SM_Sec300_2.pdf Fire Department Policies And Procedures PDF

Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 314.06 Battalion Chiefs may request particular members from the companies in their respective battalions when they deem such action necessary. 314.08 Currently certified Emergency Medical and Rescue personnel temporarily transferred to another battalio...

Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 314.06 Battalion Chiefs may request particular members from the companies in their respective battalions when they deem such action necessary. 314.08 Currently certified Emergency Medical and Rescue personnel temporarily transferred to another battalion to reach or exceed minimum manning standards, shall be utilized as EMS personnel whenever possible. 314.10 Division members reporting for temporary assignments, including call-in and/or overtime duty shall seek out and report to the officer in charge of the company to which they have been assigned. Whenever possible this shall be done prior to the official reporting time. These members shall report their name, rank, and normal duty assignment to the officer at this time. (Revised 12/31/15) 314.12 Members temporarily transferred (tt’d) to other fire stations or duty assignments, shall obtain all information necessary to assure timely arrival. This is especially important when a member is tt’d to another station or duty assignment for the first time. 314.16 If it becomes necessary to temporarily transfer firefighters to fill in for absent officers, the procedures governing the selection of acting officers shall be followed. (NOTE: See Section 306.10) 314.18 (Deleted 12/31/15) Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures TEMPORARY TRANSFERS FOR PERSONAL REASONS 314.20 Any Division employee who, for personal reasons, feels the need to temporarily change duty assignments, shall notify their battalion chief of this need and submit a PR-2 requesting such assignment. The request should state the reason and approximate length of time needed. 314.22 The member's battalion chief should attempt to make the necessary arrangements within his own battalion whenever possible. Temporary transfers for personal reasons involving assignment to other battalions shall be coordinated by the Deputy Chief. 314.23 Temporary transfers for personal reasons shall be for a minimum of one 24-hour work shift, and for no more than ninety consecutive calendar days. The Emergency Services Assistant Chief reserves the option of deciding specific work assignments, based on existing personnel needs. 314.26 Personnel permanently assigned to EMS positions who request temporary transfer out of the EMS field, will receive no EMS pay differential for the duration of their temporary transfer. DIVISION GROOMING AND HAIR STANDARDS CODE 316.00 All employees of the Division of Fire shall be guided by those standards of good grooming as may be established and set forth by the Chief of the Division. 316.02 All members of the Uniformed Division shall conform to the specifications of the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code as outlined in this section. Additional information, including photographs illustrating acceptable styles and current specifications shall be kept on file in the various stations and bureaus of the Division. 316.04 All members of the Uniformed Division, including those members temporarily transferred or who trade work shifts shall be held strictly accountable for compliance with the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code. The member’s regularly Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures assigned supervisor and the member’s current supervisor shall also be held accountable for such compliance. 316.06 Members shall be clean shaven when standing roll call and at all other times during their normal tour of duty. This is especially important during inspections and other day to day contacts with the public. This shall apply to any off-duty ceremonies or other occasions where members are acting as representative of the Division of Fire, whether in or out of uniform. (NOTE: Temporary deviations from this policy for certified medical reasons may be allowed upon approval of the Fire Chief as explained in Section 316.14.) 316.08 Members of the uniformed Division shall comb or style their hair in a manner consistent with the provisions of this section. The length of their hair or hairpiece shall not exceed the maximum limits of grooming set forth in this section. 316.10 If the style, length or other feature of any member’s hair is determined to be a health or safety hazard, or in any way hampers, interferes with, or restricts firefighting duties, it shall be in non-conformance with the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code. 316.12 Wigs, hairpieces and similar contrivance shall not be worn to cover hair styles or lengths not conforming to this code. However, hairpieces and/or wigs conforming to this standard may be worn for reasons of baldness and/or physical disfigurement upon approval of the Fire Chief. 316.14 Male fire personnel shall not wear goatees, beards, braids, pony-tails, or hair tails of any description or length while on duty or representing the Division of Fire. Beards may be worn on a temporary basis when deemed necessary due to a certified medical condition. The approval of the Fire Chief is required in all cases. Such members will not serve on fire suppression companies. Individuals who receive this approval and have the required certified medical condition will wear a full beard no longer than one-eight (1/8") of an inch in length. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 316.16 Male Fire Personnel may wear a mustache with the following limitations. No portion of the mustache may extend over the bottom half of the upper lip. Mustaches shall be kept neatly aligned as symmetrically as possible. In addition to these limitations, mustaches shall comply with Systems Manual section 316.17. (20-005 1/23/2020) 316.17 Facial hair that passes between the sealing surface of the face piece and the face of the wearer is not permitted. Members who have facial hair at any point where the face piece is designed to seal with the face or whose hair could interfere with the operation of the unit shall not be permitted to use respiratory protection at emergency incidents, or in hazardous or potentially hazardous atmospheres and shall be considered to be in violation of the Division Grooming and Hair Standards Code. (20-005 1/23/2020) MALE PERSONNEL HAIR STANDARDS 316.18 FOREHEAD - when combed, hair shall be at least one (1") inch above the top of the eyebrow. 