As we close another decade, many studies are being concluded and reports are being published. Data indicates that fire fighter fatalities are down to all-time lows. Factors that may be figuring in this down turn include better training and education, new technology for the fire service and greater gains in protective clothing requirements to name a few.
However, there are still circumstances where fire fighters are injured or are dying. Some contributing factors appear to be focusing on the lack of scene management and risk analysis. Building occupancy, building construction, potential for hazardous materials storage and manufacturing are leading to unforeseen hazards and are devastating to operations. A properly trained and institutionalized Incident Safety Officer (ISO) could make the difference for fire fighter safety.
From an NFPA perspective, each of the standards listed below offer opportunities that when combined into an ISO position and utilized on the fireground appropriately, present greater safety benefit for fire fighters:
NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System, states the incident commander shall have overall authority for management of the incident and the incident commander shall ensure that adequate safety measure are in place.
NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program indicates that as incidents escalate in size and complexity, the incident commander shall divide the incident into tactical-level management units and assign an incident safety officer to assess the incident scene for hazards and potential hazards.
NFPA 1521 Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer defines the role of ISO and identifies duties such as recon and reporting pertinent information back to the incident commander; ensuring accountability is in place, monitoring communications ensuring safety zones and other designated hazard areas are communicated to all members on scene.
NFPA 1026 Standard for Incident Management Personnel Professional Qualifications prioritizes tasks so to accomplish the most critical first, making decisions in an environment with a large number of unknowns, evaluating material resource needs, recognizing the need for supplemental technical knowledge, and anticipating hazards and taking action in a proactive manner to ensure responder safety and health.
We CAN do better! The National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation 16 Initiatives outlines areas where the fire service can improve its quality of health and safety for its fire fighters. Below are just a few that are pertinent to fireground incident response:
- Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.
- Focus greater attention on the integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, and planning responsibilities.
- All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.
- Utilize available technology wherever it can produce higher levels of health and safety.
- Thoroughly investigate all firefighter fatalities, injuries, and near misses.
Tom McGowan
Staff Liaison
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