NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety PDF

6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety Administration 1.1* Scope. This standard contains the minimum requirements for an incident management syst...

6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety Administration 1.1* Scope. This standard contains the minimum requirements for an incident management system to be used by emergency services to manage all emergency incidents. 1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to define and describe the essential elements of an incident management system that meets the requirements of Chapter 8 of NFPA 1500; 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(3), “Procedures for handling emergency response;” and HSPD-5, “Management of Domestic Incidents.” 1.3 Application. 1.3.1* This standard applies to organizations providing rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials mitigation, special operations, and other emergency services. 1.3.2 This standard does not apply to facility fire brigades that might also be known as emergency brigades, emergency response teams, fire teams, plant emergency organizations, or mine emergency response teams. Referenced Publications 2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document. 2.2 NFPA Publications. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 1/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471. NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 2018 edition. NFPA 473, Standard for Competencies for EMS Personnel Responding to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 2018 edition. NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2017 edition. NFPA 1026, Standard for Incident Management Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2018 edition. NFPA 1061, Standard for Public Safety Telecommunications Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2018 edition. NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2020 edition. NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Profes­sional Qualifications, 2020 edition. NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, 2015 edition. NFPA 1584, Standard on the Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises, 2015 edition. 2.3 Other Publications. 2.3.1 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD 5), “Management of Domestic Incidents,” February 2003. Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910, Section 120(q)(3), “Procedures for handling emergency response.” 2.3.2 Other Publications. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003. 2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 2018 edition. NFPA 600, Standard on Facility Fire Brigades, 2015 edition. NFPA 1051, Standard for Wildland Firefighting Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2016 edition. NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Service Communications Systems, 2016 edition. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 2/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety NFPA 1250, Recommended Practice in Fire and Emergency Service Organization Risk Management, 2015 edition. NFPA 1451, Standard for a Fire and Emergency Service Vehicle Operations Training Program, 2018 edition. NFPA 1500™, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, 2018 edition. NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Profes­sional Qualifications, 2015 edition. NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2018 edition. Definitions 3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning. 3.2 NFPA Official Definitions. 3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure. 3.2.3 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement. 3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required. 3.2.5 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 3/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides. 3.3 General Definitions. 3.3.1 Accountability. A system or process to track resources at an incident scene. 3.3.2 Agency Representative. An individual assigned to an incident from an assisting or cooperating agency who reports to the liaison officer and who has been delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that agency’s participation at the incident. 3.3.3* Area Command. An organization established to oversee the management of multiple incidents that are each being handled by an incident command system (ICS) organization, or to oversee the management of large or multiple incidents to which several incident management teams have been assigned. 3.3.4* Assistant. Title for subordinates of the command staff positions that indicates a level of technical capability, qualifications, and responsibility subordinate to the primary functions. 3.3.5* Base. The location where the primary logistics functions are coordinated and administered. 3.3.6 Branch. See 3.3.61.1. 3.3.7 Branch Director. See 3.3.62.1. 3.3.8* Clear Text/Plain Language. The use of plain language in radio communications transmissions. 3.3.9 Command Radio Channel. See 3.3.46.1. 3.3.10* Command Staff. The command staff consists of the public information officer, safety officer, and liaison officer who report directly to the incident commander and are responsible for functions in the incident management system that are not a part of the function of the line organization. 3.3.11 Communications Center. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 4/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety A building or a portion of a building that is specifically configured for the primary purpose of providing emergency communications services or public safety answering point (PSAP) services to one or more public safety agencies under the authority or authorities having jurisdiction. [1221, 2016] 3.3.12* Department Operations Center (DOC). An operations center established by an individual agency to manage that agency’s resources and coverage within the jurisdiction. 3.3.13* Deputy. A fully qualified individual who, in the absence of a superior, could be delegated the authority to manage a functional operation or perform a specific task. 3.3.14 Dispatch Radio Channel. See 3.3.46.2. 3.3.15 Division. See 3.3.61.2. 3.3.16 Division Supervisor. See 3.3.62.2. 3.3.17 Electronic Data Protocol. A process for managing and transmitting electronic data that may include computer based systems; alarm systems; security systems; video; regional, local, site, or building management; and information systems. 3.3.18 Emergency Incident. Any situation to which an emergency services organization responds to deliver emergency services, including rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical care, special operations, law enforcement, and other forms of hazard control and mitigation. 