Duty And Responsibility To Act Safely

          responding personnel

      e. Individuals who may become violent

      f. Situations such as domestic violence or use of weapons where the scene has not been made safe

         by law enforcement personnel

      g. The presence or potential presence of hazardous materials

      h. Potential release of materials from a closed container exposed to high levels of heat

  8. Wear personal protective clothing appropriate for the particular incident and work to be performed

       and have it on before beginning any work

  9. Utilize respiratory protection anytime you are working in an immediately dangerous to life and

      health (IDLH) environment and make sure that personal alert safety system (PASS) device is

      activated

  10. Work in teams of two or more and stay in constant contact with each other

  11. Use ground fault interrupter receptacles or breakers with any electrical powered equipment

  12. Have a rapid intervention team constantly available to help firefighters or teams in need of

        assistance

  13. Do not fuel tools and equipment until they have cooled sufficiently

B. Search and Rescue Safety

  1. Do not enter a building in which the fire has progressed to the point where viable victims are not

      likely to be found

  2. Attempt entry only after ventilation is accomplished when backdraft conditions exist

  3. Work from a single operational plan

  4. Monitor fire conditions that might affect search teams and individual firefighters

  5. Be aware of the secondary means of egress established for personnel involved in the search

  6. Search systematically to increase efficiency and to reduce the possibility of becoming disoriented

  7. Stay low and move cautiously while searching

  8. Stay alert and use all senses

  9. Feels doors for excessive heat before opening them

  10. Mark entry doors into rooms, remember the direction turned when entering the room, and turn

        the opposite direction when exiting

  11. Maintain contact with a wall when visibility is obscured and extend reach by using ropes or straps

  12. Have a charged hoseline at hand whenever possible when working on the fire floor or the floor

        immediately above or below the fire because it can be used as a guide for egress as well as 

        firefighting

  13. Coordinate with ventilation teams before opening windows to relieve heat and smoke during

        search

  14. Close the door, report the condition, and be guided by the supervisor’s orders if fire is

        encountered during a search

  15. Report promptly to the supervisor once the search is complete

  16. If disoriented, remain calm, retrace steps to the original location if possible, seek an exit from the

        building or fire area, locate a hoseline and follow it if one is available, utilize a radio if available, or

        shout or activate the PASS device

C. Entry Safety

  1. Tools should be carried properly to protect the firefighter and anyone who might be near the tool

  2. When using hand tools for forcible tool, a safety check should be made to avoid striking someone

       with the tool or debris produced when using the tool

  3. Clean all glass out of an opening with a tool before reaching through it

  4. Eye and respiratory protection should be worn when operating hand tools and hearing protection

      may also be needed for power tools

  5. Any guards, shields, or other tool-safety devices that the manufacturer provides with power tool

      should be in place and used as intended

  6. Match the saw with the task and the material to be cut and never push the saw beyond its design

       limitations

  7. Do not use any power saw when working in a flammable atmosphere or near flammable liquids

  8. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proper saw operation

  9. Keep blades and chains well sharpened

  10. Be aware of hidden hazards such as electrical wires, gas lines, and water lines