White Pine County Fire District Recommended Operating Guidelines

White Pine County Fire District Recommended Operating Guidelines

Table of Contents SECTION 10 General Operations Purpose and Disclaimers for Recommended Operating Guidelines ROG 10.01... 5 General Rules and Standards ROG 10.02... 6 Location of Apparatus at Emergency Scenes ROG 10.03... 7 Incident Command System (ICS) ROG 10.04... 8 Radio Procedures ROG 10.05... 10 Apparatus Assignment Terminology and Response ROG 10.06... 12 Mutual Aid ROG 10.07... 14 Apparatus Operator Qualification ROG 10.08... 16 Personnel Accountability System ROG 10.09... 17 Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) Procedures ROG 10.10... 20 Incident Safety Officer ROG 10.11... 22 Vehicle Backing ROG 10.12... 24 SECTION 20 Safety Personnel Safety ROG 20.1... 27 SECTION 30 HAZMAT Response to Suspected HAZMAT Incidents ROG 30.1... 30 Hazardous Materials Incident response Control Plan ROG 30.2... 32 Propane Emergencies/Propane Tanks ROG 30.3... 37 SECTION 40 Fire Operations Strategies and Tactics for Structure Fires ROG 40.1... 40 Sprinkler/Standpipe Operations ROG 40.2... 46 Suspicious Fires ROG 40.3... 47 MAYDAY Procedures ROG 40.4... 48 Building Collapse/Search and Rescue ROG 40.5... 51 Truss Construction ROG 40.6... 54 Alarm Systems ROG 40.7... 56 High Rise and Large Area Building Operations ROG 40.8... 58 Revised 12/2/09 2

SECTION 50 Wildland Fire Operations Wildland Fire Strategies and Tactics ROG 50.01... 62 SECTION 60 Vehicle Operations Extrication (Vehicle) ROG 60.01... 67 Car Fires ROG 60.02... 70 SECTION 70 Technical Rescue Confined Space Rescue ROG 70.01... 73 SECTION 80 Special Operations Helicopter/Air Ambulance Landing Zone Standby ROG 80.01... 77 Africanized Honey Bee Incidents ROG 80.02... 79 SECTION 90 Equipment Turn Out Gear ROG 90.01... 82 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) ROG 90.02... 83 Revised 12/2/09 3

: 10 SECTION 10 GENERAL OPERATIONS Revised 12/2/09 4

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.01 Subject: Purpose and Disclaimers for Recommended Operating Guidelines Purpose: To state the purpose and disclaimers for Recommended Operating Guidelines (ROG). These guidelines are provided by the White Pine County Fire District (WPCFD) in order to further the following goals: To provide a uniform system of administration throughout the Departments. To best ensure that the Departments administration is in compliance with Federal and State laws. To promote communication and understanding between all district members, staff and Fire Commission To ensure, protect and clarify the rights and responsibilities of all district members To articulate, clarify and make evident the overall operational Departments. of the Scope: These guidelines shall apply to all members of the WPCFD. In the event of conflict between these recommendations, personnel services contract, personnel work agreements, State law or Federal law, the terms and conditions of that contract, rule or law shall prevail. In all other cases, these recommendations shall apply unless specific exceptions are included in the guideline itself. In the event of the amendment of any ordinance, rule or law incorporated in this document or upon which these provisions rely, these recommendations shall be deemed amended in conformance with those changes. The WPCFD specifically reserves the right to repeal, modify or amend these policies at any time, with or without notice. These policies are not to be interpreted as promises of specific treatment. Revised 12/2/09 5

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.02 Subject: General Guidelines and Standards Purpose: To provide members of the WPCFD expectations of behavior and conduct with relation to membership in the WPCFD. Scope: All White Pine County Fire Departments Members. Recommendations: 1. The consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on the fire ground, or on the fire apparatus, per White Pine County Fire District Personnel policy. 2. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in the firehouse and on fire department or district property is expressly prohibited per White Pine County Fire District Personnel policy. 3. Any member who has any measurable amount of alcohol (as determined by a quantative test, breathalyzer, or the judgment the Incident Commander, Safety Officer or Company Officer) will NOT be allowed on scene of an emergency or will be allowed to drive or operate any fire department or district vehicle. 4. Smoking is prohibited in WPCFD vehicles and buildings. Smoking is allowed in designated areas and cigarette butts will be placed in ashtrays or butt cans and not dropped on the floor. 5. Members will keep the Stations and apparatus bays clean and free from debris and disorder. The floor will be swept as necessary. 6. Apparatus are not to be used for personal, non-fire related business. 7. Equipment is not to be removed from inventory of fire department vehicles without the permission of a Department Chief or Company Officer. Revised 12/2/09 6

