PN828 Recording Decisions at Incidents Flashcards
How long are Incident related records are kept at stations?
Incident related records are kept at stations for a period of 3 years, after which time they should
be sent to the brigade’s record centre at HQ for storage.
How many types of records do we use?
4. Automated/system based records Statements Contemporaneous notes Decision logs
Why do we record decisions?
Decision logging at incidents will provide the IC and other operational personnel with a record
that will support their ability to recollect the incident after the event accurately. In addition, such
records may also assist any subsequent investigation, as they will show what actions were taken
and when, that they were made rationally, safely, and based on the information that was available
at the time the decision was made.
When can a written log be created?
If a decision relates to an action that does not add any additional risk to personnel, and it meets
the requirements within the relevant operational procedure (as per 4.3(a) above) , then a simple
written log can be created.
What information will be in a written log?
• The name of the person who is making the decision. (Note - this will not necessarily be the
same as the loggist.)
• A decision number (in case there is more than one decision that requires logging at the
incident).
• The time that the log entry is made.
• The time that the action was, or is intended to be, carried out.
• The location on the incident ground to which the decision refers (e.g., sector 1; A40 westbound).
• A description of the action required (what is it that must be done).
• The rationale underpinning the decision (why must this action be taken or, if the decision is
not to act, why action is not being taken).
• What is the anticipated impact of carrying out the action (who will be affected and for how
long).
Where a decision is made to carry out actions that amend or change a current operational
procedure, what type of log will be required?
A key decision log
(KDL) and a risk assessment of the proposed activity will need to be undertaken. The risk
assessment must show that additional hazards and the associated risks have been identified and
that appropriate control measures implemented before any action is taken.
What information is required on a KDL?
• Decision number.
• Time entered.
• Name of the person making the decision and their role at the incident.
• The location to which the decision/intended action refers.
• The proposed action.
• The rationale behind why the action needs to be taken (i.e., and explanation of why the
operational procedure is not suitable in this circumstance).
• What are the benefits of carrying out this action.
• What are the associated hazards and risks when carrying out the proposed action.
• What additional control measures will be implemented to minimise the risk to people.
• An overall risk ranking of the planned activity (this will be achieved through completion of a
risk ranking matrix).
• Confirmation that the IC has been informed (if they did not make the decision) and that the
actions are agreed.
When a CU is not in attendance then all decisions that need to be logged should be recorded on?
KDL form (F6182). A pad of these forms should be kept on all pumping appliances.
If a CU is in attendance at the incident when a decision needs to be logged, What system should be used?
CSS should be used.
If a CU attends an incident after a decision has been logged using the KDL form, the IC must What?
A record is copied on to CSS. A copy of the original log should be retained.
If there is any doubt regarding the type of record that is required for a particular decision, then
the default position should always be?
The KDL.
When should key decisions be recorded?
key decisions are to be recorded as soon as reasonably
practicable using the KDL form, or within the appropriate logging tool within CSS.
Whenever a KDL is completed, what else should be completed?
Whenever a KDL is completed, a risk assessment of the activity must be made and the
risk ranking matrix completed.
The fire service has a clear and defined methodology for managing risks encountered at
operational incidents, which is supported by? (3)
Generic risk assessments.
Strategic risk assessments.
Incident risk assessments.
Firefighter Safety Maxim is
“At every incident the greater the potential benefit of fire and rescue actions, the greater the risk
that is accepted by commanders and firefighters. Activities that present a high risk to safety are
limited to those that have the potential to save life or to prevent rapid and significant escalation of
the incident.”
