PURPOSE: To provide guidelines for safe operations at emergency scenes. POLICY: Operations at emergency scenes shall be implemented only if an initial size up and risk assessment has been conducted and adequate personnel and equipment are present to meet minimum safety levels, as determined by the incident commander using the standards provided in this policy. PROCEDURE: The following procedures are required to ensure a safe incident operation. A. Safety zones should be established using the following guidelines 1. Hot Zone/Exclusionary Zone: A hazardous area of an emergency operation which presents the highest risk and which requires the highest level of personal protective equipment, and which may require minimum staffing levels for entry. 2. Warm/Contamination Reduction Zone: The area immediately adjacent to the hot/exclusionary zone that requires a level of personal protective equipment that may be less than the hot zone. Activities in this zone are usually in support to operations in the hot zone. 3. Cold/Support Zone: These are immediately adjacent to the warm zone which requires the minimum level of personal protection for the incident and is a support area for hot and warm zone operations, which may include staging, rehab c.p., etc. This area is inside the perimeter and excludes the general public. B. One of the most important issues facing the Incident Commander (IC) is accountability at the scene of emergencies. These Incident Safety and Accountability Guidelines incorporate additional safety measures and accountability that are best practices in accordance with local, State, and Federal regulations and pertinent to the Incident Command System (ICS). DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 1 of 19 PPS 5-15
An accountability system shall be adopted and routinely used to collect and maintain the status and location of the resources working in, or potentially working in, an IDLH or otherwise hazardous environment at an incident. All members operating at an incident are responsible for understanding and participating in this system. The IC shall be responsible for the overall accountability for the incident. The IC may delegate to other appropriate staff members, the facilitation of the accountability for those resources to meet those goals, objectives, and tasks as needed. The NFPA 1500 and 1561 Standards contain specific requirements regarding accountability of members that include but are not limited to the following: Accountability Levels: The accountability levels are to provide a clear idea of what each term means and how they are to be used while at an event or incident. The five areas of accountability are: Personal Accountability Single Resource Accountability Supervisor Accountability Scene Accountability Functional Accountability Specific Accountability Definitions and Recommendations These more specific accountability definitions and recommendations are to assist a responder with how to maintain accountability while at an event or incident. 1. Personal Accountability a. It is the duty of every individual to understand one s role, limitations, and responsibility in accountability. b. Every individual is to remain under supervision at all times and is to refrain from freelancing. * c. To be constantly aware of the status and location of fellow crew members and other workers near their area of responsibility. 2. Single Resource Accountability a. During an incident all single resource(s) personnel will check in with the supervisor to which they are assigned. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 2 of 19 PPS 5-15
b. Any department member responding directly to the scene in his or her own vehicle must first check in as required. c. The single resource shall provide constant awareness of their status, location, and function throughout the duration of the incident. d. It is the duty of every resource to understand its role, limitations, and responsibility in accountability. e. All resources are to remain under supervision at all times and are to refrain from freelancing. * f. To be constantly aware of the status of surrounding resources. g. Shall be in constant communications and maintain status of adjoining forces. 3. Supervisor Accountability a. During an incident, all supervisory personnel will check in with the manager to which they are assigned. b. The supervisor shall maintain constant awareness of the status, location, and functions of his crew throughout the duration of the incident. c. The supervisor shall include a proactive reporting of accountability through the chain of command. d. Supervisor shall ensure crew cohesion, continuity, and communication. e. Freelancing * is strictly prohibited. All on-scene personnel must be under supervision at all times. f. Supervisors shall conduct, on a regular and routine basis, an accountability check of their assigned personnel. This should include a PAR when specific tasks are completed or, at a minimum, at the end of an operational period. The accountability check(s) and the results of those checks shall be documented on a Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214) or similar tool. * Freelancing is defined as any responder operating independently, or in a group, at the incident scene without notifying incident command and/or without being assigned or delegated a task or function. It must be recognized that there are times when independent action may be appropriate, such as when encountering an immediate threat prior to checking in at an incident. An example of this would be encountering a structure, imminently threatened by fire, prior to checking in at an incident DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 3 of 19 PPS 5-15
