TN 104.2.5- Incident Safety Officer

Study Notes

The ISO initially serves as the Incident Commander, but at large incidents, this role is delegated to a designated ISO.
The ISO is usually filled by the second or third on-scene District Chief.

The ISO has the authority to alter, suspend, or terminate unsafe activities involving an imminent hazard at an emergency scene.
The ISO can eliminate or control hazards through the Incident Commander (IC) at an emergency scene.
When the ISO exercises their authority, they must immediately inform the IC to ensure it does not negatively affect strategy or tactics.

Minimize injuries to firefighters by making the emergency scene safer.
Recognize and understand the types of hazards present on the emergency scene.
Recommend proactive and corrective measures to minimize the likelihood of accidents occurring.

The IC is responsible for appointing an ISO at an emergency incident whenever activities, size, or need occurs.
Additional ISOs may be appointed depending on the nature of the incident.

The IC is in charge of strategic decision making at an emergency incident.
The ISO provides advice to the IC regarding safety-related issues involved in the IC's Incident Action Plan (IAP) and other activities.

The ISO ensures the RIT is in place and utilizes the RIT when not deployed to continue sizing up and monitoring the building integrity and changing conditions.
RIT reports any concerns to the ISO.
Upon deployment of RIT, the IC may assign the ISO as RITSO, or assign another officer on scene.
If the IC utilizes the ISO as RITSO, they must assign another ISO.

The IC communicates their Incident Action Plan to the ISO, who then provides an initial risk assessment of the IAP.

Adhere to the principles and practices of the TFS IMS and Accountability system.
Report to the IC.
Maintain communications with the IC.
Be readily identifiable with a safety officer vest.
Utilize correct levels of personal protective equipment.
Operate in teams within the controlled area.
Conduct a 360° size-up of the incident where possible.
Determine whether adequate resources (time, personnel, equipment) are available.
Determine types of construction and how fire/damage may affect the structural integrity of the building.
Analyze fire and smoke conditions to predict the possibility of a hostile fire event (flashover, backdraft).
Continually conduct a risk assessment.
Report conditions and concerns to the IC on an ongoing basis.
Ensure personnel are performing safely.
Ensure Rehab sector is established.
Ensure Accountability is established.
Ensure Post Incident Decontamination.
During water tower operations in limited visibility, an ISO can serve as a ground spotter when the water tower stream is repositioned.