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PURPOSE

To outline a procedure that ensures the risks faced by department personnel are minimized through sound risk management and safety practices.

PROCEDURE

• Upon the arrival of the Incident Commander, they will integrate risk management when developing strategy and tactics for the incident.
• The risk to department members is the most important factor considered by the Incident Commander in determining the strategy that will be employed in each situation.
• The management of risk levels involves all of the following factors
  • Routine evaluation of risk in all situations.
  • Well-defined strategic options.
  • Standard operating procedures.
  • Effective training.
  • Full protective clothing ensemble and equipment.
  • Effective incident management and communications.
  • Safety procedures and safety officers.
  • Back-up teams for rapid intervention.
  • Adequate resources.
  • Rest and rehabilitation.
  • Regular evaluation of changing conditions.
  • Experience based on previous incidents and critiques.
• The acceptable level of risk is directly related to the potential to save lives or property. Where there is no potential to save lives, the risk to department members must be evaluated in proportion to the ability to save property of value.
• When there is no ability to save lives or property, there is no justification to expose department members to any avoidable risk, and defensive fire suppression operations are the appropriate strategy.