facility or having radio contact with the incident. This action is without orders but reasonably can be assumed to be in alignment with the commander s intent. The obligation is to limit the duration of engagement and attempt to contact the incident to relay conditions and actions taken, and seek follow-up orders. 4. Scene Accountability a. The IC is responsible to ensure that the status, location, and functions of each resource are constantly tracked throughout the incident. b. Upon arrival on-scene, each resource shall check in for assignment. c. All personnel on the scene will be tracked through the Command Post with the ICS position, assignment, and resource identifier. Each resource shall have a list of assigned personnel available. d. As the incident increases in complexity, the accountability system shall increase accordingly. 5. Functional Accountability a. Functional accountability shall be used for complex incidents. This requires enhanced scene accountability whereby an IC and/or a designee formally tracks the status, locations, and assignments of all resources/personnel. Functional accountability shall be documented using an appropriate tracking system such as recording assignments on an Incident Briefing (ICS Form 201). b. Accountability process shall be scalable so it may expand or contract with the complexity of the incident. c. As complexity increases, improved communications should also be attempted. (ie: face-to-face communications, visual contact of crews if possible). Accountability Check List Who - Who is the resource? This could be a responder or equipment. Identifies the responder or resource by name(s), assignment, and agency (if an assisting agency). Identifies equipment by type and kind. What - What is the resource doing? Identifies the tasks and assignments of the resource. When - When did the person or unit arrive on scene, last check-in (ie: PAR), become reassigned, or demobilized? DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 4 of 19 PPS 5-15
Where - Where is the resource located/assigned (division, group, staging, ICP)? Why - Why was the resource requested? Identifies the need for the resource. How How is the accountability process documented/reported/recorded? Incident Accountability Considerations 1. There must be an Incident Management Accountability System in place. The task can be accomplished by the officer in charge or delegated to an individual in more complex incidents. 2. Accountability procedures must be followed and must track individuals regardless of their location or assignment on the incident (i.e., hazard zone, camp, incident base). 3. The supervisor must continually maintain crew integrity at all times to avoid freelancing by individual crewmembers. 4. By maintaining company supervision and crew integrity, initiative and resourcefulness can be closely monitored. 5. All personnel must have the ability to communicate with assigned supervisors. 6. It is essential that the supervisor or manager be able to account for different crews by means of an identifier. 7. Access to event/incident shall be maintained and monitored. Resources engaged, staged or released from functional assignments must do so through the chain of command. 8. An accounting of all personnel must be conducted at certain points during the incident/event, when conditions change, or assignments are complete. Post Incident Accountability Considerations 1. Provide post incident summary of the event for review. 2. Discuss and review relevant situations where accountability was a factor during the incident/event. 3. Provide actions taken and lessons learned that would encourage or possibly prevent the same issue(s) from occurring again. 4. Upon release from an incident, assigned resource will contact the home unit or base to inform of release status and travel time; then again upon arrival. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 5 of 19 PPS 5-15
6. Access Control Points a. Access to incidents shall be controlled by use of primary staging, staging areas and assignments, and for some incidents, access control points shall be established on confined space incidents and hazmat incidents. Access control points shall be established on structure fires as necessary to control multiple points of entry. b. The first arriving fire companies may continue in to the scene, later arriving fire companies shall report to primary staging and remain for a reasonable time in an attempt to obtain an assignment. Units directed to a staging area shall check in upon arrival and check out upon assignment or release. All resources at the scene of an incident shall have an assignment and a supervisor. c. Established access control point(s) will be identified and located between incoming resources and the incident perimeter in an area where SCBA are not required. Necessary access control points (ACP) shall be established early in incident operations. Once established, the point(s) will be staffed. ACP will remain staffed until no entry with SCBA or special protective equipment is required past that point and all those who entered there have exited. Both entry and exit will be made at the same access control point. Flagging may be used to define all, or part of the incident perimeter, and as a tool to direct access to ACP. Flagging shall only be crossed at access control points and is to otherwise be avoided. 