Fire and emergency services safety officer chapter 15. Incident Safety Officer Role

• The Incident Safety Officer (ISO) ensures safety and compliance at incidents and training events
• The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for assigning the ISO
• The IC acts as the ISO until delegation occurs
• Factors like incident size, complexity, operation type, and duration influence the ISO's delegated responsibilities
• Early ISO assignment allows the IC to focus on overall incident management while the ISO addresses safety issues
• Effective ISOs possess experience, training, and knowledge to assess hazards and recommend corrective actions
• All personnel must recognize and report scene hazards through proper channels to the IC
• Tactical-level supervisors and personnel form the first line of defense for hazard recognition and mitigation
• Simple hazards can be addressed directly
• Larger hazards require communication to the IC
• The ISO monitors hazards to ensure corrective action is taken
• The ISO functions as the final safety barrier during incident operations to prevent injury or fatalities
• The ISO identifies incident scene hazards through assessment and reconnaissance of operations and the environment

Incident Hazard Assessment

• Hazards are assessed from operational and environmental perspectives
• Operational hazards are expected and imminent
• Expected hazards are common and predictable based on incident type
• SOPs and training should address expected hazard recognition and correction
• Imminent threats require immediate correction due to risk of immediate injury or death
• The ISO can stop, alter, or suspend operations when imminent threats are present
• Evaluation of environmental impact on operations and personnel is crucial
• Similar to firefighter size-up, the ISO should perform a 360-degree reconnaissance of the scene
• The ISO looks for initial hazards such as energy sources or structural collapse indicators
• Hazards should be communicated to the IC to aid in IAP development
• Continued reconnaissance is required throughout the incident
• The ISO monitors operational activities, environment, fire development, and structural integrity from the cold zone or warm zone
• Open communications with the IC and responders is important for timely information relay

Expected Incident Hazards

• Incidents have hazards inherent to the operational situation
• Preexisting preventative measures outlined in SOPs and training mitigate expected hazards
• Fire incidents: Smoke, fire, debris, equipment use, and noise hazards are reduced through protective gear and rehabilitation
• Weather impact on fire conditions and personnel must be assessed
• Emergency medical incidents: Exposure to bodily fluids, communicable diseases, needle sticks, combative patients, lifting/moving patients, and traffic hazards
• Mitigation involves body substance isolation, ergonomics training, and traffic management
• WMD: Any weapon or device intended to cause death or serious bodily injury through release of toxic materials, disease organisms, or radiation
• Hazardous materials incidents: Potential for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear exposure and indirect contamination
• The impact of weather on material release/reactivity and personnel is considered
• Mitigation involves hazard identification, control zones, protective clothing, medical surveillance/rehabilitation and decontamination
• Technical rescue incidents: Potential for hazards in confined spaces, trenches, high-angle environments, building collapses, atmospheric dangers, flash fires, sharp objects, machinery, and water
• Proper protective clothing and equipment, air monitoring/ventilation, and stabilization equipment are used for mitigation
• Atypically stressful incidents: Emotional and psychological stress hazards are mitigated with regular rotations, work/rest cycles, and post-incident support
• Disasters: Natural and man-made disasters may involve all the above incidents and hazards
• Protective measures vary depending on the disaster's type and extent
• Incidents involving violence require close coordination and communication with law enforcement through unified command
• Violent incidents should be evaluated for explosive or chemical devices and secondary devices
• Personnel should be alert to the potential of these devices

Weapon of Mass Destruction

• Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD): Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive device (CBRNE)
• Indications of life-threatening hazards may be present depending on the device and substance
• SOPs should address personnel training, protective gear, and scene operations for safety
• Hazard management can typically be achieved with the established ICS
• Specialist input is crucial for unexpected or unique hazards
• The ISO independently assesses the incident, strategy, tactics, and hazards to ensure personnel safety is addressed