3.3.19* Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The physical location at which the coordination of information and resources to support incident management (on-scene operations) activities normally takes place. 3.3.20* Emergency Services Organization (ESO). Any public, private, governmental, or military organization that provides emergency response and other related activities, whether for profit, not for profit, or government owned and operated. 3.3.21 Facility Fire Brigade. An organized group of employees at a facility who are knowledgeable, trained, and skilled in at least basic fire-fighting operations, and whose full-time occupation might or might not be the provision of fire suppression and related activities for their employer. [600, 2015] file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 5/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 3.3.22* Fire Department. An organization providing rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical care, special operations, and related services. 3.3.23 General Staff. Responders that serve as section chiefs of the operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration sections. 3.3.24 Group. See 3.3.61.3. 3.3.25 Group Supervisor. See 3.3.62.3. 3.3.26* High-Rise Building. A building where the floor of an occupiable story is greater than 75 ft (23 m) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. [5000, 2018] 3.3.27* HSPD-5. The abbreviation for Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-5, “Management of Domestic Incidents.” 3.3.28 Imminent Hazard. An act or condition that is judged to present a danger to persons or property that is so urgent and severe that it requires immediate corrective or preventive action. [1521, 2015] 3.3.29* Incident Action Plan. The objectives reflecting the overall incident strategy, tactics, risk management, and member safety that are developed by the incident commander. Incident action plans are updated throughout the incident. [1500, 2018] 3.3.30 Incident Command System. See 3.3.32, Incident Management System (IMS). 3.3.31* Incident Commander (IC). The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. [472, 2018] 3.3.32* Incident Management System (IMS). A system that defines the roles and responsibilities to be assumed by responders and the standard operating procedures to be used in the management and direction of emergency incidents and other functions. 3.3.33* Incident Management Team (IMT). file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 6/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety The incident commander and appropriate command and general staff personnel assigned to an incident. 3.3.34* Incident Scene. The location where activities related to a specific incident are conducted. 3.3.35 Incident Termination. The conclusion of emergency service operations at the scene of an incident, usually the departure of the last unit from the scene. 3.3.36 Intelligence Function. The analysis and sharing of national security and other types of classified information as well as other operational information such as risk assessments, medical surveillance, weather information geospatial data, structural designs, toxic contaminants levels, and utilities and public works data. 3.3.37 Liaison Officer. A member of the command staff, responsible for coordinating with representatives from cooperating and assisting agencies. 3.3.38 Mobilization Center. An off-incident location at which emergency service personnel and equipment are temporarily located pending assignment, release, or reassignment. 3.3.39* Multi-Agency Coordination Systems (MACS). A system that provides the architecture to support coordination for incident prioritization, critical resource allocation, communications systems integration, and information coordination. 3.3.40* National Incident Management System (NIMS). A system mandated by HSPD-5 that provides a consistent, nationwide approach for federal, state, local, and tribal governments; the private sector; and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to work effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size, or complexity. 3.3.41* National Response Framework. A framework that represents the guiding principles that enable all responders to prepare for and provide a unified national response to disasters and emergencies — from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. 3.3.42 Personnel Accountability System. A system that readily identifies both the location and function of all members operating at an incident scene. [1500, 2018] 3.3.43* Planned Event. An occurrence that allows for the development of an incident action plan prior to the occurrence. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 7/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 3.3.44 Procedure. An organizational directive issued by the authority having jurisdiction or by the department that establishes a specific policy that must be followed. 3.3.45* Public Information Officer. A member of the command staff responsible for interfacing with the public and media or with other agencies with incident-related information requirements. 3.3.46* Radio Channels. 3.3.46.1 Command Radio Channel. A radio channel designated by the emergency services organization that is provided for communications between the incident commander and the division/group supervisors or branch directors during an emergency incident. 3.3.46.2 Dispatch Radio Channel. A radio channel designated by the emergency services organization that is provided for communications between the communication center and the incident commander or single resource. 3.3.46.3* Tactical Radio Channel. A radio channel designated by the emergency services organization that is provided for communications between resources assigned to an incident and the incident commander. 3.3.47* Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC). A minimum of two fully equipped responders who are on site and assigned specifically to initiate the immediate rescue of injured, lost or trapped responders. 3.3.48 Resources. All personnel and major items of equipment that are available, or potentially available, for assignments to incidents for which status is maintained. 3.3.49 Responder. A person who has responsibility to respond to emergencies and deliver services such as fire fighting, law enforcement, water rescue, emergency medical, emergency management, public health, public works, and other public services. 