7. First In Fire Companies a. Personnel on the first arriving fire companies have committed themselves to the accountability system by leaving their T-Card on the interior of the Captain s door of the apparatus. All other individually arriving personnel shall retain their T-card until assigned a role within the incident perimeter, at which time they shall give their tag to the Accountability Officer at the access control point where they entered.. b. The Accountability Officer shall use the accountability log to track in writing all those who enter and exit their assigned access control point. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 6 of 19 PPS 5-15
Note: In the early stages of most fires formal access control points will not yet be established. When this is the case accountability is maintained by the incident commander as a safety responsibility and the Incident Commander shall collect accountability T-Cards from those assigned to operate within the incident perimeter. 8. Personnel Not on Apparatus a. All personnel not on an apparatus shall report to the Incident Commander (Command Post) or Staging to receive an assignment and present T-Cards. b. If staging is established, the Staging Area Manager shall assign these individuals as determined by requests from the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief. 9. Personnel Accountability Reports A Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is conducted to ensure all companies and members are accounted for at the incident or in a specific area. The Incident Commander should request Branch Director, Division and/or Group Supervisors to conduct a PAR for personnel under their supervision after an evacuation. The Incident Commander can request a PAR from each Branch Director, Division and/or Group Supervisor to ensure company accountability at any time during the incident. 10. Fire Company Officer Responsibility a. The Company Officer of an apparatus shall maintain a set of T- Cards for all the personnel assigned to the apparatus. This set shall remain on the Captain s door of the apparatus until transferred to an Accountability Officer or the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander shall track the location and function of incident assigned apparatus in writing. b. An accurate and complete accountability T-Card shall be given by the Company Officer of each apparatus to the Accountability Officer or Incident Commander upon assignment and prior to entry into an area requiring accountability. The T-Card is also required to enter and exit Rehab and Staging. The form, ICS 201 or Tactical Worksheet is the Accountability Worksheet for Incident Commanders to use to track assigned apparatus. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 7 of 19 PPS 5-15
11. Accountability System Components: There are several components to the Personnel Accountability System that provide for rapid accounting of incident assigned personnel. The components are: Accountability T- Cards; Accountability Worksheets; and individual names affixed to the back of firefighters personal protective equipment; form ICS 201 or Tactical Worksheet, routine roll calls every 20 minutes and evacuation roll calls. 12. PAR: The PAR should be used for rapid accounting of personnel and to check accountability T-Cards for personnel operating within the incident perimeter. A PAR can be requested at any time by the Incident Commander and will be conducted by Branch Directors and/or Division/Group Supervisors. A search will be initiated at the last known location should an individual be unaccounted for. Additionally, the accountability worksheets of all Accountability Officers, Staging and Rehab Area Manager, Incident Commander, and all Supervisors, shall be checked. The name affixed to the back of Firefighters personal protective equipment is an aid to rapid accounting of personnel. 13. Staffing Levels: Minimum staffing levels are established for the following operations. 1. Structure Fires: A minimum of four personnel shall be assembled prior to interior attack unless there is an imminent threat to life, during which time at least two firefighters must be present. a. TWO IN / TWO OUT: Prior to entering a structure fire with an IDLH environment, with an entry team of at least two (2) firefighters, there shall be two (2) or more appropriately equipped personnel available outside the structure. Of the two (2) outside the structure, one (1) must serve in an accountability function, monitoring the safety and progress of interior forces. This member must maintain contact with the interior team by visual, voice or signal line. b. The second outside firefighter must be in communication with the first and may also participate in other functions so long as abandoning that function will not jeopardize the safety or health of any other firefighter at the scene. Both members outside shall have portable radios. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 8 of 19 PPS 5-15
