WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Revised 10/18/07
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
All elements of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Operational Guidelines, as adopted by the Fire
Chief, including all related forms and documents either referenced or encompassed within,
become part of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Operational Guidelines.
In order to reduce the possibility of conflicts between published materials, Operational Guidelines and related documents will have precedence over other sources, except in those areas
covered under, Municipal, Provincial or Federal law; and those covered under Union Contracts and Letters of Agreement in effect at the time.
The Operational Guidelines contained in the printed version of this document are current as of
the date printed in the bottom right corner of the front cover. New and modified OG’s issued
after the date on printed on the front cover are posted on the Operational Guideline Memo
Boards located at each firehall. Should any discrepancy arise, the most current edition of
Operational Guidelines will be the electronic version, which can be viewed from any Department computer terminal.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Revised 10/18/07
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
TA B L E
OF
C O N T E N TS
Table of Contents i
SECTION A:
DEFINITIONS
1
0.00 Operational Guideline Definitions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
OG - 0.00
OG - 0.00.01
Operational Guideline Definitions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
Definition of Terms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
0.01 Operational Guideline Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -15
OG - 0.01
OG - 0.01.01
Operational Guideline Policy- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Operational Guideline Updates - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
SECTION 1:
SAFETY
21
1.01 Operational Safety and Health Program - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -23
OG - 1.01
Occupational Safety and Health Program - - - - - OG - 1.01.01
Occupational Safety and Health Policy - - - - - - OG - 1.01.02
Written and Practical Safe Work Procedures - - - OG - 1.01.03
Training for Firefighters and Officers - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.04
Supervision of Workers - - - - - - - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.05
Regular Inspections and Monitoring - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.06
Hazardous Materials and Substances - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.07
Monitoring of Workplace Exposures - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.08
Medical Examinations and Health Monitoring- - - OG - 1.01.09
First Aid Services and Equipment - - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.10
Investigation of Accidents and Disease - - - - - - OG - 1.01.10.1
Reporting of Work Place Injuries - - - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.11
Health and Safety Committee - - - - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.11.01 OG - 1.01.12 Records and Statistics - - - - - - - - - OG - 1.01.13
Review of Occupational Safety and Health Program -
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25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
51
57
59
1.02 Respiratory Protection Program - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -61
OG - 1.02
OG - 1.02.02
i
Respiratory Protection Program - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 63
SCBA and Facial Hair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 71
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1.03 Personal Protective Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 73
OG - 1.03.01
OG - 1.03.02
Personal Protective Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75
Personal Alert Safety Devices- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79
1.04 Incident Safety - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 83
OG - 1.04.01
OG - 1.04.02
OG - 1.04.02.01
OG - 1.04.03
OG - 1.04.04
OG - 1.04.05
Passport Accountability System - - - - - - - - - - Incident Rehabilitation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents - Potential For Violence at an Incident - - - - - - - Lockout Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Response of Agencies and Utilities to a Working Fire
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- 85
- 89
- 91
- 95
- 97
101
1.05 Worksite Safety - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103
OG - 1.05.02
OG - 1.05.03
Sharps Disposal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105
Biohazardous Contamination - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 109
1.06 Vehicle Response Safety - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 113
OG - 1.06.01
OG - 1.06.02
OG - 1.06.03
OG - 1.06.03.01
OG - 1.06.04
OG - 1.06.05
OG - 1.06.06
Warning Devices in Emergency Operations - - Warning Devices in Non-Emergency Operations Vehicle Response Safety - - - - - - - - - - - Apparatus - Bridge Weight Limits- - - - - - - Safe Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus - Stopping Traffic on Roadways - - - - - - - - Transport of Specialty Equipment - - - - - - - -
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115
117
119
123
125
129
131
1.07 Equipment Safety and Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 133
OG - 1.07.01
OG - 1.07.02
OG - 1.07.03
OG - 1.07.03.01
OG - 1.07.05.01
OG - 1.07.05.02
OG - 1.07.05.04
OG - 1.07.05.05
OG - 1.07.14
SECTION 2:
OPERATIONS
Inspection of SCBA and Fire Apparatus - - Hydrant Maintenance- - - - - - - - - - - Aerial Apparatus Fall Protection - - - - - Aerial Apparatus - Safety on Firehall Apron Mechanical Work Orders - - - - - - - - - Apparatus Inventories - - - - - - - - - - Apparatus Exhaust Extraction System - - - Minimizing Diesel Emissions in Firehalls - First Aid Supplies - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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135
139
143
145
147
149
153
155
157
159
2.02 Incident Command System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161
OG - 2.02.03.01
OG - 2.02.04
OG - 2.02.14
Arrival at an Incident in a Neighbouring Municipality - - - - - - 163
Departmental Operations Centre (DOC) - - - - - - - - - - - - - 165
Identification of ICS Personnel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169
2.03 Communications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 173
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OG - 2.03
OG - 2.03.01
OG - 2.03.02
OG - 2.03.03
OG - 2.03.04
OG - 2.03.05
OG - 2.03.06
OG - 2.03.07
OG - 2.03.08
OG - 2.03.09
Firehall Log Book - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Radio Communications - - - - - - - - - - - - Dispatch of Duty Chiefs - - - - - - - - - - - - Mechanic Callback - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off-Road or Wildland Rescue Dispatch Procedure
Radio Terminology - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Radio Pagers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Requesting Additional Apparatus Before Arrival Call Signs for Reserve Engine Companies - - - Cell Phones on Fire Apparatus - - - - - - - - - -
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175
177
191
193
195
197
203
205
207
209
2.04 Apparatus - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 211
OG - 2.04.01
OG - 2.04.02
OG - 2.04.03
OG - 2.04.04
OG - 2.04.05
OG - 2.04.06
Apparatus Standby for Training, Fuelling, Etc.
Apparatus at Public Functions - - - - - - - Vehicle Accident Procedure - - - - - - - - Out-of-Service Fire Companies- - - - - - - Apparatus Standby - - - - - - - - - - - - Apparatus Inspections - - - - - - - - - - - -
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213
215
217
221
223
227
2.05 Response to Calls - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 229
OG - 2.05
OG - 2.05.02
OG - 2.05.03
OG - 2.05.04
OG - 2.05.06
OG - 2.05.07
OG - 2.05.08
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
Motor Vehicle Accident Response - - - - - - - - Public Service Calls for Assistance - - - - - - - - Response to Areas Without an Aid Agreement - - Response to Lions Gate Hospital (LGH) - - - - - Callback of Personnel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Secondary Response Apparatus - - - - - - - - - -
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-
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231
237
239
241
243
245
247
2.12 Hose - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 249
OG - 2.12.01
Hose Testing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 251
2.16 Rescue - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 257
OG - 2.16.03.02
OG - 2.16.10
OG - 2.16.11
Confined Space Rescue Operations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 259
Marine Rescue - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 269
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 271
2.17 Fire Suppression- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 275
OG - 2.17.04
OG - 2.17.09
OG - 2.17.13.01
OG - 2.17.13.02
OG - 2.17.16
High-rise Fire Emergencies - - - - - - - - - - - - - Entry into Buildings With Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere
Lighthouse Park - Wildfire Preparedness Plan- - - - - Wildland/Urban Interface Fires- - - - - - - - - - - - Fires at Marijuana “Grow” Operations - - - - - - - - -
-
-
-
-
277
289
293
297
303
2.22 First Responder First Aid - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 305
OG - 2.22.03
OG - 2.22.05
No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Orders - - - - - - - - 307
Infectious Diseases - FR Responses- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 311
2.23 Hazardous Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 313
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OG - 2.23.00
Hazardous Materials Incidents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 315
2.25 Special Operations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 323
OG - 2.25.01
OG - 2.25.05
OG - 2.25.08
OG - 2.25.16
OG - 2.26.05
Clandestine Drug Labs Electrical Operations - Bomb Threats - - - - Carbon Monoxide (CO)Incident Reporting - - -
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SECTION 3:
TRAINING
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325
331
335
337
341
345
3.01 Training Office - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 347
OG - 3.01
OG - 3.01.01
OG - 3.02
Training Office Authority- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 349
Inspection of Training Structures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 351
Nourishment While Training Off-Site - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 353
SECTION 4:
INTER-AGENCY
355
4.03 B.C. Ambulance Service - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 357
OG - 4.03.01
OG - 4.03.02
Return Transportation from LGH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 359
Biological Waste - Disposal- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 361
4.05 Provincial Emergency Program - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 363
OG - 4.05.01
OG - 4.05.02
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Reimbursement - - - - - - 365
Emergency Social Services (ESS) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 367
SECTION 5: ADMINISTRATION
369
5.01 Personnel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 371
OG - 5.01.00
OG - 5.01.02
OG - 5.01.02.01
OG - 5.01.03.01
OG - 5.01.03.02
OG - 5.01.03.03
OG - 5.01.03.04
OG - 5.01.03.05
OG - 5.01.04
OG - 5.01.04.01
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Guide to Progressive Discipline - - - - - Attendance Management - - - - - - - - Notification of Absence- - - - - - - - - Electronic Mail (E-mail) - - - - - - - - Internet Usage Guidelines- - - - - - - - Routine Duties - - - - - - - - - - - - - Employee Lockers - - - - - - - - - - - Personal Information of Employees - - - Department Uniform - - - - - - - - - - Uniform Cleaning, Repair and Alterations -
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373
381
385
389
391
395
401
403
405
411
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OG - 5.01.05
Critical Incident Stress - - - - - OG - 5.01.07
Parking - - - - - - - - - - - - OG - 5.01.09
Rotation of Personnel in Firehalls
OG - 5.01.11
Shift Exchanges (Shift Swaps) - OG - 5.01.12 OG - 5.01.13 Exercising While On-Duty
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413
419
421
423
431
5.02 Finance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 433
OG - 5.02.08
v
Daily Fuel Report - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 435
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WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Section A:
DEFINITIONS
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
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OG - 0.00
Guideline Definitions
Purpose
The PURPOSE of the Operational Guideline (OG) is described in general terms. One or two
brief sentences are used.
Scope
The SCOPE identifies the members of the Fire Department to whom the OG applies.
Policy
A POLICY states the guiding principle or course of action to be adopted while achieving the
objective or purpose of the OG.
Procedure
A PROCEDURE states the circumstances under which certain actions are to be taken and
sometimes those actions are listed. This section describes what actions are to be taken, but
should avoid describing how the actions are to be performed. If “how to” descriptions are
used, this section becomes unnecessarily long. “How to” descriptions belong in a training
manual and not in the OG itself.
Ensure that personnel have either existing skills or have the means to acquire the relevant
skills prior to a new OG implementation.
Reference
This section lists document references such as legislation, training standards or departmental
training documents that apply.
Section A: Definitions
Operational Guideline Definitions
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00
Created 7/25/00
Replaces:
Modified
5
Operational Guideline Definitions
OG - 0.00
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WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00
Definition of Terms
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
0.00.01: Definition
OG - 0.00.01
of Terms
Purpose
To provide standard definitions for terms used within Operational Guidelines and other
Departmental correspondence.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Terms defined below in Procedure will have the defined meanings within all Operational
Guidelines and other Departmental correspondence.
Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary, shall be considered as providing ordinary accepted meaning.
Procedure
DEFINITIONS
A/C- Assistant
Chief.
Acting- Serving temporarily in a position to which the member is not ordinarily assigned, usu-
ally in a position of higher rank. Acting personnel have the same responsibilities as a permanent member of the same rank.
Aid Agreement- An
agreement where the Department provides services to another municipality or regional district, but there is no reciprocal agreement.
Alarm- The Fire Department's notification of a situation requiring Fire Department assistance.
An alarm may be received by any method.
Alert- Activated Dispatch of personnel, equipment, apparatus, or firehalls. The actual Dispatch
function that results in a particular level of response to an Alarm.
Apparatus- A
heavy Fire Department vehicle. Includes: engines, ladder trucks and rescue
trucks.
Approved- Acceptable
Assigned- Currently
to the authority having jurisdiction.
performing a task or other objective at an incident.
Automatic Aid- A programmed plan that responds the closest available company to an incident
even though the closest company may be from a different jurisdiction.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
7
Definition of Terms
OG - 0.00.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Available- In
service and available for immediate response.
BCAS- British
Columbia Ambulance Service.
BCERMS- British
Columbia Emergency Response Management System.
All Clear- The
first significant benchmark in the control of an incident is usually the completion of a primary search or the removal of all trapped or injured victims from danger. This also
holds for all types of serious incidents including victims trapped by automobile accidents or
people threatened by hazardous material incidents.
Block- see
Tour of Duty.
Branch- In ICS,
a Branch is a further organizational level used primarily when an incident
exceeds the recommended Span of Control. Also used at multi-jurisdictional incidents.
Call- An
alarm for a fire or emergency.
Callback- Members may be called back to duty when emergency conditions require additional
personnel to mitigate the emergency. Members shall be compensated for callback duty
according to the Collective Agreement.
Chain of Command- The line of authority from the Fire Chief through to a single subordinate
at each level of command. Chain of Command means that there is an orderly line of authority
within the ranks of the organization, with lower levels subordinate and connected to higher
levels.
Collective Agreement- The
current contract in effect at the time between the Municipality and
the firefighters’ Union.
Command- The
act of directing, ordering, and/or controlling resources by virtue of explicit
legal, agency or delegated authority.
Command Post- See
Incident Command Post.
Company- Composed
of a Company Officer and firefighter(s) that staff a unit of fire appara-
tus.
Company Officer- Lieutenant
Crew- The
or Captain in charge of a Company.
total number of members staffing a firehall.
Days Off- The
time off granted to each member after the member completes his/her regular
tour of duty.
D/C- Duty
Chief.
Department- When
spelled with an upper case “D”, represents West Vancouver Fire and Res-
cue.
Dep/Chief- Deputy
8
Chief.
Designate- The
person appointed by the Fire Chief to perform a function.
Dismissal- The
act of terminating the service of a member.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
Definition of Terms
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 0.00.01
Dispatch- Central
location for dispatching of fire Companies. Alert Tones and vehicle movements are controlled from this location.
Dispatcher- A
member trained and qualified to receive reports of discovery, confirm their
location(s), and Dispatch fire companies and command staff as per Fire Department Standard
Operating Guidelines. The fire Dispatcher also maintains records as to the status of alarms and
acts upon the orders received from the Incident Commander once Command is established.
Dispatching- The
process of alerting and notifying a unit(s) selected to respond to a specific
situation.
District- When
spelled with an upper case “D”, represents The Corporation of the District of
West Vancouver.
Division- In ICS,
a Division divides an incident’s responsibility by geographic location. Divisions on the ground are usually assigned a letter of the alphabet. Those within a building are
often designated by floor number.
Emergency Incident- Emergency
Incidents are defined as those situations where life and/or
property are directly endangered.
EOC- Emergency
Operations Centre.
Fire Department- When
spelled with the first letters in upper case, represents West Vancouver
Fire and Rescue.
Fireground- The
operational area at a fire.
Firehall Apron- The
paved driveway area outside of firehall apparatus bays.
Firehall Officer- Captain
and/or Lieutenant.
Fire Struck- The IC declares a Fire Struck, when the fire has been completely extinguished and
all overhaul has been completed.
Fire Watch- The assignment of a person or persons to an area for the express purpose of notify-
ing the Fire Department and/or building occupants of an emergency, preventing a fire from
occurring, extinguishing small fires, or protecting the public from fire or life safety dangers.
First In- The
first company or unit to arrive at an incident.
Group- In ICS, Groups are established for larger incidents to organize functional areas of oper-
ation. An example of a Group would be the “Medical Group”.
Hazardous Area- The
HVAC- Heating,
IC- See
immediate area where members might be exposed to a hazard.
Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Incident Commander.
Immediately- The term
“immediately” shall be construed to mean “as soon as possible and
practicable”.
Incident Commander (IC)- The
Fire Department individual in overall command of an Emer-
gency Incident.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
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Definition of Terms
OG - 0.00.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Incident Command Post (ICP)- That location at which the primary command functions are exe-
cuted.
Incident Command System (ICS)- The combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure with responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives
pertaining to an incident.
In Service- A
report indicating that apparatus is fully functional and able to respond to an
alarm.
Insubordination- The wilful disobedience of any order, lawfully issued by a superior officer, or
any disrespectful, mutinous, insolent, or abusive language directed toward a superior officer.
LEL- Lower
Explosive Limit.
Loss Stopped- By
reporting Loss Stopped, an Incident Commander gives notice that further
property loss has been stopped.
Marine Vessel- Every description of water craft or other artificial contrivance used as a means
of transportation in or on the water.
May and Should- The
word “may” is permissive. “Should” is advisory. Where used, the word
“should” implies that, while the procedure is not mandatory, it is in the best interests of everyone involved for the procedure to be followed.
Medical Aid- Responses
Members- A
to situations where persons are suffering from illness or injury.
collective term applied to all persons on the department's payroll.
Memorandum- Consecutively numbered correspondence, generally of an informational nature.
Memos may address administrative policies and alter or clarify routine practices, but may not
alter or amend an item addressed in the Rules and Regulations or the Operational Guidelines.
Memos shall be posted for review, if appropriate, and shall be maintained in a permanent file.
Modified Duties- When
a member is not able to perform their regular duties and other duties
have been arranged.
Move-up- The
movement of fire companies from their assigned firehalls to cover vacated firehalls so as to give coverage to districts stripped of normal protection.
Municipality- When spelled with an upper case “M”, represents The Corporation of the District
of West Vancouver.
Mutual Aid Agreement- Written agreement between agencies and or jurisdictions in which they
agree to assist one another upon request, by furnishing resources.
Neglect of Duty- Failure
Occupancy- The
to give proper attention to the performance of one's duty.
purpose for which a building or portion thereof is used or intended to be
used.
Occupant Load- The total number of persons that might typically occupy a building or portion
thereof at any one time.
10
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
Definition of Terms
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
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OG - 0.00.01
Off Duty- A
member is off duty on his/her days off and when on authorized leave and free of
the responsibility of performing usual routine duties.
Officer- All
ranks above the rank of firefighter. Whether filled or not, includes Lieutenant,
Captain, Division Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief and Fire Chief.
Officer-in-Charge- The fire department individual that is in charge in
any given situation. Usu-
ally, but not always, the ranking officer present.
OG- Operational
Guideline.
On Duty- A
member is on duty during the period of time when he/she is actively responsible
for or engaged in the performance of his/her duties.
Order- An
instruction or directive, either written or oral, issued by a superior officer to a subordinate or group of subordinates in the course of duty.
Out of Service (OS)- A
report indicating that apparatus is not available to respond to an alarm.
Overhaul- Operations undertaken by fire suppression personnel to ensure complete extinguishment of a fire; including breaching of structural components of a building, access to hidden spaces of containers or vehicles, or remove of debris.
PAR- Personnel Accountability Report.
PASS- Personal
Alert Safety Device
Permit- A document issued by the authority having jurisdiction for the purpose of authorizing
performance of a specified activity.
Personnel- Fire
department employees.
Platoon- A shift of suppression firefighters. A Platoon, B Platoon, etc. Also known as A Shift,
B Shift, etc.
Plural Words- Within these Operational Guidelines, singular words include the plural and plural words include the singular.
PPE- Personal
Protective Equipment.
Probationary Period- The
initial period of time of a new appointee’s service, beginning with
the date of employment. Also the initial period of service at a higher rank, when a member is
promoted. See the current Collective Agreement.
Promotion- A
change in a member's employment status to a position of higher rank and
greater responsibility.
Rank- A
grade of official standing. Each class of members of the Department constitutes a
rank. Whether filled or vacant, the rank classes are as follows: Fire Chief, Deputy Chief,
Assistant Chief, Division Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Firefighter, Mechanic, Fire Prevention
Officer.
Ranking Officer- The
officer having the highest rank in grade for the longest period of time,
unless otherwise designated by competent authority.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
11
Definition of Terms
OG - 0.00.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Rapid Intervention Team(s) (RIT)- A
team of at least two (2) members, equipped with the
appropriate personal protective equipment and suitable rescue equipment; and are available
for the rescue of a member or a crew if the need arises.
RCMP- Royal
Canadian Mounted Police.
Recommended Practice- A
document that is similar in content and structure to a code or standard but that contains only non-mandatory provisions using the word “should” to indicate recommendations in the body of the text.
Resources- All personnel and major items of equipment available, or potentially available, for
assignment to incident tasks on which status is maintained.
Safety Officer- in ICS, a member of the Command Staff responsible for monitoring and assess-
ing safety hazards or unsafe situations, and for developing measures for ensuring personal
safety.
