control and flow path management are critical.
Strip Malls/Fast-Food Hazards
- High fire loads and rapid fire spread require vigilant smoke monitoring.
High-Rise Incidents
- ISOs must stay strategic at command posts and manage building systems and evacuation plans.

Contamination Reduction and Cancer Prevention

Firefighters face double the cancer rate of the general population.
Major risks include contaminant exposure from smoke and premature removal of protective gear.
Contamination Reduction Techniques
- Initiate gross contamination reduction before doffing gear.
- Use sanitary wipes before entering rehab areas and ensure proper cleaning of PPE post-incident.

Strategy and Tactics

IC must judge tactics, but dysfunction could stem from incomplete intelligence or inadequate planning.
ISOs should focus on risk reduction solutions rather than confronting the IC directly.

Summary

ISO skills are essential for evaluating risks through "Read 3": smoke, building, and hazardous energy.
Understanding and managing principal hazards and environmental integrity enhances firefighter safety.
Effective recon and risk assessment are crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring accountability at structure fire incidents.### Incident Commander (IC) and Incident Safety Officer (ISO) Relationships
IC assigns resources for a Regional Incident Command (RIC), while ISO confirms RIC adequacy for incidents.
Ongoing communication is essential for ISO to relay incident observations to the RIC leader/officer.

Communication Between ISO and RIC Officer

Important issues include:
- Fire behavior
- Access and egress options
- Threats of building collapse
- Hazardous energy potential

ISO Considerations for Structure Fires

Unique hazards differ between residential and commercial fires.
Special considerations for:
- Buildings with central hallways and stairwells
- Strip malls and fast-food restaurants
- High-rise buildings

Firefighter Cancer Rates and Causes

Firefighters face cancer rates that are double that of the general population.
Key causes of increased cancer risk:
- Crawling through smoke without visibility
- Prematurely removing SCBA during overhaul
- Wearing contaminated gear post-fire

Decontamination Procedures

Fire departments must implement regular decontamination procedures during structure fires.
Ad hoc recommendations may be necessary in the absence of established decontamination practices.

Essential Decontamination Steps

Gross decontamination of gear before removing masks, utilizing a brush and water stream.
Disposable EMS gloves should be used for handling contaminated gear.
Sanitary wipes required for cleaning hands, neck, and face before rehabilitation.
Contaminated gear should be bagged and transported for machine cleaning at the station.
Firefighters should shower after equipment cleaning to eliminate contaminants.

Role of the ISO at Structure Fires

ISO serves as the eyes and ears of the IC, focusing on safety rather than tactics and strategy.
Important to address inappropriate tactics which may stem from:
- Incomplete or inaccurate incident intelligence
- Unadjusted Incident Action Plan (IAP) based on changing conditions
- Lack of experience
ISO should present reconnaissance observations and solutions rather than confront IC's tactical decisions.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the role of the incident safety officer (ISO) in specific types of incidents, highlighting general issues and unique considerations. It's designed to serve as a refresher or proficiency training reference, building upon concepts covered in the previous chapter regarding structure fires.