Identifyingimminent Threats

• Imminent threats require immediate action to prevent injury or fatality
• The ISO can stop, alter, or suspend operations until corrective action is taken
• Communication with the IC is needed before/after corrective action to review/revise the IAP
• Potential Structural collapse should be forecasted early
• The ISO ensures strategies and tactics meet risk/benefit assessments for structures under fire
• Flashover, backdraft, or smoke explosion potential must be monitored
• Any indication of these must be communicated to the interior crew for immediate withdrawal
• The ISO monitors the timing of tactics to forecast hostile fire behavior
• Electrical hazards: Assess all overhead and ground-level electrical hazards
• Downed power lines must be identified and isolated until the utility company arrives
• Clearance from power lines is mandatory for ladder operations
• Solar systems are always energized when panels are exposed to light
• Even disconnected systems retain electrical energy
• Weather: Strong storms, lightning, tornados, hurricanes, and large hail can halt, alter, or suspend operations or delay response
• The ISO assists in determining weather conditions to ensure personnel safety

Identifying Environmental Hazards

• The ISO assesses the environment for potential impact on operations
• Assessment includes weather, terrain, temperature extremes, time of day, and topography
• The ISO ensures the IC has considered the environment in IAP development
• This includes protection for personnel, apparatus placement and quick apparatus/personnel movement

Prioritization

• Scene hazards are prioritized by severity and risk to responders from an all-hazards perspective
• The IC completes initial prioritization during size-up, strategy and tactics decision
• Life safety is the first priority
• Prioritization uses risk management principles, risk/benefit analysis, outlined in Chapter 13

Forecasting

• Forecasting predicts future changes in advance. Important for all hazards
• New construction may lead to early structural failure
• The ISO forecasts this with knowledge of building construction, contents, fire load, and burn time
• Interior operations should be halted before structure failure/collapse
• Forecasting predictions should be communicated to the IC in time for changes to be considered and implemented

Managing Access and Egress

• The ISO should evaluate the effectiveness of forcible entry for access and egress
• Assessment required for the incident strategy, tactics, and ventilation
• Gaining access and providing egress shouldn't compromise strategy and tactics
• Forcible entry crews should prepare emergency exit points for personnel requiring emergency exit
• The suitability of access/egress points should be near those who may need them but suitability depends
• Access and egress should account for flow path, making areas safe before access
• Safe access/egress points should remain safe throughout the incident
• Coordinated tactics should control fire flow path and maintain safe access/egress

Determining Incident Action Plan

• The IAP is based on incident size-up information and can be written or verbal
• Verbal IAPs are used for most emergency incidents and are dynamic to changing conditions
• Tactical worksheets can be used to track units and make field notes
• As incidents grow in size/complexity, verbal IAPs with tactical worksheets may evolve into written IAPs

Verbal Incident Action Plan

• The IC communicates IAP incident objectives to units/personnel assigned specific tasks
• This communication occurs in-person or over designated radio frequencies
• All incident personnel must act within the IAP scope towards specified objectives, strategies, and tactics
• A clear understanding of ICS positions, roles, and functions allows for effective and efficient resource use
• All verbal instructions should be communicated to the ISO
• The ISO should ensure SOPs are followed, including accountability systems and rapid intervention
• The ISO should discuss deviations from established procedures and recommend changes to assignments

Assigned Incident Task

• The IC briefs the ISO on all assigned incident tasks so operations can be independently verified
• This is for continuity of operations and accountability, not "policing"
• All personnel should work towards the common goal of the IAP
• Freelancing personnel operating outside the IAP are a danger to themselves and others
• A properly implemented ICS with clear objectives is sufficient to address this concern

NIMS IAP Planning Process

• As incidents grow or involve multiple units/agencies over extended periods, written IAPs may be needed
• The need for a written IAP should be forecast early to expand the ICS structure
• The NIMS Planning "P" is a standardized way to develop IAPs and assign responsibilities
• Standardized ICS forms are available to record plan elements
• The IC develops and implements the initial written IAP, assisted by the Operations Section Chief when needed
• With Planning "P", the ISO develops a written general safety message and the Incident Action Plan Safety Analysis (ICS form 215A)
• The ISO attends meetings to address safety and risk/benefit throughout the IAP planning process
• IAPs contain a tactical worksheet, incident briefing Initial Action Worksheet ICS 201, incident objectives SMART which should be Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time frame ICS 202, organization description of the ICS including the unit and agencies that are involved ICS 203, and assignments, tactical unit assignments which are divided by branch and division ICS 204. They also contain support materials and a safety message.
• The written IAP is maintained at the Incident Command Post and updated/revised as needed or at specified time intervals (NIMS Planning "P")
• The plan is used as part of the post-incident analysis and critique