Salvage- Operations conducted to conserve resources and property after the arrival of the Fire
Department.
SABA- Supplied
SCBA- Self
Air Breathing Apparatus.
Contained Breathing Apparatus.
Shall and Will- The
words “shall” and “will” as used herein indicate that the action referred to
is mandatory.
Shift- The hours during which a member is on duty. Can be either a Night Shift or a Day Shift.
Also means a Platoon.
Sick Leave- The period of time during which a member is excused from active duty by reason
of illness or injury that prevents the member from performing his duties.
Span of Control- In ICS, the number of resources or organizational elements that one supervisor can manage effectively. The range of 1 to 5 is considered being the optimum number of
individuals reporting to the next higher supervisory level.
Special Training Session- A
training session lasting longer than two hours that has been
arranged through the Training Office.
Staging Area- Location(s)
at which resources are kept while awaiting incident assignment.
Status- The availability of a unit to respond. The status conditions are: Available (In quarters,
On Radio, or at a location); Assigned; Out of Service; Responding.
Strategy- The
general plan or direction selected to accomplish incident objectives.
Street Floor- A
story or floor level accessible from the street or from outside a building at
ground level, with the floor level at the main entrance located not more than three risers above
or below ground level and arranged and utilized to qualify as the main floor.
Strike Team- In ICS,
a combination of several resources of the same kind with common communications and a leader, assembled for a particular purpose. For example, 5 Engines with a
common leader, is a Strike Team.
12
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
Definition of Terms
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 0.00.01
Superior Officer- Any
member with supervisory responsibilities, either temporary or permanent, over members of a lower rank.
Suppression Personnel- Members
assigned to fire fighting and emergency service response
duties.
Tactics- The
selection and assignment of resources appropriate for the selected strategy.
Task Force- In ICS, any combination of single resources with common communications and a
leader, assembled for a particular need. For example, two Engines, one Ladder and a Duty
Chief is a Task Force.
Tour of Duty- The consecutive days where a suppression member works as described in the
Fire Department Act (RSBC 1996) Chapter 143, and the Collective Agreement, and is then
followed by days off.
Turnout Gear- Structural
Fire Fighting Protective Clothing: Personal protective equipment
often called turnout or bunker gear, the protective clothing worn by Fire Fighters during structural fire fighting operations. It includes a helmet, coat, pants, boots, gloves, and a hood.
Structural Fire Fighters' protective clothing provides limited protection from heat but may not
provide adequate protection from the harmful gases, vapors, liquids, or dusts that are encountered during hazardous materials incidents.
Turnout Time- The interval of time between the receipt of an alarm by a company and the noti-
fication of the company being en route to the incident.
Under Control- Once
an incident is no longer growing in magnitude or severity, an incident
may be said to be under control. By reporting that the incident is under control, the IC is
declaring that the incident can be managed with the resources available at the scene.
Unified Command- Although
there is always an Incident Commander, a Unified Command
allows all agencies with geographic or functional jurisdiction for an incident to manage the
incident by establishing a common set of objectives and strategies.
Union- When
spelled with an upper case “U”, represents Local 1525 of The International
Association of Firefighters.
Unity of Command- Means
that each person in an organization reports to only one supervisor.
Urban Interface- The area where what is considered Wildland comes in contact with structures
such as houses or commercial buildings.
Wildland Fire- An
unplanned and unwanted fire, burning in natural vegetation, requiring suppression action that requires an individual or crew(s) to expend labour to confine, control and
extinguish.
Workday- See
Shift.
Working Fire- A
fire that requires firefighting activity on the part of most or all of the personnel assigned to the alarm.
WVFR- West
Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
13
Definition of Terms
OG - 0.00.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Reference
NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code 2000, Chapter 2 Definitions;
Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines, Fire Engineering;
Canadian Oxford Dictionary.
Also see OG2.03.05 Radio Terminology.
Section A: Definitions
Definitions
14
Issued 07/05/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.00.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
0.01 Operational Guideline Policy
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
15
OG -
16
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Operational Guideline Policy
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
0.01: Operational
OG - 0.01
Guideline Policy
Purpose
To provide for the safe and efficient operation of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, in conformance with all applicable Federal, Provincial and Municipal, Acts, Regulations and Bylaws,
and to require firefighters to follow safe work practices for all designated job duties.
Scope
All West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Personnel.
Policy
In accordance with the authority provided by West Vancouver Fire Protection and Emergency
Response Bylaw 4366, 2004, made pursuant to B.C. Fire Services Act (RSBC) Chapter 144,
all current Operational Guidelines that have been established and issued, shall be adhered to
by all West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel identified within the scope each guideline,
unless there is compelling and reasonable cause for deviation.
Procedure
All elements of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Operational Guidelines, as adopted by the Fire
Chief, including all related forms and documents either referenced or encompassed within,
become part of the West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Operational Guidelines.
In order to reduce the possibility of conflicts between published materials, Operational Guidelines and related documents will have precedence over other sources, except in those areas
covered under, Municipal, Provincial or Federal law; and those covered under Union contracts
in effect at the time.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Operational Guidelines.
West Vancouver Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw 4366, 2004
B.C. Fire Services Act (RSBC) Chapter 144
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, WorkSafe BC.
Section A: Definitions
Operational Guideline Policy
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.01
Created 7/25/00
Replaces:
Modified
17
Operational Guideline Policy
OG - 0.01
18
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.01
Operational Guideline Updates
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
0.01.01: Operational
OG - 0.01.01
Guideline Updates
Purpose
To ensure that West Vancouver Fire & Rescue suppression personnel are kept informed of
changes to Operational Guidelines.
Scope
Duty Chiefs and Firehall Officers (Captains and Lieutenants).
Policy
Duty Chiefs will ensure that all new, modified or rescinded Operational Guidelines are distributed to the firehalls and that the Firehall Officer-in-Charge at each firehall is aware of the new
documentation.
The Firehall Officer at each firehall is responsible for ensuring that the Operational Guidelines
documentation is kept up to date.
The Firehall Officer will ensure that all members under his or her direction are familiar with
all the Operational Guidelines, including the latest modifications.
Procedure
Duty Chiefs will deliver a printed copy of any new, modified or rescinded guidelines to each
Firehall as part of their regular routine.
The Firehall Officer will make his or her crew aware of the new documentation.
The Firehall Officer will post the new, modified or rescinded Operational Guidelines on the
memo board supplied for such purpose.
The Firehall Officer will remove any modified or rescinded Operational Guidelines from the
current Operational Guidelines book that the new guidelines replace.
Note: Each Operational Guideline that replaces an older one, has the number of the one it replaces
in a table at the end of the guideline.
When a rescinded Operational Guideline is removed from the Operational Guideline book, the
reference to it in the Table of Contents will be struck through with a line in ink and the word:
“RESCINDED” and the date written in the margin.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.01.01
19
Operational Guideline Updates
OG - 0.01.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
When a modified Operational Guideline is removed from the Operational Guideline book, the
reference to it in the Table of Contents will be struck through with a line in ink and the word:
“MODIFIED” and the date written in the margin.
From time to time a new fully updated Operational Guideline book will be printed for each
firehall. When this new edition is received by the Firehall Officer, the officer will remove and
discard from the Operational Guideline memo board any new or modified guidelines that are
now in the new edition of the book.
Note: The Operational Guideline memo board should only hold documentation that has not yet been
incorporated into a new edition of the guideline book.
The memo board serves two purposes:
1. To draw attention to new or modified guidelines.
2. It is a temporary filing system for new or modified guidelines until they become part of the new
book.
Reference
None.
20
Section A: Definitions
Created 7/25/00
Operational Guideline Updates
Modified
Replaces:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 0.01.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Section 1:
SAFETY
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
21
OG -
22
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.01 Operational Safety and Health Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
23
OG -
24
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Occupational Safety and Health Program
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01: Occupational
OG - 1.01
Safety and Health Program
Purpose
To provide a safe and healthy workplace and working conditions, and to promote a positive
attitude towards safety and health within West Vancouver Fire & Rescue. To require all Fire
Department personnel to follow safe work practices for designated job duties.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All Fire Department personnel shall be familiar with and carry out their responsibilities specified in the West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Procedure
All elements of the West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program, including all
forms and documents encompassed within, and as adopted by West Vancouver Fire & Rescue,
become part of Operational Guideline 1.01.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, WorkSafe BC.
Also see O.G.# 1.01.01, 1.01.02, 1.01.03, 1.01.04, 1.01.05, 1.01.06, 1.01.07, 1.01.08, 1.09.09,
1.01.10, 1.01.11, 1.01.12, 1.01.13.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01
Issued 01/15/01
Replaces:
Modified
25
Occupational Safety and Health Program
OG - 1.01
26
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01
Occupational Safety and Health Policy
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.01: Occupational
OG - 1.01.01
Safety and Health Policy
Purpose
To establish a Safety and Health Policy for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All Fire Department personnel shall be familiar with the Safety and Health Policy and shall
perform their duties in a safe manner. It is the duty of all employees to follow safe work practices and to actively participate in making their work environment safer.
Procedure
1. We all want to have a safe and healthy work place. The Fire Department is
committed to providing healthy and safe working conditions, and to promoting positive attitudes toward health and safety within the Department. To
achieve this, we need everyone's participation in an occupational health and
safety program.
2. This program contains a definitive description of a comprehensive program of
firefighter occupational health and safety which must be adhered to by all
members of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue in the course of carrying out the
duties of the Department.
3. The purpose of this program is to identify both organizational and individual
requirements and responsibilities to achieve a safe and healthy work place.
This plan serves as a guideline for Operational Guidelines, established primarily to improve fire fighter health and safety.
4. Fire Department officers are responsible for ensuring that the firefighters and
other employees are properly instructed to perform their duties safely, for
enforcing safe work procedures and for correcting unsafe activities.
5. All Fire Department employees are to perform their duties in a safe manner
and to know the safe working procedures.
6. Every employee of the Department is expected to report and assist in correcting unsafe conditions and activities, and to work collectively toward the prevention of accidents.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.01
27
Occupational Safety and Health Policy
OG - 1.01.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
28
Issued 01/15/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.01
Written and Practical Safe Work Procedures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.02: Written
OG - 1.01.02
and Practical Safe Work Procedures
Purpose
To establish written and practical safe work procedures for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All safe work procedures contained in Operational Guidelines and referenced documents
adopted by West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, shall be adhered to by all Fire Department personnel.
Procedure
SAFE WORK PROCEDURES
Protective Clothing
1. The Fire Department will provide each member with the appropriate protective clothing and equipment to provide protection from the hazards of the
work environment to which the member may be exposed.
2. In accordance with Department Operational Guidelines, Department members
must use this protective equipment whenever they may be exposed to hazards.
3. Members must be fully trained in the use, inspection, maintenance and the
limitations of such protective equipment.
4. All personal protective clothing must meet WorkSafe BC regulations and
must be maintained in clean, good operating condition in accordance with
Department Operational Guidelines.
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)
1. The Department must provide Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and
Department members must use it in compliance with Department Operational
Guidelines. See OG1.02.
2. All SCBA must be inspected and maintained according to the Department
Operational Guidelines and WorkSafe BC Regulations.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.02
29
Written and Practical Safe Work Procedures
OG - 1.01.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
EQUIPMENT
1. Members operating Department equipment and apparatus must be trained and
authorized to do so. They must operate such equipment and apparatus having
due regard for the safety of others and themselves, and must comply with the
appropriate Department Operational Guidelines and the manufacturer's operating manuals.
2. All equipment and apparatus must be maintained in clean, good operating
condition. The member performing safety checks on equipment and apparatus
must report any unsafe conditions promptly and tag and remove the item from
service.
3. Good housekeeping is synonymous with health and safety in the work place;
therefore all members must exercise good housekeeping in the work place
daily.
4. Members must report any accidents or injuries in accordance with Department
Operational Guidelines and must make note of the incident in the appropriate
accident book as well as complete the necessary WorkSafe BC forms and
Department accident/incident investigation forms.
SMOKING
1. As a healthy work environment is of concern to all members of the Department, smoking will be restricted during all Department training. Smoking will
be prohibited during actual training sessions, whether they be classroom presentations or practical evolutions. Instructors will plan training sessions, however, to allow members rest breaks for relaxation, smoking and other pursuits.
Such rest breaks will be given at least once every two hours, but may be given
more often at the instructor's discretion.
Reference
Also see OG0.01, 1.01.,1.02.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
30
Issued 01/15/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.02
Training for Firefighters and Officers
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.03: Training
OG - 1.01.03
for Firefighters and Officers
Purpose
To establish a policy for the training and retraining of firefighters and officers in the safe performance of their duties.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
All firefighters and officers shall be trained in accordance with this Operational Guideline.
The responsibility, adoption and approval of various training methods and programs are
vested in the Fire Chief, and shall be supported through the chain of command.
Training Office staff and Department Instructors, shall have complete authority during training sessions only.
Each member shall be responsible for maintaining his training skills at a level sufficient to
retain the certificates required for his or her position and to meet the established minimum
levels of performance.
Procedure
TRAINING OF FIRE FIGHTERS AND OFFICERS
1. The Fire Department operates a training and education program with the goal
of preventing occupational accidents, death, injuries and illness. This training
program must also provide the firefighter with the necessary skills to become
proficient in the performance of his or her duties. The applicable NFPA Standards & other recognized Standards will be used as guidelines in the development of the training program in the Department.
2. The training and education provided to the members must address all of the
applicable provisions of the WorkSafe BC Regulations and the standards set
out in the Department Operational Guidelines.
3. The Department must provide training and education programs for all Department members proportional with the duties and the function that they are
expected to perform.
4. New firefighters to the Department must complete the West Vancouver Fire &
Rescue Recruit Training and Orientation Program prior to being employed as
an on-shift firefighter in a firehall.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.03
31
Training for Firefighters and Officers
OG - 1.01.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5. Fire suppression members must meet the driver training standard as set out in
Department Standard Operational Guidelines.
6. Training for Department officers will be based upon the Collective Agreement
Promotional Procedure as well as on-going training. Regular ongoing in-service training will be provided for Department officers.
7. All Department members must be trained to Department Operational Guidelines on the Incident Command System.
8. Training in fireground operations will be based on the Operational Guidelines
of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
9. The Department Operational Guideline, based on NFPA 1403 “Standard on
Live Fire Training Evolutions in Structures”, must be used as the guideline at
any training sessions involving live fires.
10. The Fire Department will maintain written procedures that describe the
actions to be taken in situations involving special hazards and dangerous
goods, and will include these in the training and education program.
Reference
Fire Department Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01, 3.01, 3.01.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
32
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
T8 - Training Office
Authority
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.03
Supervision of Workers
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.04: Supervision
OG - 1.01.04
of Workers
Purpose
To ensure that all firefighters are supervised in accordance with WorkSafe BC requirements.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Officers shall supervise firefighters in accordance with this Operational Guideline in accordance with the West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Occupational Safety and Health Program.
Procedure
Department officers are responsible for ensuring that the firefighters and other employees are
properly instructed to perform their duties safely, for enforcing safe work procedures and for
correcting unsafe activities, as described in the appropriate Department Operational Guidelines and WorkSafe BC regulations.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Occupational Safety and Health Program;
WorkSafe BC Regulations;
Also see OG1.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.04
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
33
Supervision of Workers
OG - 1.01.04
34
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.04
Regular Inspections and Monitoring
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.05: Regular
OG - 1.01.05
Inspections and Monitoring
Purpose
To provide for the regular inspection and monitoring of all Fire Department facilities, equipment, machinery, work processes, work practices and procedures to ensure that dangers to
Fire Department personnel are eliminated or effectively controlled.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The regular inspection and monitoring of all Fire Department facilities and equipment,
machinery, work processes, work practices and procedures must comply with this Operational
Guideline.
Procedure
REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING
1. All Department facilities must comply with all applicable Health, Safety,
Building and Fire Code requirements.
2. Firehalls will be designed and constructed in accordance with all applicable
codes and to minimize any negative effect on the worker regarding health and
safety standards.
3. The Safety and Health Committee will ensure Department facilities are
inspected monthly. Each Department employee is responsible for identifying
any hazard jeopardizing health and safety, as well as recording and reporting
such deficiencies to the Safety and Health Committee.
4. Other equipment must be inspected for safe operation once weekly during the
prescribed firehall equipment check. Any unsafe condition is to be corrected
or reported as above.
5. Department fire fighting equipment that is found to be defective or in unserviceable condition must be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
6. The Fire Department will consider health and safety as primary concerns in
the specification, design, construction, acquisition, operation, maintenance,
inspection and repair of all vehicles and equipment. Fire Department vehicles
must be operated in full compliance with provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act
and Department Operational Guidelines.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.05
35
Regular Inspections and Monitoring
OG - 1.01.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
7. All new fire apparatus must be specified and ordered in accordance with the
guidelines of NFPA 1901 (Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus) and UL
Standard S515.
8. All Fire Department vehicles must be inspected at regular intervals as set out
in Department Operational Guidelines. All vehicles must be maintained as per
the Department maintenance program in place. Fire pumps on apparatus must
be tested annually and the results recorded. Department elevating devices
must be tested in accordance with Department Operational Guidelines and
NFPA 1904, and the results recorded.
9. All Department Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be tested,
serviced and maintained in accordance with Department Operational Guidelines, based upon manufacturer's specifications, WorkSafe BC regulations and
B.C. Fire Academy guidelines, and the results recorded.
10. All Department ground ladders must be tested in accordance with Department
Operational Guidelines, based on NFPA 1932 “Standard on Use, Maintenance
and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders”, and the results
recorded.
11. All Department hose must be inspected and tested as specified in Department
Operational Guidelines, based on NFPA 1962 “Standard on Care and Use of
Fire Hose”, and the results recorded.
12. All Department portable fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced as
specified in NFPA 10 “Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers”, and the
results recorded.
13. In any new purchase of Department apparatus and equipment, hearing conservation objectives will be taken into account to reduce the effect of noise where
possible.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01., 1.02
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
36
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.05
Hazardous Materials and Substances
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.06: Hazardous
OG - 1.01.06
Materials and Substances
Purpose
To establish a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) for identifying
and maintaining an inventory of hazardous materials and substances, as well as the measures
required to eliminate or effectively control the dangers related to their transportation, storage,
handling, use and disposal.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All Fire Department personnel shall receive WHMIS training and carry out their responsibilities in accordance with this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND SUBSTANCES
1. The Department shall establish a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System (WHMIS) for identifying and maintaining an inventory of hazardous
materials and substances, as well as the measures required to eliminate or
effectively control the dangers related to their transportation, storage, handling, use and disposal.
2. The Department Safety Officer (see OG1.01.11) shall be responsible for the
implementation and maintenance of the WHIMS program which conforms to
all applicable WorkSafe BC Regulations.
3. The Department Safety Officer will establish an inventory of controlled products.
4. The Department Safety Officer will ensure that WHMIS labelling and data
sheets are in place.
5. The Department Safety Officer will determine the hazards of controlled products in the workplace.
6. The Department Safety Officer will establish workplace controls.
7. The Department Safety Officer will provide firefighter education for the
WHMIS program.
8. In consultation with the Occupational Safety and Health Committee, the
Department Safety Officer will review and upgrade the WHMIS program.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.06
37
Hazardous Materials and Substances
OG - 1.01.06
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
38
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.06
Monitoring of Workplace Exposures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.07: Monitoring
OG - 1.01.07
of Workplace Exposures
Purpose
To provide for monitoring of the workplace environment to prevent exposures to harmful substances.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The workplace environment shall be continually monitored in accordance with this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
MONITORING OF WORKPLACE EXPOSURES
The workplace environment shall be continually monitored to prevent exposures to harmful
substances.
1. The Department Safety Officer (see OG1.01.11) in consultation with the
Occupational Safety and Health Committee and the WorkSafe BC will identify any workplace areas that require specific monitoring (as applied to workplace air sampling).
2. The Incident Commander at any incident will be the Incident Safety Officer,
unless he/she appoints another member as the Incident Safety Officer, in
accordance with Department Operational Guidelines. The Incident Safety
Officer will be responsible for monitoring the safety of operations at the incident.