c. Exception to TWO IN / TWO OUT: A minimum of two (2) personnel may enter an IDLH environment for a known rescue situation ONLY. Standard searches are not considered known rescues. If the exception is used, a follow-up investigation and written report shall be filed with the Fire Chief or Fire Chief of the agency of jurisdiction detailing the rescue and safety procedures in place and the status of the persons rescued. 2. HazMat: A minimum of four (4) specially trained personnel, Haz Mat Technician or Specialist, shall be assembled prior to entry into the exclusionary zone of an incident require level A or B personal protection. 3. Over the Edge: A minimum of two (2) over-the-edge qualified personnel shall be assembled prior to initiating an over-the-edge rescue which requires life safety rope, due to slope or other safety considerations. 4. Personnel entering the hot zone shall work in teams of two (2) or more. 14. Firefighter Emergency Communications Terms and Procedures The fire department standard operating procedures shall provide direction in the use of clear text radio messages for emergency incidents. 1. Emergency Traffic: "Emergency traffic" shall be used as a designator to clear the radio traffic for an emergency affecting the incident and can be declared by any member who becomes aware of an emergency affecting the incident. When a member declares emergency traffic that person shall use clear text to identify the type of emergency, change in conditions, or tactical operations. Examples of emergency traffic could be: evacuate the building, wind shift from North to South, change from offensive to defensive operations, electrical wires down, or shots fired. 2. Mayday: Mayday shall be used as the designator to identify when a member is in a life-threatening situation and in need of immediate assistance and can be declared by any member who becomes aware of a member who is in a life-threatening situation and in need of immediate assistance. "Mayday, mayday, mayday" shall be broadcast followed by clear text to identify the type of emergency RESPONDER DOWN, RESPONDER MISSING, or RESPONDER TRAPPED, to all incident personnel. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 9 of 19 PPS 5-15
Once a mayday has been declared and broadcast on the radio using the distinctive emergency traffic alert tones, the IC must take action to determine the members location, situation, and the resources needed to facilitate assistance (NFPA 1561 6.3.3.2, 2013 Edition). 3. Conclusion of Emergency Situation: At the conclusion of the mayday or the emergency traffic situation, the IC should transmit an All clear, resume radio traffic on all assigned radio channels. 15. Firefighter Down Procedures: The following procedures should be followed on an incident when a rescue of a firefighter is necessary. 1. Assignment or re-assignment of a supervisor for the firefighter rescue operation. 2. Assignment of a tactical net for the firefighter rescue operation. 3. Development of a rescue plan by the Incident Commander. 4. Deployment of the Rapid Intervention Crew to implement the rescue plan. 5. Assignment or re-assignment of personnel to perform or assist the firefighter rescue operation. 6. Assignment or re-assignment of EMS personnel to the firefighter rescue operation. 16. Incident Time Notification: The Plans Section Chief or the Assistant to the Incident Commander should start a clock when first arriving at the Incident Command Post at the scene of a working structure fire, hazardous materials release, or other conditions which appear to be time sensitive or dangerous. 1. At each ten (10) - minute interval, the Assistant to the Incident Commander should advise the elapsed time of the incident until the IC requests cancellation. 2. The Assistant to the Incident Commander should continue to advise the Incident Commander of the elapsed time at each fifteen (10) minute interval, or until cancelled by the IC or until the incident is declared under control. 17. Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC) Members: Rapid Intervention personnel have two very important duties. These are: Monitor designated radio channel(s) while standing-by and during rescue operations. Be fully DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 10 of 19 PPS 5-15
