1 Developing Fire Department Safety Programs DuPage County Safety Officers Association.

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Developing Fire Department Safety Programs

DuPage County Safety Officers Association

Developing Safety Programs 2

Developing Your Program

NFPA 1500 gives guidance in our development of fire department safety programs. The 1997 edition spells out specific duties that need to be included in the department safety program. Your departments requirements will differ

from other programs, each department having special needs.


Steps in Program Development

1. Obtain organizational commitment and support Chief through the newest firefighter

Injury and Death StatisticsUtilize case histories and individual

department historyRisk management techniquesCost benefits of developing / implementing

a safety program



2. Create organizational statement and policy (NFPA 1500 2-1.1)(NFPA 1500 2-1.1)

Provides the foundation for all elements of a departments operations.Details what services will be providedDescribes how the department will prepare

to meet these broad organizational goal.• Training and other tools are mentioned here• Safety in all aspects of department operations



3. Appoint Safety Officer Chief makes appointment Person should comply with the requirements

of the NFPA 1521 Standard 1997 editionFire Officer 1 CertificationBackground and experience in operationsKnowledge of common fireground hazards

• Does not have to be one individual• Can combine fire scene operations and department

safety management programs



4. Appoint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OHSC) Chief appoints committee made up of all

levels of employment and representationSafety Officer must be a member of the OHSC

Safety Officer does not have to be chairperson of committeeMay allow for objective view of the program



5. Development of Safety Rules and Policies Review of work rules or SOG’s for aspects of

safety Utilize existing referenceable materials is

keyNFPAIFSTAOSFMDuPage County Safety Manual



6. Enforce Policies and Procedures Discipline is not part of this process

May determine if accidents, injuries or other deviations from policy are preventable or unpreventable

All meetings are official records and must be forwarded to the Chief after completion of meeting

• May post minutes and recommendations at stations



7. Practice Safety in All Actions Fireground In-station Training General duties

Correct unsafe acts and conditions before an accident or injury results


Typical Program Components

Medical Component Annual Physical Back to Work Program Pre-employment Vaccinations Injury evaluation



Employee Assistance Program Substance Abuse Critical Incident Stress Financial General Mental Health Employee Incentives



Operations Review specifications Recommend new purchases Review operations Participate in development of SOG’s and

revision of SOG’s General station safety inspections

Quarterly inspections recommended


Does Your Program Need Help??

Fire Dept. Safety Officers AssociationNFPA

1500, 1521, 1561, 1410, 1582IFSTA

Safety, Company Officer, EssentialsFire Engineering

Building Collapse, Building Construction, Safety and Survival on Fireground

DuPage County Safety Officers Assoc..

1 Developing Fire Department Safety Programs DuPage County Safety Officers Association.

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