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.03 Subject: Location of Apparatus at Emergency Scenes Purpose: This guideline shall provide uniformity to WPCFD operations, as well as serving as a guideline to apparatus operators with regard to equipment placement at an emergency scene. Scope: This guideline shall apply to all WPCFD response personnel. Recommendations: 1. Operators of those units designed as fire attack engines shall position apparatus so equipment does not block access to the front of the fire building. 2. Engines will keep a position open for an additional truck to position and operate to ventilate as necessary. 3. The next-arriving engine unit should make provisions to supply water to the first arriving unit. All personnel will remain with unit to assist in setup until released by the operator, unless immediately requested by the Incident Commander. 4. Units arriving later will be guided by the orders of the Incident Commander or the Staging Officer to utilize the equipment to best advantage. 5. Firefighters will park them at a safe distance from the area of the fire, taking care not to block access to the fire scene. Arriving personnel should don PPE and report to the Incident Commander with their accountability tags to receive their assignments. Revised 12/2/09 7

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.04 Subject: Incident Command System (ICS) Purpose: This guideline shall provide uniformity to WPCFD operations, as well as serving as a guideline for all WPCFD personnel regarding the utilization of the Incident Command System. This guideline will utilize the National Incident Management System as a template. Scope: This guideline shall apply to all WPCFD response personnel it is to be utilized at all incidents as this model is proven to provide for the effective management of critical situations and is required by Federal mandate. Recommendations: The National Incident Management System (NIMS) shall be utilized at every incident. The size and scope of the system is dependent on the size and nature of the incident. The first arriving unit on scene shall implement the ICS by assuming Command. The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for all aspects of the incident. A radio report to Dispatch identifying Command ID, the location of the Command Post (CP), and an initial size up shall be made as soon as possible after arrival at an incident. If conditions warrant, the first arriving unit may pass Command to the next arriving unit or higher ranking Officer. Face to face transfer is the optimal method of transferring Command. At the time of Command transfer, the initial IC will give a complete report to the receiving IC, including established priorities, current objectives, current action plan, resource assignments, and current progress. The receiving IC will notify Dispatch of the transfer upon assuming the Command. The Incident Commander shall establish a CP in an accessible location identified by a green light. Revised 12/2/09 8

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.04 Subject: Incident Command System (ICS) Incident Command Responsibilities; The IC is responsible for all aspects of the incident. As an incident develops, duties of Incident Command may be delegated. These duties may include; Operations, Planning, Finance, and Logistics. Operations include the completion of tactical objectives. Operations can be further divided into Branches, Divisions, and Groups. Planning is responsible for identifying the technical or operational objectives to be accomplished. Logistics shall be responsible for acquiring resources including food, sanitation, equipment, and further resources, etc. Finance shall be responsible for record keeping and expense allocation. Additional Incident Command Staff positions may include; Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, and Liaison Officer. Incident Safety Officer responsibilities are covered under ROG 10.10. Incident Action Plan; The IC and General Staff primarily develop the Incident Action Plan (IAP). At all incidents an IAP shall be formulated and implemented, although small incidents may not require a formal written IAP. All incidents lasting longer than one work period, a written IAP shall be completed for the next arriving IC and General Staff. Revised 12/2/09 9

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.05 Subject: Radio Procedures Purpose: This guideline shall establish procedure regarding appropriate use of WPCFD radio and communications systems. Scope: All WPCFD personnel. Recommendations: 1. Members are to use the radio only when necessary and only for official business. 2. When practical members should utilize cell or landline telephones. 3. All messages must be kept to a minimum. 4. The person in the Officer position shall provide all radio communications. Language should be clear, brief, and concise, transmit at a moderate speed, using normal conversational tones. 5. Clear and plain text will be utilized on WPCFD systems. 6. Call in procedures shall be as follows; the first responding unit shall call in route to White Pine WPCSO) dispatch, and repeat the location and nature of the call. Each unit responding after shall call enroute to dispatch to ensure other units are aware of the apparatus response and route taken to scenes with multiple points of access. All radio traffic to WPCSO Dispatch will be on the assigned WPCFD frequency (159.180) unless system is inoperable then the frequency shall be changed to WPSO frequency (155.100) 7. The arriving units shall advise WPCSO dispatch on location, then request assignment and apparatus placement from the IC. This may include switching to a tactical radio frequency. 8. The IC shall call in an initial size-up. Use the following format. (Example - "Engine 31 is on scene, reporting a working fire in a two - story frame building." or "Engine 11 is on scene, investigating, nothing is showing.") 9. Do not use personal names, or make unnecessary radio transmissions. If absolutely necessary to refer to a person, use the rank and last name of the person. Revised 12/2/09 10

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.05 Subject: Radio Procedures 10. Plain language transmissions are to be used at all times. Emergency Transmissions/MAYDAY: Companies in trouble should transmit a MAYDAY. All transmissions will cease on this frequency to allow the IC, Dispatch and RIT to communicate with the crew requiring assistance. All other crews will change to a tactical frequency designated by the IC. See ROG 40.04 for complete procedures. Revised 12/2/09 11