prepared to participate in the rescue of a downed firefighter as assigned by the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief. In the initial stages of an incident where only one team is operating in the hazardous area at a working structural fire, a minimum of four individuals is required, consisting of two individuals working as a team in the hazard area and two individuals present outside this hazard area for assistance or rescue at emergency operations where entry into the danger area is required. The standby members shall be responsible for maintaining a constant awareness of the number and identity of members operating in the hazardous area, their location and function, and time of entry. The standby members shall remain in radio, visual, voice or signal line communications with the team (NFPA 1500 8.8.2 8.8.2.3, 2013 Edition). Members that arrive on the scene of a working structural fire prior to the assembling of four persons can initiate exterior actions in preparation for an interior attack. Initial attack operations shall be organized to ensure that if, upon arrival at the emergency scene, initial attack personnel find an imminent life-threatening situation where immediate action could prevent the loss of life or serious injury, such action shall be permitted with less than four personnel. No exception shall be permitted when there is no possibility to save lives. Any such actions taken in accordance with this section shall be thoroughly investigated by the fire department with a written report submitted to the fire chief (NFPA 1500 8.8.2.10 8.8.2.10.2, 2013 Edition). In the initial stages of an incident, the IC supervises the RIC. As the incident grows in complexity, this supervision can be assigned to the Operations Section Chief or even to individual Divisions to ensure the most rapid and effective deployment on a rescue. A Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor (RGS) should be in place at 2 nd alarm and greater incidents per county policy When sufficient personnel are on-scene, the rapid intervention capability for the incident should be raised from the two-in, two-out minimum to include an entire crew or company dedicated as the RIC. In some instances, such as multiple and/or remote entrance points, multiple RIC elements should be assigned and a Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 11 of 19 PPS 5-15
activated to supervise positioning and deployment of these Crews/Companies. In high-rise fire incidents the RIC should typically be located at Staging. This will allow for RIC s to be deployed in a timely manner. Consider multiple RIC s if multiple floors are involved with positioning based on the assigned floor. The assignment of resources to the rescue effort should continue as requested by the officer in charge of the rescue effort. Once the rescue is properly staffed, the IC shall reestablish the rapid intervention capability by identifying a fresh company as the RIC. The IC must ensure that crews in the immediate vicinity of the downed firefighter are properly reassigned to assist in the rescue effort as appropriate. This may include continuing to control the spread of the fire that threatens the firefighter or striving to stabilize other situations that threaten the firefighter or otherwise allow for more rapid extrication. Additional Rapid Intervention Considerations When preparing for a firefighter rescue, consider the worst-case scenario. Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC) standard operating guidelines are incident driven. Officers or members assigned the task of RIC shall not get involved in routine firefighting activities, but remain in a state of readiness keeping company members together and ready for deployment. Operational Retreat Guidelines In addition to radio traffic requiring evacuation, the following standardized audible signal can be used to indicate evacuation. The Evacuation Signal will consist of repeated short blasts of the air horn for approximately 10 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of silence. This sequence of air horn blasts for 10 seconds followed by a 10-second period of silence will be done three times; total air horn evacuation signal including periods of silence will last 50 seconds. This should be done in conjunction with the radio announcement of EMERGENCY TRAFFIC, with direction for emergency scene personnel to evacuate the hazard area. The Dispatch Center should continue to advise the Incident Commander of the elapsed time at each additional 10-minute interval, or DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 12 of 19 PPS 5-15
until canceled by the IC or until the incident is declared under control, i.e., knockdown. 18. Safety Officer: A Safety Officer shall be appointed to fill the ICS command staff position based on the following criteria. 1. Extended attack incidents that exceed the 1 st alarm assignment. 2. Technical incidents, i.e., rope rescue, dart, hazmat, and heavy rescue. 3. Multiple call situations, i.e., storms, floods, wildland. 4. Other calls, as determined by the Incident Commander. 5. Multi-Casualty Incidents (MCI s) 19. Minimum Personal Protection: Entry into the hot/exclusionary zone shall meet the minimum levels as defined below: 1. Protective clothing 2. Respiratory Protection 3. Communication: all teams entering a hazardous environment shall have a minimum of one hand held radio per team. It is advised that all personnel in this zone have radio communications while the incident is still in an active or hazardous phase. 20. Procedures for the Identification and Management of Life Hazard Zones 1. Introduction: Incident Commanders are responsible for the safety of all incident personnel and may have to take actions to protect personnel from life threatening conditions that on-scene Fire personnel and other responders do not have the capabilities, tools, or training to immediately mitigate. These actions may include: Immediate notification of personnel Notification for on-going or long term life hazards Methods to isolate and clearly identify the life hazard with three strands of barrier tape Assignment of Lookouts or Assistant Safety Officers when needed Identification methods for remote or large area life hazards The clearly identifiable method to assure that Fire Personnel and other responders do not enter Life Hazard Zones includes the use of a minimum DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 13 of 19 PPS 5-15