3.3.50 Risk. A measure of the probability and severity of adverse effects that result from exposure to a hazard. [1451, 2018] 3.3.51 Risk Management. The process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the resources and activities of an organization in order to minimize detrimental effects on that organization. [1250, 2015] file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 8/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 3.3.52* Safety Officer (SO). A generic title given to a member within a fire department or emergency service organization who performs the functions of a health and safety officer, performs the functions of an incident safety officer, or who serves as an assistant to a person in either of those positions. 3.3.53* Section. The organizational level having responsibility for a major functional area of incident management, such as operations, planning, logistics, finance/administration, and intelligence (if established). 3.3.54* Special Operations. Those emergency incidents to which the emergency services organization responds that require specific and advanced training and specialized tools and equipment. 3.3.55* Staff Aide. A responder assigned to a supervisor to assist with the logistical, tactical, and accountability functions at an incident. 3.3.56 Staging. A specific function where resources are assembled in an area at or near the incident scene to await instructions or assignments. 3.3.57* Standard Operating Procedure [SOP]. A written organizational directive that establishes or prescribes specific operational or administrative methods to be followed routinely for the performance of designated operations or actions. [1521, 2015] 3.3.58 Strategy. The general plan or direction selected to accomplish incident objectives. [1051, 2016] 3.3.59 Strike Team. A specified combination of the same kind and type of resources with common communications and a leader. 3.3.60 Supervisor. An emergency services responder who has responsibility for overseeing the performance of other responders assigned to a specific division or group. 3.3.61 Supervisory Level. 3.3.61.1* Branch. A supervisory level established in either the operations or logistics function to provide a span of control. 3.3.61.2* Division. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 9/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety A supervisory level established to divide an incident into geographic areas of operations. 3.3.61.3* Group. A supervisory level established to divide the incident into functional areas of operation. 3.3.62 Supervisory Positions. 3.3.62.1 Branch Director. A person in a supervisory level position in either the operations or logistics function to provide a span of control. 3.3.62.2 Division Supervisor. A person in a supervisory level position responsible for a specific geographic area of operations at an incident. 3.3.62.3 Group Supervisor. A person in a supervisory level position responsible for a functional area of operation. 3.3.63 Tactical Radio Channel. See 3.3.46.3. 3.3.64 Task Force. A combination of different kinds or types of resources with common communications and a leader that could be pre-established and sent to an incident or formed at an incident. 3.3.65* Technical Specialist. A person with specialized skills, training, and/or certification who can be used anywhere within the incident management system organization where his or her skills might be required. 3.3.66* Unified Command. An application of the incident command system (ICS) that allows all agencies with jurisdictional responsibility for an incident or planned event, either geographical or functional, to manage an incident or planned event by establishing a common set of incident objectives and strategies. 3.3.67 Unit. An organizational element having responsibility for a specific function within the operations, planning, logistics, or finance/administration sections of an incident command system. 3.3.68* Zone. A defined geographic area or function utilized to support the management of an incident. System Implementation 4.1* file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 10/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety General. The incident management system shall provide structure and coordination to the management of emergency incident operations to provide for the safety and health of emergency services organization (ESO) responders and other persons involved in those activities. 4.2 Planned Events. The ESO shall utilize the incident management system (IMS) during planned events to allow smooth transition to an emergency incident, if necessary. 4.3* Risk Management. 4.3.1 The incident management system shall integrate risk management into the regular functions of incident command. 4.3.2 The risk management plan shall meet the requirements of Chapter 4 of NFPA 1500. 4.4 System Flexibility. 4.4.1* The incident command system is flexible and shall be implemented based upon the needs of the incident. 4.4.2 This standard shall not restrict any jurisdiction from exceeding these minimum requirements or from adopting a system tailored to meet local needs while satisfying the minimum requirements of this standard. 4.5 Implementation. 4.5.1* The ESO shall adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to manage all emergency incidents. 4.5.2 The incident management system shall be designed to meet the particular characteristics of the incident based on its size and complexity, as well as the operating environment. 4.5.3 The incident management system shall be defined and documented in writing. 4.5.4 file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 11/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety Standard operating procedures (SOPs) shall include the requirements for implementation of the incident management system and shall describe the options that are available for application according to the needs of each particular situation. 4.5.5* The ESO shall prepare and adopt written plans based on the incident management system that address the requirements of the different types of incidents that can be anticipated. 4.5.6* The plans described in 4.5.5 shall address both routine and unusual incidents and shall provide standardized procedures and supervisory assignments that can be applied to the needs of situations of differing types, sizes, and complexities. 4.5.7 The incident management system shall be utilized at all emergency incidents. 4.5.8 The incident management system shall be applied to drills, exercises, and other situations that involve hazards similar to those encountered at actual emergency incidents and to simulated incidents that are conducted for training and familiarization purposes. 4.5.9* The incident management system prescribed by this standard shall be used by trained individuals and applied in a manner that meets the needs of each particular situation. 4.5.10 The incident commander shall apply the incident management system in a manner that is appropriate for the circumstances of each specific situation. 4.6 Resource Accountability. 4.6.1* The ESO shall develop and routinely use a system to maintain accountability for all resources assigned to the incident with special emphasis on the accountability of personnel. 4.6.2 The system shall maintain accountability for the location and status condition of each organizational element at the scene of the incident. 4.6.3 The system shall include a specific means to identify and keep track of responders entering and leaving hazardous areas, especially where special protective equipment is required. 4.6.4* file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 12/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety The system shall provide for the use of additional accountability personnel based on the size, complexity, or needs of the incident. 4.6.5* Responder accountability shall be maintained and communicated within the incident management system when responders in any configuration are relocated at an incident. 4.6.6* Supervisors shall maintain accountability of resources assigned within the supervisor’s geographical or functional area of responsibility. 4.6.7 Supervisors assigned to specific geographic areas shall be located in areas that allow each supervisor to maintain accountability of his or her assigned resources. 4.6.8 Where assigned as a company/crew/unit, responders shall be responsible to remain under the supervision of their assigned company/crew/unit supervisor. 4.6.9 Responders shall be personally responsible for following the personnel accountability system procedures. 4.6.10* Responders who arrive at an incident in or on marked apparatus shall be identified by a system that provides an accurate accounting of the responders on each apparatus. 4.6.11* Responders who arrive at the scene of the incident by means other than emergency response vehicles shall be identified by a system that accounts for their presence and their assignment at the incident scene. 4.6.12* The accountability system shall include an SOP for the evacuation of responders from an area where an imminent hazard condition is found to exist. 4.6.13 The SOP described in 4.6.12 shall indicate the method to be used to immediately notify all responders. 4.6.14* The system shall also provide a process for the rapid accounting of all responders at the incident scene. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 13/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 4.7 Incident Scene Rehabilitation. 4.7.1* The incident commander shall consider the circumstances of each incident and make provisions for the rest and rehabilitation of responders operating at the scene. 4.7.2 After rehabilitation, responders shall receive a new incident assignment, return to the staging area to await an incident assignment, or be released from the incident. 4.7.3 The incident scene rehabilitation shall meet the requirements of NFPA 1584. 4.8 System Qualification Process. 4.8.1 ESOs shall develop and implement a qualification process specific to their organization to ensure that members who function in the incident management system (IMS) are qualified to function in incident management positions in the types of incidents that the ESO would be expected to respond to. 4.8.2 The qualification system shall be developed to support a typing scheme as follows: (1) Type 5 — Local, discipline specific. An organization formed at an incident capable of operating an incident management system from its initial establishment up to and including a full operational period as defined by the agency or jurisdiction. (2)* Type 4 — Local, agency, or jurisdiction specific. An organized team capable of operating an incident management system that could involve resources from multiple agencies from the discovery of, and arrival at, an incident up to and including a full operational period as defined by the agency or jurisdiction. (3)* Type 3 — Regional or state, multi-agency/multi-jurisdiction. An organized team capable of operating an incident management system that involves resources from multiple agencies and jurisdictions from the local though federal level for multiple operational periods. (4)* Type 2 — State or national. An organized team, qualified and certified at the federal level, capable of operating an incident management system that involves utilization of significant file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 14/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety numbers of state- and federal-level resources. (5) Type 1 — National. An organized team, qualified and certified at the federal level, capable of operating an incident management system that involves utilization of significant numbers of federal-level resources. 4.8.3 ESOs can elect to qualify members of the organization at or above Type 5, which shall be the minimum level of qualification to function in the incident management system. 4.8.4 ESO specific incident management system qualification processes shall be compatible with the National Incident Management System. 4.9 Training and Qualifications. 4.9.1* All responders who are involved in emergency operations shall be trained in the incident management and personnel accountability systems to the anticipated level of their involvement. 4.9.2 The ESO shall provide refresher training at least annually. 4.9.3 Responders who are expected to perform as incident commanders or to be assigned to supervisory levels within the command structure shall be trained in and familiar with the incident management system and the particular levels at which they are expected to perform. 4.9.4 The ESO shall define training and experience requirements. 4.9.5* The incident commander shall make assignments based on the availability, qualifications, and expertise of individuals. Functions and Structure of Command 5.1 Command Structure. 5.1.1* All positions identified within this standard shall meet the requirements of NFPA 1026. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 15/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 5.1.2 The particular levels to be utilized in each situation shall depend on the nature of the incident and the scale and complexity of emergency services organization (ESO) activities at the scene. 5.1.3 The incident management system shall be modular to allow the application of only those elements that are necessary at a particular incident and to allow elements to be activated or deactivated as the needs of the incident change with time. 5.1.4 The system shall provide for a routine process of escalation as additional resources are utilized. 