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.06 Subject: Apparatus Assignment Terminology and Response Purpose: To provide uniformity to WPCFD operations regarding apparatus response and common terminology regarding radio communications. Scope: All responding members of White Pine County Fire District. Recommendations: Responding to Alarms: To avoid inconsistent radio messages, WPCFD will utilize two levels of response mode. Level One: This response mode utilizes all warning devices, emergency lights and sirens, while enroute to the call. If the IC determines that an emergency does not exist, and additional apparatus is required, additional equipment will reduce response to Level Two. The decision to reduce or increase response level shall be made by the Incident Commander. Level Two: This response mode includes any non-emergency movement of apparatus or resources. No emergency lights or sirens are to be utilized for Level Two response. 1. Upon the receipt of an alarm, members are to report to the fire station and respond with the appropriate fire department apparatus. Members may be directed to bypass the Station and go to the incident at the IC or Company officers discretion. Level One response will be utilized for Structure Fires, Brush Fires, Vehicle Fires, Hazardous Materials Incidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Alarm Systems, Smoke Investigations, Downed Aircraft, Downed Power Lines, Bomb Threat, or other Emergency Assignments. Level Two responses should include Service Assignments, Cover Assignments, and Helicopter Stand-By. 2. All fire personnel are to obey the motor vehicle laws of the State of Nevada, i.e. posted speed limit, stop signs. This rule applies regardless of whether personal or fire department apparatus is being operated. The use of Four Way Flashers during response is forbidden. on personal vehicles Revised 12/2/09 12

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.06 Subject: Apparatus Assignment Terminology and Response 3. Apparatus driver will wait for members who are donning their turnout gear before boarding the apparatus. 4. No one is to ride on the tail board position of any apparatus. All riders will travel in a seated position and use seat belts. 5. The apparatus operator will maintain control over all equipment assigned to their care. They will remain with the unit unless relieved by another operator, or ordered to perform another duty by a Company officer. 6. Apparatus will be operated by qualified personnel, as per fire department procedures. 7. Officers should not operate apparatus unless there is a lack of qualified Operators. They should be relieved from such duties as soon as possible to return them to their supervisory duties. 8. All members arriving on apparatus, who are not assigned and performing duties are to remain with that apparatus until assigned or returned to quarters. 9. Upon returning to the Station after a fire, the apparatus driver and crew will clean the apparatus and all assigned equipment. All tools, hose, and equipment will be cleaned and readied for service. 10. Incident Report is to be filled out for each unit by its driver. 11. Fuel tanks on the apparatus are to be fueled after every response if possible. The apparatus driver will check this after every response. 12. Apparatus operator will check the water tank level on pumper apparatus. They will insure that the level is maintained in full condition. 13. Any time a pumper has been used to draft water from a lake, pool, pond, or stream, the operator will ensure that the unit is hooked to a hydrant and flushed with clean water. 14. Wet fabric hose will be replaced with dry hose, as needed after a fire. The wet hose will be cleaned and allowed to dry. When dry it will be rolled and placed in storage. Revised 12/2/09 13

15. Small engines should be checked for fuel and oil levels post response in preparation for the next alarm. Revised 12/2/09 14

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.07 Subject: Mutual Aid Purpose: This guideline shall provide recommendations for requesting additional resources to an incident and/or to backfill empty WPCFD fire stations. Scope: All WPCFD personnel shall be familiar with the process for requesting additional resources. Recommendations: Requesting Mutual Aid: 1. WPCFD has multiple Memorandum of Understanding agreements with surrounding Counties and entities. 2. If the IC determines that current/responding resources are inadequate, IC will immediately request assistance via WPCSO Dispatch. Specific information shall be provided to ensure the appropriate resources are procured initially. The closest resources/entities or equipment should be requested. The WPCSO Dispatch will notify the White Pine County Fire Chief when aid is requested by any of the responding White Pine County Fire Departments to ensure that adequate help and resources are dispatched to the incident. Receiving Mutual Aid Requests: 1. Upon receiving request for aid in an adjoining response area, the on duty Officer or affected shall determine if the request can be filled. 2. Upon arrival at the mutual aid incident, the WPCFD shall report to the IC for assignment and provide Company accountability tags. When the assignment is completed, the crew shall report back to the ICP. Revised 12/2/09 15

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.07 Subject: Mutual Aid ) 4. When released from the incident, the Company Officer shall collect the accountability tags, return to their home Station, and report status and availability to WPCSO dispatch. 5. Upon receiving the mutual aid request, WPCFD members shall respond to the Station for assignment. Mutual Aid Standby: In the case of a request for Standby, members shall report to the Station and be prepared to respond, until released from Standby duty by the Company Officer or D Chief. At no time should a WPCFD Station leave the community it is responsible for unprotected. This determination is the responsibility of the ranking Officer of the Department. Backfilling stations with Mutual Aid shall be considered. Revised 12/2/09 16

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.08 Subject: Apparatus Operator Qualification Purpose: This Guideline will identify the requirements of members to operate WPCFD Apparatus. Scope: All WPCFD Members. Guideline: 1. Operators shall not be permitted to operate apparatus until appropriately licensed, qualified and fully trained as per fire department procedures and policies. Members must possess a valid Class C License per WPCFD Policy. Members operating apparatus over 26,001 pounds, and/or with air brakes, must possess as a minimum requirement, Non-Commercial Class B with F endorsement License, per State law. 2. Members designated as Operators of WPCFD apparatus must be trained by the WPCFD Training Officer or a certified designee. 3. Training what Operators receive will include the following topics; Preventive maintenance CEVO training program completion Pump operation proficiency Apparatus equipment familiarity Apparatus placement at emergency incidents 4. Operators are responsible to ensure the apparatus is prepared for response upon return to the Station. This includes refueling, post response Driver Vehicle Report completion, apparatus Cleanliness. 5. Deviation from this ROG may result in loss of Operator status. Revised 12/2/09 17

