SOP 104 - Safety Flashcards
(56 cards)
What is the primary role of the Safety Officer at a scene?
To advise IC of hazards or unsafe conditions
The Safety Officer may suspend fire ground activities due to danger and must report to the IC.
What are the air quality limits the Safety Officer is responsible for?
- Carbon Monoxide: less than 35 ppm
- Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN): below 4.7 ppm
- Oxygen: between 19.5% and 21.5%
These limits are critical for ensuring the safety of personnel during operations.
What are some basic fire ground safety rules?
- Safety Officer is dispatched for all fires
- One company will assume role as RIT
- Establish two routes of egress if possible
- Only assigned persons will be on fire scene
- Free lancing is not allowed
All personnel must either be assigned to a task or staging.
Where should personnel operate when in a defensive mode?
As far from the involved area as possible
Personnel should operate from behind barriers if available.
What principle regarding personnel use does the IC employ in extremely hazardous saturations?
Use the minimum amount of personnel necessary within the fireground perimeter
Unmanned Master Streams should be used whenever possible.
How must company members maintain contact?
- Voice (not radio)
- Visual
- Touch
Exceptions include apparatus operators, Chief Officers, or Lobby Control Supervisors, who may use radio contact.
What is the procedure for announcing a MAYDAY?
Use the portable radio to announce ‘MAYDAY’ and identify self, location, number of persons involved, level of injury, fire conditions, and any pertinent info using LUNAR
LUNAR stands for Location, Unit, Name, Air, Resources needed.
What must occur when the IC shifts from offensive to defensive strategy?
All personnel must exit the structure quickly
The Safety Officer will conduct a PAR.
What are some rules regarding hose lines and ladder placement?
- Don’t direct exterior streams into interior where crews are operating without communication
- Notify interior crews when exterior master streams are deployed
- Place ladders near building corners or firewalls
- Use roof ladders on pitched roofs
- Rungs should be 3-5 above the ridge line
Proper placement is critical for safety.
What must all personnel entering the fireground perimeter have?
Full turnout gear
Personnel must have a crew intact and be assigned to a Division, Group, Branch, or specific duty.
What are some high-rise safety rules regarding elevator use?
- Establish a hazard zone of at least 200 ft from the building
- Use hydrants outside the perimeter if possible
- Check elevator shaft for heat and fire before use
- Take elevator 2 floors below if working fire suspected
- Do not exceed maximum load capacity
Elevators without fire service should not be used if a working fire is present.
What is the leading cause of death or serious injuries to firefighters?
Structural collapse
In a typical fire-involved building, what is most likely to collapse?
The roof
The roof collapse exerts outward pressure against bearing and non-bearing walls.
What is the ‘20 minute rule’?
Structures other than fire protected or heavy timber can fail in approximately 20 minutes
This applies to ordinary construction or brick, wood, or joist construction.
What are some warning signs of imminent structural failure?
- Cracks in exterior walls
- Bulges in exterior walls
- Smoke or water leaking through walls
- Structural sounds like cracking, groaning, snapping
- Flexible movement of floors or roofs
- Leaning or twisting of walls or columns
These signs indicate a critical need for caution.
After how many minutes of interior operations should the IC reevaluate structural conditions?
10-15 minutes
If heavy fire conditions are still present, the IC should be prepared for a defensive operation.
What is the purpose of passports in emergency incidents?
Used for working fires or greater emergency incidents, including mutual aid
Three PASSPORT boards are issued to each emergency unit.
What sizes are the nametags on the PASSPORT system?
3/8 X 2 inches
Each nametag contains the individual’s last name and first initial if necessary.
When will Division/Group Supervisors conduct an emergency incident PAR?
- Before a change from Offensive to Defensive strategy
- When a firefighter or company is presumed missing
- Whenever there is a catastrophic change in the incident
- When a crew is relieved of an assignment
- Whenever the need for a PAR is determined
These checks are crucial for maintaining accountability.
What does FPC stand for and what does it consist of?
Full Protective Clothing, consisting of:
* Helmet with earflaps
* Turnout Coat
* Bunker Boots
* Bunker Pants
* Nomex Hood
* Firefighting Gloves
* Reflective Safety Vest
* Eye Protection
* Face Piece for SCBA
* Any other protective gear deemed necessary
All gear must be transported in a department-issued gear bag.
What are the exceptions when full protective clothing may not be required?
- Medical Calls
- River rescue Calls
- Elevator rescue Calls
- Special Duty Calls
These situations may not involve the same level of risk.
What is the responsibility of the IC regarding FPC during overhaul operations?
Determining when any part of the FPC may be removed
Eye protection is to be worn during overhaul and when operating hand or power tools.
What is the purpose of the Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)?
To help locate a downed/disoriented firefighter
The PASS device emits a warning alarm after about 30 seconds of inactivity.
What should be done if a PASS device is found to not work properly?
The entire SCBA unit will be taken OOS, tagged, replaced or repaired, and reported to the Shop
Regular checks and battery changes are essential for maintaining functionality.
