I. Scope:

This standard establishes the position of Safety Officer.  It was created to assign the responsibility for the departments’ Occupational Health and Safety program to a single individual.

II. General:

A.   The Fire Chief shall appoint a member to serve as the departments’ Safety Officer.

B.    The departments’ Safety Officer shall:

1.     Acquaint himself with the provisions of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Health and Safety Program, and NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer.

2.     Manage the departments’ Occupational Health and Safety Program.

C.   The duties of the departments’ Safety Officer shall include but not be limited to:

1.     Assist in the safety aspect of all training programs.

2.     Remain knowledgeable of current industry trends and practices.

3.     Maintain fire fighter safety while operating at the scene of an emergency situation.  If manpower is limited and the Safety Officer is in a working role elsewhere on the scene, every member has a responsibility to maintain safety on the fire ground.

4.     Maintain records of accidents, occupational deaths, injuries, illnesses and exposure and providing analysis and reports to the Fire Chief.

5.     Providing safety bulletins, posters and newsletters to all members.

6.     Act as an additional set of eyes and ears for the Fire Chief and Incident Commander by observing all fire fighting and rescue operations for life threatening hazards.