of three (3) horizontal strands of barrier tape that states Do Not Enter or Do Not Cross, to prevent entry to the hazardous area. Three horizontal strands of any Fireline tape or flagging tape between one inch and three inches with the words Do Not Enter or Do Not Cross, securely fixed to stationary supports, and in sufficient locations to isolate the hazard, will meet the requirement of identifying a Life Hazard Zone. 2. Definitions: 1. Life Hazard: The existence of a process or condition that would likely cause serious injury or death to exposed persons. 2. Life Hazard Zones: A system of barriers surrounding designated areas at the incident scene that is intended to STOP fire personnel and other responders from entering a potentially Life Threatening, Hazardous Area. 3. Life Hazard Lookout: A qualified person in a location where they can safely observe a Life Hazard, monitor resources and personnel in the area, and communicate with resources keeping them a safe distance away. The Lookout will also isolate and deny entry to any responders or resources until the life hazard is mitigated and the Incident Commander approves the release of the Life Hazard Zone. 3. Information and Guidelines: Whenever a life hazard is present, or an immediate threat to the health and safety of incident personnel is present at an incident, any person who recognizes the potential life hazard shall immediately contact the Incident Commander (IC) using EMERGENCY TRAFFIC to advise of the situation. Included in the Emergency Traffic notification: Type/Nature of the hazardous condition (i.e., downed electrical wires, imminent building collapse, etc.) Specific location Resource needs Any immediate exposure needs or issues Incident Commander shall request the appropriate resource or agency to respond to the incident to evaluate and mitigate the life hazard (i.e., Utility Company, Structural Engineer, etc.) and assign a Lookout or Assistant Safety Officer until Life Hazard Zone(s) are established. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 14 of 19 PPS 5-15
The Incident Commander shall assign a Life Hazard Lookout to prevent any incident personnel from entering the area until such time as the procedures below have been completed. 4. Identification of Life Hazard Zones A. The standard for identification of a LIFE HAZARD ZONE 1. Deploy barrier tape in the following manner to prevent entry and identify the hazard zone. The optimal tape would be red and white striped or chevron barrier tape that states Life Hazard - Do Not Enter, however, existing Fireline or Police perimeter tape that includes the words Do Not Enter or Do Not Cross will meet this standard. 2. The tape shall be configured in three horizontal strands approximately 18 to 24 inches apart and securely fixed to stationary supports to establish the LIFE HAZARD ZONE. The LIFE HAZARD ZONE barrier shall be of sufficient size to provide complete isolation, distance and protection from the hazard, and supports shall be capable of supporting the barrier tape throughout the incident. 3. The use of illumination is recommended to enhance nighttime visibility to further identify the LIFE HAZARD ZONE. Examples include orange cones with a flashing strobe light on the ground, or glow sticks securely attached to the barrier tape. **Incidents that exhibit signs of imminent collapse shall be flagged off as a Life Hazard Zone and coordinated through the Safety Officer and Incident Commander. Incidents that are in a defensive operation or transition to a defensive operation shall be flagged as a Life Hazard Zone and communicated to all incident personnel and coordinated through the Incident Commander and Safety Officer. These incidents shall be flagged at a distance no less than 11/2 times the height of the structure. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 15 of 19 PPS 5-15