3. All Fire Department personal are responsible for the ongoing monitoring of
the workplace and the reporting of hazards to the Occupational Safety and
Health Committee
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.07
39
Monitoring of Workplace Exposures
OG - 1.01.07
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program
Also see OG1.01
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
40
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.07
Medical Examinations and Health Monitoring
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.08: Medical
OG - 1.01.08
Examinations and Health Monitoring
Purpose
To establish a procedure for medical examinations and monitoring, to ensure the health of Fire
Department personnel.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All Fire Department personnel shall comply with the medical examination and health monitoring requirements of this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND HEALTH MONITORING
1. Prior to becoming a firefighter of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, candidates
must be examined by a physician and certified as being medically and physically fit for fire fighting duties.
2. The Department will provide annual hearing tests, as required by WorkSafe
BC Regulations.
3. The Department will provide Hepatitis B vaccinations for all firefighters as
per the Department Operational Guideline.
4. The Fire Department recognizes the benefits of good mental health for productive employees. The Department will provide “Critical Incident Stress”
counselling, and provides an Employee Assistance Program (Interlock) to all
Department employees, as outlined in Department Operational Guidelines.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.08
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
41
Medical Examinations and Health Monitoring
OG - 1.01.08
42
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.08
First Aid Services and Equipment
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.09: First
OG - 1.01.09
Aid Services and Equipment
Purpose
To provide first aid services and equipment in accordance with the WorkSafe BC Regulations.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
First aid equipment and services shall be provided by the Fire Department in accordance with
the requirements of this Operational Guideline.
All injuries and accidents must be treated and reported in accordance with the requirements of
this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
FIRST AID SERVICES
1. In conformance with the applicable WorkSafe BC Regulations, the Fire Chief,
in consultation with the Occupational Safety and Health Committee shall
ensure that the necessary first aid equipment is provided and maintained, and
a sufficient number of trained first aid attendants are available to provide
appropriate first aid services.
2. All first aid equipment supplied on Department apparatus and in the Firehalls
is available to the worker in case of personal injury.
3. All injuries and accidents must be reported to the Officer-in-Charge. All applicable forms/reports and the treatment record book kept in each Firehall must
be completed in accordance with WorkSafe BC Regulations and OG1.01.12.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.09
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
43
First Aid Services and Equipment
OG - 1.01.09
44
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.09
Investigation of Accidents and Disease
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.10: Investigation
OG - 1.01.10
of Accidents and Disease
Purpose
To ensure all accidents and occupational diseases are investigated to determine the action necessary to prevent recurrence.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Any accident or the occurrence of any occupational disease shall be investigated in accordance with the requirements this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES
1. All accidents and occupational diseases must be investigated. The intent of
any accident or occupational disease investigation is to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
determine the cause or causes;
identify any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts;
identify any unsafe procedures which contributed to the results;
develop and take corrective action to prevent similar accidents or diseases.
2. A management representative on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee or appointed designate, will coordinate all accident investigations.
Investigations shall be conducted by a minimum of two persons, at least one
of whom shall be a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Management will offer training in the principles of accident investigation
for members of the Occupational Safety and Health Committee.
3. An Employee Accident/Incident Injury Investigation Form (available under
“Forms” on FireNet) must be completed as outlined on the form and filed with
the Health and Safety Advisor. Any information leading to prevention of additional accidents must be shared with the workers and the Department Occupational Safety and Health Committee. The Fire Chief shall ensure that prompt
action is taken to rectify any deficiencies found during the investigation.
4. Any Department equipment being suspect in any accident must be secured
and taken out of service by the Officer-in-Charge. The Officer-in-Charge must
include any action of this kind in his accident report.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.10
45
Investigation of Accidents and Disease
OG - 1.01.10
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5. The Health and Safety Advisor must be notified immediately of any accident
resulting in serious injury or death to employees, who will report the accident
to WorkSafe BC.
Reference
Employee Accident/Incident Injury Investigation Form;
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program;
Also see OG1.01
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
46
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.10
Reporting of Work Place Injuries
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.10.1: Reporting
OG - 1.01.10.1
of Work Place Injuries
Purpose
To provide a policy for reporting work place injuries.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. All injuries no matter how minor, must be entered into the Firehall First Aid
Accident Record Book as soon as possible.
2. A District of West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report MUST be
filled out for all accidents, incidents, injuries no matter how minor, as soon as
possible (maximum 72 hours) after the event or when noticed.
Procedure
ACCIDENT RECORD BOOK
All injuries no matter how minor, must be entered into the Firehall First Aid Accident Record
Book as soon as possible.
PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING ACCIDENT FORM
A District of West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report MUST be filled out for all
accidents, incidents, injuries no matter how minor, as soon as possible (maximum 72 hours)
after the event or when noticed.
1. The EMPLOYEE locates and prints a blank West Vancouver Accident/Injury/
Investigation Report which is available on FireNet under Forms.
2. The EMPLOYEE completes the form as much as possible.
3. The EMPLOYEE then gives the form to their FIREHALL OFFICER. Should
an employee be unable to complete the form due to injury then the FIREHALL OFFICER will assist or complete as necessary.
4. The FIREHALL OFFICER forwards the form to their DUTY CHIEF.
5. The DUTY CHIEF makes two copies of the form. A copy is taken for the
employee and another for the Health & Safety Advisor with the H&S Advisor
copy sent as soon as possible in person or by fax should there be Time Lost
from work or a visit to the Dr., so the submission to WorkSafe BC can be
made within 72 hours as required by regulation.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.10.1
47
Reporting of Work Place Injuries
OG - 1.01.10.1
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
6. Using the information on the original form, the DUTY CHIEF in cooperation
with the FIREHALL OFFICER completes the investigation. The remaining
applicable sections of the form are then completed.
7. Once the investigation is complete, the completed original is then sent to the
Health & Safety Advisor who will review and copy to the Health & Safety
Committee.
FORM GUIDELINES
Remember that The West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report form is a legal document and is subject to review by the Health & Safety Committee, the Health & Safety Advisor and WorkSafe BC and officers of it. This document or the lack of the completion of this
document could be the basis with which a sanction, fine, penalty or prosecution is levied
against the District.
The West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report form:
• MUST be filled out for all accidents, incidents, injuries no matter how minor,
as soon as possible (maximum 72 hours) after the event or when noticed. Failure to do so may compromise the employee's ability to claim Workers' Compensation.
• Any injury that results in time lost from work beyond the day of injury or results
in a visit to a medical practitioner (Doctor, Dentist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Podiatrist for example) must have the highest priority as these incidents are
required to be filed with WorkSafe BC within 72 hours. We use whatever information is entered on these forms to complete the Employer's Report of Injury form 7.
If there are any questions or concerns about the establishment of a claim, contact
the Health & Safety Advisor or your Human Resources Advisor immediately.
• Is to be used only for employee related issues; therefore this is not to be used for
issues that relate to non-employees like customers, visitors, students, and volunteers or outside contractors.
• Can be used to report a near miss where there was no injury but the potential exists
for injury to an employee or property damage to the employer's premises.
• Can be used to report an incident where there was no injury but property damage
resulted.
• Can be used to report an injury, pain or discomfort where there was no accident or
incident describing when the issue was first noticed, how long it has continued,
things that make it better, things that make it worse, etc.
48
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.10.1
Reporting of Work Place Injuries
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.01.10.1
INJURY INVESTIGATIONS
What is an Accident/Incident/Injury Investigation?
An investigation is conducted to determine causes: obvious/immediate plus underlying/root
causes. The information is used to develop and implement corrective actions to prevent this
type of accident/incident/injury from occurring again (see OG1.01.10 Investigation of Accidents and Disease).
An investigation is the gathering of information related to any event and based on that information, examination of all factors involved leading to a thorough analysis. Accident/incident/
injury investigation technique is based on the same techniques used in any other type of investigation process. In order to get to the right solutions we must answer some basic questions
like:
• Who-Who was involved? Witnesses?
• What-What happened (people, places, equipment)? What were you doing when it
happened?
• When-When did it happen? Date, time, time in work cycle.
• Where-Where did it happen? Exact location including address, department, room.
• Why-Why did it happen? What caused that? Then keep asking why to get to the
underlying causes.
• How- How did it happen? Very similar to why but usually concentrates on the
immediate or obvious causes.
The recommendations for prevention of recurrence should include what has been done, with
whom, when and what still needs to be done. Until this is done, any investigation is incomplete and not in compliance with the requirements of due diligence and the Occupational
Health & Safety Regulation.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REPORTING INJUIRES
Employee- Reports
any injury as soon as possible to their Firehall Officer without delay. Anytime the injury will, or has the potential to, cause the employee to see a qualified practitioner
and/or lose time from work a West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report form must
be filled out and handed in to their Firehall Officer.
Firehall Officer- ensures
the Employee completes the form as much as possible and then forwards it without delay to the Duty Chief. Assists the Duty Chief in injury investigations.
Duty Chief- Ensures that the West
Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report is completed in a timely fashion with acceptable content.
The Duty Chief insures an investigation is conducted by gathering the information, determining the causes and recommending corrective actions. To gather the information and develop
corrective actions, the Duty Chief, Firehall Officer and Safety Committee representative will
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.10.1
49
Reporting of Work Place Injuries
OG - 1.01.10.1
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
interview the injured worker and any witnesses or fellow workers. If the Safety Committee
representative is not available they should participate as soon as possible thereafter.
The Duty Chief fills in the West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report after the
employee has submitted it. If the worker has or will see a qualified practitioner and/or will
lose time from work, the Report must be done immediately so that the WorkSafe BC Form 7,
Employer’s Report of Injury or Industrial Disease can be submitted to the Board within 72
hours of the employee's injury. The Duty Chief will then assign corrective actions to be taken.
A copy is forwarded to the Health & Safety Advisor immediately.
The Duty Chief will follow up to see that recommended corrective actions took place. The
Duty Chief will forward the completed form to the Health & Safety Advisor. The Duty Chief
will also respond to any recommendation from the Safety Committee.
Health & Safety Advisor- Reviews all
the completed West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report forms and ensure they are in compliance with applicable legislation and if not,
contact the Duty Chief and/or Firehall Officer and provide advice and/or instruction on how to
achieve compliance. The Health & Safety Advisor will also provide training as required to
meet these objectives. Using the information in the West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report a WorkSafe BC Form 7 will be submitted to the WorkSafe BC and the forms
retained on file.
Health & Safety Committee- Reviews
all the completed West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report forms and ensures that recommended corrective actions took place and are
adequate. If not, then provide recommendations to the Fire Chief. The Health & Safety Advisor will assist as required.
Reference
West Vancouver Accident/Injury/Investigation Report (available on-line on FireNet);
Section 3.4 of the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation (OHSR) and Sections 53(1)-(4),
54(1)-(9) and 172-177 of the Workers Compensation Act (WCA).
Section 1: Safety
Operational Safety and Health Program
50
Issued: 04/28/04
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.10.1
Health and Safety Committee
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.11: Health
OG - 1.01.11
and Safety Committee
Purpose
To establish a Health and Safety Committee for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue made up of
worker and employer representatives consulting in a cooperative spirit to identify and resolve
safety and health problems in support of a planned occupational health and safety program.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
A Health and Safety Committee with a minimum of four members shall be established in conformance with WorkSafe BC Regulations. The committee membership shall consist of at least
two representatives from the union membership and two appointed representatives from management.
a) Union representatives are selected by their membership.
b) Management representatives are appointed by the Fire Chief or designate.
Procedure
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Fire Chief on those items pertaining to
Occupational Health and Safety. A joint committee for a workplace must be established in
accordance with the following:
1. it must have at least 4 members;
2. it must consist of worker representatives and employer representatives;
3. at least half the members must be worker representatives;
4. it must have 2 co-chairs, one selected by the worker representatives and the
other selected by the employer representatives.
It will function in accordance with the Terms of Reference outlined below, the appropriate
Department Operational Guidelines and WorkSafe BC regulations.
Terms of Reference
1. The Fire Department Union membership will select at least two Safety Representatives in accordance with WorkSafe BC Regulations. The Safety RepreOPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.11
51
Health and Safety Committee
OG - 1.01.11
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
sentatives will attend Safety Committee meetings, provide day to day safety
guidance at the workplace and participate in accident investigations.
2. The Fire Chief will appoint two management representatives on the Health
and Safety Committee.
3. The Committee executive shall be comprised of two co-chairpersons, one
selected by the Management representatives and one from the Union representatives. The co-chairs will appoint a secretary from one of the Committee
members.
4. The Fire Chief or designate will respond in writing to all recommendations of
the Committee.
Duties and Functions of the Committee:
1. Make recommendations for the establishment and enforcement of Health and
Safety policies and practices,
2. Participate in the identification of dangers to Health and Safety in places of
employment, and recommend means of controlling the dangers,
3. Obtain information from the employer and from such other sources as necessary regarding the identification of existing or potential dangers to Health and
Safety at the place of employment,
4. Advise on and promote Health and Safety programs for the education and
information of the employer and employees,
5. Receive, consider, and where necessary, investigate, complaints respecting
Health and Safety of employees at the place of employment, and where necessary make recommendations to the employer.
6. Maintain records regarding the complaints received and the resolution of
those complaints,
7. Where applicable review the information resulting from monitoring and measuring procedures, and where necessary make recommendations to the
employer,
8. Ensure inspections at places of employment take place concerning the Health
and Safety of workers,
9. Perform any other duties and functions prescribed by regulation.
Meetings
1. The committee will meet regularly on an appointed day each month.
2. Special meetings, if required, will be held at the call of a chairperson.
3. A quorum shall consist of at least four members, of which at least two are
worker representatives, providing at least half of those present are worker representatives.
52
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.11
Health and Safety Committee
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.01.11
4. All recommendations of the Committee shall be by majority vote on any
issue. Majority shall mean a simple majority of those present.
5. If the committee fails to reach a majority decision on an issue, either the
Union members on the Committee or the Management members on the Committee may place the issue before the Health & Safety Advisor for resolution.
Alternately, either co-chair may request that WorkSafe BC investigate and
resolve the issue.
6. The committee will add procedures it considers necessary for the meetings.
AGENDAS AND MINUTES
Agendas
1. An agenda will be prepared by the Department administrative assistant under
the direction of the co-chairs and distributed to members prior to the meeting.
2. Agenda items are to be submitted to the Department administrative assistant at
least one week prior to the meeting for inclusion on that month’s agenda.
Minutes
1. The Recording Secretary shall record the proceedings of the Committee in a
form acceptable to WorkSafe BC.
2. Minutes will be prepared as soon as possible after the meeting and will be
made available to the employer, workers, and WorkSafe BC.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Health and Safety Program.
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, WorkSafe BC.
Also see OG1.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Health and Safety Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.11
Issued: 01/16/01
Replaces: S26
Modified: 06/27/03
53
Health and Safety Committee
OG - 1.01.11
54
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.11
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.11.01: Inspection
OG - 1.01.11.01
Of Personal Protective Equipment
Purpose
To provide a procedure for the monthly inspection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
For each firehall, the day shift Captain on duty on the day each month that the safety meeting
is held will be responsible for ensuring that all PPE at his/her firehall is inspected for damage
or deficiencies.
Procedure
Part of the Health and Safety Committee’s mandate is to ensure that a regular inspection of
PPE is conducted. To ensure a consistent inspection schedule, the day shift Captain on the day
each month that the safety meeting is held will be responsible for ensuring that all PPE at his/
her firehall is inspected for damage or deficiencies.
Deficiencies will be reported on the Personal Protective Equipment Check Sheet, available in
the Forms section of FireNet. The completed form will be placed in the Duty Chief pick-up.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Duty Chief- on
the day each month that the safety meeting is held, the Duty Chief is responsible for reminding all Captains to conduct the inspection of all PPE located at their respective
firehall.
Captains- Responsibilities as outlined under Procedure
above.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Health and Safety Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.11.01
Issued: 08/25/05
Replaces:
Modified:
55
OG - 1.01.11.01
56
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.11.01
Records and Statistics
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.12: Records
OG - 1.01.12
and Statistics
Purpose
To establish a system of maintaining records and statistics to meet the requirements of WorkSafe BC.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All records and forms shall be completed and maintained in accordance with the requirements
of this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
RECORDS AND STATISTICS
1. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will establish a data collection system to
maintain permanent records and provide statistics relating to the nature, frequency and severity of all accidents, injuries, illness or deaths which may be
job related. Records must be maintained of an individual's exposure to suspected toxic products or contagious diseases.
2. It is the responsibility of the worker to identify any of the above and have it
entered and witnessed on the forms provided, in accordance with Department
Operational Guidelines.
3. The Department must maintain training records for each member indicating
dates, subjects covered and certifications achieved.
4. The Department must maintain inspection, maintenance, repair, and service
records for all vehicles and equipment used for emergency operations.
5. The Officer-in-Charge is responsible to ensure the recording and reporting any
injury or industrial disease reported to him\her.
Where none of the conditions listed (a) to (h) below is present,
an injury is a defined as a minor injury and is not required to be
reported to the WorkSafe BC unless one of those conditions
subsequently occurs.
A reportable injury is an injury arising out of and in the course
of employment with the Department, or which is claimed by the
worker concerned to have arisen out of and in the course of
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.12
57
Records and Statistics
OG - 1.01.12
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
such employment, and in respect of which any one of the following conditions is present or subsequently occurs.
a) The worker loses consciousness following the injury, or
b) The worker is transported or directed by a first aid attendant or other
representative of the employer to a hospital or other place or medical
treatment, or is recommended by such person to go to such place, or
c) The injury is one that obviously requires medical treatment, or
d) The worker states that he\she intends to seek medical treatment, or
e) The worker has received medical treatment for the injury, or
f) The worker is unable or claims that he\she is unable by reason of the
injury to return to his\her usual job function on any working day subsequent to the day of injury. This time loss must be verified by a Medical
Practitioner.
g) The injury or accident resulted or is claimed to have resulted in the
breakage of an artificial member, eyeglasses, dentures, or a hearing aid,
or
h) The worker or the Board has requested that an employer's report be sent
to the Board.
The obligation of the Officer-in-Charge to report the injury commences when an officer, first
aid attendant, or other representative of the employer first becomes aware of any one of the
conditions listed in (a) to (h).
Reporting Injuries
All reportable injuries must be reported as outlined in OG1.01.10.1 Reporting of Work Place
Injuries.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01 and OG1.01.10.1
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
58
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.12
Review of Occupational Safety and Health Program
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.01.13: Review
OG - 1.01.13
of Occupational Safety and Health Program
Purpose
To establish a procedure for reviewing West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program shall be reviewed in accordance with the requirements of this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
REVIEW OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
1. A copy of the Department Occupational Safety and Health Program (Section 1
of these Operational Guidelines) will be available in each Firehall so that
Department members can become familiar with it. Comments and suggestions
are welcome at any time.
2. The Occupational Safety and Health Program must be reviewed annually in
consultation with the Health & Safety Committee, as part of the Department
review of Operational Guidelines.
3. The review is intended to identify the extent and effectiveness of existing
safety and health activities as well as identify deficiencies. It shall consider
the potential for future loss, and be act as an indicator of the Department’s current safety effort. The review shall include all elements in the Safety and
Health Program.
4. A written report shall be presented to the Fire Chief, who on receipt of the
report, and in consultation with the Occupational Safety and Health Committee, shall prioritize recommendations, establish and an action plan, implement
corrective action and follow up.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.13
59
Review of Occupational Safety and Health Program
OG - 1.01.13
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Safety and Health Program.
Also see OG1.01.
Section 1: Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Program
60
Issued 01/16/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.01.13
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.02 Respiratory Protection Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
61
OG -
62
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Respiratory Protection Program
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.02: Respiratory
OG - 1.02
Protection Program
Purpose
To establish guidelines for the inspection, maintenance and use of Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA).
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Any firefighter who in the course of his or her duties, may be exposed to an oxygen deficient
atmosphere or to harmful concentrations of air contaminants, shall follow the operational
guidelines for the designated job duties, which shall include provisions for wearing adequate
respiratory protection.
Each firefighter required to use a SCBA shall be trained in the use, limitations and maintenance requirements of the SCBA.
Each firefighter shall receive a fit test. Fit testing shall be completed by a West Vancouver Fire
& Rescue SCBA Technician or other person qualified in fit testing, and shall be trained in procedures for positive and negative pressure fit testing.
Each worker required to wear or likely to wear SCBA shall be clean shaven where the SCBA
seals with the face, in accordance with WorkSafe BC OS&H Regulation 31.22.
Procedure
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)
Firefighters required to use SCBA shall be trained in the proper use and maintenance of the
equipment, by a West Vancouver Fire & Rescue SCBA Technician or other recognized trainer.
An SCBA will be required:
1. At any emergency where you will be exposed to the by-products of fire.
2. Working with or around Asbestos.
3. Working with or around chemical products, where exposure exceeds allowable amounts as noted in the Material Safety Data Sheets where you are working.