Situation Status Information

• Situation status information is maintained by the IC or the planning section
• The ISO should monitor the overall incident and stabilization effort
• Communication generally comes from tactical-level supervisors to the operations section chief and onto the IC
• The ISO should monitor communication effectiveness and ensure strategies/tactics remain appropriate
• Any discrepancies should be communicated to the IC

Resource Status Information

• Resource status information is maintained by the IC or the planning section
• The ISO should evaluate assigned, staged, rehab, and requested resources after the IC briefing
• The ISO ensures resource needs are appropriate
• Insufficient resource needs should be communicated to the IC with recommendations

Safety Communications

• The IC controls incident scene communications
• Irrelevant radio traffic can create confusion and safety issues
• The IC should command operations by communicating assignments/update requests
• This command presence reduces irrelevant radio traffic
• For the ISO, safety communications are broadcasts to/from the IC intended for all personnel
• A downed power line's presence/location should be communicated via radio to the IC
• Operations personnel will hear this message and be alert.
• Radio systems may use a specific safety channel/talk group for limited communication between the safety officer, assistants, technical safety officers, and the IC
• This channel may also be a secondary MAYDAY communication link

Recommending Mitigation Actions

• Mitigation actions may be needed when the ISO monitors operations
• For non-imminent threats, the ISO communicates the message and makes recommendations to the IC when the hazard is not a simple correction
• Considerations that may require mitigation actions include:
  • Protective clothing and equipment use or modification
  • Collapse zone establishment or modification
  • Hazard control zone establishment or modification
  • Traffic control establishment or modification
  • Apparatus placement modification

Receiving Incident Information and Orders

• The IC has overall incident responsibility
• The ISO assignment may be predetermined or completed at the scene
• The IC must formally assign someone to the ISO function
• The IC will provide an incident briefing to the ISO, usually face-to-face, with orders on specific needs
• The ISO should have clear instructions to perform an independent incident assessment and provide hazard mitigation
• Simple hazards that can be quickly mitigated can be communicated face-to-face
• Hazards affecting more than one operational crew should be communicated to the IC via radio for all responders to hear

Communicating Hazards to Responders

• A process for communication of a hazard, the isolation of an area, and who should answer the IC that the communication was heard, understood, and action is being taken by a crew should be outlined in SOP/Gs.

Documenting Communication

• The ISO should document scene communications
• On large incidents, writing material is needed for notes and communication clarity with the IC
• Notes can be taken during the briefing or when stationed at the Incident Command Post
• ICS forms may be required and the ISO should have access to a laptop/electronic device for NIMS Planning "P" documentation
• The ISO should know what forms are needed and how to complete them
• Critical communications can be done via radio during 360-degree assessments
• Recording equipment varies and departments should have an SOP for saving communications
• Recordings are time-stamped and can be used for future reference or postincident analysis

Creating an Incident Safety Plan and Safety Briefing

• An incident safety plan and safety briefing are completed during complex incidents when the IAP is written
• The ISO completes both after performing a detailed incident analysis
• The ISO may need to consult with technical and/or weather experts
• The incident safety plan should provide reasonable mitigation strategies
• The safety briefing is a summary of safety highlights and high priority concerns, summarized on ICS form 201 as a safety message
• The ISO should examine multiple information points when preparing for the incident planning process
• The plan should include information about weather, material identification, geographical data, site and building plans, and general incident information
• The ISO may need to work with planning section or technical experts to gather data
• The ISO should monitor weather conditions for potential adverse effects on the incident operations, fire behavior, and personnel safety
• Weather information will be included on ICS Form 209, Incident Status Summary
• When requested, the weather observer will prepare an incident weather forecast on ICS form 222