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.09 Subject: Personnel Accountability System Purpose: 1. This procedure identifies the system WPCFD will utilize to ensure incident site Firefighter/Apparatus accountability. 2. To account for all personnel, at any time, within the scope of the hazard zone at an incident. 3. Meet or exceed Local, State, and Federal regulations requiring the implementation of the Incident Command System. 4. Use of the Personnel Accountability System will provide enhanced personal safety for individual firefighters and will provide the Incident Commander and Command Staff a definite system to track and account for all personnel working in the hazard zone. Scope: All WPCFD members Guideline: 1. The Hazard Area: The Hazard Area shall be defined as any area that requires an SCBA, charged hoseline, personal protective equipment, or in which a firefighter is at risk of becoming lost, trapped, or injured by the environment or structure. This guideline will include entering a structure reported to be on fire, operating in close proximity to a structure on fire, during exterior operations, wildland fires, entering a confined space, trench rescue operations, suspected terrorism, or entry into a possible or known HAZMAT incident. 2. Safety: Accountability requires member commitment to work within the safety system at an incident. It is the responsibility of individual members at an incident to keep supervisors informed of present activities and location. Freelancing on scene of an incident cannot be permitted due to the possibility of injury and death of firefighters and other personnel at an incident. Revised 12/2/09 18

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.09 Subject: Personnel Accountability System ) 3. Tags: To properly utilize this procedure, a single tag system shall be used. Members tag shall be presented to the IC or designated authority prior to entering the incident area. Upon exiting the Incident it is the responsibility of the crews to collect their entry tag from the authority. 4. Operation: The status boards at the IC shall only contain the tags of those crews currently assigned to the incident. Members arriving at the incident assignment to a Company or Division that they will be assigned to. to present their tag for No member shall enter the Incident without first reporting to the IC, an accountability tag must be presented prior to being assigned to the Incident. All members shall present an accountability tag to the IC prior to entering the Incident area. At any time that the Incident Commander or any designated crew leader is unsure of the whereabouts of all members under their responsibility, a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) will be requested at a minimum 15 minute intervals. Every crew on scene must, as quickly as possible, account for all members and report this number to the IC. i.e.; Command/Engine 31/ crew of four. The IC can compare this number to the status board and it should show four tags from Engine 31. Revised 12/2/09 19

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.09 Subject: Personnel Accountability System ) 5. IC or Designee: IC or Designee shall be responsible to track and account for all members working in their Division of the Incident. This will require the IC or Designee to remain in visual or radio contact and/or close proximity to supervise the assigned crews. Revised 12/2/09 20

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.10 Subject: Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) Procedures Purpose: Provide for member safety during emergency incidents. The primary objective of the Rapid Intervention Team is to locate and rescue trapped, injured, and/or missing firefighters. Scope: All WPCFD Members Recommendations for RIT operations: To meet the expectation of firefighter safety during emergency incident operations, this guideline shall establish a procedure for enhancing firefighter safety. Before any mitigation team enters a hazard area (IDLH), RIT must be established, a RIT is required to be a minimum of two firefighters, equipped with portable radio, appropriate PPE donned, with appropriate tools, ready to perform the RIT mission with the exception of a verified savable life. See ROG 40.01. During initial operations, RIT may be assigned other on-scene functions, ready to deploy for a RIT mission. Members performing pump operations or Command functions may not be utilized as RIT. Location: Members assigned to RIT shall report to the ICP with all equipment. The RIT crew leader shall report to the IC for instructions and relay information to the RIT crew. The RIT shall remain in close contact with IC, both verbally and visually. At incidents of large geographic proportions or unusual operations, IC may require additional Division. Revised 12/2/09 21

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.10 Subject: Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) Procedures ) Tasks: The RIT shall begin a size up of the building or area that Members are operating in. The RIT shall assist the IC with monitoring the radio for emergency fireground transmissions. The RIT shall evaluate the need for portable ground ladders to assist firefighters with evacuation or escape. Revised 12/2/09 22

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.11 Subject: Incident Safety Officer Purpose: The purpose of this guideline is to set the scope and duties of the Safety Officer. Scope: This guideline shall be followed by the Incident Safety Officer (ISO). Each Company officer should be trained for the duties of this position. Recommendations: In the absence of a Safety Officer on-scene, the IC shall appoint an Incident Safety Officer. The ISO shall assume the following responsibilities, Obtain a briefing from the IC concerning the incident. Wear appropriate PPE and Identification while performing the duties of ISO. Constantly performing and updating a hazard/risk analysis. Observe the incident to identify safety risks regarding the scene, operations and personnel. Be prepared to provide a rapid report for the IC regarding observations and recommendations relating to the safety at the incident. May be assigned as accountability officer. The ISO can and will suspend any and all operations deemed unsafe. Unsafe conditions include but are not limited to: conditions, operations, or acts. During structure fires: o Backdraft conditions o Flashover indicators o Fire Ground Hazards o Collapse indicators Revised 12/2/09 23