4. In the case of accidental spill or leak of a chemical or product, where the
exposure limit, as specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet, is exceeded.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.02
63
Respiratory Protection Program
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WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5. In oxygen deficient atmospheres.
GENERAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES:
SCBA shall be inspected after each emergency or training use and every dayshift by a trained
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue firefighter. These checks are to be made at the beginning of
each dayshift and immediately after each use.
Any SCBA not working properly shall be tagged - using a red tag - with the date, your name,
badge number and brief description of the problem. Advise Firehall Officer and remove from
service.
SCBA Daily Inspection Procedures:
1. Visually inspect the complete SCBA for worn or aging rubber parts, worn or
frayed harness webbing or damaged components. All harness straps should be
nearly fully extended (leaving an 8" handhold to grasp) when not in use.
2. Check the latest cylinder hydrostatic test date to ensure it is current (every 3
years for composite cylinders, 15 years from date of manufacture is the total
life of service).
3. Visually inspect cylinder for physical damage, such as dents or gouges in the
metal or composite wrapping. If the cylinder shows exposure to high heat,
corrosive chemicals and/or bulging of the cylinder, the cylinder shall be
removed from service, emptied of compressed air, and tagged with a red 'out
of service' tag.
4. Check cylinder pressure gauge for “Full” indication. If cylinder is less than
90% (4050 psi) replace with a fully charged cylinder. The air in the cylinder
should not be more than six (6) months old. When the cylinder needs to be
topped up and the air is less than six (6) months old, do not change the date for
the air.
5. Check to ensure regulator hose coupling is hand tightened to the cylinder
valve outlet.
6. Ensure that the quick disconnect on the low pressure hose is secure and that
the donning switch on the regulator has been depressed. The purge valve
should also be in the closed position.
7. To check the PASS batteries, ensure that the SCBA is off, with no flashing
green LED on the control console. The batteries can be checked by depressing
and holding the yellow reset button on the console.
a) A green LED indicates sufficient battery power
b) A red LED indicates that the batteries must be replaced before the
SCBA is used again
8. If the batteries require replacing, remove from service and tag with a full
description and advise the Firehall Captain.
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Respiratory Protection Program
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.02
9. Check the PASS alarm by depressing the red button on the remote gauge control. The alarm will sound and the red indicator LED's will flash. Reset the
manual alarm by depressing the reset button twice, using two separate distinct
clicks. At this time the green ready LED will be on. Press the reset button
twice again to turn the PASS off. The unit will sound two chirps indicating
that it has been turned off.
SCBA Weekly Inspection Procedures (Tuesdays):
1. Perform full Daily Inspection Procedures.
2. Fully open the cylinder valve. The PASS will sound three chirps and the
Vibra-Alert will activate briefly at the same time.
3. Check cylinder gauge and remote pressure gauge are accurate within 10%.
4. Once the SCBA has been activated, leave it motionless for twenty (20) seconds. The red LED will start flashing and the audible alarm will start ramping
louder. Move the SCBA (not just the shoulder control console) within eight
(8) seconds and the alarm should reset. This ensures that the motion sensor is
functioning.
5. Keep the pack still again for another twenty (20) seconds. This time when the
PASS starts to pre-alarm, depress the yellow reset button once. This ensures
that the reset is functioning.
6. Again, keeping the SCBA motionless, allow the PASS to go into full alarm.
Ensure that when in full alarm that the red LED is flashing. Press the yellow
reset button twice distinctly to silence. This checks the alarm and manual reset
functions.
7. Connect the facepiece to the regulator. Hold the facepiece to the face to effect
a good seal. Inhale sharply to automatically start the flow of air. Breathe normally from the facepiece to ensure proper operation.
8. Remove facepiece from face. Air shall freely flow from the facepiece.
9. Fully depress the donning switch. The flow will then stop. Check the entire
pack for audible air leaks.
10. Open the purge valve half (1/2) turn. Air will flow freely. Then shut purge
valve off.
11. Close cylinder valve. When the cylinder valve is fully closed, slightly open
the purge valve. As the air is vented from the system, the remote gauge will
swing from Full to Empty. As the needle crosses the quarter (1/4) mark on the
gauge, the Vibra-Alert and the Cricket Bell will activate. All alarms will stop
once the remaining air has been vented. When the air is completely vented,
close the purge valve fully.
12. Press the yellow reset button twice to turn PASS off. Remove the facepiece
from the regulator and place back in storage bag.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
The SCBA shall receive regular maintenance and inspection by West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, or other recognized agency, a minimum of every six months. A Maintenance Log will be
kept for all Department SCBA.
DONNING AND NORMAL OPERATION
Note: CAUTION: Donning shall be done in a safe area, away from hazards, i.e.
Traffic. Turnout coat on and balaclava on neck.
All personnel using SCBA shall be thoroughly trained by qualified personnel in donning,
operation and emergency operation.
DONNING SCOTT AIR PAK 4.5 SCBA
1. Check bottle pressure is at least 4050 psi. (90% of 4500)
2. Put SCBA on ground with bottle down and valve assembly away from you.
Swing unit up and over head, making sure that elbows extend through loops of
the shoulder strap; or
3. With SCBA on ground and bottle down, valve assembly toward you. Put one
arm through loop of shoulder strap and lift pack onto one shoulder. Then put
arm through the other shoulder strap.
4. Lean forward and lightly tighten the shoulder straps. Connect the waist belt
buckles and pull snug on belt ends. Loosen shoulder straps to carry weight on
hips.
5. Open cylinder valve slowly then fully. Low pressure alarm should ring briefly.
Also the Vibra Alert and PASS will now be activated.
FACEPIECE DONNING:
1. With head straps of the facepiece to full outward position, hold the head harness out of the way with one hand, while placing the facepiece on the face
with the other hand. Chin goes in the chin pocket.
2. Pull head harness over head and ensure straps are lying flat against head and
neck, with no twists.
3. Stroke the head harness net down the back of the head using one, or both
hands.
4. Tighten lower mask straps first by pulling the ends toward rear of head, and
then tighten the upper mask straps.
5. Retighten the upper mask straps.
6. Lift balaclava up over head.
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7. Test for mask leakage by putting hand over the regulator mounting port (big
hole on mask) and slowly inhale. There should be no leakage around the face
seal.
8. Put helmet on, lower the helmet ear flaps, and raise the coat collar.
9. Install regulator on facepiece by positioning the regulator to the facepiece port
with the red purge valve knob up [12 o'clock position] and turn to the left
(counter-clockwise). Ensure that the regulator is locked to the mask.
10. To ensure positive pressure, do a 2 finger test of the face mask.
11. Check remote gauge on right shoulder for full indication. The reading on the
remote gauge should be within 10% of the reading on the cylinder gauge.
12. Any SCBA not working properly shall be tagged - using a red tag - with the
date, your name, number, brief description of the problem. Advise Firehall
Captain and remove from service.
13. Remember to check pressure gauge during use for remaining air supply, to
allow sufficient time for egress from contaminated area.
Note: Respirators must not be worn when conditions, such as a growth of beard,
side-burns, a skull cap that projects under the facepiece, or temple pieces on
glasses, prevent a good face seal.
SCBA DOFFING PROCEDURES
1. Leave the contaminated area before taking off SCBA.
2. Take a deep breath, fully depress the donning switch on top of the regulator,
and then press the regulator release mechanism on the side of the regulator.
Turn clockwise and release. Put regulator either on holder on waist belt or
attach mask to the free hanging regulator.
3. Remove helmet, and then remove balaclava by pulling down onto neck.
4. Loosen lower and upper mask straps.
5. Lift facepiece away from face. Do not put the facepiece head net over the lens.
6. Turn cylinder fully off - the cylinder valve has a safety ratchet mechanism.
(Push in to turn the valve).
7. Bleed residual pressure by turning purge valve counter clockwise. Close the
purge valve by turning clockwise.
8. Turn off the PASS by pushing the yellow reset button twice - in two separate
distinct clicks.
9. Separate waist buckle and loosen shoulder straps, leaving approximately 8"
handhold on each end for tightening.
10. Remove backframe from back.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
11. Change cylinder if pressure is not within 90% of capacity (4050 psi).
EMERGENCY OPERATION
Note: Immediately egress from the contaminated area when the alarm starts to
ring. It warns the user when approximately 20-25% of the air supply remains in the
cylinder. In high noise areas or where more than one apparatus are being used,
touch the regulator with your hand to feel the vibration of the alarm.
Should the Vibra Alert alarm activate during use and before the air supply is
depleted to 25% of full capacity, the primary reducer may have failed and the system automatically transferred to the back-up system. Leave the contaminated area
at once on activation of Vibra Alert.
Should the air supply be partially or completely cut off during use, or if you are unable to start
flow of air automatically, fully open purge valve (red knob on regulator) by turning it counterclockwise. Leave the contaminated area at once, after opening the purge valve.
Should the air supply begin to flow freely into facepiece, fully open purge valve (red knob on
regulator) by turning it counter-clockwise. Partially close the cylinder valve to regulate the
flow of air to satisfy the needs of the user. Do not close the cylinder valve completely. Leave
the contaminated area at once after partially closing the cylinder valve.
When air supply is low, firefighters should practice skip breathing: to use this technique,
inhale as during regular breathing and hold the breath as long as it would normally take to
exhale. Then inhale once again before exhaling slowly. During skip breathing, take normal
size breaths and exhale slowly.
Failure of SCBA
When there is a reported failure of an SCBA and as a result, an injury has occurred, the SCBA
should be removed from service, reported to the immediate supervisor, tagged and recorded as
such. Nothing should be done in the field to attempt to repair or investigate the SCBA, including changing the air cylinder.
STAND-BY CLEANING AND STORAGE
SCBA Facepiece Cleaning Instructions:
IMPORTANT: Do not use cleaners containing quaternary ammonia compounds, i.e. “Windex”! Use only products listed below.
1. Heavily soiled facepiece: First wash the facepiece and/or head net with warm
(110° F maximum) water and mild detergent solution. Thoroughly rinse with
warm softly running water (110° F maximum). [Note: The nosecup must not
be removed!]; or
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2. Normal soiled facepiece: Carefully wash the facepiece with Scott Multi-Wash
Mini and thoroughly rinse with warm softly running water (110° F maximum). [Note: The nosecup must not be removed!]
3. Disinfect the facepiece by spraying 3 full pumps of Scott Multi-Wash Mini on
both sides of the lens, wetting the entire mask, including all rubber and plastic
areas. ALLOW A 10 MINUTE CONTACT TIME TO DISINFECT PRIOR
TO RINSING.
4. Rinse with warm softly running water (110° F maximum)
5. Shake excess water off of facepiece and then dry with a clean lint free cloth,
i.e. “Jiffy” cloth. DO NOT USE PAPER TOWELS!
SCBA Regulator Cleaning Instructions:
1. Remove any obvious dirt from the external surfaces of the regulator using
Scott Multi-Wash Mini with a soft cloth, i.e. “Jiffy” cloth.
2. Inspect the inside of the regulator assembly through the regulator opening. If
dirt or soil is present, tag it “Out of Service”.
3. To clean, depress the donning switch, close the purge knob by turning fully
clockwise and spray a minimum of 6 full pumps of Scott Multi-Wash Mini
into the regulator opening. Swirl to completely cover internal components.
Turn regulator opening face down and shake excess liquid out. ALLOW FOR
10 MINUTES OF CONTACT TIME TO DISINFECT PRIOR TO RINSING.
4. Rinse regulator with warm softly running water (110° F maximum). DO NOT
SUBMERGE REGULATOR.
5. Shake excess water out of regulator.
6. Connect cleaned regulator back on SCBA, open the cylinder valve, and open
purge knob to remove any moisture from regulator spray bar. Close purge
knob, and let the regulator air dry.
PERFORM A REGULAR DAILY OR WEEKLY INSPECTION PRIOR TO PUTTING
BACK INTO SERVICE.
SCBA FACE PIECE FIT TESTING
All firefighters are required by WorkSafe BC regulations to have an annual fit test performed
with an SCBA face piece. See OH&S Regulation 31.22(2). Fit testing shall be completed by a
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue SCBA Technician or other person qualified in fit testing.
Reference
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue SCBA Training & Evaluation Checklist
WorkSafe BC OH&S Regulations 31.19 - 31.26
Section 1: Safety
Respiratory Protection Program
70
Issued: 01/19/01
Replaces: S11
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.02
SCBA and Facial Hair
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.02.02: SCBA
OG - 1.02.02
and Facial Hair
Purpose
To provide a clear policy on facial hair for fire department personnel.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All personnel that may be required to wear SCBA as part of their duties shall ensure that they
are clean-shaven.
Procedure
The effective use of SCBA requires an airtight seal between the face and SCBA face piece.
For this reason, all personnel required to wear SCBA shall ensure that they are clean-shaven
and that no facial hair will interfere with the face-to-face piece seal on respiratory protective
equipment.
This policy is mandated by WorksafeBC Occupational Health and Safety regulations, which
state:
31.22 Sealing and fit testing
(1) Firefighters who use a self-contained breathing apparatus
must be clean shaven to ensure that the mask forms a positive
seal against the face.
Further, the International Association of Fire Fighters research document “Life Support - A
Fire Fighters Guide to Breathing Apparatus” states, “The evidence shows facial hair can
cause face piece leakage. The hair doesn't even have to be particularly long. A one-day growth
of beard can cause an ill-fitting face piece.” It has been shown that under some circumstances
the positive-pressure apparatus does not always maintain a positive pressure in the face piece,
which can significantly reduce the wearer's operating time (up to 50%) and potentially expose
the wearer to respiratory hazards.
Therefore, all personnel who may be required to wear SCBA will ensure that their own SCBA
face piece to face seal is not compromised by the growth of facial hair, anywhere from and
including the outside edge to the inside edge of the whole SCBA face piece seal. This means
that all personnel who may wear SCBA must be clean-shaven in the area of the entire length
and width of the face piece seal including the chin cup. The nose cup is not considered part of
the face piece seal in this application.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Reference
WorksafeBC - Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 31;
CSA Standard - CAN/CSA Z94.4-93, Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators, Section 9.1;
IAFF - Life Support - A Fire Fighters Guide to Breathing Apparatus;
Section 1: Safety
Respiratory Protection Program
72
Issued 02/06/03
Replaces:
Modified 04/18/07
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.02.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.03 Personal Protective Equipment
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
73
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Personal Protective Equipment
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.03.01: Personal
OG - 1.03.01
Protective Equipment
Purpose
To ensure that all personnel are prepared to commence operations immediately on arrival at an
emergency scene while maintaining the highest degree of personal safety during emergency
operations and training exercises.
Scope
All Fire Department personnel involved in emergency incidents or training exercises.
Policy
Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn by all personnel at the scene of any
emergency incident or training exercise.
Procedure
1. For the purpose of this procedure, full personal protective equipment consists
of helmet with face shield and ear flaps, protective hood, turnout coat, turnout
pants, boots and gloves. All clothing is to be properly fastened and closed with
the coat collar turned up.
2. All equipment must be issued or approved by the Department. Alterations to
any equipment, such as the removal of coat liner or attachments to helmet
(other than approved helmet lights), are prohibited. If an alteration is needed,
it must first be approved by the Fire Chief.
3. Protective equipment must be worn by all personnel according to the following guidelines:
a) Under no circumstances is any aspect of personal safety to be sacrificed
in order to increase the speed of emergency operations. Emergency
operations must not commenced until involved personnel have donned
all necessary protective equipment.
b) All fire fighting personnel must wear full protective equipment when
responding to any type of alarm. All protective equipment must be
donned prior to apparatus moving. Helmets and gloves are optional for
drivers and officers during the response.
c) All fire fighting personnel must wear full protective equipment during
training exercises and emergency incidents unless specifically directed
otherwise.
d) Personnel operating at the scene of a medical incident must wear whatever protective equipment is necessary to assure personal safety during
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.03.01
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
the incident. This includes gloves, face masks and eye protection when
required.
e) Gloves must be worn at all times when hand tools, power tools, hose,
ladders, or any other equipment is used that could cause injuries to the
hands. This includes all work details, maintenance operations and training exercises.
f) Damage to personal protective equipment must be immediately reported
to the Officer-in-Charge. The Officer-in-Charge will inspect the damaged article and have it replaced or repaired, as necessary. Equipment
damaged such that its protective ability is impaired must be replaced.
g) Officers in Charge may use their discretion to determine the appropriate
level of protective equipment required for personnel operating at incidents where no specific guidelines have been established. Circumstance
may arise when it is preferable to allow less than full protective equipment -- removal of turnout coats by personnel carrying equipment in the
hot sun may prevent heat stroke, for example. In all cases, however, personnel must wear protective equipment necessary to protect against all
foreseeable hazards.
4. Each member must insure that his/her personal protective equipment is maintained in good condition. Personal protective equipment will be inspected
monthly by members of the Safety and Health Committee.
5. Additional protective clothing and equipment must be utilized as circumstances indicate. For example:
a) SCBA must be worn in accordance with Department operating guidelines.
b) Safety vests must be worn when directing traffic or operating near moving traffic.
c) Leg protectors (chaps) and protective hearing devices must be worn
when operating chain saws or forcible entry saws.
d) Goggles and hearing protectors must be worn as appropriate.
6. Prolonged periods without cleaning can cause a deterioration of the fire retardant properties of turnout clothing due to the buildup of unburned hydrocarbons which could burn. Short durations of exposure to heavy concentrations
of unburned hydrocarbons can cause the same effect.
7. Turnout clothing should be washed regularly as per Department operating
guidelines to remove any buildup of unburned hydrocarbons or other materials.
8. Included with this operational guideline is a checklist for “Personal Protective
Equipment Inspection”.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.03.01
Table 1: Personal Protective Equipment Inspection
NAME
No.
HELMET
COAT
PANTS
HOOD
GLOVES
BOOTS
Reference
Also see:
OG1.02 Respiratory Protection Program
OG1.07.01 Self-contained Breathing Apparatus
Section 1: Definitions
Personal Protective Equipment
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.03.01
Issued 03/26/01
Replaces: P6
Modified
77
Personal Protective Equipment
OG - 1.03.01
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WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.03.01
Personal Alert Safety Devices
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.03.02: Personal
OG - 1.03.02
Alert Safety Devices
Purpose
To ensure that firefighters equipped with Personal Alert Safety (PASS) Devices perform the
necessary functions to activate the devices, maintain the devices and respond appropriately in
the event of a PASS Alarm.
Scope
All Personnel wearing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in hazardous environments
Policy
1. Firefighters with PASS devices who are entering hazardous areas are to ensure
that their PASS device is activated and is operational.
2. When issued a PASS device, any action to intentionally silence or render the
device inoperable will be considered a serious safety infraction.
Procedure
TESTING OF PASS DEVICES
PASS Device Daily Inspection Procedures:
1. To check the PASS batteries, ensure that the SCBA is off, with no flashing
green LED on the control console. The batteries can be checked by depressing
and holding the yellow reset button on the console.
a) A green LED indicates sufficient battery power
b) A red LED indicates that the batteries must be replaced before the
SCBA is used again
2. If the batteries require replacing, remove from service and tag with a full
description and advise the Firehall Captain.
3. Check the PASS alarm by depressing the red button on the remote gauge control. The alarm will sound and the red indicator LED's will flash. Reset the
manual alarm by depressing the reset button twice, using two separate distinct
clicks. At this time the green ready LED will be on. Press the reset button
twice again to turn the PASS off. The unit will sound two chirps indicating
that it has been turned off.
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PASS Device Weekly Inspection Procedures:
1. Perform full Daily Inspection Procedures.
2. Fully open the cylinder valve. The PASS will sound three chirps and the
Vibra-Alert will activate briefly at the same time.
3. Check cylinder gauge and remote pressure gauge are accurate within 10%.
4. Once the SCBA has been activated, leave it motionless for twenty (20) seconds. The red LED will start flashing and the audible alarm will start ramping
louder. Move the SCBA (not just the shoulder control console) within eight
(8) seconds and the alarm should reset. This ensures that the motion sensor is
functioning.
5. Keep the pack still again for another twenty (20) seconds. This time when the
PASS starts to pre-alarm, depress the yellow reset button once. This ensures
that the reset is functioning.
6. Again, keeping the SCBA motionless, allow the PASS to go into full alarm.
Ensure that when in full alarm that the red LED is flashing. Press the yellow
reset button twice distinctly to silence. This checks the alarm and manual reset
functions.