316.20 SIDE OF THE HEAD - when combed, hair shall be cut, shaved or trimmed so as to follow half the ear. No hair shall overlap the ear so as to obscure the lower one-half (1/2) of the ear from sight in any manner. Hair shall be no thicker than one and one-half (1 1/2") inches from the sides of the head. Sideburns shall be no wider than one and one-half (1 1/2") inches at any point, and shall be no thicker than one-half (1/2") inch from the temple or cheek. 316.22 BACK OF THE HEAD - Hair shall be no thicker than one and one-half (1 1/2") inches from the back of the head and shall not extend below the middle of the shirt collar or dress blouse when head is held erect. 316.24 TOP OF THE HEAD - Hair shall be no thicker than two (2") inches from the contour of the head. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures FEMALE PERSONNEL HAIR STANDARDS 316.26 FOREHEAD - when combed, hair shall be at least one inch (1") above the top of the eyebrow. 316.28 When in uniform, female personnel with hair that extends below the bottom edge of the shirt collar shall wear their hair in an upward sweep or bun, so that it will not extend below the middle of the shirt collar or dress blouse when head is held erect. 316.30 Hair of female personnel shall not exceed three (3") inches in bulk. 316.32 Female fire personnel shall not wear braids or ponytails unless they are used to form a bun. Pigtails and other tail configurations are not permitted. 316.34 Female fire personnel may wear conservative hair clasps, barrettes, or similar unobtrusive hair control devices which correspond to their hair color, as long as no health or safety hazard is thereby created. GENERAL STANDARDS 316.36 No on duty fire personnel shall wear curlers at any time. 316.38 Only female fire personnel working on medic companies, and female fire personnel working in 40 hour positions (except fire recruits) may wear a single pair of plain earrings of the post or button type in pierced ears. All other personnel shall not be permitted to wear earrings of any type. 316.40 All preceding requirements apply whether or not the uniform cap or fire helmet is worn. 316.42 Please note that the current grooming policies and procedures may not specifically encompass all grooming styles or situations. Those styles not specifically covered will be reviewed by the Chief of the Fire Division. The Chief of the Division will determine compliance or non-compliance. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures SMOKING POLICY 317.00 Smoking shall be prohibited in all City vehicles. Smoking shall be prohibited in all City facilities. DIVISION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES 318.00 See the current agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67, IAFF for the Grievance Procedure. DIVISION PROMOTION POLICY 322.00 Members of the Division of Fire who place high enough on Civil Service Promotional Eligibility Lists to be considered for promotion during the life of the list should understand the policy of the Division regarding promotions. 322.02 When an opening is to be filled by promotion, those members eligible to be promoted will be evaluated with regard to their qualifications and the requirements of the position to be filled. The eligible Division member who is judged to be the most highly qualified in all pertinent respects will be recommended for promotion. 322.04 It is Division Policy to be fair and equitable in selecting and recommending the most qualified individual from among those eligible to be promoted. Information on which to base this judgment must be comprehensive. Methods of obtaining this information may include: (1) personal interview, and (2) written reports from present and previous superior officers. 322.06 Candidates for promotion, whose ability to adequately perform the duties required of the new position is questionable, will be informed of this fact. These members will be advised of the reasoning behind such opinion and will be given every opportunity to improve their performance so that they might be recommended for promotion. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures FLAG ETIQUETTE 324.00 Salute to National Colors: - Members of the Division of Fire are a part of the Uniformed Forces of the City of Columbus and should realize that such forces, with respect to discipline and other matters, are quasi-military in nature. It is therefore considered appropriate that members tender the proper military salute to the colors in accordance with the guidelines listed in this section. 324.02 When in Uniform: When the flag is passing in review at parades, ceremonies, or other civic functions, members shall remain covered and tender the salute while the flag is within six paces in either direction. 324.04 When in formation at parades or other functions, only the Officer in charge of the formation tenders the salute. Members in ranks shall execute the "eyes right" or "eyes left", as the circumstances may require, or shall come to attention if at a halt. 324.06 When Not in Uniform: Members shall stand at attention, remove the headdress with the right hand, holding it over the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Members without headdress should salute by placing the right hand over the heart. 324.08 When the National Anthem is played: If the flag is not displayed, all present should stand and face toward the music. Those in uniform should salute at the first note of the Anthem, retaining this position until the last note. All others should stand at attention, men removing the headdress. 324.10 When the National Anthem is played and the flag is displayed, the salute to the flag should be given. 