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.11 Subject: Incident Safety Officer ) Wildland Fires o Weather Change o Apparatus Placement o Improper Tactics Personnel Conditions o Over-exertion/exhaustion/fatigue o Over-exposure to weather o Exposure to smoke or other toxic atmosphere o Unreported injuries The ISO, while on scene of an incident shall report all safety concerns to the IC normally. Only the Company Officer should issue orders to firefighters to correct a safety concern, unless the ISO deems the issue dangerous to life or health. In this situation, the ISO can issue orders to stop or change the unsafe operation and then immediately inform the IC of the operational change or stoppage. In the event of firefighter death in the line of duty, certain procedures must be followed to comply with Federal Public Safety Officers Benefit Program. These include: Impounding Personal Protective Equipment. It is critical that all forms are filled out properly. The IC, ISO, or Department Chief shall report any in hospital injury or death to the WPCFD Chief, as well as the White Pine County Workplace Safety and Training Officer and/or White Pine County Human Resources. Revised 12/2/09 24

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.12 Subject: Vehicle Backing Purpose: This recommendation will help ensure the safety of members and the public when backing WPCFD apparatus and equipment. Scope: This recommendation applies to all members of WPCFD, with emphasis on Apparatus Operators and Company Officers. Recommendations: Backing of WPCFD apparatus and equipment should be avoided if at all practical. When backing apparatus is unavoidable, a spotter shall be used. Additionally when apparatus is moved thru forward turns with restricted clearances and reduced height considerations, a spotter shall be used. The exceptions to this recommendation are light vehicles such as Command vehicles, and other passenger type vehicles. For the excepted vehicles honking the horn 3 times before rearward movement and 2 times before moving forward is the recommendation. Spotters - When backing apparatus, the Officer or person occupying that position, shall exit the apparatus and act as the spotter. The spotter shall be located at the left rear of the apparatus, visible in the left side view mirror. The operator shall not exceed the walking speed of the spotter and where backing may be difficult, the operator and the spotter should discuss a backing plan prior to the operation. Apparatus shall not be backed until the spotter can visually communicate with the driver and if visual contact is lost by the operator the apparatus should be stopped immediately. Additional spotters may be assigned as appropriate. While backing, apparatus warning lights should be operated as additional warning for the safety of other members and the public. Spotters may not ride on the tailboard while backing. In the event that apparatus must be backed in an area where traffic exists, other personnel should be utilized for traffic control, and the spotter must ensure traffic is stopped prior to backing. Revised 12/2/09 25

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 10.12 Subject: Vehicle Backing (cont ) Hand Signals: Straight back one hand raised at the elbow with the thumb laid back against the palm, the hand is waved from a forty- Left or Right Turn One hand is raised at the elbow, fingers curled into the palm, with the thumb extended towards the direction intended for the apparatus to go. The hand is continually motioned towards the direction of travel. Stop One or both hands are made with the fist on top. The spotter may choose to hold one or both hands with palms facing front, indicating the traditional indicator of stop. If the Operator is unable to clearly see the spotter or the spotters hand signals, the Operator shall immediately stop the apparatus until the condition is corrected. If no personnel are available to assist the operator with backing, the operator shall complete a walk around inspection of possible hazards prior to backing, and exercise extreme caution, this operation should be used as a last resort. Revised 12/2/09 26

: 20 SECTION 20 SAFETY Revised 12/2/09 27

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 20.01 Subject: Personnel Safety Purpose: This ROG shall identify a system to ensure scene safety for all department members. This shall include an accounting system for all personnel, at any time, while operating at an incident. The use of the Personnel Accountability System, ROG 10.09, will provide enhanced personnel safety for individual firefighters. Scope: All WPCFD members Guideline: General Safety This guide addresses the on-going need to ensure the safety of our personnel on each and every incident. This guideline will provide readily recognized hazards and appropriate steps to avoid unnecessary personal risks. The incident shall be construed as the time frame from dispatch to the return to the station. Operational Safety This section is intended to provide basic information to WPCFD members enabling to easily decide to evacuate the area or to commence emergency control procedures or treatment. When approaching an incident scene, note obvious scene hazards and be conscious of unperceived hazards such as additional apparatus arriving or citizens attempting to assist. Apparatus operators should keep the focus of attention on the task of arriving on scene safely. Crews shall not depart the apparatus and engage in operations until directed by the apparatus operator or Company Officer. Crews must keep situational awareness while on an incident scene. During the incident, crews must adhere to operational R any other ROG that is applicable., Safety Officer and Revised 12/2/09 28