5.1.5 The incident commander shall determine which levels and elements of the incident management system are to be implemented in each case and shall develop the command structure for each incident by assigning supervisory responsibilities according to SOPs. 5.1.6 An effective span of control shall be determined by the ability of each supervisory position to monitor the activities of assigned subordinates and to communicate effectively with them. 5.1.7 The incident management system shall define standardized supervisory assignments. 5.1.8 The assignments described in 5.1.7 shall be activated upon assignment by the incident commander. 5.1.9* Standardized supervisory assignments shall define the role, authority, and responsibilities of assigned responders. 5.1.10 Assignments shall be defined by function or by location at the scene of the incident. 5.1.11 The scope of authority to be delegated at each supervisory level shall be outlined in SOPs. 5.1.12 An assignment that is defined by function shall be based on performing or supervising a particular function or set of functions. 5.1.13 file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 16/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety An assignment that is defined by location shall be based on supervising all activities that are conducted within a designated area. 5.1.14 The area shall be defined by standard terminology or specified by the incident commander at the time of assignment. 5.1.15 The incident commander shall have the authority to modify standard assignments or to apply them in a manner that suits the particular needs of an incident. 5.1.16 The incident commander shall be responsible to clearly identify the parameters of an assignment when deviating from the standard assignments in 5.1.9. 5.2 Coordination. 5.2.1* Where the incident is under the command authority of a single ESO, the incident commander shall provide for liaison and coordination with all assisting and cooperating agencies. 5.2.2 Where the incident is under the overall jurisdiction of another agency that has not implemented an incident management system, the ESO shall utilize the incident management system to manage its own operations and coordinate its activities with the agency having overall jurisdiction. 5.3 Incident Commander. 5.3.1* The incident commander shall have overall authority for management of the incident. 5.3.1.1 The incident commander shall have the responsibilities and duties of all unassigned ICS positions. 5.3.2 The incident commander shall ensure that command safety measures complying with Chapter 8 are in place. 5.3.2.1 At emergency operations, the incident commander shall evaluate the risk to members operating at the scene and, if necessary, request that at least BLS personnel and patient transportation be available as required in Chapter 8 of NFPA 1500. 5.3.2.2 file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 17/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety When members are performing special operations, the highest available level of emergency medical care shall be standing by at the scene with medical equipment and transportation capabilities. 5.3.2.2.1 BLS shall be the minimum level of emergency medical care. 5.3.2.3 Emergency medical care and medical monitoring at hazardous materials incidents shall be provided by or supervised by personnel who meet the minimum requirements of NFPA 473. 5.3.3* The incident management system shall clearly identify who is in overall command at the scene for the duration of the incident. 5.3.4* SOPs shall provide for one individual to assume the role of incident commander from the beginning of operations at the scene of each incident. 5.3.5 The incident management system shall provide for the transfer of the assignment of incident commander to take place one or more times during the course of an incident. 5.3.6* SOPs shall define the circumstances and procedures for transferring command to another onscene officer/member and shall specify to whom command shall be trans­ferred. 5.3.7 The incident commander shall ensure that a post-incident analysis complying with NFPA 1500 is conducted. 5.3.8* Command Post. 5.3.8.1 In establishing a command post, the incident commander shall ensure the following: (1) The command post is located in or tied to a vehicle or physical location to establish presence and visibility. (2) The command post includes radio capability to monitor and communicate with assigned tactical, command, and designated emergency traffic channels for that incident. (3) file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 18/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety The location of the command post is communicated to the communications center. (4) The incident commander, or his or her designee, is present at the command post. (5)* The command post is located in the cold zone of an incident. 5.3.9 The incident commander shall authorize release of information to the news media. 5.3.10* The incident commander shall interface with any department operation center (DOC), area command, or, in the absence of a DOC or area command, an established emergency operation center. 5.3.11 The incident commander shall establish a unified command at a multi-agency or multijurisdictional incident when agencies have jurisdictional responsibility for an incident, either geographic or functional. 5.3.12 The incident commander shall be responsible for controlling communications on the tactical, command, and designated emergency traffic channels for that incident. 5.3.13 The incident commander shall maintain an awareness of the location and function of all companies or units at the scene of the incident. 5.3.14 The incident commander shall be responsible for overall responder accountability for the incident. 5.3.15* The incident commander and members who are assigned a supervisory responsibility that involves multiple companies or crews under their command shall have an additional person (staff aide) assigned to facilitate the tracking and accountability of the assigned companies or crews. 5.3.15.1 When vests are used at a command post or in positions of an incident management team, the following colors shall be used: (1) IC and command staff positions: white vests file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 19/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety (2) Operations chief and subordinate positions: red vests (3) Planning section chief and subordinate positions: dark blue vests with the following exceptions: (a) Intelligence/investigation position: tan vests (b) If intelligence/investigation becomes a section: tan vests (4) Logistics section chief and subordinate positions: orange vests (5) Finance/administration section chief and subordinate positions: green vests (6) Technical specialists: yellow vests 5.3.15.2* The on scene safety officer shall wear additional garments that shall be unique and identifiable to the position. 