PASS DEVICE FULL ALARM
The PASS device is designed to “alarm” when a firefighter is motionless or otherwise incapable of movement.
1. In the event of a false “full alarm”, the firefighter is to reset the PASS devise
within 30 seconds.
2. In the event that a “full alarm” is heard and the alarm is not reset within 30
seconds, those hearing the PASS alarm shall assume that firefighter(s) are in
trouble.
3. On the assumption or confirmation that firefighter(s) are in trouble, appropriate measure include:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Notification of the Incident Commander;
Attempt to contact the personnel via radio;
Size-up to determine the cause of the problem;
Use of the accountability system to determine personnel involved and
their location;
e) Development of a rescue plan including the deployment of an Rapid
Intervention Team.
Reference
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.03.02
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WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.03.02
OG1.04.01 Incident Accountability
Section 1: Safety
Personal Protective Equipment
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.03.02
Issued 03/26/01
Replaces:
Modified
81
Personal Alert Safety Devices
OG - 1.03.02
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.03.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.04 Incident Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
83
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Passport Accountability System
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.04.01: Passport
OG - 1.04.01
Accountability System
Purpose
To ensure that Firefighters assigned to operational duties at the scene of an incident are
accounted for by the Incident Commander.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
As a functional element of the Incident Management System as adopted by West Vancouver
Fire & Rescue, the personnel accountability system, which shall be known as the Passport
Accountability System, will be used by the Department where it is necessary to identify the
names and location of personnel at an incident. Fire Officers and Firefighters will ensure that
they adhere to the following procedures.
Procedure
FIREFIGHTER - RESPONSIBILITIES
1. As part of the routine personal protective equipment (PPE) check, firefighters
are to ensure that they have an adequate number of nametags affixed to Velcro
on their helmet. Missing nametags are to be reported to the Firehall Officer.
2. To place one (1) name tag on the Primary Passport (blue) and one (1) name tag
on the Secondary Passport (green) on every piece of apparatus they are
assigned to.
3. To retrieve their name tags when off duty.
4. To place a helmet shield indicating their apparatus (e.g. West Van Engine 1)
on the front of their helmet when on duty.
5. If called out (off duty), report to the Incident Commander to surrender your
personal name tag and get a helmet shield.
Apparatus Operator
1. The driver of the apparatus shall place his name tag upside down on the Passport. The driver's tag shall be the next tag below the Company Officer's tag.
OFFICER - RESPONSIBILITIES
Officers have the same responsibilities as firefighters plus:
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1. Company Officers' tags are the first/top name tags on Passports.
2. Ensuring passports are current and complete for their crew.
First Arriving Company
1. A first arriving Company Officer operating in the Incident Commander (IC)
mode shall receive passports from their own apparatus and other Company
Officers, attach them to his/her status board, record and maintain deployment
and status of functional groups and geographic divisions in accordance with
Incident Command procedures. If possible, other attending Company Officers
shall report to the IC for tasking and give their primary passports to him/her.
2. If it is not possible to report to the IC at the initial stages of the incident, Company Officers shall surrender their passport to the IC upon reporting the completion of a task and awaiting assignment.
Staging and Rehabilitation
1. When a Fire Company leaves the emergency scene to staging, rest area etc.,
the Incident Commander shall return the passport to the Company Officer and
advise the Division or Group Officer (if designated) to which the Company
Officer is reporting that the Fire Company is on route.
2. When the Company Officer returns from staging, rehabilitation, etc., to the
fire scene he shall report to the IC for tasking and surrender his passport to the
IC.
3. Prior to leaving an emergency scene the Company Officer shall retrieve his
passport from the IC.
Transferring Command
When transferring Command, the Officer in Command will give the new Incident Commander his Passport at the same time he transfers Command and updates the new Incident
Commander with a situation report.
NON-SUPPRESSION STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To ensure you have two (2) personal name tags and appropriate helmet shield
affixed to helmet.
2. To report to the Incident Commander at an emergency scene, surrender a
name tag to him/her and await tasking by the Incident Commander.
INCIDENT COMMANDER - RESPONSIBILITIES
The Incident Commander retains the responsibility for overall accountability. This task may
be delegated to person(s), Division or Group Officers for personnel under their control, based
on the need to accomplish the following objectives:
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1. To maintain a desirable span of control.
2. To collect Primary Passports (when possible).
3. To be aware of the location and specific duties of all personnel at an emergency scene through maintenance of the Passport Accountability System.
4. To make notations on the status board as to the tasking, location, entry time,
etc., of Fire Companies, or any other information relevant to the situation.
5. To designate an Accountability Officer to establish and maintain the accountability system (if necessary).
6. To take a roll call of all personnel at an emergency scene if conditions warrant
such action. If in any doubt regarding the welfare or whereabouts of any personnel, a roll call shall be taken and the whereabouts of missing personnel
shall be established by consulting the status board.
7. To coordinate the receipt and returning of passports from Company Officers
as outlined above under Staging and Rehabilitation.
8. If a Company Officer is in the attack mode and his Primary (blue) Passport is
unavailable, obtain the Secondary (green) Passport from the cab of his vehicle
to fix to your status board. (runner)
9. To remove any active personnel who do not have a shield on their helmet from
the fire scene and enroll that person in the system. A black Velcro helmet
shield indicates a person is not in the Passport system.
10. To create new Companies from the Make-up kit if additional off-duty personnel arrive on scene.
11. To ensure that you have two (2) personal name tags and appropriate helmet
shield on your helmet (e.g. I.C.).
DIVISION AND GROUP OFFICERS
If you have been designated as a Division or Group Officer by the Incident Commander you
may also require a status board to track the Fire Companies within your sector. If this is the
case, obtain status board from any apparatus or Make-up kit and passports from Company
Officers as they enter your sector and return passports to them as they leave your sector. Be
prepared to account for personnel within your sector to the Incident Commander.
Responsibilities of Division/Group Officers:
Division/Group Officers who are responsible for directing crew tasks and reporting progress
to Command will:
1. Provide updates to the Incident Commander (Operations) on a regular basis.
2. Report changes to their location.
3. Report changes/additions of personnel.
4. Manage a status board and/or accountability system (as assigned).
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Status boards may be used in a single location (Accountability Officer) for smaller incidents
or in several locations (Divisions/Groups) for larger incidents. When Companies are moved
from one area of accountability to another, the passport travels with them to the supervising
Division/Group Officer at the new location.
COMPONENTS OF THE PASSPORT ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM:
•
•
•
•
•
Personal name tags, located on Velcro under rear brim of helmet
Helmet shield, on front of helmet
Status board(s), located in all apparatus
Passports: Primary passport (blue) and Secondary passport (green)
Make-Up Kit to create extra personnel for “called-out” personnel. Contains spares
of all passport components and is located in the Command Vehicle.
Reference
IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, 3rd. Edition, pages. 554-555 “Personnel Accountability
System”.
88
Section 1: Safety
Issued 03/26/01
Incident Safety
Modified 03/28/
01
Replaces: P12
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.01
Incident Rehabilitation
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.04.02: Incident
OG - 1.04.02
Rehabilitation
Purpose
To identify the location, establishment, and control of a Rehabilitation Group or Division.
Scope
Incident Commander, Rehabilitation Officer, Other Group or Division Officers
Policy
When it is recognized that incident duration, weather extremes and/or working conditions will
lead to fatigue, ineffectiveness and/or unsafe work practises, the Incident Commander can
establish a Rehabilitation Group or Division. The Rehabilitation Group or Division may be
supplied with shelter, food and/or fluids and staffed with personnel from other services (BC
Ambulance/Police/Emergency Social Services).
Procedure
When a Rehab Group or Division is established, the Incident Commander will:
1. Identify and acquire company replacements. Some options are:
a) have Dispatch respond specific apparatus;
b) increase to next alarm;
c) have Dispatch initiate call-back;
d) activate mutual aid;
2. Assign a Rehab Supervisor;
3. Determine if OG1.04.02.01 Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents
applies;
4. Determine if the need for shelter applies.
REHAB SUPERVISOR
Rehab Supervisors shall supervise their Group or Division and report adverse effects of
weather extremes and fatigue as soon as possible to the Incident Commander.
Company Officers that are newly arrived to relieve a Rehab Supervisor in the field will ensure
that:
1. Their personnel are properly equipped; and
2. their company has checked in to the Accountability Officer; and
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.02
89
Incident Rehabilitation
OG - 1.04.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
3. they have obtained relief instructions from Incident Command; and
4. they have co-ordinated relief with the current in-field Rehab Supervisor.
The Supervisor to be relieved shall:
1. Coordinate relief with the relieving Rehab Supervisor; and
2. account for all personnel in their Group or Division to be relieved; and
3. report to Accountability Officer concerning status.
ESTABLISHING A REHAB GROUP OR DIVSION
The Rehab Supervisor shall establish a Rehabilitation Group or Division giving consideration
to:
• isolation from noise and incident activity
• regulation of body temperature
• fluid replacement
• nourishment
• shelter
• medical monitoring (liaison with BC Ambulance)
• security and isolation from reporters, public (liaison with Police)
• questions from service providers (liaison with Salvation Army/Caterers etc.)
• accepting only assigned personnel for rehabilitation
When reporting to the Rehab Group or Division, all personnel will remain in Rehab and comply with instructions from the Rehab Supervisor until they are re-assigned by the Incident
Commander.
Reference
OG1.04.02.01 Provision Nourishment at Emergency Incidents;
OG 4.05.02 Emergency Social Services (ESS).
Section 1: Safety
Incident Safety
90
Issued 03/26/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.02
Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.04.02.01: Provision
OG - 1.04.02.01
of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents
Purpose
To identify the factors that are to be taken into consideration by the Officer-in-Charge when
deciding to provide nourishment at an emergency incident
Scope
Incident Commanders;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. The provision of nourishment at an emergency incident shall follow the terms
stated in the Collective Agreement.
2. Personnel are obligated to report for work nourished and ready for duty.
3. This Operational Guideline gives the Officer-in-Charge some discretion as to
when to provide nourishment at an Emergency Incident not covered in the
Collective Agreement.
Procedure
Section 25 of the Collective Agreement reads as follows:
“The Municipality shall provide nourishment at the discretion
of the Officer-in-Charge for all employees covered by this
Agreement attending any major emergency.”
Notwithstanding the above, the Officer-in-Charge has some discretion as to when to provide
nourishment at an Incident that is not considered a “major emergency”.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
The Officer-in-Charge will consider the following factors as to when to provide nourishment:
1. A regularly scheduled opportunity for food has been prevented by the incident.
2. The incident is expected to continue.
3. It is predicted that the duration of the incident will not allow personnel to be
relieved by shift change or to seek rehabilitation at the Firehall.
4. The weather conditions are extreme.
5. The nature of the work at the sector is extreme.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.02.01
91
Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents
OG - 1.04.02.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
CONSIDERATION OF SUPPLIERS
The Officer-in-Charge may consider a range of fluid and/or food services given the time of
day or night which may include but are not limited to:
• local restaurants
• fast food franchises
• catering firm (pre-set menu)
• sandwich bars
• corner store pre-packaged sandwiches
• Salvation Army catering truck where civilian needs may also be met
The provision of services by the Salvation Army or a catering firm will take into account at
least an estimated one hour and fifteen minute response time.
The notification of the Salvation Army may provide a role for the rehabilitation of Fire personnel and assisting civilian population.
Request the Salvation Army catering truck by contacting Emergency Social Services (ESS) at:
604-983-7440
The emergency number is a 7 days per week / 24 hour service.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE Officer-in-Charge
The Officer-in-Charge or his/her designate is responsible for:
1. Identifying the service provider and the kind of food and/or fluids to be provided based on time of the incident, location and service provider working
hours and factors identified above.
2. Determining the method for the delivery of food and/or fluids to the scene.
3. Determining whether to use Dispatch or a runner to contact the service provider.
4. Giving direction concerning the kind of food and/or fluids to be provided (if
not pre-set).
5. Providing direction concerning invoicing by service providers.
Reference
92
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.02.01
Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.04.02.01
OG1.04.02 Incident Rehabilitation;
OG4.05.02 Emergency Social Services
Collective Agreement
Section 1: Safety
Incident Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.02.01
Issued 03/26/01
Replaces:
Modified
93
Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents
OG - 1.04.02.01
94
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.02.01
Potential For Violence at an Incident
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.04.03: Potential
OG - 1.04.03
For Violence at an Incident
Purpose
To ensure the safety of personnel responding to incidents where the potential for violence
exists.
Scope
All Personnel.
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Whenever the potential for violence exists at an incident, Dispatch will advise
responding personnel.
2. Fire crews will not respond into incidents involving violence prior to police
securing the scene.
3. Dispatch will ensure that Police have been advised and are responding.
Procedure
POTENTIAL VIOLENCE KNOWN BEFORE ARRIVAL
1. Where a potential for violence exists at an incident, personnel will not
approach the scene of the incident until the area has been secured by the
police. Apparatus and responding personnel will stage at least one block from
the scene.
2. Dispatch will advise responding personnel that potential violence exists by
including the advice “Potential Violence” in the dispatch information. Dispatch will use the following criteria to determine if a potential for violence
exists:
a) When advised by Police, BCAS or a caller of potentially violent circumstances.
b) When the dispatcher suspects a potentially violent situation based on
their assessment of a caller's information, or emotional state.
3. Dispatch will ensure that the Police have been advised of and are responding
to all incidents where potential violence exists.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.03
95
Potential For Violence at an Incident
OG - 1.04.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
POTENTIAL FOR VIOLENCE DISCOVERED AFTER ARRIVAL
On arrival at the scene, the Officer-in-Charge will assess the situation. Upon determining that
a potentially violent situation exists, the Officer-in-Charge will immediately withdraw all
Department personnel from the scene to a safe distance. Personnel will not re-enter the scene
until secured by the Police.
CROWD CONTROL
Fire Department personnel and equipment will not be used for crowd control in potentially
violent situations. Requests by the Police or other agencies to direct fire streams at crowds or
use fire equipment or personnel to obstruct crowds in these circumstances will be declined.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Incident Safety
96
Issued 05/30/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.03
Lockout Procedures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.04.04: Lockout
OG - 1.04.04
Procedures
Purpose
To prevent the hazard of inadvertent startup or movement of equipment or machinery that
could cause a risk of injury to firefighters or other people at an incident.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Personnel will use safe lockout procedures to ensure that no firefighters, or
other people present, are injured because of the inadvertent startup of equipment or machinery or the unexpected release of energy.
2. Where lockout is appropriate, company officers are responsible to ensure that
the following lockout procedures are understood and followed.
Procedure
LOCKOUT OVERVIEW
WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Sections 10.2 - 10.12 state that
whenever unexpected startup of equipment or machinery or a release of energy can harm
workers, it must be de-energized and locked out.
At the scene of an incident, the first issue to be considered is whether Department personnel,
and/or other people involved in the incident, would be injured in the event of the unexpected
startup or release of energy. The hazards of the equipment or machinery must be identified,
and the risk must be estimated. When the risk is significant enough to require action, lockout
must be instituted.
DEFINITIONS
Control Power- The
power source that activates the main energy source. It may be controlled
by a relay switch or button. In the event of a short circuit, energy may still flow to the equipment or machinery. Control power cannot be used for lockout.
De-energization- A procedure to disconnect and isolate equipment or machinery from a source
of energy to ensure equipment or machinery cannot move or harm workers.
Energy- Electrical, air, steam, hydraulic, gravity, spring tension, system back pressure or other
energy that could activate the equipment or machinery or be released into/by the equipment or
machinery.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.04
97
Lockout Procedures
OG - 1.04.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Hard Start- Trying
to start the equipment or machinery using an on/off button or switch
Interlock- A micro switch or electric eye system that prevents a piece of equipment or machin-
ery from starting in the event of process disruption. It can prevent the equipment or machinery
from starting if the worker is testing the start switch to verify lockout.
Lock- Padlock
and key stored in fire apparatus, used to ensure no one can inadvertently turn
on the energy to the equipment or machinery.
Lockout- The use of a lock or locks to render equipment or machinery inoperable, or to isolate
energy sources in accordance with a written procedure. The process includes stopping the
flow of energy to the equipment or machinery, putting a lock on the energy isolating device,
and attempting to start the equipment or machinery to check that lockout is properly applied.
Lockout Scissors- A
device to allow more than one lock to be used on an energy-isolating
device.
Qualified Person- A person, knowledgeable of the hazards and the means to control them, who
will de-energize equipment or machinery if the process is complicated or hazardous.
Soft Start- Trying
to start the equipment or machinery from a computer control station.
LOCKOUT PROCEDURE
Each unit of fire apparatus is equipped with lockout scissors and a keyed padlock as part of its
standard inventory.
Remember that if you are the first person to lockout the equipment or machinery, you are
responsible to ensure it is safe for anyone else who locks out after you.
Procedure
1. If the equipment or machinery is to be locked out, the energy source(s) must
be disconnected and a keyed lock must be attached so the energy cannot be
turned on.
2. After the lock is applied, try to start the equipment or machinery (if appropriate) using the start/stop button (hard start) or other power control device (soft
start).
3. Ensure that there are no interlocks upstream of the equipment or machinery
that are giving a false reading at the start/stop button.
4. Each arriving fire company who will assist at the incident and could be at risk,
must attach their own separate lock.
5. When the incident is complete, each fire company must remove their own
lock.
6. The last fire company to remove their lock must check the incident area to be
sure that all personnel are clear of the hazard, prior to removing the lock.
98
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.04
Lockout Procedures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.04.04
Note: No one may attempt to bypass locked out energy or power control devices
in order to operate equipment or machinery.
If you are going to work on equipment or machinery that is already locked out,
apply your own lock to the lockout scissors. Never put your lock in the last space
in the lockout scissors. Use another set of scissors, as the second scissors will
provide additional lock spaces.
De-energization and Isolation
When equipment or machinery must be locked out, first identify the energy source(s). All
energy sources must be de-energized and isolated. This may involve closing a valve, throwing
a switch, or pulling a lever. If the de-energization and isolation is complicated or hazardous, a
qualified person (see definitions above) must do this.
Interlocks
It is important to remember that there may be situations where up-stream interlocks affect
energy sources. These may be computer-controlled applications or electric eye activators.
If any of these devices are located upstream of the power control device, they can give a false
safe reading when the power control device is tested to try and start the equipment or machinery.
Other Lockout Points
There may be situations where isolation is required as well as de-energization. If the equipment or machinery is connected to a piping system containing hazardous material, then a control valve may be the lockout point to isolate. It must be mechanically fixed in the closed
position. This can be done using chains, cables, or other securing devices. Apply the lock to
the valve.
At some incidents, gravity may create a hazard that must be controlled through lockout. A
truck box lift is an example of a hazard that may require lockout.
Reference
District of West Vancouver Lockout Program (PC Docs# 68176)
WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Sections 10.2 to 10.12
Section 1: Safety
Incident Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.04
Issued 02/08/02
Replaces: P2
Modified
99
Lockout Procedures
OG - 1.04.04
100
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.04
Response of Agencies and Utilities to a Working Fire
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.04.05: Response
OG - 1.04.05
of Agencies and Utilities to a Working Fire
Purpose
To provide a policy of which agencies are contacted to respond to a working fire in West Vancouver.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
It is the policy of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue to have the following agencies and utilities
respond to a working fire:
•
•
•
•
Police;
BCAS;
Terasen Gas;
BC Hydro.
Procedure
Once it has been determined that there is a working fire underway, Fire Dispatch will contact:
West Vancouver Police, BCAS, Terasen Gas and BC Hydro and have them respond to the
incident scene.
The on-scene IC may cancel the response of any or all of the above noted agencies by contacting Fire Dispatch.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Incident Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.05
Issued 06/13/02
Replaces:
Modified
101
Response of Agencies and Utilities to a Working Fire
OG - 1.04.05
102
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.04.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.05 Worksite Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
103
OG -
104
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Sharps Disposal
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.05.02: Sharps
OG - 1.05.02
Disposal
Purpose
To provide a policy for the safe picking-up and disposal of sharps at the worksite.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Personnel will follow the Procedure below when dealing with sharps at the worksite.
Procedure
DEFINITION
Sharps- include anything that might produce a puncture wound that would expose a worker to
blood or other potentially infectious material (e.g. used hypodermic syringe needles, broken
glass).
PICKING UP SHARPS
Needles that may carry the HIV and the hepatitis B and C viruses are often thrown away in
streets, public washrooms, regular garbage, parks, alleys, vacant lots, and on beaches. They
have also been found under mattresses and pillows, in garbage cans, and behind toilets.