B. The Established Life Hazard Zone 1. THE THREE HORIZONTAL STRAND CONFIGURATION OF RED AND WHITE STRIPED OR CHEVRON BARRIER TAPE SHALL ONLY BE USED FOR LIFE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION. WHEN INCIDENT PERSONNEL SEE THE THREE STRAND CONFIGURATION OF BARRIER TAPE IT SHALL BE RECOGNIZED AS THE STANDARD FOR ISOLATING A LIFE HAZARD, AND INCIDENT PERSONNEL SHALL NOT ENTER THE LIFE HAZARD ZONE. 2. Ensure the LIFE HAZARD ZONE measures provide visibility to approaching personnel to prevent entry into the area throughout the duration of the incident. 3. Maintain the LIFE HAZARD ZONE for the duration of the incident or hazard. Approval from the IC is required prior to the removal of the Life Hazard Zone barriers. 4. The LIFE HAZARD ZONE identification measures are intended to provide a visual cue to all incident personnel. Life Hazard Lookout(s) or Assistant Safety Officers shall be considered to ensure a physical barrier between personnel and the LIFE HAZARD ZONE through effective communications and notifications. 5. The Incident Commander shall be responsible for ensuring that all incident personnel are notified of the Life Hazard Zone. This may be accomplished through any approved method such as face-to-face, emergency traffic radio messages or the Incident Action Plan. C. Remote Locations: In cases where the extent of the hazard zone is so large that is not practical to completely isolate the area, such as on large incidents in remote locations, the following will be the minimum standard for these situations: 1. The Incident Commander must approve the use of these minimum standards for each Life Hazard. The Incident Commander shall assign a life hazard lookout at appropriate access points to prevent any incident personnel from entering the area until such time as the procedures below have been completed. Three horizontal stripes of red and DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 16 of 19 PPS 5-15
white Life Hazard tape or barrier tape (as described above) will be affixed to two vertical uprights at appropriate locations along the access route to the Life Hazard area. A description of the hazard, location of the hazard, and distance from the Life Hazard indicator tape to the hazard shall be attached at each location. 2. All Personnel working in the area or Division shall be notified of the Life Hazard immediately. Incident personnel may be notified through the routine briefings, emergency traffic radio messages, the Incident Action Plan and the Incident Map. 3. The location(s) of the Life Hazard(s) and Placard(s) shall be marked on the Incident Map using standardized symbols. The symbol to mark the Life Hazard Zone on the Incident map is a red octagon (Stop Sign) with three white horizontal lines with a description of the hazard noted underneath. Personnel shall not breach, alter, or remove any LIFE HAZARD ZONE identification measures until the hazard has been abated and approval has been granted by the Incident Commander. All personnel have a personal responsibility to be aware of LIFEHAZARDS and make proper notifications when they are encountered at an incident. Remember the slogan: THREE STRIPES, YOU RE OUT! 21. Incident Rehabilitation: Shall be established at emergency operation and training exercises where prolonged activity or exposure to heat or cold exists. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 17 of 19 PPS 5-15
1. The Incident Commander or Incident Safety Officer shall determine the need for incident rehabilitation based on the circumstances of each individual incident. 2. Incident rehabilitation includes the following: a. Medical evaluation and treatment b. Medical monitoring c. Food and fluid replacement d. Physical and mental rest e. Relief from extreme climatic conditions 3. Incident rehabilitation shall be operated under the direction of the Incident Safety Officer. 4. Personnel shall be directed to rehabilitation based on the two bottle rule or forty-five minutes of work time or as directed by the Incident Supervisors, as determined by being aware of the condition of personnel in their charge. 5. Trained EMS staff shall conduct medical evaluation. Heart rate and temperature should be measured and recorded. A heart rate exceeding 110 beats per minute and a temperature exceeding 100.6 F require additional rehabilitation time. 6. Accountability: Firefighters entering rehabilitation shall be documented using the check-in/out sheets. Personnel checked into rehabilitation shall not leave until authorized to do so by the Rehabilitation Officer. 22. Overhaul Operations: The Incident Commander will confer with the Safety Officer, Fire Officers and Fire Investigators on the size and scope of the overhaul operation and resources needed. All personnel during overhaul operations shall wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) until such time the Safety Officer/Incident Commander deems a non-existent IDHL atmosphere. Please refer to Policy 3-92, Overhaul Operations for further information. 23. Use of Skin Wipes: Following the lungs, the skin is the body s second largest organ in area and it is highly absorptive. Some areas of skin are more permeable than others, specifically the face, the angle of the jaw, the neck and throat and the groin. The use of skin wipes, such as baby wipes should be used to remove soot and contamination from vulnerable skin DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 18 of 19 PPS 5-15
areas. Although we are wearing full Personal Protective equipment the most permeable piece of equipment is the hood. Hoods are designed to protect our head and neck from heat but are not designed to stop skin absorption through the forehead, angle of the jaw, the neck and throat. The skin wipes should be used to remove as much soot as possible from the head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms and hands immediately and while still on scene. DATE 11-6-03 DATE 3-4-14 PAGE 19 of 19 PPS 5-15