5.3.16 Incident Action Plan. 5.3.16.1 The incident commander shall be responsible for developing and/or approving an incident action plan (IAP). 5.3.16.2* This IAP shall be communicated to all staged and assigned members at an incident. 5.3.16.3 For Type IV and Type V incidents, the incident commander shall communicate the IAP verbally to all on-scene resources. 5.3.17 The incident commander shall keep the operations section chief, those in supervisory level positions, and the safety officer informed of the strategy, tactical objectives and any changing conditions. 5.3.18* file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 20/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety The incident commander shall evaluate the risk to responders with respect to the purpose and potential results of their actions in each situation. 5.3.19 In situations where the risk to emergency service responders is excessive, as defined in 5.3.20, activities shall be limited to defensive operations. 5.3.20* The following risk management principles shall be utilized by the incident commander: (1) Activities that present a significant risk to the safety of responders shall be limited to situations that have the potential to save endangered lives. (2) Activities that are routinely employed to protect property shall be recognized as inherent risks to the safety of responders, and actions shall be taken to reduce or avoid these risks. (3) No risk to the safety of responders shall be acceptable where there is no possibility to save lives or property. 5.3.21 The incident commander shall be responsible for developing the command organization for the incident. 5.3.22 The incident commander shall coordinate activity for all command and general staff positions. 5.3.23 The incident commander shall conduct planning meetings as required. 5.3.24 The incident commander shall be responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and revising the IAP and overall strategy of the incident. 5.3.25 The incident commander shall be responsible for the continuation, transfer, and termination of command at an incident. 5.3.26 The incident commander shall order the demobilization of resources when appropriate. 5.3.27 file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 21/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety The incident commander shall provide for control of access to the incident scene. 5.3.28 The incident commander shall make appropriate incident status notifications to key people, officials, and the agency administrator. 5.4* Intelligence. The intelligence function shall be established when required. 5.5* Unified Command. 5.5.1* The ESO shall develop a system for a unified command in coordination with more than one agency or jurisdiction having responsibilities at an emergency incident. 5.5.2 The incident management system shall include a provision to designate one incident commander or to establish unified command. 5.6* Area Command. 5.6.1* When area command is implemented, it shall have the responsibility to set overall strategy and priorities, allocate critical resources according to priorities, ensure that incidents are managed in accordance with the incident management system, and ensure that objectives are met and strategies are followed. 5.6.2 Area command shall establish a tactical area within which to allocate resources. 5.6.3 The relationships between an area commander, a zone commander, and incident commanders, and between an area commander(s) and agency communication centers, shall be established prior to an incident. 5.6.4 Area command shall determine if the dispatch center will continue to allocate resources directly to the incident(s), or to locations from which area command can dispatch the resources into the identified tactical area. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 22/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 5.6.5* If the resources are to be allocated to a location from which area command will dispatch the resources, the local dispatch center shall give all incidents within the tactical area to the area command post and the resources to the area command staging area for allocation. 5.7* Multi-Agency Coordination System. When it is deemed necessary to coordinate resources at the regional level, a multi-agency coordination system (MACS) shall be established based upon direction by the authority having jurisdiction to facilitate the coordination and support between agencies or jurisdictions. 5.8 Supervisory Personnel. 5.8.1* Risk management principles shall be employed routinely by supervisory personnel at all levels of the incident management system to define the limits of acceptable and unacceptable positions and functions for all responders at the incident scene. 5.8.2* Supervisory personnel shall assume responsibility for activities within their span of control, including responsibility for the safety and health of responders and other authorized persons within their designated areas. 5.8.3 Objectives. 5.8.3.1 Supervisory personnel shall work toward assigned objectives, within the overall strategy defined by the incident commander. 5.8.3.2* Supervisory personnel shall, on a regular basis, report progress, or lack of progress, in meeting those objectives as well as any deviation from established plans. 5.8.4 Supervisory personnel at each level of the command structure shall receive direction from, and shall provide progress reports to, supervisory personnel at a higher level. 5.8.5 Supervisory personnel shall be alert to recognize conditions and actions that create a hazard within their spans of control. 5.8.6 file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 23/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety All supervisory personnel shall have the authority and responsibility to take immediate action to correct imminent hazards and to advise their supervisory personnel regarding such action. 5.8.7 Supervisory personnel shall coordinate their activities with other supervisory personnel at the same level and shall provide direction to supervisory personnel at a lower level or to responders within their spans of control. 5.8.8 Conflicting Orders. 5.8.8.1* Where conflicting orders are received at any level of the incident management system, the individual receiving the conflicting order shall inform the individual giving the order that a conflict exists. 5.8.8.2 If the conflicting order is required to be carried out, the individual giving the conflicting order shall so inform the individual who provided the initial order. 5.8.9 Supervisory Awareness. 