Safety Data Sheets Information Breakdown

• SDSs are regulated by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200
• SDSs provide critical information including:
  • Section 1: Identification
  • Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
  • Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
  • Section 4: First Aid Measures
  • Section 5: Fire Fighting Measures
  • Section 6: Accident Release Measures
  • Section 7: Handling and Storage
  • Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
  • Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
  • Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
  • Section 11: Toxicological Information
  • Section 12: Ecological Information (non-mandatory)
  • Section 13: Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory)
  • Section 14: Transport Information (non-mandatory)
  • Section 15: Regulatory Information (non-mandatory)
  • Section 16: Other Information
• The ISO should ensure the IC requests and obtains this information
• The IC may also need to assign technical experts under the hazardous material branch supervisor/situation unit leader

Analyzing Topographical and Street Maps

• Topographical maps are critical during wildland fire operations for identifying terrain and dangerous slopes
• Street maps can be useful when landmarks or street signs have been destroyed
• Aerial photography may be needed to supplement with site plan details that are obscured from the street
• The ISO should ensure that the IC requests topographical information and that it is obtained
• A fire behavior specialist can assist in assessing how the topography will affect the fire and suppression activities

Making Preincident Plans

• Preincident plans should provide information on hazards, location specific risks, site safety plan information, and any recommended control measures
• During an incident, the ISO should ensure these preincident plans are readily available
• Preincident plans provide important site characteristics that are needed during the IAP development and planning process.

Using Blueprints and Building Drawings

• Blueprints and building drawings should be part of the preincident planning process, especially with target hazard locations
• The IC should request assistance from facility maintenance personnel or those individuals with access to these drawings if these documents are unavailable prior to an incident
• The ISO should ensure this action is done and can independently evaluate these drawings to ensure safety is addressed

Gathering Initial Information

• Initial information is critical to a safe and effective IAP and comes from dispatch information, preincident plans, and scene size-up
• The IC should brief the ISO on this information and the employed IAP
• The ISO should evaluate the information to identify/mitigate risks and hazards to maximize personnel safety

NIMS Documentation

• NIMS documentation on ICS forms will be required for events where the IAP is written
• These ICS forms are typically not required when the IAP is verbal
• Those personnel with the potential to serve as the ISO should seek specific training on and become proficient at completing the following ICS forms:
  • ICS form 208, Safety Message/Plan
  • ICS form 214, Activity Log
  • ICS form 215A, IAP Safety Analysis
  • ICS form 225, Incident Personnel Performance Rating
• The ISO should also be knowledgeable of his/her responsibility for reviewing and/or providing information on the following ICS forms:
  • ICS form 201, Incident Briefing
  • ICS form 206, Medical Plan
  • ICS form 215, Operational Planning Worksheet
• The safety analysis is one of the primary ICS form responsibilities for the ISO
• This worksheet provides the opportunity to document risks/hazards and what corrective measures have been taken

Setting Up Control and Exclusion Zones

• To isolate main areas of incident op, control and exclusion zones are established
• The ISO should evaluate the zones to ensure operations, supporting operations, decontamination, and entry/exit corridors are appropriate
• Recommendations should be provided if needed.
• Protective Clothing and Equipment Requirements for the Incident
• Personal protective clothing and equipment should be selected based on the incident type
• Specific types are designed for structural fire fighting, wildland fire fighting, aircraft rescue and fire fighting, technical rescue, and hazardous materials

NFPA 1951 Regulation

• NFPA provides for specific design criteria for each incident
• The ISO monitors the selection and use of personal protective clothing and equipment to ensure SOPs and mandates are met

Regulating Technical Rescue Protective Clothing and Equipment

• Technical rescue includes several types of situations but the gear is similar. NFPA® 1951 addresses personnel in common techincal rescue incidents. Note that Water rescue is an exception.
• Those departments performing water rescues and dive team operations should refer to NFPA® 1952, and NFPA® 1953

