Browndale Fire Co. 
Fire Station 43 
Standard Operating Guidelines 

Date of Issue: 3-11-97 
Effective Date: 4-1-97 
Developed By: Earl Obelenus 
Issued by Authority of: Earl Obelenus, Fire Chief 

SAFETY PROCEDURES 
S.O.G. 300-97-1 

I. PURPOSE 

To establish the guideline to minimize the potential for firefighter injuries. 

II. SCOPE 

All fire department personnel. 

III. RESPONSIBILITY 

The fire chief is responsible for the safety of all firefighters. 

The safety officer is responsible to oversee the safety program and serve as an aide and resource to the fire chief both administratively and on the emergency scene. 

All fire officers within the chain of command will direct personnel within these established guidelines. 

All firefighters will adhere to the following guidelines. 

IV. BACKROUND 

While firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations, there is control over much of what and how the firefighters complete their tasks. A comprehensive safety program can assess risks and to minimize injury or death. 

V. PROCEDURES 

1. All personnel on the fireground will wear protective clothing. If responding on the apparatus, the protective clothing will be in place prior to leaving the station. Protective clothing consists of (turnout coat, turnout pants, fire service boots, nomex hood, helmet, firefighter gloves). 

2. While responding to an incident, the engineer has the option to wear or not to wear his protective clothing. Once he has established his initial flows, he will don his protective clothing in case he is required to assist in any other fireground activities. 

3. The maximum manning on Engine 43 and Ladder 43 is 6 (six). NO personnel will be permitted to ride the tailboard, hosebed, side step or top crosswalk of the apparatus. 

4. Upon crossing the curbline or otherwise designated safety zone, personnel will be required to have full protective clothing as stated in procedure1. Breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be worn and utilized upon entering a structure or vehicle that is reportedly on fire or otherwise contaminated. 

5. Upon extinguishment of the fire and the determination that the fire is out, overhaul should begin. Once overhaul has been completed to the point below which injurious conditions to the respiratory system have been reduced, SCBA’s may be removed. This decision will be made by the safety officer after informing the incident commander. 

6. Any injury occuring on the fireground or training exercise shall be reported to the safety officer and the officer in charge. Necessary medical attention will be given depending on the degree of the injury by medical personnel on sight or the injured person will be removed to a medical facility by ambulance. An incident form will be completed as soon as possible by the safety officer or officer in charge. 

7. When responding to a motor vehicle fire, the apparatus should be positioned, if possible, in front of the vehicle, away from the gas tank by approximately 75’. Not less than (1)—11/2” line will be deployed. 

8. All personnel actively involved in a motor vehicle rescue or any incident with the potential for contact with blood or any body fluids, latex gloves must be worn under leather or fire gloves. Latex gloves are on the apparatus. 

9. Full protective clothing, including SCBA’s will be worn on all potential HAZMAT incidents. Apparatus and personnel should be positioned up wind. HAZMAT incident should be identified prior to any action being taken.

10. All personnel responding in private vehicles or driving department apparatus shall conform to the Pa. Department of Motor Vehicle regulations. 

11. When apparatus is required to back up, the officer will be assigned to observe the rear of the apparatus. Of particular concern is when the apparatus is backing into the station. When the apparatus is in position to begin backing up, and the officer is at the rear of the engine within view of the engineer, traffic will be stopped in both directions to allow for safe maneuvering. All “warning lights” will be in operation while backing into the station. 

A. If the apparatus is to be backed into the station from the apron and no personnel are available to watch while it’s being backed in, the engineer will do a complete walk around to make sure the area is clear to back in, all compartment doors closed and “safety chock” is in place on the apparatus floor to prevent the apparatus from being backed in too far.

13. For additional “safety” procedures refer to other guidelines on specific situations. 

VI. SUPERSEDED GUIDELINES 

This is a new guideline on this subject matter and does not supersede any previous memo or guideline on this subject matter. 

Reviewed 7-01-07