Don't pick up sharps and other items unless you have the proper equipment, PPE, and you
have been instructed how to do so safely. Don't pick up anything with the intention of discarding it later. For example, don't put a used needle in your pocket. You could injure yourself
before you discard it.
Do not place needles in regular garbage under any circumstances - you may create a hazard
for others.
Follow these steps to pick up improperly discarded sharps and other items that could carry
HIV and the hepatitis B and C viruses:
1. Have puncture resistant gloves (such as heavy rubber or leather) or disposable
waterproof gloves (such as natural rubber latex, neoprene, nitrile, and vinyl)
and a proper sharps container ready.
2. Put the gloves on. Place the sharps container next to the needle or other item.
Do not hold the container in your hand, or you might accidentally puncture
yourself.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.02
105
Sharps Disposal
OG - 1.05.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
3. If you are comfortable using tongs or pliers, use them to pick up the needle (or
other item) and place it into the sharps container. This is the preferred method.
If you are not comfortable using the tongs or pliers, pick up the needle by its
shaft - with your gloved hand. In both cases, place the needle into the sharps
container, pointed end first, away from you. Do not insert your fingers into the
opening of the container and keep your free hand out of the way.
4. Remove and discard the gloves using proper procedures. Wash your hands
with soap and water.
5. Don't fill the sharps container to the top. When it is about three-quarters full
replace it with a new one and properly dispose of the old one.
6. Dispose of the container as directed.
Do not reach for objects you cannot see
Look before reaching. Don't use your hands to feel or reach into any area or container if you
can't see the contents or if you don't know what's there. Use a long-handled stick or other
object - not your hands - to explore hidden spots. A flashlight could be used to move objects
and to shed light on hard-to-see objects.
Empty the contents of purses, packs, and other containers by turning them upside down over a
table or other flat surface.
How to Pick Up a Needle Using a One-needle Container
One-needle containers that fit easily into pockets have been designed for workers who may
not be close to sharps disposal equipment. The method on the following page is for a one-needle container. You must use only one hand with this technique to avoid jabbing yourself:
106
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.02
Sharps Disposal
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
•
Wear disposable, waterproof gloves.
•
Use a proper puncture-resistant and
leak proof, one-needle container.
•
Hold the blunt end of the syringe in one
hand. Then ease the sharp end of the
needle into the opening of the
container. Do not use your other hand
to guide it.
•
Lift and tip the needle and container up
so that the container falls down over the
needle and covers the sharp end of the
needle.
•
Once the sharp end of the needle is
enclosed in the container, you can
safely grasp the container and syringe
with your other hand to place the cap
on the container. Make sure the cap is
on securely. When you turn the
container over (cap up), the needle will
embed itself in the styrofoam plug.
Place the container in your pocket and
discard in a suitable disposal container
at your first opportunity.
•
Remove and discard the gloves. Wash
your hands with soap and water at your
first opportunity.
OG - 1.05.02
Reference
District of West Vancouver Biohazards Program; Doc. # 81665.
Section 1: Safety
Issued: 10/29/03
Worksite Safety
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.02
Replaces:
107
Sharps Disposal
OG - 1.05.02
108
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.02
Biohazardous Contamination
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.05.03: Biohazardous
OG - 1.05.03
Contamination
Purpose
To provide a procedure for disposal of biohazardous waste and laundering of contaminated
personal protective equipment.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
When biohazardous contamination is encountered at incidents, the Procedure outlined below
will be followed.
Procedure
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING BIOHAZARDOUS CONTAMINATION
Handling waste should follow standard (universal) precautions, for example:
1. Use Heavy gauge gloves and/or leather outer gloves when sorting or handling
items for disposal and when handling bags to protect from cuts/punctures.
2. Use extreme caution and/or consider using tongs for sorting/handling clothing
for disposal from victims as they may contain hidden sharps.
3. All sharps are to be disposed of in designated sharps containers (see
OG1.05.02 Sharps Disposal).
4. Never recap used needles or otherwise manipulate them using both hands, or
any other technique that involves directing the point of a needle toward any
part of the body.
5. Dispose of all waste as soon as possible or use secure storage bins to prevent
inappropriate contact and damage to bags.
ITEMS FOR REGULAR WASTE DISPOSAL
Gloves, tubing, masks, dressings, sheets, blankets, suction collector and clothes with small
amounts (not dripping) of blood can be disposed of as normal waste (black bag).
Glass/small car parts etc. can be placed in a puncture resistant container and disposed of as
regular waste.
Feces, nasal secretions, tears, urine, sweat and vomitus are not implicated in the transmission
of blood borne infectious agents unless visibly contaminated with blood. Therefore, these
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.03
109
Biohazardous Contamination
OG - 1.05.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
contaminated items are normal waste (black bag) however recognize that these materials can
transfer Hepatitis A. If the Feces, nasal secretions, tears, urine, sweat and vomitus is mixed
with blood treat it as a biohazardous waste and placed in a designated biohazardous waste
bag/container.
LAUNDERING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Pre-treat the contaminated areas (blood stains, etc.) of PPE and launder ensuring that the contaminated items are bagged and identified so that the person doing the laundry can be wearing
the appropriate personal protective gear (latex or nitrile gloves, eye/face protection).
Pre-treating, Bagging and Laundering Procedure
1. Carefully hose-off very heavily contaminated items at scene;
2. Pre-treat affected areas with one of the following products:
• Bio - C enzyme cleaner, it is a disinfectant, is warm water soluble and eats organic
stains
• Spritz - disinfectant
• Virolex - disinfectant
• Detol - disinfectant
3. Double bag contaminated items;
4. Tag and identify the bag(s) of contaminated items;
5. Wear appropriate PPE and launder contaminated items; or
discuss with Duty Chief as whether to send items out for professional laundering.
ITEMS FOR BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Items saturated (dripping) in blood, including suction collectors with blood containing fluid
(check before disposal that the unit is not required by the treating agency for laboratory sampling), should go in a designated biohazardous waste bag/container.
Sharps (needles, scalpels, other sharp & contaminated clinical items) must be disposed of in a
designated biohazardous waste specifically designed sharps container.
All waste bags should be heavy gauge or items double bagged to prevent leakage and well
sealed.
Final disposition of biohazardous bags/containers should be either to BCAS or the Municipal
Operations Centre.
Reference
110
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.03
Biohazardous Contamination
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.05.03
None.
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.03
Issued: 03/25/04
Replaces:
Modified: 11/12/04
111
Biohazardous Contamination
OG - 1.05.03
112
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.05.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.06 Vehicle Response Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
113
OG -
114
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Warning Devices in Emergency Operations
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.01: Warning
OG - 1.06.01
Devices in Emergency Operations
Purpose
To ensure the safe operation of Fire Department vehicles when responding to emergencies,
and to ensure that Fire Department vehicles are operated in conformance with the B.C. Motor
Vehicle Act.
Scope
All Fire Department personnel responding to emergency incidents.
Policy
The B.C. Motor Vehicle Act explicitly specifies the use of red lights and sirens on Fire
Department vehicles during response to emergency situations. Emergency situations are
defined as those situations where life and/or property are directly endangered. The Fire
Department will utilize warning devices on emergency vehicles in accordance with these criteria.
Procedure
EMERGENCY VEHICLE WARNING DEVICES
Emergency vehicles will respond on an emergency basis only when all warning devices are in
continuous operation.
Emergency Lights and Precautions
1. Officers shall take all precautions to ensure the safety of the firefighters and
citizens in the area in which Fire Department operations are being conducted.
2. Officers and vehicle operators shall ensure that, where a travelled thoroughfare is being encroached upon, the flashing emergency lights (excluding alternating headlights and oscillating “crossfire” type lights) remain in operation
upon and after arrival at an emergency scene. The emergency lights shall be
extinguished only after conclusion of the operation and when the need to warn
traffic of the position of a halted emergency vehicle has ceased.
3. Officers shall ensure that a barricade formed by safety cones, in the area in
which Fire Department operations are being conducted, shall be erected at the
earliest possible instance by the first available person. These cones shall be
arranged in such a fashion as to protect the workers from vehicular traffic and
to give motorists adequate warning to stop their vehicles. These cones shall be
removed when the need for such protection has terminated.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.01
115
Warning Devices in Emergency Operations
OG - 1.06.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4. Officers shall ensure that, when operations are being conducted upon a travelled thoroughfare, and conditions are present that, in their judgement, may
require a flagperson to ensure the safety of themselves and their workers, that
a person shall be designated to perform this duty.
5. When Fire Department vehicles respond to an emergency on a freeway,
throughway, or other busy thoroughfare, they should attempt to park directly
behind or ahead of cars involved in the emergency. This position will minimize the interruption of traffic flow as well as the exposure of firefighters and
apparatus to danger from collision. Avoid as much as possible, the directing of
lighted headlights and spotlights into flowing traffic. Revolving warning
lights, tail lights, and emergency red lights should be kept in the 'on' position.
Headlights
Apparatus headlights will be kept in operation during all emergency responses (day and night)
and while working at emergencies shall be dimmed (low beam).
Air Horn
The air horn may be used in connection with the siren.
Reference
Motor Vehicle Act Section 118
Motor Vehicle Act Section 118.2(a)
Motor Vehicle Act Regulation 4.14(2)
Motor Vehicle Act Regulation 4.22
WorkSafe BC Regulation 52.06 (2 and 3)
WorkSafe BC Regulation 52.06 (1, 2 and 3)
Also see OG1.06.02, OG1.06.03.
Section 1: Safety
Vehicle Response Safety
116
Issued 06/13/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.01
Warning Devices in Non-Emergency Operations
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.02: Warning
OG - 1.06.02
Devices in Non-Emergency Operations
Purpose
To ensure the safe operation of Fire Department vehicles when responding to non-emergency
incidents and conducting non-emergency business, and to ensure that Fire Department vehicles are operated in conformance with the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
Scope
All Fire Department members at or responding to non-emergency situations.
Policy
All Fire Department vehicles shall be operated in accordance with this Operational Guideline
when responding to non-emergency situations.
Procedure
1. Vehicles responding to non-emergency type incidents, such as Public Service
Incidents, will not use red lights and siren.
2. Red lights will be used when backing into the firehall.
3. During firehall tours, pumper demonstrations, etc., red lights and sirens can be
used as part of demonstrations as long as this use is determined to be safe and
not confusing to adjacent motorists and citizens.
4. Members should use discretion (in order to avoid public confusion) when discontinuing the use of warning devices after being cancelled from an emergency response.
5. Fire Department apparatus, when involved in non-emergency business (tours,
inspections, hydrant maintenance and other related activities), shall be driven
and parked in accordance with the posted signed.
6. If, while conducting non-emergency business, it is not possible to park in
compliance with posted signage, or if Fire Department vehicles encroach upon
a travelled thoroughfare to the extent that they present a hazard, then, officers
shall ensure that apparatus parking complies with OG1.06.01 Warning
Devices in Emergency Operations.
Reference
Motor Vehicle Act Section 118
Motor Vehicle Act Section 118.2(a)
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.02
117
Warning Devices in Non-Emergency Operations
OG - 1.06.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Motor Vehicle Act Regulation 4.14(2)
Motor Vehicle Act Regulation 4.22
WorkSafe BC Regulation 52.06 (2 and 3)
WorkSafe BC Regulation 52.06 (1, 2 and 3)
Also see OG1.06.01 and OG1.06.0.
Section 1: Safety
Vehicle Response Safety
118
Issued 06/13/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.02
Vehicle Response Safety
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.03: Vehicle
OG - 1.06.03
Response Safety
Purpose
To ensure the safe and efficient response of personnel and apparatus during emergency and
non-emergency operations.
Scope
All Fire Department personnel responding to emergency and non-emergency incidents, and all
persons being transported in Fire Department vehicles.
Policy
1. The driver of any Fire Department vehicle bears full responsibility for adherence to this guideline and conformance with the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
2. The driver of any Fire Department vehicle, when responding to an incident
must continually assess whether any of the factors in Section 122(4) of the
Motor Vehicle Act, pose an inordinate risk when weighted against the risk of
harm to the members of the public when exercising the privileges in Section
122 of the Motor Vehicle Act. These factors include:
a) the nature, condition and use of the highway
b) the amount of traffic that is on, or might reasonably be expected to be
on, the highway;
c) the nature of the use being made of the emergency vehicle at the time.
Procedure
Driver Training- Only
personnel who have the necessary licenses and endorsements for the
apparatus being operated, as required by the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act, may drive apparatus.
Secure Positions- The
driver of any Fire Department vehicle shall not move the vehicle until
all passengers have signalled that they are in a secure position. All passengers being transported by Fire Department vehicles shall ride only in secure positions and have seatbelts
buckled.
Exiting the Firehall- The
driver shall be aware of other vehicles leaving the firehall and check
for pedestrians and vehicles within the vicinity of the firehall. On leaving the firehall, the
driver shall lightly apply the brakes to ensure their proper operation.
Warning Devices and Vehicle Lights- Warning Devices and Vehicle Lights shall be operated in
conformance with OG1.06.01 and OG1.06.02.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.03
119
Vehicle Response Safety
OG - 1.06.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Speed- The driver
shall always maintain a speed consistent with safe operation of the vehicle
under prevailing conditions. If conditions permit, the maximum speed limit may be exceeded,
in accordance with the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
Driving in the Oncoming Traffic Lane- Driving
in the oncoming traffic lane may be dangerous
and should be avoided whenever possible. If it is necessary to drive in the oncoming traffic
lane, extreme caution must be exercised and a safe operating speed must be maintained.
Intersections- Intersections
are one of the most dangerous areas to approach during an emergency response. The following precautions shall be observed by all responding vehicles:
1. When a responding vehicle must approach an intersection in the oncoming
traffic lane, the driver shall come to a complete stop until all other traffic in
the intersection has yielded. This applies even when the responding vehicle
has a green light at a controlled intersection.
2. When approaching a controlled intersection with a stop sign or red light, the
vehicle shall come to a complete stop until other traffic in the intersection has
yielded.
3. The maximum allowable speed through any intersection shall be the posted
speed limit.
Passing Emergency Vehicles- Passing
other emergency vehicles can be dangerous. If passing
is necessary, radio contact should be made with the other vehicle, prior to passing.
Driver Attention- The responsibility of the driver during an emergency response is to operate
the vehicle safely. The driver should not operate the radio or warning devices. When another
crew member is beside the driver, the operation of radio and emergency warning devices
should be delegated to that crew member. If there is no passenger, drivers of command vehicles may operate the radio and emergency warning devices if it can be done safely.
Reduced Response- The
first command or company officer to arrive at an emergency scene
shall evaluate the need for other vehicles to continue to respond. Whenever possible, other
responding vehicles not needed at the scene shall be advised of a status change through Dispatch and re-directed as required.
Approach Safely- When approaching an emergency scene, the
driver shall watch for emergency vehicles approaching from other directions. The driver should be on the alert for civilians, fire fighters, and other emergency service personnel who may inadvertently step in front
of the approaching apparatus.
Backing Up- Before
backing up the vehicle the driver must ensure that he/she is guided by at
least one other firefighter using recognized hand signals. This guide should be safely positioned at the rear of the vehicle on the driver’s side. In the case of a two person crew, where
the second member is needed to stop traffic or guide the driver at the front of the vehicle, the
driver will wait for the member to walk back and be safely positioned at the rear of the vehicle
before starting to back up.
Reference
120
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.03
Vehicle Response Safety
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.06.03
B.C. Motor Vehicle Act RS Chapter 288;
B.C. Emergency Vehicle Driving Regulations;
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, WorkSafe BC;
B.C. Fire Academy Apparatus Familiarization EDUKIT.
Section 1: Safety
Vehicle Response Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.03
Issued 06/13/01
Replaces: V9
Modified
02/11/03
121
Vehicle Response Safety
OG - 1.06.03
122
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.03
Apparatus - Bridge Weight Limits
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.03.01: Apparatus
OG - 1.06.03.01
- Bridge Weight Limits
Purpose
To provide a clear policy on driving fire apparatus on bridges with low posted load limits.
Scope
Suppression Personnel.
Policy
1. When driving fire apparatus on municipal bridges, West Vancouver Fire &
Rescue will comply with the recommendations received from the District’s
Engineering department.
2. Drivers of Engines will avoid driving over bridges with load ratings of 15
tonnes or less.
3. Drivers of the Tower truck are prohibited from driving over bridges with
posted load ratings of 15 tonnes or less.
Procedure
BRIDGE LOADS AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Bridge load ratings are not absolute or failure loads. A load greater than the posted limit will
not necessarily cause a bridge to collapse. However, excessive loads do result in structural
deflection which is greater than desirable, and will result in accelerated deterioration of the
structure.
To limit the damage caused to bridges by excessive loads, operators of Fire Department apparatus will follow the following procedure:
1. Drivers of Engines will avoid driving over bridges with load ratings of 15
tonnes or less. The only exception will be while responding to an emergency
incident.
2. Drivers of the Tower truck will not drive over bridges with posted load ratings
of 15 tonnes or less. There are no exceptions.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.03.01
123
Apparatus - Bridge Weight Limits
OG - 1.06.03.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
MUNICIPAL BRIDGE LOAD RATINGS
Below is a summary of the load ratings which are recommended by Reid Crowther and Partners Ltd. in their 1990 report to the Engineering department:
BRIDGE
LOAD LIMIT
POSTED LOAD LIMIT
400 Blk. Keith Rd.
15 tonne
Yes
500 Blk. Inglewood Ave.
25 tonne
not necessary
3900 Blk. Marine Drive
25 tonne
Yes
4200 Blk. Almondel Rd.
10 tonne (bridge closed)
Yes
4300 Blk. Marine Drive
25 tonne
Yes
Nelson Creek (Old)
15 tonne
No
LIONS GATE BRIDGE
Lions Gate Bridge has a posted load limit of 13 tonne. Load limits are restricted to 9 tonne per
axle. This restricts the following vehicles from the bridge:
• Tower
• Engine 48 (Smeal Quint)
The Officer-in-Charge should be extremely conservative with vehicle placement on the bridge
deck. This means not concentrating fire apparatus close together. Crews should be aware that
optimal placement for Fire Department vehicles is not in the centre of the bridge lanes. Vehicle operators should at all times place Fire Department vehicles in the appropriate curb lane.
Reference
Reid Crowther and Partners Ltd., 1990 Bridge Load Rating Report;
BCTFA Lions Gate Bridge Weight Restrictions, August 31, 2000;
WVFR Lions Gate Bridge Rescue Plan;
Section 1: Safety
Vehicle Response Safety
124
Issued 04/12/01
Replaces: B1
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.03.01
Safe Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.04: Safe
OG - 1.06.04
Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus
Purpose
To provide a policy for the safe positioning of fire apparatus at vehicle related incidents.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
It shall be the policy of the Fire Department to position apparatus and other emergency vehicles at a vehicle-related incident on any street, road or highway in a manner that best protects
the incident scene and the work area. Such positioning shall afford protection to fire department personnel, other on-scene responders and the public from the hazards of working in or
near moving traffic.
Procedure
OVERVIEW
This procedure identifies parking practices for Fire Department apparatus and vehicles that
will provide maximum protection and safety for personnel operating in or near moving vehicle traffic.
All personnel should understand and appreciate the high risk that they are exposed to when
operating in or near moving vehicle traffic. Responders should always operate within a protected environment at any vehicle-related roadway incident.
Always consider moving vehicles as a threat to your safety.
SAFETY BENCHMARKS
All emergency personnel are at great risk of injury or death while operating in or near moving
traffic. There are several specified procedures that should be taken to protect all crew members and emergency service personnel at the incident scene including:
1. Never trust approaching traffic.
2. Avoid turning your back to approaching traffic.
3. Establish an initial “block” with the first arriving emergency vehicle or fire
apparatus.
4. Crews should wear Class III high visibility reflective vests or wear bunker
coats.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.04
125
Safe Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus
OG - 1.06.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5. Always wear structural firefighting helmet.
6. Wear full protective clothing plus the highway safety vest at all vehiclerelated emergencies between the hours of dusk and dawn or whenever lighting
levels are reduced due to inclement weather conditions.
7. Turn off all sources of vision impairment to approaching motorists at nighttime incidents including vehicle headlights and spotlights.
8. Use fire apparatus and police vehicles to initially redirect the flow of moving
traffic.
9. Establish advance warning and adequate transition area traffic control measures upstream of incident to reduce travel speeds of approaching motorists.
10. Use traffic cones and/or cones illuminated by flares where appropriate for sustained highway incident traffic control and direction.