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 20.01 Subject: Personnel Safety ) Incident scenes that are deemed unsafe shall require immediate retreat to a designated safe zone. Any scene determined too hazardous for mitigation efforts, requires notification of scene condition to WPCSO Dispatch and the WPCFD Chief for assistance as well as notification of assisting agencies of immanent hazards. At no time shall personnel safety be compromised. Immediate possible unsafe scene considerations may include but are not limited to: Presence displayed and/or discharged firearm. Presence of any weapon which may cause injury to a crewmember. Threatening or unsecured pets that may be a threat to crew safety. Large uncontrolled and/or unruly groups of people. Medical conditions that may pose an immediate threat to crew safety. Domestic assaults or other physical altercations. To avoid unnecessary risk, never stand square in the doorway awaiting someone to answer, always identify and maintain an egress route from all structures; maintain communication equipment available for immediate use, always position apparatus for rapid egress from the incident. Maintain situational awareness and evaluate scene safety constantly to ensure your safety, your Do not hesitate to call for assistance; safety is paramount to the operation of the WPCFD. Revised 12/2/09 29

: 30 SECTION 30 - HAZMAT Revised 12/2/09 30

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.01 Subject: Response to Suspected HAZMAT Incident Purpose: This guideline provides a basic framework for response to incidents involving or suspected of involving Hazardous Materials. Scope: All WPCFD members shall adhere to these recommendations. Recommendations: 1. The functions for members of WPCFD Stations without a HAZMAT team regarding a hazardous materials incident are as follows: Recognize and identify that hazardous materials are involved. Isolate and/or evacuate per recommendations from the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Notify the appropriate regional HAZMAT team. 2. In the event of an incident with the possible involvement of hazardous materials, the appropriate agencies are to be requested from WPCSO Dispatch. A. Observe from a safe distance Look for placards Look for markings, or other means of material identification Observations should be radioed to the dispatcher along with proper spelling of names 3. Attempt to identify information on the chemical from available reference books on the apparatus, examples; ERG, NIOSH Guide. Notify responding officers and apparatus of situation. 4. Attempt to locate any affected persons from the vehicle or building which is involved. (Owner, driver, supervisor, etc.) Revised 12/2/09 31

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.01 Subject: Response to Suspected HAZMAT Incident ) 5. Members shall avoid coming in contact with any material. Members must remember that the hazards which toxic materials create are above and beyond the normal risks which fire personnel are trained to handle. The following steps shall be taken: R-ecognize the hazard A-ssess the hazard I-dentify the hazard N-otify and request the appropriate assistance Deny entry into the area until properly trained and equipped hazardous materials response personnel are on location. The Key to a potential HAZMAT Response is; Safety Identify Notify Revised 12/2/09 32

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.02 Subject: Hazardous Materials Incident Response Control Plan Purpose: This Guideline is specifically applicable to known hazardous materials. This plan will standardize managing and mitigation tactics for Technician level teams, although this plan is not intended to address specific tactics or control measures for the myriad of potential hazards encountered in HAZMAT incidents. Specific tactics and strategies shall be determined by the IC and other appropriate resources. Scope: This guideline is to be utilized by WPCFD HAZMAT teams. Recommendations: WPCFD has specifically trained HAZMAT teams available to operate within a Technical mitigation capacity. Procedure Hazardous Materials incidents can encompass a wide variety of potential situations including fires, spills, transportation accidents, chemical reactions, flammability, radiological hazards, corrosives, explosives, biological incidents and weapons of mass destruction. This plan provides a general framework for managing and mitigating a HAZMAT incident, but cannot address specific tactics or control measures for the myriad of potential hazards. Strategy and Tactics shall be determined by the IC with the assistance of properly trained HAZMAT Teams. This guideline is specifically applicable to known HAZMAT incidents, and does not reduce the need for appropriate safety precautions at every incident. Use of proper personal protective equipment, including SCBA and utilization of all applicable WPCFD ROGs on a continual basis is the starting point of this plan. The EPA has identified levels of PPE requirements: Level A; Totally encapsulating, vapor tight, resistant to chemical splash, and SCBA inside the suit. Level B: Totally encapsulating, external SCBA, resistant to chemical splash. Level C: Resistant to chemical splash, half or full face air purifying respirator protection. Level D: Structural Turn-Out ensemble, with or without SCBA respiratory protection. Level E: Station Uniform Revised 12/2/09 33

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.02 Subject: Hazardous Materials Incident Response Control Plan First Arriving Unit Shall report to the IC, if available, or establish command and initiate a risk assessment. The first arriving unit must ensure that it does not commit to a hazardous area. Upon approach, slow or stop to establish visual contact and attempt to identify visible hazards and begin gathering information. Approach from upwind and upgrade. Command should consider appropriate staging until specific actions are determined. Consideration for staging should include a safe location accounting for wind direction, current and expected, spill flow and rate, fire and/or explosion hazard and other immediate threats. Size up/risk Assessment Command must evaluate the situation before committing resources to an assignment. It may be necessary to take immediate action to affect a rescue or to evacuate an area, this should be accomplished with situational awareness and minimal risk to WPCFD and other agencies involved. DO NOT RISK THE LIVES OF EMERGENCY RESPONDERS IN ATTEMPTS TO RECOVER DEAD BODIES OR TO MITIGATE CHEMICAL EMERGENCIES THAT ARE OUT OF CONTROL. The size up/risk assessment objective is to identify the nature and severity of the immediate problem and gather sufficient information to formulate a valid Incident Action Plan. A HAZMAT incident requires a more cautious and deliberate size-up than most fire situations. Identify the hazard area based on the potential danger, suspected or identified material, time of day, current and expected weather conditions and the location of the incident and degree of risk for unprotected populations. Immediate Steps Isolation The hazard area shall be isolated and entry denied to all personnel. Evaluate If possible identify the product WITHOUT entering the HOT ZONE. LEVEL 1: A potential emergency condition (able to control and mitigate with on-scene resources) Small fuel spill Non-High pressure natural gas or propane leak Small quantity toxic product (less than 10 lbs.) Mitigation: Valve Control, product absorption, or dispersion Revised 12/2/09 34

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.02 Subject: Hazardous Materials Incident Response Control Plan ) LEVEL 2: Limited Emergency condition activating WPCFD HAZMAT Flammable liquid spill (more than 25 gallons) Large natural gas or propane, high pressure leak Toxic material release (more than 10 lbs.) Mitigation: Containment, ignition source removal, neutralization, valve control, vessel repair, vapor suppression, including the notification of appropriate clean-up contractor. LEVEL 3: Full scale emergency condition with potential disastrous conditions activating WPCFD HAZMAT. Cargo or transportation incidents Leak from a large compressed gas cylinder Leak from a cryogenic gas vessel Mitigation: Containment, ignition source removal, neutralization, valve control, vapor suppression including notification of appropriate Clean-up contractor. Incident Action Plan: Based on information gathered during risk assessment and continual throughout the duration of the incident, an Incident Action Plan (IAP) will be implemented to properly address the incident hazards, mitigation and decontamination. The IAP shall provide for: Site safety plan for member safety Citizen safety Evacuate and/or Shelter in Place Incident stabilization HAZMAT material stabilization HAZMAT material removal or disposal Hazard Area Control: A HAZMAT incident has multiple zones; the HAZARD zone, consisting of the HOT, WARM, COLD zones and the EVACUATION zone. HAZARD ZONE (HOT ZONE) The HOT zone is the area where there is contamination or an IDLH environment. This is established by the IC with assistance from Research and Safety. Access to this zone should be tightly controlled and only team members with appropriate PPE and a work assignment allowed within the perimeter of the HOT zone. Revised 12/2/09 35

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.02 Subject: Hazardous Materials Incident Response Control Plan ) CONTAMINATION REDUCTION CORRIDOR (WARM ZONE) The WARM zone is the zone between the HOT zone and the COLD zone. In this corridor, the actions taken are decontamination of team members that have been inside the HOT zone. Also contaminated patients or personnel shall go thru this corridor for decontamination before proceeding to the COLD zone, or being transported to medical facilities. Members within this zone shall be in PPE no less than one level lower than the Entry Team(s). Team members will be led by a Decontamination Team leader; Entry personnel follow the commands of the Decontamination Team leader as well as Decon line Members. ISOLATION ZONE (COLD ZONE) The ICP shall be located outside all hazard areas; no protective equipment is required in this area. Decontamination The purpose of Decon is to assure that any potentially harmful and/or hazardous residue, on team members or equipment, are confined within the HOT Zone. Decon is intended to prevent the spread of contaminates beyond the defined area particularly to avoid carrying contaminates back to fire stations and other environments. Specific measures required to decontamination personnel or equipment will vary with the contaminate, the circumstance and the level of contamination. These factors must be considered on a case by case basis, within the recommendations stated within research materials. The Operations Officer is responsible for appointing a Decontamination Officer at incidents that require Decon. This Officer is responsible for determining the most appropriate decontamination procedures with safety and research, and closely managing the Decon process. The Decon Officer must assume that all personnel leaving the HOT Zone are contaminated. Three courses of action are available: Confirm NO CONTAMINATION; via swipes, instruments, tests, etc. DECONTAMINATE: As appropriate to the material and/or release. RETAIN and package for removal from the site for disposal or offsite Decon. Contamination Reduction Corridor (WARM Zone): The Decon line should be set up at the border of the Hot Zone and extend to the border of the Cold Zone. The Decon Line should be set-up with two objectives. Technical Decon and Emergency Decon. Technical Decon should be set up in stations appropriate for the hazard in the HOT Zone; showers, sampling, doffing should be contained within this corridor. Emergency Decon should be prepared for and a separate, adjacent line set-up next to the Technical line to be able to utilize Decon line personnel in both lines. Revised 12/2/09 36

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.02 Subject: Hazardous Materials Incident Response Control Plan ) Emergency Decon should consist of rapid gross Decon and rapid neutralization or removal of contaminates with evacuation to properly prepared transportation for medical attention or evaluation. Mass Decon should be considered Emergency Decon. Transportation: If it is necessary to transport contaminated patients to medical facilities, the receiving hospital must be notified in advance of the nature and severity of contamination in order to make the necessary preparation and take the proper precautions. The transporting Medic or Rescue will be considered contaminated and request direction from command prior to being returned to service. To ensure personnel safety, members shall note the incident location and share known information with other members as it may relate to scene safety. If information must be relayed to another crew, this shall be accomplished via cell phone or face to face upon arrival. All personnel shall respond to the incident on assigned apparatus following established ROG for operation of apparatus and appropriate personnel protection shall be donned. Revised 12/2/09 37