5.8.9.1 All supervisory personnel shall maintain a constant awareness of the position and function of all responders assigned to operate under their supervision. 5.8.9.2 This awareness shall serve as the basic means of accountability that shall be required for operational safety. 5.9 Command Staff. 5.9.1 Command staff functions shall include those elements of the incident management system that operate in direct support of the incident commander and contribute to the overall management of the incident. 5.9.2* SOPs shall define the roles and responsibilities of responders assigned to command staff functions. 5.9.3 Command Staff Positions. 5.9.3.1 Three specific staff positions shall be identified as follows: (1) file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 24/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety Public information officer (2) Liaison officer (3) Safety officer 5.9.3.2* Additional staff functions shall be assigned depending on the nature and location of the incident or on requirements established by the incident commander. 5.9.4 Public Information Officer. 5.9.4.1 The public information officer (PIO) shall be integrated within the incident management system as a command staff member. 5.9.4.2* The public information officer shall develop and release information about the incident to the news media, to incident personnel, and to other appropriate agencies and organizations. 5.9.4.3 Only one public information officer shall be assigned for each incident, including incidents operating under unified command and multi-jurisdiction incidents. 5.9.4.4 The public information officer shall be permitted to have assistants as necessary, and the assistants shall be permitted to also represent assisting agencies or jurisdictions. 5.9.4.5 The public information officer shall have the following major responsibilities at any incident: (1) Determine from the incident commander if there are any limits on information release (2) Develop material for use in media briefings (3) Obtain incident commander’s approval of media releases (4) Inform media and conduct media briefings file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 25/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety (5) Arrange for tours and other interviews or briefings as requested (6) Obtain media information that can be useful to incident planning (7) Maintain current information summaries and/or displays on the incident and provide information on status of incident to assigned personnel (8) Maintain unit log 5.9.5* Liaison Officer. 5.9.5.1 The liaison officer shall be integrated within the incident management system as a command staff member. 5.9.5.2 The incident commander shall be permitted to establish the position of liaison officer on the command staff when incidents are multi-jurisdictional or have several agencies involved. 5.9.5.3* The liaison officer shall be the contact for the personnel assigned to the incident by assisting or cooperating agencies. 5.9.5.4 The liaison officer shall have the following major responsibilities at any incident: (1) Be a contact point for agency representatives (2) Maintain a list of assisting and cooperating agencies and agency representatives (3) Assist in establishing and coordinating interagency contacts (4) Keep agencies supporting the incident aware of incident status (5) Monitor incident operations to identify current or potential interorganizational problems file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 26/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety (6) Participate in planning meetings and provide current resource status, including limitations and capability of assisting agency resources (7) Maintain unit log 5.9.6 Safety Officer. 5.9.6.1* The safety officer (SO) shall be integrated within the incident management system as a command staff member. (See Annex D.) 5.9.6.2* SOPs shall define criteria for the response or appointment of a safety officer. 5.9.6.3 If the safety officer is designated by the incident commander, the ESO shall establish criteria for appointment based upon 4.9.5. 5.9.6.4* Assistant safety officers shall be assigned when activities, incident size, incident complexity, or other needs warrant extra personnel to ensure the achievement of safety functions. 5.9.6.5* The safety officer and assistant safety officer(s) shall be specifically identifiable on the incident scene. 5.9.6.6* The ESO shall have a policy for the assignment of the safety officer to ensure that a separate safety officer (SO) responds automatically. 5.9.6.7* If a predesignated safety officer is not available, the incident commander shall appoint a safety officer that meets the requirements of 4.9.5. 5.9.6.8 An additional assistant safety officer(s) shall be appointed when the activities, size, or need of the incident warrants extra safety personnel. 5.9.6.9* The safety officer shall make recommendations to the incident commander for the need of technical specialists based on the incident type, technical requirements, or specific agency needs of the incident. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 27/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 5.9.6.9.1* In cases where a designated safety officer does not meet the technician-level requirements of NFPA 1006, the incident commander shall appoint an assistant safety officer or a technical specialist who meets the technician-level requirements of NFPA 1006 to assist with safety officer functions. 5.9.6.9.2* In cases where a designated safety officer does not meet the technician-level requirements of NFPA 472, the incident commander shall appoint an assistant safety officer or a technical specialist who meets the technician-level requirements of NFPA 472 to assist with safety officer functions. 5.9.6.10 At an emergency incident, the incident commander shall be responsible for the overall management of the incident and the safety of all members involved at the scene. [1500:8.1.5] 5.9.6.11 At an emergency incident where activities are judged by the safety officer as posing an imminent threat to responder safety, the safety officer shall have the authority to stop, alter, or suspend those activities. 5.9.6.11.1 The safety officer shall immediately inform the incident commander of any actions taken to correct imminent hazards at the emergency scene. 5.9.6.11.2 At an emergency incident where a safety officer identifies unsafe conditions, operations, or hazards that do not present an imminent threat to responder, the safety officer shall take appropriate action through the incident commander to mitigate or eliminate the unsafe condition, operation, or hazard at the incident scene. 5.9.6.12 An assigned assistant safety officer(s) shall be granted the authority authorized in 5.9.6.11. 