11. When police are not yet on scene to manage traffic and where practical, establish a fire department member assigned to the “Flagger” function to monitor
approaching traffic and activate an emergency signal if the actions of a motorist do not conform to established traffic control measures in place at the highway scene.
APPARATUS AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE BENCHMARKS
Listed below are benchmarks for Safe Parking of apparatus and emergency vehicles when
operating in or near moving traffic.
1. Always position first-arriving apparatus to protect the scene, patients, and
emergency personnel.
a) Initial apparatus placement should provide a work area protected from
traffic approaching in at least one direction.
b) Angle apparatus on the roadway to create a physical barrier between the
crash scene and approaching traffic.
c) Allow apparatus placement to slow approaching motorists and redirect
them around the scene.
d) When practical, use fire apparatus to block at least one additional traffic
lane more than that already obstructed by the crashed vehicle(s).
e) When practical, position apparatus in such a manner to protect the pump
operator position from being exposed to approaching traffic.
2. When blocking with apparatus to protect the emergency scene, establish a sufficient size work zone that includes all damaged vehicles, roadway debris, the
patient triage and treatment area, the extrication work area, personnel and tool
staging area and the ambulance loading zone.
3. Incident Command shall stage unneeded emergency vehicles off the roadway
or return these units to service whenever possible.
126
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.04
Safe Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.06.04
4. At all intersections, or where the incident may be near the middle lane of the
roadway, two or more sides of the incident will need to be protected.
a) Police vehicles must be strategically positioned to expand the initial safe
work zone for traffic approaching from opposing directions. The goal is
to effectively block all exposed sides of the work zone. The blocking of
the work zone must be prioritized, from the most critical or highest traffic volume flow to the least critical traffic direction.
b) For first arriving engine or ladder companies where a charged hoseline
may be needed, block so that the pump panel is “down stream”, on the
opposite side of on-coming traffic. This will protect the pump operator.
c) At intersection incidents, request police response. Provide specific
directions to the police officers as to exactly what your traffic control
needs are. Ensure that police vehicles are parked in a position and location that provides additional protection of the scene.
5. Traffic cones shall be deployed from the rear of the blocking apparatus toward
approaching traffic to increase the advance warning provided for approaching
motorists. Cones identify and only suggest the transition and tapering actions
that are required of the approaching motorist.
6. Personnel shall place cones and flares and retrieve cones while facing oncoming traffic.
7. Traffic cones shall be deployed at 15 foot intervals upstream of the blocking
apparatus with the furthest traffic cone approximately 75 feet upstream to
allow adequate advance warning to drivers.
EMERGENCY CREW PERSONNEL - ARRIVAL
1. Personnel arriving in the “mother-in-law” of fire apparatus should exit and
enter the apparatus from the protected 'shadow' side, away from moving traffic.
2. Officers, apparatus operators, crew members in apparatus with individual
jump seat configurations must exit and enter their units with extreme caution
remaining alert to moving traffic at all times.
3. Always look before opening doors and stepping out of apparatus or emergency vehicle into any moving traffic areas. When walking around fire apparatus or emergency vehicle, be alert to the your proximity to moving traffic.
HIGHWAY OPERATIONS
Highway Operations
Safe Parking procedures at highway, and limited-access, high-volume multi-lane roadway
incidents:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.04
127
Safe Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus
OG - 1.06.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1. The position of apparatus shall take into consideration all factors that limit
sight distance of the approaching traffic including ambient lighting conditions,
weather-related conditions, road conditions, design curves, bridges, hills and
over- or underpasses.
2. Traffic cones on limited-access, high-volume roadways shall be placed farther
apart, with the last cone approximately 150 feet “upstream”, to allow adequate
warning to drivers. Personnel shall place cones and flares and retrieve cones
while facing the traffic.
3. Where practical, assign a Flagger person to monitor the response of approaching motorists as they are directed to transition to a slower speed and taper into
merged lanes of traffic.
4. Police Department vehicles should be used to provide additional blocking of
additional traffic lanes as needed.
5. Command should establish a liaison with the Police Department as soon as
possible to jointly coordinate a safe work zone and to determine how to most
efficiently resolve the incident and establish normal traffic flows.
6. The termination of the incident must be managed with the same aggressiveness as initial actions. Crews, apparatus, and equipment must be removed
from the highway promptly, to reduce exposure to moving traffic and minimize traffic congestion.
Reference
None.
128
Section 1: Safety
Issued 10/01/03
Response to Calls
Modified
Replaces:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.04
Stopping Traffic on Roadways
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.05: Stopping
OG - 1.06.05
Traffic on Roadways
Purpose
To provide a clear policy for personnel to follow when stopping vehicular traffic on roadways.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Fire personnel are not required to place themselves at risk of injury to protect
fire apparatus.
2. When stopping traffic on roadways personnel will follow the procedure outlined below.
Procedure
When stopping traffic, fire personnel’s main function is to ensure the way is clear and to signal the driver to advance when safe to do so.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
When it is necessary for fire personnel to stop traffic to enable the vehicle to swing on or off
the roadway, they must have the appropriate high visibility apparel such as:
1. Turnout gear with reflective stripes or safety vests, however safety vest with
turnout gear increases visibility primarily during daylight hours; and
2. A traffic control paddle having a retroreflective finish on both sides during
daylight hours; or a flashlight fitted with a red signalling baton during darkness; and
3. Safety headgear of a high visibility colour with a strip of retroreflective tape
about the crown.
STOPPING TRAFFIC
When fire apparatus are backing on, or into or out of a roadway, emergency lights must be
activated.
While viewing the roadway to determine if the way is clear, personnel must stay off the actual
roadway, keep to the shoulder and if possible stay behind any available cover such as a concrete wall, barricade, etc.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.05
129
Stopping Traffic on Roadways
OG - 1.06.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Personnel should not be used to stop traffic on the travelled way over the brow of a hill,
around a sharp curve, or at any other location where sight distance is not adequate for oncoming traffic to have adequate warning of their presence.
Personnel should attempt to make eye contact with the driver of the vehicle they are attempting to stop and use the traffic paddle or flashlight to get their attention.
Personnel should always have plans for where to move to avoid contact with a vehicle.
Never assume a vehicle is going to stop.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Vehicle Response Safety
130
Issued: 01/13/05
Replaces:
Modified: 02/15/07
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.05
Transport of Specialty Equipment
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.06.06: Transport
OG - 1.06.06
of Specialty Equipment
Purpose
To provide a policy for the safe transport of specialty equipment to incidents.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Equipment that poses a danger to personnel will not be transported in the passenger compartment of fire apparatus.
Procedure
Specialty equipment such as wildfire equipment should be transported either within an apparatus compartment or safely secured to the exterior of fire apparatus. Where it is unsafe or
impractical to transport specialty equipment on fire apparatus, the Company Officer shall
immediately request other personnel (Rescue truck, FPO staff, Duty Chief) to transport the
equipment to an incident.
To reduce the danger of injury to personnel, no heavy and/or bulky equipment will be transported in the passenger compartment of fire apparatus unless the equipment can be safely
secured as to prevent no danger in the case of sudden vehicle movement up to and including
roll-over.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Vehicle Response Safety
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.06
Issued: 08/25/05
Replaces:
Modified:
131
Transport of Specialty Equipment
OG - 1.06.06
132
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.06.06
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.07 Equipment Safety and Maintenance
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
133
OG -
134
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Inspection of SCBA and Fire Apparatus
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.01: Inspection
OG - 1.07.01
of SCBA and Fire Apparatus
Purpose
To provide a system where the firehall officer ensures that all fire apparatus and SCBA equipment are checked on a regular basis.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Crew members are responsible for checking SCBA’s and fire apparatus at the
beginning of each shift and entering that they have done so in the Officer’s
Firehall Log.
2. Captains will ensure that their crew enters the information mentioned above,
and sign the Officer’s Firehall Log.
Procedure
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Day Shift
As close to the beginning of each day shift as practical, crew members at each firehall will
check all in-service SCBA’s and in-service fire apparatus located at their firehall.
1. SCBA’s will be checked in accordance with OG1.02 Respiratory Inspection
Program:
a) a full daily check every day; and
b) a full weekly check on Mondays.
2. Fire Apparatus will be checked in accordance with the Daily Vehicle Inspection Sheet.
Night Shift
As close to the beginning of each night shift as practical, crew members at each firehall will
check all in-service SCBA’s and in-service fire apparatus located at their firehall.
1. All SCBA’s will be visually checked. SCBA’s known to been used during day
shift will be checked in accordance with OG1.02 Respiratory Inspection Program.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.01
135
Inspection of SCBA and Fire Apparatus
OG - 1.07.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2. Fire Apparatus will be checked in accordance with the Daily Vehicle Inspection Sheet.
OFFICER’S FIREHALL LOG
A Officer’s Firehall Log has been supplied to each firehall. The log book is supplied with double sided pages (see example page attached to this OG). One page per day will be used for
entering inspection information.
Crew Duties
Upon completion of the SCBA and apparatus inspection, crew members will enter the following information:
1. SCBA information, including:
a) SCBA number; and
b) badge number of member checking the SCBA; and
c) initials of member checking the SCBA.
2. Apparatus information, including:
a) shop numbers of in-service fire apparatus located at the firehall; and
b) member’s last name and badge number that inspected the respective
truck; and
c) initials of member checking each truck.
Captain’s Duties
The captain of each firehall will sign the Officer’s Firehall Log once the inspections have been
completed. By signing the log, the captain is confirming that the inspections have taken place.
The captain is not confirming what or wasn’t discovered during the inspections.
Completed Pages
Completed inspection pages will be picked-up by the Duty Chief on a regular basis and stored
for a period of one (1) year.
Reference
OG1.02 Respiratory Inspection Program.
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
136
Issued: 09/03/03
Replaces:
Modified: 09/26/03
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.01
Inspection of SCBA and Fire Apparatus
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.07.01
Sample of Officer’s Firehall Log
OFFICER’S STATION LOG
Date:
Station:
1
2
3
4
(circle one)
DAY SHIFT
Platoon:
A
B
C
D
Station Captain:
(circle one)
SCBA CHECK
Member
Badge
Initials
TRUCK PRE-TRIP
Shop No.
Member
Badge
Initials
Captain’s Signature
that all SCBA’s and Trucks Checked
========================================================================
NIGHT SHIFT
Platoon:
A
B
C
D
Station Captain:
(circle one)
SCBA CHECK
Member
Badge
Initials
TRUCK PRE-TRIP
Shop No.
Member
Badge
Initials
Captain’s Signature
that all SCBA’s and Trucks Checked
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.01
137
Inspection of SCBA and Fire Apparatus
OG - 1.07.01
138
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.01
Hydrant Maintenance
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.02: Hydrant
OG - 1.07.02
Maintenance
Purpose
To provide a procedure for maintenance and clearing of fire hydrants.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. The clearing of municipal hydrants will be maintained to the BC Fire Code
standard by West Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
2. The location of municipal hydrants shall be clearly marked by West Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
3. Municipal hydrants will be maintained in operating condition by West Vancouver Water Works.
4. Private hydrants will be maintained and cleared by their owners.
Procedure
HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
Hydrant clearing, and hydrant marking will take place during the period from
May 1 to September 30 each year.
Hydrant Clearing
1. In April of each year, hydrant maintenance booklets will be distributed to each
firehall.
2. The captain at each firehall is responsible for the clearing of all hydrants in the
area that has been assigned. Captains that are responsible for hose testing will
not be assigned a hydrant area.
3. Periodically throughout the growing season, the captain will ensure that problem hydrants are cleared again.
4. If it is determined that the clearing job is beyond the capability of the fire
crew, the company officer will make a note of the hydrant address and pass the
information to the Duty Chief, who will make arrangements with Public
Works to have the hydrant cleared.
5. The illustration on the next page is taken from the BC Fire Code, and will be
used as a general guide to clearing hydrants.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.02
139
Hydrant Maintenance
OG - 1.07.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Illustration from the BC Fire Code showing hydrant clearing guidelines
(ensure there is sufficient room behind the hydrant for wrench swing, etc.)
Marking Location of Hydrants
1. The captain at each firehall is responsible for marking the location of all
municipal hydrants in the area that has been assigned. Non-municipal hydrant
locations should be marked where practical.
a) hydrants are marked by painting a white line on the road near the
hydrant. The line should be neatly painted and approximately 3’ x 4” in
dimension;
b) the line should be out from the curb, far enough out to remain visible if
there is parking on the street, and to avoid early wear from tire tracks.
140
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.02
Hydrant Maintenance
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.07.02
Reference
OG2.12.01 Hose Testing
BC Fire Code, Section 6.6.4;
NFPA 291 - Hydrant Testing and Marking
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.02
Issued 05/09/02
Replaces:
Modified
141
Hydrant Maintenance
OG - 1.07.02
142
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.02
Aerial Apparatus Fall Protection
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.03: Aerial
OG - 1.07.03
Apparatus Fall Protection
Purpose
To establish guidelines for fall protection safety for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel
on aerial devices.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All Fire Department personnel stationed on aerial devices shall be required to wear appropriate fall protection equipment.
Procedure
FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
The Officer-in-Charge of the aerial device shall ensure that all personnel stationed on the
apparatus shall wear the appropriate fall protection equipment. Situations where fall protection equipment is required will include the following:
1. Non-emergency incidents
2. Emergency incidents
3. Training evolutions
EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES
At the Incident Commander's discretion, West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel may
depart from using fall protection equipment only when:
1. Personnel on scene are using the ladder to climb from one area to another,
only at an emergency incident.
2. Personnel are performing a life rescue at an emergency incident.
See next page for WorkSafe BC Requirements
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.03
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Aerial Apparatus Fall Protection
OG - 1.07.03
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
WorkSafe BC Board Requirements:
Fall protection
31.17
(1) A firefighter working on an aerial ladder must wear a safety belt and
lanyard meeting the requirements of CSA Standard Z259.1-95, Safety
Belts and Lanyards or other standard acceptable to the board, and the
securing lanyard must limit a fall to no more than 30 cm (12 in).
(2) A firefighter located on an aerial platform must wear a full body harness
and lanyard meeting the requirements of Part 11 (Fall Protection).
(3) Rescue ropes, rappelling lines and safety belts and harnesses including
safety hooks, rope grabs, lowering devices, and related equipment must
meet the requirements of NFPA 1983, Fire Service Life Safety Rope,
Harness and Hardware, 1990 Edition, or other standard acceptable to
the board.
(4) The incident commander may depart from the requirements of Part 11
(Fall Protection) to use a fall protection system if, in the incident
commander's opinion, such compliance is not practicable or may create a
greater hazard, but subsections (1) to (3) of this section must be
complied with.
Reference
WorkSafe BC Regulation Part 11 (Fall Protection)
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Occupational Safety and Health Program
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
144
Issued 03/26/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.03
Aerial Apparatus - Safety on Firehall Apron
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.03.01: Aerial
OG - 1.07.03.01
Apparatus - Safety on Firehall Apron
Purpose
To provide a policy for safe operation of the aerial platform truck on the front apron of Firehall 1.
Scope
Suppression Personnel.
Policy
All personnel operating the aerial platform truck will conform to the procedures in this guideline.
Procedure
DAILY PRE-TRIP INSPECTIONS
When pulling the aerial platform truck out of the firehall to perform the daily pre-trip inspection, there is the risk of blocking the stop sign at the corner of 16th and Fulton. If the apparatus
is pulled out too far, the bucket of the truck can block visibility of the sign for northbound traffic on 16th Street. To eliminate the possibility of this occurring, personnel will follow this procedure:
When the platform truck is pulled out for the daily pre-trip
inspection, it shall be positioned so that the centre of the front
axle does is not past the “T” shaped white marker line painted
on the apron.
TURNING THE APPARATUS WHEN LEAVING THE FIREHALL
When driving the platform out of the firehall, there is the risk of damage to the truck and the
firehall, if a turn is initiated before the truck is far enough out of the building. The large rear
overhang of the truck, may cause it to swing and hit the door pillar if the turn is started too
soon. To eliminate this risk, personnel will follow this procedure:
When the platform truck is leaving the firehall, a left or right
turn will not be initiated until the arrow shaped white symbol
painted on the firehall apron is in line with the centre of the
front axle.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.03.01
145
Aerial Apparatus - Safety on Firehall Apron
OG - 1.07.03.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
None.
146
Section 1: Safety
Issued 03/28/01
Aerial Apparatus
Modified
Replaces:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.03.01
Mechanical Work Orders
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.05.01: Mechanical
OG - 1.07.05.01
Work Orders
Purpose
1. To provide a clear procedure to report required servicing and mechanical
defects on fire apparatus and other Fire Department vehicles.
2. To provide a system of keeping track of mechanical work requested, and
mechanical work completed.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Vehicle operators will report all required servicing and mechanical defects to
fire apparatus and other Fire Department vehicles using the West Vancouver
Fire Department Work Order Request Form.
2. When a unit of fire apparatus comes within 25 hours of its next servicing, it is
the vehicle operator’s responsibility to alert the mechanic to the need for servicing by filling out a Work Order Request Form.
3. When a light fire department vehicle come within 500 km of its next servicing, it is the vehicle operator’s responsibility to alert the mechanic to the need
for servicing by filling out a Work Order Request Form.
4. In order to prevent duplication, vehicle operators are responsible for checking
whether a service request has already been placed.
Procedure
For vehicles needing service or mechanical repair, the West Vancouver Fire Department Work
Order Request Form will be filled out by the operator as stated below under “Completing
Form”.
Vehicles require servicing when the odometer equals the kilometres specified on the label
affixed to the dashboard.
Tracking Mechanical Work-in-Progress
• The bottom (goldenrod) copy of the form will be kept in the vehicle.
• The top 3 copies will be forwarded to the fire administration office. Fire administration will retain the third (pink) copy of the form and forward to the mechanic the
top two copies. The pink copy is held by fire administration as work-in-progress.
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Mechanical Work Orders
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• When the mechanic has completed the work requested, and filled out the form, he/
she returns the top two copies (white and yellow) to fire administration.
• Fire administration retains the yellow copy of work completed and discards the
related pink copy.
• The mechanic files the top copy for his/her records.
Form Management
1. There are separate forms for each firehall.
2. Forms for each firehall are consecutively numbered, starting at 0001.
3. There are separate forms for Fire Department cars.
4. Forms will be stored, in consecutive order, at each firehall in a location safe
from loss or damage.
Completing the Form
1. Locate the correct form at the firehall where the vehicle that needs repair is
stationed.
2. Fill out the top third of the form, with sufficient detail to describe the defect.
3. Remove the bottom copy of the Work Order and place it in the Work Order
binder in the vehicle.
4. Place the remaining 3 copies of the form in the “Duty Chief Pick-up”.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Apparatus
148
Issued 10/06/00
Replaces:
Modified
04/20/01
01/31/03
02/13/03
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.01
Apparatus Inventories
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.05.02: Apparatus
OG - 1.07.05.02
Inventories
Purpose
To establish a system for managing equipment inventories on fire apparatus.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Each unit of fire apparatus will have a standard inventory of equipment.
2. Full inventory checks will be done monthly. Gas detectors will be calibrated
as part of the monthly inventory check.
3. Personnel will not add, remove or change location of inventory items on fire
apparatus without approval from the Assistant Chief -Operational Support.
4. Firehall officers are responsible for maintaining minimum apparatus inventory levels.
Procedure
INVENTORY COMMITTEE
The Inventory Committee is comprised of members of the Department from the Operations
division and is chaired by the Assistant Chief - Operational Support.
MINIMUM INVENTORY
1. Apparatus inventory levels are recommended by the Inventory Committee and
approved by the Assistant Chief - Operational Support.
2. All fire apparatus will carry a Apparatus Inventory list specific to that vehicle,
in the apparatus binder located in the vehicle’s cab.
3. Firehall Officers will maintain the Apparatus Inventory for all vehicles in the
firehall that they are responsible for.
4. Equipment listed on the Apparatus Inventory list, but missing from the apparatus, will be documented on the Apparatus Inventory Check Form (see sample form at the end of this OG).
5. Equipment changes may not be made without the approval of the Assistant
Chief - Operational Support. Any requests for addition, removal or changes in
location of equipment must be submitted to the Assistant Chief - Operational
Support through an Action Report.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.02
149
Apparatus Inventories
OG - 1.07.05.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
COLOUR CODING
Each unit of fire apparatus will be assigned a distinct colour with which to mark its non-consumable equipment. At multiple unit responses, the colour coding will facilitate returning
equipment to its assigned apparatus. The Firehall Officer is responsible for ensuring that
colour coding of all equipment be done in a neat but conspicuous manner.
