Spring Fire Department Thermal Imaging Camera Use PDF

# Thermal Imaging Camera Use ## Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 ### Standard Operating Line #### SFD.013 - **Revision:** 0 - **Issue Date:** 23 Aug. 2024 - **No.:** 4 - **Review Date:** 1 Aug. 2025 - **Effective Date:** 23 Aug. 2024 - **Operation:** S - **Reviewed by:** - **Appr...

# Thermal Imaging Camera Use ## Spring Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 ### Standard Operating Line #### SFD.013 - **Revision:** 0 - **Issue Date:** 23 Aug. 2024 - **No.:** 4 - **Review Date:** 1 Aug. 2025 - **Effective Date:** 23 Aug. 2024 - **Operation:** S - **Reviewed by:** - **Approved by:** Scott C. Seifert ## 1. Executive Summary ### a. - The primary thermal imaging camera should be carried in the cab of the apparatus with accessibility from the officer's seat. - All personnel should familiarize themselves with the unit before its operation in an emergency. ### b. - The thermal imaging camera (TIC) will be utilized on every dispatched structure fire and other identified situations to enhance the safety of firefighting personnel or rescue operations. ### c. - The TIC can be used for various purposes, including safer navigation in zero visibility spaces, search and rescue, fire attack teams, rapid intervention teams, locating fire during size-up, identifying structural compromise, and locating hidden fires during overhaul operations. ### d. - The TIC has limitations, such as providing only a two-dimensional view, not showing behind walls, and being affected by reflective surfaces like water, glass, and plastic. ### e. - The TIC must be stored on the apparatus at all times and inspected daily as part of the daily equipment checks. - The battery should be changed every morning, and the lens and screen must be kept clean. ### f. - If the TIC becomes damaged or inoperative, the current issue must be documented, and the on-duty District Chief should be contacted immediately to coordinate obtaining a replacement or loaner unit from Logistics. ## 2. Purpose - To provide a consistent set of operating guidelines for use of department owned thermal imaging cameras. ## 3. Policy Statement - All members must adhere to this guideline. ## 4. Scope - This guideline applies to all members of the Spring Fire Department. ## 5. Definitions - See Glossary. ## 6. Procedures and Responsibilities ### a. - Officers will ensure that all assigned thermal imaging cameras are deployed from their assigned apparatus on every dispatched structure fire and other identified situations that will enhance the safety of firefighting personnel or rescue operations. ### b. - The primary thermal imaging camera shall be carried in the cab of the apparatus with accessibility from the officer's seat. All personnel should familiarize themselves with the unit prior to its operation in an emergency. ### c. - Each apparatus will have additional thermal imaging cameras assigned for firefighter use. ### d. Uses of Thermal Imaging Camera: - The TIC will be utilized on every dispatched structure fire and other identified situations that will enhance the safety of firefighting personnel or rescue operations. ### e. Limitations of Thermal Imaging Camera: - The TIC allows for only a two-dimensional view of a smoke-filled area, which will limit the firefighter's depth perception. - If an area is needed to be investigated behind a wall, the TIC does not give a view behind the wall. It will however show a changing in temperature increase. - The firefighter must understand that the camera is a tool that can fail at any time. Using the methods of a tag line, hose line or maintaining contact with a wall is recommended over reliance on the TIC alone. - Water, glass, and plastic will display a reflective image creating a barrier for the camera by displaying a reflective image. - Holes in the floor may not appear on the screen as a temperature difference. - When TIC is activated an image will appear. Cool areas will appear dark, while heat sources appear white. - The firefighter carrying the TIC must ensure that the screen and lens are continuously wiped with the gloved hand as an increase in soot build-up on the screen and lens will decrease the quality of the image. ### f. Storage and Maintenance: - The TIC will be stored on the apparatus at all times. - The TIC must be inspected each day as part of the daily equipment checks. - TIC battery should be changed every morning - The camera must always have a clean lens and screen to ensure optimal viewing. - If the TIC becomes damaged or inoperative, document the current issue and immediately contact the on-duty District Chief - The District Chief will coordinate obtaining a replacement or loaner unit if available from Logistics. ## 7. References & Related Policies - This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, or other related internal policies or guidelines. | NFPA | Applicable State or Federal Statutes| OSHA | Spring FD | |---|---|---|---| | TCFP | CPSE PI| ISO | TFCA | ## 8. Contact Office - The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: - Company Officer - District Chief - Deputy Chief of Safety, Health, and Professional Development - Assistant Chief ## 9. List of Changes | Revision No. | Description of Changes | Approve d by | Effective Date | |---|---|---|---| | 4 | Updated format. | | | | 10 | Errors | | | ## See something wrong? Click here or use this QR code to submit an error or inconsistency. This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline.