Chapter 7 Flashcards
What is the primary responsibility of fire and emergency responders?
To protect their lives and property while serving others
This ensures that they can effectively manage emergency situations without becoming part of the emergency themselves.
What can happen if responders become injured during emergency operations?
Resources may need to be redirected away from the original objectives of the incident
This can negatively impact the outcome of the original incident.
What is the role of company officers in ensuring safety?
To create a culture of safety and prevent accidents, illnesses, and minimize risks
This includes being familiar with industry standards, best practices, and safety policies.
What does NFPA 1021 (2020) emphasize for company officers?
Knowledge of local, state/provincial, and federal laws and standards relating to firefighter safety and health
This is crucial for promoting a safe work environment.
What is one standard that departments should reference to promote safety?
NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program
This standard helps establish safety-oriented culture within the department.
Fill in the blank: Company officers should implement _______ that are specific to their department’s operations.
[safety policies and procedures]
Implementing tailored safety policies is vital for effective safety management.
What is the purpose of the NFPA 1584 standard?
To outline the Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises
This standard is crucial for maintaining responder health during operations.
True or False: The Occupational Safety & Health Standard (OSHA) does not include respiratory protection guidelines.
False
OSHA 29 CER 1910.134 specifically addresses Respiratory Protection.
What is the significance of establishing a safety-oriented culture in a fire department?
Prevent accidents, avoid illness and minimize the exposure to risk
## Footnote
A safety-oriented culture is essential for minimizing risks and preventing accidents.
List three safety standards or regulations that company officers should be familiar with.
- NFPA 1500
- NFPA 1561
- NFPA 1582
Familiarity with these standards is essential for ensuring firefighter safety and health.
What must company officers be familiar with?
Local safety policies and procedures
This includes understanding their applications in the workplace.
What should periodic training sessions ensure?
Unit members are familiar with safety policies and procedures
Training should cover practical applications.
What must be included in practical training evolutions?
Application of all appropriate safety policies
This is essential for company-level training.
What should company officers ensure regarding personnel qualifications?
Qualifications are appropriate and current for each individual’s duty assignment
This ensures readiness and compliance.
Give examples of personnel qualifications.
- Medical certifications
- Vehicle and apparatus operation certifications
- Professional qualifications
These qualifications are critical for effective duty performance.
According to NFPA 1021 (2020), what is the workplace for fire and emergency responders?
Not a single location; it includes multiple locations connected by routes of transportation
This highlights the dynamic nature of their work environment.
What can the organization and company officer directly control?
The organization’s facilities, stations, and apparatus
These are made as safe as possible for operations.
How can the workplace generally be divided for fire and emergency responders?
- Emergency scene
- En route to and from the emergency scene
- Facilities
Understanding these divisions aids in safety management.
What is workplace safety?
Activities that ensure a safe work environment and protect employees from job-related injuries, illnesses, and exposures to hazardous materials.
It includes the responsibility of management to provide a safe workplace.
Who holds the ultimate responsibility for workplace safety?
The organization’s management.
This includes ensuring personal accountability.
What are the key components to achieving workplace safety?
Good leadership, training, policies, procedures, and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Company officers play a crucial role in implementing these components.
What is the role of company officers in workplace safety?
Responsible for implementing policies and procedures and reporting the need for maintenance or replacement of unsafe equipment.
They must also address safety issues during shifts.
What are common acute injury types in emergency services?
- Trauma
- Asphyxiation
- Cuts and bruises
- Thermal stress
These injuries are prevalent due to the physically demanding nature of emergency response.
What must company officers recognize to ensure safety?
Unsafe acts by crew members and unsafe conditions.
They must be able to stop unsafe acts and take appropriate action.
What type of injuries are most common among fire and EMS personnel?
Sprains and strains.
These injuries are often due to the physical demands of emergency responses.
True or False: Company officers should only address safety issues during roll call.
False.
Safety issues should be addressed continuously during shifts.
What are examples of chronic injuries?
Exposure to carcinogens, behavioral health issues such as PTSD
Chronic injuries can result from long-term exposure to harmful substances or psychological stressors.
What is the most common cause of incident fatalities?
Cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest highlights the importance of physical fitness in safety and wellness programs.
What should be a priority in safety, health, and wellness programs?
Physical fitness
Emphasizing physical fitness can help reduce fatalities in emergency situations.
What is one resource that can be used for physical fitness guidelines?
LAFF/LAFG/NVEC wellness initiatives
These initiatives provide structured physical fitness programs.
What skills are important for preventing emergency scene injuries?
Accurate scene size-up skills
Effective scene size-up can help manage risks and develop operational strategies.
What practices should be utilized to devise the overall operational strategy?
Sound risk management practices
These practices help in minimizing risks during emergency responses.
What must company officers do regarding policies and procedures at emergency scenes?
Comply, enforce, and educate personnel
Ensuring adherence to policies is crucial for maintaining scene safety.
What are unsafe acts?
Internal factors performed by the company officer or crew member
Unsafe acts can compromise safety during emergency operations.
What are unsafe conditions?
Externally controlled factors that should be recognized and addressed
Addressing unsafe conditions is essential for ensuring safety on the scene.
Name one incident scene risk control measure.
Use of accountability systems
Accountability systems help track personnel and ensure safety.
What is a mandatory requirement for emergency scene operations?
Mandatory respiratory protection plans
These plans protect responders from inhaling hazardous substances.
What should health and wellness SOPs include?
Rehab
Rehabilitation is critical for maintaining responder health during incidents.
What system should be implemented for incident management?
National Incident Management System-Incident Command System (NIMS-ICS)
NIMS-ICS provides a standardized framework for incident management.
What should company officers do to stay current on trends within fire and emergency services?
Reference cause, injury, and fatality statistical data
Staying informed helps in understanding and mitigating risks.
Name one organization in the United States that provides injury and fatality information.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH is a key source for occupational safety data.
What is an example of an unsafe act during on-scene operations?
Freelancing or operating independently of the company officer or Incident Commander’s control
Such actions can jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of emergency responses.
What is the importance of training programs for scene safety?
To ensure responders do not perform unsafe acts
Training prepares responders to act safely and effectively in emergencies.
What are the incident priorities that a company officer must follow at an emergency scene?
Life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation
List three examples of unsafe conditions at emergency scenes.
- Zero visibility
- Unsafe structural conditions
- Rapidly moving or uncontrolled fires
True or False: Smoke can contain toxic gases that are harmful if inhaled.
True
What are two hazardous components found in smoke?
- Carbon monoxide
- Hydrogen cyanide
Fill in the blank: Smoke may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and _______ that can penetrate firefighter protective clothing.
[PAHs]
What should personnel do to minimize exposure to smoke?
- Use monitoring and detection devices
- Implement scene control zones
- Wear full PPE including SCBA in the hot zone
- Ensure PPE fits properly
- Locate apparatus and command posts upwind from smoke
- Limit time exposed to smoke
- Utilize fans and/or water curtains
- Allow time for hazardous concentration levels to decrease
- Undergo decontamination per SOPs
- Wash with soap and water after exposure
What is the recommended method for washing after smoke exposure?
Washing with soap (Dawn® Dishwashing Liquid) and water
What should NOT be used during preliminary exposure reduction procedures?
Wipes that contain alcohol or alcohol derivatives
List two factors that contribute to unsafe conditions at emergency scenes.
- Hostile crowds
- Unstable vehicles
What is a key reason to wear full PPE in the hot zone?
To protect against smoke and hazardous materials
What is the importance of situational awareness at emergency scenes?
To recognize and respond to potential hazards effectively
What happens if PPE does not fit properly?
It may not provide adequate protection against hazards
Fill in the blank: The absence of _______ can lead to unsafe conditions during emergency operations.
[appropriate rehab]
What can smoke exposure lead to in terms of health risks?
Potential inhalation hazards and skin absorption of toxins
What are unsafe acts or conditions responsible for during response to and from an incident?
Injuries and fatalities
Many casualties can be prevented through proper measures.
List three measures that can prevent casualties during response and return.
- Apparatus design and maintenance
- Driver/operator training and certification
- Incident analysis to identify contributing and causal factors
These measures help mitigate the risks associated with emergency response.
Who should recognize unsafe acts and take corrective action?
Company officers
They play a crucial role in ensuring safety during emergency operations.
What should emergency responders be trained on before responding to an incident?
Safe vehicle operations
Training is essential for minimizing risks during emergency responses.
What special attention should company officers pay regarding privately owned vehicles (POVs)?
Training and education of drivers
Company officers must enforce policies related to driving POVs.
What is a common unsafe act that can occur during response?
Driving over the speed limit
This can lead to accidents and increased risk during response.
Fill in the blank: Unsafe acts may include _______.
Not wearing seat belt
Seat belts are crucial for safety during vehicle operation.
Name two unsafe conditions that must be recognized by company officers.
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
These conditions can significantly impact driving safety.
What responsibility do company officers have regarding their drivers’ actions?
Ensure appropriate precautions are taken
Company officers are responsible for mitigating risks during emergency driving.
True or False: Company officers should address unsafe acts immediately.
True
Immediate action helps prevent accidents and injuries.
What should company officers enforce regarding organizational vehicles?
Organizational policies regarding driving
This includes safe practices for both organizational and privately owned vehicles.
What is the importance of nonemergency safety in facilities?
It is equally important as emergency scene safety; injuries and fatalities can occur during daily nonemergency activities.
What are nonemergency casualties?
Casualties that occur during:
* Administrative duties
* Training
* Code enforcement and inspections
* Maintenance
* Non-incident-related situations
What is one of the best methods for providing a safe workplace?
Proper maintenance.
Who is responsible for reporting the need for repairs in facilities?
Company officers.
What should company officers conduct in accordance with organizational policies?
Facility inspections.
What are some examples of unsafe acts at facilities?
Unsafe acts may include:
* Not using warning signs for wet surfaces
* Improper use of power and hand tools
* Improper lifting of heavy objects
* Horseplay
* Bringing contaminated equipment into living areas/quarters
According to NFPA, how many injuries were associated with nonemergency activities in 2016?
12,780 injuries.
How many injuries were associated with training according to NFPA in 2016?
8,480 injuries.
What types of injuries primarily occurred during nonemergency activities?
Injuries primarily involved:
* Sprains
* Strains
* Cuts
* Bruises
Fill in the blank: Policies and procedures that identify risks in the facilities, activities, and behaviors will help create and maintain a _______.
safe work environment.
True or False: Nonemergency safety is less critical than emergency scene safety.
False.
What should company officers be able to recognize and address?
Unsafe conditions within facilities
Unsafe conditions include inadequate lighting, wet or oily floors, slippery or icy sidewalks, lack of routine maintenance, blocked exits, and fire doors propped open.
List three examples of unsafe conditions at facilities.
- Inadequate lighting
- Wet or oily floors
- Blocked exits
What is the purpose of safety-related inspections?
To ensure the integrity of equipment, vehicles, and facilities
Inspections help maintain safety standards and compliance with organizational policies.
True or False: Company officers may be asked to conduct safety inspections on equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
True
Fill in the blank: Safety-related inspections must occur in accordance with _______.
[organizational policies]
What types of equipment should be included in safety inspections?
- PPE
- Tools
- Fire fighting gear
- Medical gear
- Rescue gear
What aspects of vehicles are typically inspected during safety inspections?
- Traffic deterrent devices
- State vehicle inspections
- Aerial tests
- Pump tests
- Vehicle maintenance
Name two components that facilities safety inspections may cover.
- Proper lighting
- Up-to-date fire extinguishers
What could be a consequence of blocked exits in a facility?
Increased risk during emergencies
Blocked exits can impede evacuation and response efforts.
True or False: Fire doors should be propped open during inspections.
False
What is a common safety sign used to warn personnel?
Signs indicating wet, slippery floors
These signs help prevent accidents by alerting personnel to hazardous conditions.
What is the responsibility of the company officer regarding safety, health, and wellness programs?
To provide subordinates with information on the organization’s safety, health, and wellness programs.
What are the leading causes of firefighter fatalities?
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and behavioral health issues.
What do comprehensive safety, health, and wellness programs aim to reduce?
Accidents, injuries, illnesses, and exposures.
What should the organization’s safety, health, and wellness programs include? List three components.
- Information on emergency and nonemergency safety practices
- Overall wellness and fitness
- Inspections and accident investigations
True or False: Cumulative stress is a concern that should be addressed in safety, health, and wellness programs.
True
Fill in the blank: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of firefighter _______.
fatalities
What type of stress is characterized by atypically stressful events?
Critical Incident Stress
Name one emerging issue in firefighter health besides cardiovascular disease.
Cancer or behavioral health
What is occupational stress?
Stress related to the demands and pressures of the firefighting profession.
What does NFPA 1021 (2020) emphasize regarding safety and health?
The importance of safety, health, and wellness programs in reducing firefighter risks.
What is the purpose of a safety and health program in fire and emergency services?
To promote safety and health among personnel and reduce risks
This program includes various practices and policies to enhance safety.
What does a risk management plan aim to achieve?
To identify, analyze, and manage risks associated with fire and emergency services
It helps in understanding and mitigating inherent risks.
Define inherent risk in the context of fire and emergency services.
Risk associated with fire and emergency operations
This includes various hazards personnel may face.
List the three distinct sections of a risk management plan.
- Community risk management
- Organizational risk management
- Operational risk management