Hazardous Material Protective Clothing and Equipment Consideration

• The ISO should evaluate suit protection level to ensure compliance with SDS
• The ISO should evaluate positions to ensure indirect contamination does not occur

Incident Strategy and Tactic

• Each incident has common strategies and tactics considered in the IAP
• SOPs should outline strategies and tactics to create a methodical decision-making process for safe incident stabilization instead of restriction
• Technical rescue strategies and tactics depend on victim location/status and the extent of the hazard(s)
• The IC needs specialized equipment and sufficient resources for technical rescue
• ISO for technical rescue incidents should be trained to the level of the operations or have a technical expert (technical safety officer - TSO) assist assessment
• Strategies/tactics involve teams of personnel performing specific tasks
• ISO and/or TSO should evaluate rope rescue, communications, and safety systems before hazard zone entry

Hazardous Material Strategies and Tactic

• Strategies for Hazardous Materials will depend on the type of hazard
• Victim location/status is a consideration
• Proper PPE is available until proper suit can be used
• The ISO should be trained to the level of the operations
• The rescue of victims is a primary consideration
• When the rescue of victims is not possible, the primary mission will be to control the material’s release point

Corrective and Preventative Action

• As risks/hazards are identified for each incident, a mitigation process should also be identified
• Mitigation strategies should start in the preincident planning stage and be outlined in SOPs
• Mitigation actions will continue as hazards are identified
• Post-incident analysis can lead to further mitigation strategies

Fireground Hazard

• Preincident - ICS training, Personnel strategy training, Availabilty of Equipment, Preincident planning, MAPs programs, and plan reviews
• Incident wise - Slip eliminates, Operational zones, and reHab

Technical Rescue Hazard

• ISO must have the technical knowldge to identify steps to ensure safety
• Refer to NFPA® 1006.

Hazardous Material Hazard

• Proper assessment required from NFPA 472.
• Other hazard mitigations:
  • protection clothing and equipment (PPE) must meet the suits requirements
  • Medical assessment, hydration and surveillance must be set in place
  • Corridor and Air Monitoring

NISO AND AISO Reccomendations

• The ISO should evaluate each incident for the potential of assistance
• There may be a Technical Safety Officer (TSO) - technical rescue or haz mat incidents, a Line Safety Officer - wildland fires, and Assistant Safety Officers - large scale NIMS-ICS incidents
• Conduct Safety briefings to ensure all personal know the IAP such as;
  • Expected hazards
  • PPE requirements
  • Set Zone
  • Air Monitoring

Transferring Duties

• If transfer is needed due to time and knowledge, ISO must speak 1 on 1
• Must have IAP, hazards and outstandnings

Documenting and Transferring Info

• Must have the IAP, ICS Forms, and tracking personnel
• Communication and transfer must provide a clear status of the incident
• Need all ICS Forms, to be prepared.

Managing, Communications, and Planning, and Accountabilty

Maintaining Incident Continuity

• By communicating the changes to all that are involved.
• Need to improve personal, size and complexity
• ISO should be able to conduct walk around assessment to make sure all are well.

Strategic and Rescue Considerations

• Follow 1006 for specific types of rescue
• Ensure the proper level and adequate number of rescue personnel
• Refer to 472 for hazardous material incidents.
• Air monitor and computer software.

Operational Zones and Safety

ISO must assess environment base on location, weather. Topographically for environmental aspects. Establish contorl zones, no entry zones, thear zones, and home ignition

Operations

The IC must be safe, account for personal to ensure the best operation success. ISO will be responsible for the evaluation and assessment.

Collapse Zones and Other Zone

• Must set if there is a structure that is in danger for collapse.
  • the area is usually 1 and 1/2 high of the structure
• When Landing a helicopter:
  • must coorodinate between a group/team
  • pre planning, all FAA hand signals.

Radio and Monitoring

• There must be a clear communication.
• The main goal is to limit confusing.
• Listen to signss, follow procedure, make field notes.

Barrier and Obstacle

• Correct communications.
• Inappropiate communications.
• feedback on all situations/obstacles.