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.03 Subject: Propane Emergencies/Propane Tanks Purpose: To properly guide responders on proper procedures for operations at incidents involving propane gas/liquid. Scope: All WPCFD personnel. Recommendations: Leak Only: 1. Apparatus will be positioned at a staging area no less than 1000 feet from the structure/location involved. 2. The first arriving engine company shall conduct a rapid and detailed size-up, and then establish an ICP uphill and upwind. 3. The officer in command will insure that the gas company is immediately notified. 4. If the gas leak is found to be severe, apparatus will be positioned for an immediate withdrawal and the evacuation of endangered civilians will be undertaken to the extent that it can be safely done. 5. There shall be absolutely no smoking at the scene of a gas leak, minimizing ignition sources for fire prevention is of paramount importance. 6. All members must wear full turnout gear. 7. The IC will be guided by the advice of the gas company personnel when they arrive on scene. 8. Initial evacuation distances should be considered downwind and downhill with the guidance of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Consideration should also be given to reducing sources of ignition; vehicles and electrical sources. Revised 12/2/09 38

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 30.03 Subject: Propane Emergencies/Propane Tanks ) 9. If it is determined that the building is charged with gas and not on fire, ventilation and gas dissipation should be considered to minimize risk to the entry team. Electrical utilities should be secured from the exterior and a primary search should be conducted if there is the possibility of asphyxiated occupants. 10. If gas dissipation is required, it should be utilizing a handline with a minimum 100 gpm, utilizing a fog pattern from a combination nozzle. Fire: 1. If gas has been ignited, the flames should not be extinguished until the gas supply can be safely shut down. 2. Exposures may be protected with unmanned master streams, if sufficient water supply exists. 3. Unmanned master streams shall be directed to cool the upper portions of the involved tank or onto uninvolved tanks. 4. Attack and valve shutdown shall only be initiated if sufficient water supply exists. (500 gpm for the duration of the incident) 5. Personnel shall not approach any involved tank from the ends of horizontal tanks. 6. Valve shutdown shall only be performed by properly trained teams. 7. High pitched whistling and/or tank discoloration is an indicator of possible BLEVE, evacuation shall be considered. Revised 12/2/09 39

: 40 SECTION 40 FIRE OPERATIONS Revised 12/2/09 40

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 40.01 Subject: Strategies and Tactics for Structure Fires Purpose: This guideline shall provide uniformity to WPCFD operations, as well as serving as a guideline with regards to offensive or defensive modes of firefighting. Scope: This guideline shall apply to all WPCFD response personnel. Recommendations: 1. Upon arrival at any possible Structure Fire, a 360 degree assessment shall be completed by the IC or the IC designee, disabling utilities and performing a risk assessment to provide information that will determine Attack Mode. The IC shall announce the conclusions of the size-up via radio to Dispatch and arriving units including; building type, assessed occupancy, exterior observations of fire progress, offensive or defensive strategy, and requests for additional apparatus. 2. Set strategic goals; establish incident priorities, life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation, formulating an Incident Action Plan. (IAP) 3. No member of the Department is to operate a charged hose line, raise a ladder or perform any fireground function without full PPE. 4. Whenever possible, the first-arriving unit should be used for attack lines. As needed, additional hand lines may be used from other pumpers, after the full capacity of the first Engine is reached. 5. Firefighters will operate in teams of two or more when using hose lines in fire attack situations. NO ONE is to perform any interior firefighting without the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Interior firefighting operations are not to begin until there are two people to operate the attack line. 6. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF FIRE COMPANY OFFICERS AND MEMBERS! SAFETY IS MANDATORY. Revised 12/2/09 41

RECOMMENDED OPERATING GUIDELINE: 40.01 Subject: Strategies and Tactics for Structure Fires ) 7. The IC of the incident shall establish a command post at a safe and easily accessible location. 8. The primary consideration and responsibility in fire attack operations is Firefighter safety, and then saving of endangered human life. A thorough search and rescue operation should be mounted at structural fire incidents when it is suspected that a person or persons may be in danger, and the required and trained personnel are on scene to effect safe operations. 9. Ventilation will be coordinated with the advancement of hose lines into a burning building. 10. NO hose line is to be directed into the window of a burning building while an INTERIOR FIREFIGHTING OPERATION is in progress. 11. Hose lines WILL NOT be directed into a roof hole which has been cut for ventilation purposes. 12. As per federal regulations, WPCFD will train with, and use the Incident Command System at ALL Emergency Scenes. Interior Attack Recommendations; Rescue of a verified, savable life is priority. Primary search should be conducted immediately if safety of the crew can be provided for. Primary search should be performed with a charged line, two firefighters, one officer, and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) on standby before search begins. A second line should be stretched to the seat of the fire to aid in suppression and halt fire progress to protect Attack and Suppression Teams. The search should begin at the occupants last known location and progress to areas of improved conditions. Working structure fires require the presence of an ambulance at the incident. Revised 12/2/09 42