5.9.6.13* The safety officer and assistant safety officer(s) shall be readily identifiable at the incident scene. 5.9.6.14* Upon arrival or assignment as the safety officer at an incident, he or she shall obtain a situationstatus briefing from the incident commander or designee that includes the verbal incident action plan. 5.9.7 Scene Safety. file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 28/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 5.9.7.1 The safety officer shall monitor conditions, activities, and operations to determine whether they fall within the criteria as defined in the fire department’s risk management plan. 5.9.7.2 When the perceived risk(s) is not within the criteria of 5.9.7.1, the safety officer shall take action as outlined in 5.3.19. 5.9.7.3 The major responsibilities of the safety officer, which shall apply to any incident, are as follows: (1) Participate in planning meetings (2) Identify hazardous situations associated with the incident (3) Review the IAP for safety implications (4) Exercise emergency authority to stop and prevent unsafe acts (5) Investigate accidents that have occurred within the incident area (6) Assign assistants as needed (7) Review and approve the medical plan (8) Maintain unit log 5.9.7.4 The major responsibilities of a safety officer shall apply to any incident and include the following: (1) Communicate to the IC changing incident conditions, activities, operations, hazards, and unacceptable risk-taking circumstances that warrant a change in the IAP (2) file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 29/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety Exercise emergency authority to stop, alter, or suspend activities that are determined to present an imminent threat to responder safety (3) Establish emergency incident hazard control zones, including collapse zones, based on current and changing fire conditions, building construction/structural factors, hazardous energy integrity, and incident operational effectiveness (4) Communicate emergency incident hazard control zones to the IC and responders in accordance with Section 8.7 of NFPA 1500 (5) Ensure that members operating in IDLH environments have adequate means of rapid egress (6) Ensure that personnel safety systems have been established, including required PPE levels, a “Mayday” rapid intervention crew(s), and a personal accountability system that is in accordance with Section 8.5 (7) Monitor radio traffic to ensure effective communication (8) Ensure that effective responder rehabilitation efforts have been established in accordance with NFPA 1584 (9) Communicate to the IC the need for assistant safety officers (10) Develop preventive measures for IC consideration to further reduce responder exposure to hazards (11) Ensure that contaminated personnel, tools, hose, equipment, and PPE are processed in accordance with contamination-reduction SOPs prior to being returned to service (12) Begin investigation procedures for accidents that have occurred within the incident area (13) Document safety officer actions, interventions, and post-incident follow-up needs file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 30/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety 5.9.7.5* The safety officer shall ensure that the incident scene rehabilitation area has been established. 5.9.7.6 The safety officer shall ensure compliance with the department’s infection control plan and NFPA 1581 during emergency medical service operations. 5.10* General Staff. An incident management system shall include the general staff sections of operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration. 5.10.1 Operations Section. 5.10.1.1 Operations section functions shall include those tactical operations of the incident management system that are within the primary mission of the ESO. 5.10.1.2* The incident commander shall assign intermediate levels of supervision and organize resources following SOPs based on the scale and complexity of operations. 5.10.1.3* All supervisory personnel assigned to operations functions shall support an overall strategic plan, as directed by the incident commander, and shall work toward the accomplishment of tactical objectives. 5.10.1.4 Supervisory personnel assigned to operations functions shall be accountable for all resources assigned under their span of control and for coordination with higher levels of the command structure and with other supervisory personnel at the same level. 5.10.1.5 Supervisory personnel shall ensure that the safety and health of all responders is the primary consideration. 5.10.1.6 The following major responsibilities of the operations section chief shall apply to any incident: (1) Manage tactical operations as follows: (a) file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 31/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety Interact with next lower level of section (branch or division/group) to develop the operations portion of the IAP (b) Request resources needed to implement the operation’s tactics as a part of the IAP (2) Assist in development of the operations portion of the IAP (3) Supervise the execution of the IAP for operations as follows: (a) Maintain close contact with subordinate positions (b) Ensure safe tactical operations (4) Request additional resources to support tactical operations (5) Approve release of resources from assigned status (not release from the incident) (6) Make or approve expedient changes to the IAP during the operational period as necessary (7) Maintain close communication with the incident commander (8) Maintain unit log 5.10.1.7 The incident commander shall be permitted to assign single resources, task forces, or strike teams in tactical assignments without activation of either the section or branches. 5.10.1.8 Staging. 5.10.1.8.1* The incident management system shall provide a standard system to manage reserves of responders and other resources at or near the scene of the incident. 5.10.1.8.2* file:///Users/omehga/Desktop/NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident f5314c00afe34845990251ef1c723ea7 3.html 32/47 6/23/23, 4:03 PM NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety When emergency activities are being conducted in a location where there would be a delay in activating staged resources, the incident commander shall establish staging areas close to the area where the need for those resources is anticipated. 5.10.1.9 Staging Area Manager. 5.10.1.9.1 The staging area manager shall report to the operations section chief or to the incident commander if the operations section chief position has not been filled. 5.10.1.9.2 The following major responsibilities of the staging area manager shall apply to any incident: (1) Establish layout of staging area (2) P