324.12 If the National Anthem is heard outdoors and the music is near and audible, all persons should stop, uncover, and stand at attention. Respect should be limited to the playing of the National Anthem by a band, orchestra, or musical instrument, but not when played over a radio, sound track, or other recording. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 324.14 When the National Anthem is sung by an entire audience, or by a soloist, those present should stand, but not salute. It is not correct to sing the National Anthem while saluting, as this would be awkward, unnatural, and incongruous. (NOTE: Also see Section 416.00 "Display of National Colors".) EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION POLICY 326.00 It is the policy of the Division of Fire to encourage all Division members to submit suggestions concerning the improvement of any aspect of the operations of the Division. 326.02 Suggestions shall be addressed to the Chief of the Division and shall be processed through proper channels of communication. Officers or supervisory personnel at intervening levels of authority shall review such suggestions and enter pertinent remarks when asked to do so by the member submitting the suggestion. If an intermediate supervisor does not agree with the suggestion, he/she shall enter "disapproved", followed by his/her signature, and shall attach a note explaining his reason for disapproval. Initials or signatures without comment will indicate approval. No intermediate supervisor shall fail to forward a suggestion through proper channels or shall take an unreasonable amount of time in either approving or disapproving a suggestion. 326.04 Members submitting honest, objective suggestions, whether or not such suggestions may be of a critical or unfavorable nature, shall in no way be incriminated or otherwise adversely affected as a result of such action. 326.06 Members wishing to remain anonymous may do so by omitting their signature. However, it should be understood that little credence will normally be attached to such communications, especially where alleged statements of fact are proffered. 326.08 All suggestions shall be accepted, reviewed, and acknowledged. When possible, an explanation or statement regarding the status of each suggestion will be included with such acknowledgment. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 326.10 Employee suggestions with regard to recommended changes in any of the manuals or documents of the Division, including vehicle or equipment specifications, training and procedures manuals, and other forms or documents shall conform to the following procedure: 326.12 The recommended change, correction, addition, or deletion will be put in writing on Form RT-154 (Official Intra-Divisional Communication) and will be addressed to the Chief of the Division. 326.14 A specific reference to the manual or publication in question shall be made, including the title, page number, section, and/or paragraph number. A quotation of the applicable portion of the document as presently worded shall also be included. 326.16 The recommended change will then be presented by stating "I recommend that the above section be changed to read as follows:", or another similar statement to that effect, depending upon the exact recommendation. 326.18 This communication will then be submitted, through proper channels, to the Chief. As is the case with regards to general suggestions, all communications will be acknowledged. DIVISION OF FIRE AWARDS PROGRAM / MERITORIOUS CONDUCT POLICY 330.00 INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the Awards Program is to publicly and officially recognize all members of the Division of Fire and other qualified persons who distinguish themselves by performing exceptional or conspicuously outstanding acts of heroism. It also provides for the recognition of any Division members who perform commendable acts which are deemed to be above and beyond those normally expected or required of personnel conscientiously discharging their assigned duties and acknowledges Division members and other qualified persons who engage in other meritorious or exemplary activities. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 330.02 MEDAL OF VALOR (Highest Award) - Awarded to active members of the Division of Fire who distinguish themselves by performing acts of gallantry and valor while saving or attempting to save a life and in the face of grave danger of imminent hazard to life, with sure knowledge of the risks involved, and unquestionably above and beyond the call of duty. QUALIFYING CONSIDERATIONS: There must be no margin of doubt or possibility of error in awarding this honor. To justify receipt of this award, individuals nominated must clearly render themselves conspicuous above their comrades by saving or attempting to save a life by an act so outstanding that their gallantry above and beyond the call of duty is easily distinguished from lesser forms of bravery. In addition, the deed cited must be one which, had it not been performed, would in no way subject such individuals to any justifiable criticism. Obviously, a good deal of judgment will have to be exercised when deciding whether or not a nominee is qualified for this award. In general terms, if there is any question in the mind of those Division members acting as the screening committee with respect to any of the particulars listed in the “Qualifying Considerations”, they should probably opt for presenting a lesser award. Any Division member who is killed while on duty or who dies as a result of injuries received in the line of duty should be considered for this award. 330.04 SILVER MALTESE (Second highest award) - Awarded to active members of the Division of Fire who distinguish themselves by performing acts of gallantry in the face of great personal danger or hazard to life, with knowledge of the risks involved, and above and beyond the call of duty. QUALIFYING CONSIDERATIONS: To justify receipt of this award, individuals nominated must clearly render themselves conspicuous above their comrades by an Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020