The colour codes are as follows:
Apparatus Shop Number
Colour
31
Brown
33
Orange
40
Pink
41
Green
43
Yellow
44
Blue
45
Purple
48
White
INVENTORY CHECKS
1. Apparatus inventory will be examined at the start of each tour of duty.
2. Firehall Officers will ensure that a complete inventory check is made of each
unit of fire apparatus that they are responsible for, as part of the portable
equipment check on the first Monday of each month.
3. Gas detectors will be calibrated as part of the monthly inventory check (for
instructions, see Confined Space section of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
Training Manual).
An Apparatus Inventory Check Form (available under Forms on FireNet) for each unit will be
filled out and submitted by the Firehall Officer on the first Monday of each month.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Training Manual.
Section 2: Operations
Apparatus
150
Issued 11/04/03
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.02
Apparatus Inventories
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 1.07.05.02
APPARATUS INVENTORY CHECK FORM
TRUCK No.
SHIFT
INVENTORY COMPLETE
STATION
INVENTORY DEFICIENT
(See below)
DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS MISSING
DESCRIPTION OF EXCESS OR DAMAGED ITEMS
GAS DETECTOR CALIBRATED
TO BE COMPLETED BY OFFICER–IN-CHARGE:
The above noted Apparatus Inventory Check and Gas Detector
calibration was completed to my satisfaction.
Signature of Officer-In-Charge
Completed on:
/
day
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.02
Badge No.
/
month
year
151
Apparatus Inventories
OG - 1.07.05.02
152
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.02
Apparatus Exhaust Extraction System
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.05.04: Apparatus
OG - 1.07.05.04
Exhaust Extraction System
Purpose
To ensure that apparatus exhaust extraction systems are used in a safe and effective manner.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Whenever available and practical, the exhaust extraction system will be used when leaving
and entering firehalls.
Procedure
Exhaust fumes from a diesel engine contains gaseous and solid particulates that are detrimental to health, which if allowed to enter a firehall, will migrate throughout the firehall. Correct
use of the exhaust extraction system helps prevent this from occurring.
LEAVING FIREHALL
1. Activate the exhaust extraction system prior to starting the engine.
2. When leaving the firehall the driver will move the vehicle out of the firehall
by starting slowly and increasing speed moderately until the vehicle exits the
bay. This procedure will ensure consistent disconnection outside the bay door.
RETURNING TO FIREHALL
At all times the driver must be aware of the spotter’s location.
To prevent the spotter being jammed between the vehicle and the door jamb, connection of the
exhaust hose to the apparatus tail pipe must take place just inside the bay door with the vehicle
stopped.
1. To produce a safe breathing zone during the connection function activate the
exhaust system prior to backing vehicle into the firehall.
2. The vehicle is backed into the firehall, under the spotter’s direction, so the tail
pipe is just inside the bay door.
3. The vehicle is stopped in this position.
4. Once the vehicle is fully stopped, the spotter attaches the exhaust hose to the
apparatus exhaust discharge in the following manner:
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Apparatus Exhaust Extraction System
OG - 1.07.05.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
a) hold the hose and adaptor in front of your body with both hands and
with both magnets positioned towards the frame of the apparatus;
b) bend to the tail pipe and slip the adaptor over the tail pipe and gently
press it forward as far as it will go;
c) before releasing the adaptor, press the magnets against the tail pipe with
your hands.
5. After the adaptor is attached to the tail pipe, the spotter signals the driver, and
moves safely to the rear of the truck and continues to spot for the driver.
Under no circumstances should personnel try to attach, or reattach the exhaust hose to the
vehicle while the apparatus is moving.
Reference
Operating Instructions; EVEC Systems Inc.
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance.
154
Issued: 09/25/03
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.04
Minimizing Diesel Emissions in Firehalls
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.05.05: Minimizing
OG - 1.07.05.05
Diesel Emissions in Firehalls
Purpose
To reduce/limit the amount of diesel emissions that enter firehalls during daily vehicle checks
when idling on aprons.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. While performing their daily vehicle checks, Firefighters will follow the procedures below whenever possible.
2. Personnel will not idle fire apparatus for extended periods of time at firehalls
due to diesel emissions.
Procedure
FIREHALL 1
West Van Engine 1
1. If located on 16th Street. apron, West Van Engine 1 will be connected to supplied exhaust tubing and rerouted northerly to lawn with all apparatus doors
closed; or
2. West Van Engine 1 will be repositioned to east parking lot off Fulton Avenue
along side laurel hedge facing north, with all apparatus doors closed.
West Van Tower 1
1. If located on 16th Street apron, West Van Tower 1 will be connected to supplied exhaust tubing and rerouted northerly to lawn; or
2. West Van Tower 1 will be repositioned to east parking lot off Fulton Avenue
along side laurel hedge facing north, with apparatus doors closed.
FIREHALL 2
West Van Engine 2 can be positioned on either apron depending on wind conditions and as far
away from the firehall as possible. Apparatus doors closed.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.05
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Minimizing Diesel Emissions in Firehalls
OG - 1.07.05.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
FIREHALL 3
West Van Engine 3 backed into parking lot with apparatus doors closed and side entrance door
closed.
FIREHALL 4
West Van Quint 4 positioned as far forward on the apron as practical on a slight angle directing exhaust away from the firehall. (if this hall has exhaust tubing this can be an option)
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
156
Issued: 04/25/06
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.05.05
First Aid Supplies
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1.07.14: First
OG - 1.07.14
Aid Supplies
Purpose
To ensure adequate First Aid supplies are in-stock and available.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
It shall be the duty of the Lieutenant at No. 1 Firehall to maintain the inventory of First Aid
supplies as outlined below in Procedure.
Procedure
1. Each Monday, the lieutenant shall ensure the First Aid supplies are kept organized in appropriate locations as marked on the shelving in the First Aid stock
room.
2. The Lieutenant shall ensure only First Aid related items are stored in the First
Aid stock room.
3. On the first Monday of each month the Lieutenant will ensure that an inventory list for needed First Aid supplies be filled out and forwarded to the Assistant Chief - Operational Support.
Reference
None.
Section 1: Safety
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.14
Issued 04/02/03
Replaces:
Modified
157
First Aid Supplies
OG - 1.07.14
158
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 1.07.14
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Section 2:
OPERATIONS
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
159
OG -
160
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.02 Incident Command System
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
161
OG -
162
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Arrival at an Incident in a Neighbouring Municipality
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.02.03.01: Arrival
OG - 2.02.03.01
at an Incident in a Neighbouring Municipality
Purpose
To provide a clear procedure to follow for units being the first to arrive at an incident located
in a neighbouring municipality.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
It is the policy of WVFR that whenever units are the first to arrive at an incident that is located
in a neighbouring municipality, the Officer-in-Charge will state this on the radio to Fire Dispatch and request that units from the neighbouring municipality respond.
Procedure
When a WVFR unit is the first to arrive on the scene of an incident in a neighbouring municipality (District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, Vancouver) The Officer-inCharge will:
1. Assume command of the incident;
2. Immediately notify Dispatch that the incident is in another municipality and
request that the appropriate units from that municipality respond;
3. Upon arrival of a unit from the municipality where the incident is located,
brief the arriving officer and transfer command;
4. Remain on scene to assist if requested.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Incident Command System
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.03.01
Issued: 11/20/04
Replaces:
Modified:
163
Arrival at an Incident in a Neighbouring Municipality
OG - 2.02.03.01
164
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.03.01
Departmental Operations Centre (DOC)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.02.04: Departmental
OG - 2.02.04
Operations Centre (DOC)
Purpose
To provide an organizational structure for a Fire Department response to a major emergency.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The Officer-in-Charge may activate a Departmental Operations Centre (DOC) when the ability to manage an incident or multiple incidents clearly exceeds the present capacity to manage
resources.
Procedure
DEFINITIONS
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)- A
pre-designated facility established by a local government or jurisdiction to coordinate the overall agency or jurisdictional response and support to
an emergency. EOCs are established to provide site level support. Local jurisdictional needs in
support of a large incident or incidents are handled at the West Vancouver EOC which is
located at the Municipal Operations Centre. The EOC for a North Shore wide event may be
relocated to the North Shore Emergency Management Office in North Vancouver.
When a major emergency or disaster strikes, centralized emergency management is needed.
An EOC provides a central location of authority and information and allows for face-to-face
coordination among personnel who must make emergency decisions. This facilitates a coordinated response by senior District staff, emergency responders and representatives from the
District and other organizations who are assigned specific emergency management responsibilities. The EOC is activated when ordered by the Mayor, CAO, or a Division Director (i.e.
Fire Chief).
Department Operations Centre (DOC)- A
group of senior staff and the facility within a municipal department who coordinate the department’s activities in support of the department’s
responsibilities and commitment to the emergency response. DOCs interact with the EOC (if
activated) and their agency representatives and/or senior personnel at the scene(s).
Relationship Between an EOC and a DOC
A Fire Department DOC may be activated with or without an EOC. An EOC may also be activated without a Fire Department DOC. When they are both activated, an EOC will provide
municipal interdepartmental coordination of activities and will establish operational priorities
for the Fire Department DOC.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.04
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Departmental Operations Centre (DOC)
OG - 2.02.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
ACTIVATION OF A DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS CENTRE
The Officer-in-Charge may request the activation of a DOC when the ability to manage an
incident or multiple incidents clearly exceeds the present capacity to manage resources. Notification of the activation of a DOC will be made to the Fire Chief and/or Deputy Chief
directly or through Dispatch.
MANAGEMENT OF A DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS CENTRE
The DOC Manager has overall responsibility for the management of all emergency activities,
including development, implementation, review of strategic decisions, and post event assessment. Response activities, work assignments and logistical support will be planned, coordinated, and delegated from the DOC.
The EOC will provide overall municipal coordination of activities and will establish operational priorities for a DOC. Notwithstanding direction from the EOC, a DOC will automatically take action on pre-determined high priority response activities that pertain to the Fire
Department.
Incident Command System
A DOC is managed under the British Columbia Emergency Response Management System
(BCERMS). BCERMS has adopted the Incident Command system as its management structure for all emergency incidents.
Under BCERMS, the four DOC Sections are Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance.
Each DOC Support Section is comprised of specific functions, or Units, and is overseen by
the DOC Section Leader who reports directly to the DOC Manager. The DOC Manager shall
determine which positions to activate and direct their activities.
As the severity of the emergency increases, assignments may change in the DOC organizational structure-meaning an employee's position in the DOC may change during the course of
a single emergency.
Responsibilities of the DOC
Fire Department personnel assigned to a DOC are responsible for:
• Maintaining constant awareness of field conditions and deployment;
• Obtaining and priortizing resource needs for field incident commanders;
• Maintaining general and specific maps, information display boards and other data
pertaining to emergency operations;
• Continuing analysis and evaluation of all data pertaining to emergency operations;
• Providing liaison with other involved agencies;
• Providing frequent progress and status reports;
• Providing the EOC information on field conditions;
166
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.04
Departmental Operations Centre (DOC)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.02.04
• Maintaining a log of all major decisions, indicating the time and who made the
decision;
• Providing logistical support (i.e. food) of the departmental resources committed to
the emergency operations;
• Maintaining contact with the EOC, other jurisdictions and levels of government;
• Obtaining authorization for expenditures for requested private sector resources
needed to complete assigned functions; and
when an EOC has not been activated:
• Providing emergency information and instructions to the public;
• Making official releases to the media and the scheduling of press conferences as
necessary;.
Responsibilities of a DOC When an EOC is Activated
The DOC will keep the EOC informed of conditions, progress, level of commitment, resource
requirements and situation urgency during a major emergency. All significant changes in conditions will be directed to the EOC by telephone or radio. All requests for policy direction or
additional resources (beyond normal levels) should be directed to the EOC (particularly private sector resources).
Materials to Take to a DOC
Fire department staff reporting to a Fire Department EOC should take the following items:
•
•
•
•
•
Portable radios
Cellular telephones
Note pads
Pencils, pens
Flip charts, felt tip pens
Reference
British Columbia Emergency Response Management System.
Section 2: Operations
Incident Command System
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.04
Issued: 01/022/07
Replaces:
Modified:
167
Departmental Operations Centre (DOC)
OG - 2.02.04
168
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.04
Identification of ICS Personnel
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.02.14: Identification
OG - 2.02.14
of ICS Personnel
Purpose
To provide a policy to clearly identify key Incident Command System (ICS) personnel at an
Emergency Incident.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will conform to British Columbia Emergency
Response Management System (BCERMS) guidelines for identification of
key personnel at major Emergency Incidents.
2. Key ICS personnel should identify their function at major Emergency Incidents by wearing vests that conform with BCERMS identifying colours.
Procedure
STANDARD IDENTIFICATION
At multi agency/jurisdictional Incidents, it is essential to have a common identification system
for facilities and personnel. For Department use, the following BCERMS standard identifying
colours are applicable:
Green- Incident
Red- Staff
Command
support to Incident Command
Orange- Operations
WHEN TO WEAR A VEST
At all multi agency/jurisdictional Emergency Incidents, and where the Incident complexity
requires the IC to appoint personnel to specialized functions, the personnel appointed should
wear a coloured vest for identification. Personnel appointed SAFETY OFFICER or STAGING OFFICER will always wear the appropriate vest.
VESTS ISSUED TO VEHICLES
Fire Apparatus
All fire apparatus have as standard inventory:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.14
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Identification of ICS Personnel
OG - 2.02.14
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• one (1) green “Command” vest; and
• one (1) orange “Team Leader” vest.
At a major multi agency/jurisdictional Emergency Incident, the Company Officer functioning
as IC should wear a “Command” vest until relieved by a senior officer. At a major rescue incident, the member placed in operational charge of the rescue by the IC should wear a “Team
Leader” vest.
Command Vehicle
The command vehicle has as standard inventory:
•
•
•
•
•
one (1) green “Command” vest; and
one (1) red “Safety Officer” vest; and
one (1) red “Information Officer” vest; and
one (1) orange “Team Leader” vest; and
one (1) orange “Staging Officer” vest.
WHAT VEST TO WEAR
Incident Commander
At major Emergency Incidents the INCIDENT COMMANDER should wear a green vest
labelled - “Command”.
Safety Officer
Personnel appointed to the function of SAFETY OFFICER by the IC will wear a red vest
labelled - “Safety Officer”.
Information Officer
Personnel appointed to the function of INFORMATION OFFICER by the IC should wear a
red vest labelled - “Information Officer”.
Team Leader
Personnel appointed to the function of TEAM LEADER at a technical rescue or other Emergency Incident should wear an orange vest labelled - “Team Leader”.
Staging Officer
Personnel appointed to the function of STAGING OFFICER at a major multi agency/jurisdictional incident will wear an orange vest labelled - “Staging Officer”.
Reference
170
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.14
Identification of ICS Personnel
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.02.14
Provincial Emergency Program.
Section 2: Operations
Incident Command System
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.14
Issued 07/13/01
Replaces:
Modified
171
Identification of ICS Personnel
OG - 2.02.14
172
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.02.14
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.03 Communications
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
173
OG -
174
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Firehall Log Book
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03: Firehall
OG - 2.03
Log Book
Purpose
To provide a system where information is recorded so that it may be passed from Platoon to
Platoon.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Firehall Captains shall ensure that information is recorded and passed from
Platoon to Platoon as outlined in Procedure below.
2. Every on-duty firefighter and officer is responsible for reading entries in the
Firehall Log Book since their last working Shift.
Procedure
Each Firehall is provided with a Firehall Log Book. Captains are responsible for ensuring that
all incidents and other important information that they become aware of during the course of
each working Shift and four-day Tour of Duty is recorded in the Log Book.
For each working Shift, the following type of information should be recorded in the Log
Book:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Platoon on Duty
Captain’s last name
Shift start time
Firefighters calling in sick (Firehall 1)
Incidents responded to, including: dispatch time, address and nature
Apparatus changes and movements
Reference to Equipment Transfer Forms used
Changes made to equipment
Equipment location change
Mechanical Work Order requests
Request for repairs to equipment or the Firehall
Repairs made to apparatus during the shift
Repairs to the Firehall during the shift
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• Equipment or supplies ordered
• Equipment or supplies received
• Any other relevant information
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
176
Issued: 11/06/03
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03
Radio Communications
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.01: Radio
OG - 2.03.01
Communications
Purpose
To provide a policy to standardize radio communication procedure.
Scope
All Personnel.
All Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Fire Dispatch is responsible for receiving and initiating a first alarm, ascertaining the degree of response and dispatching accordingly.
2. All personnel will become familiar with and adhere to the radio communication procedures contained in this guideline. The on-going application of these
procedures will produce a standardized and more predictable emergency
response.
Procedure
STANDARD RADIO COMMUNICATION MODEL
All participating Departments and Fire Dispatch use a Standard Communications Model to
ensure the reliability of messages being communicated. Changes may be made to this model
from time to time.
Call Signs
Unit numbers shall be termed “Call Signs.” Senders will give the receiver's Call Sign followed by their Call Sign. (e.g. West Van Tower 1 this is West Van Engine 1).
Chief Officers- Chief
officers will be designated by their last name for operational and administrative purposes. Once a chief officer arrives on scene and assumes command, his/her call
sign then becomes (street, building or location) Command.
Captains and Lieutenants- When with their crew on fire apparatus, Captains and Lieutenants
will be designated by the apparatus they are commanding. When Captains and Lieutenants are
separated from their apparatus on portable, they will be designated by their rank and last
name. When ICS procedures are in force, company officers assume their assigned command
designations. This is regardless of whether on portable or mobile.
Apparatus Operators- Apparatus
operators will be designated by the apparatus (i.e. West Van
Engine 3) they are operating specifically, and only when they are operating such equipment.
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Firefighters- Firefighters
will be designated by rank and last name.
Collective Call Sign- A
collective call sign is used when communicating with a designated
group of units. It consists of one call sign for all units in the group. Usually the collective call
sign will be an informal call sign, such as “ALL UNITS RESPONDING”. The reason for
using a collective call sign is to save airtime.
If there is a group of units involved in a common incident and there is radio traffic concerning
all units, simply use a collective call sign and all units in the designated group will respond
back.
Example: West Van Engine 1, West Van Quint 4, West Van
Tower 1 responding to 123 Main St.
“All units responding to 123 Main Street, caller advises flames
showing on top floor.”
Call Signs While in Another Area
Engine Companies will keep their own Engine designation when in another firehall coverage
area, i.e. when West Van Engine 2 goes into West Van Engine 3’s area to standby, the Company remains West Van Engine 2.
Radio Terminology
To avoid confusion only standard radio terminology will be used. Standard radio definitions
can be found in OG2.03.05 Radio Terminology.
The standard communications model consists of:
1. Listen out. Means to listen to make sure that other units are not in the process
of communicating on the same channel. This will prevent overriding other
units.
2. Request communications, i.e. “Dispatch, this is West Van Engine 3”;
3. Caller then waits for response;
4. Response, i.e. “West Van Engine 3, this is Dispatch”;
5. Message Communication, i.e. “Dispatch we require a Fire Investigator at this
incident”;
6. Message Confirmation, i.e. “West Van Engine 3 requires a Fire Investigator”;
7. Closing, i.e. “Affirmative”;
While there are certain components of the actual radio communications that can be eliminated, i.e. “this is”, the communications model must be followed to eliminate the possibility
of requests or information being missed or not heard.
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Clear and Concise Radio Transmissions
Before transmitting know what you are going to say; don't make it up as you go along. Think
before you speak. Choose precise terms to communicate the desired message as clearly and
briefly as possible without wasting airtime.
Prioritize your message. Do not use up valuable airtime with unimportant messages and insignificant details. Let critical messages go first. Maintain an awareness of the overall situation
and how you fit into it.
Control your emotions and excitement deliberately. If you do not consciously control your
voice it will become garbled under stress. Speak clearly at a practiced rate, not too fast or too
slow.
Do not interrupt conversation unless you have Emergency Traffic. Listen before transmitting
and wait until a message transaction has been completed.
Be aware of the length of your transmission. Try to transmit one idea at a time.
Pause between consecutive messages. This will make it clear when one has been completed
and another message started. It will give other units a chance to get on the air with important
messages.
DISPATCHER RESPONSIBILITIES
The on-duty Dispatcher is responsible for receiving and initiating a first alarm, ascertaining
the degree of response and dispatching accordingly.
This generally follows a predetermined format determined by type of incident, location and/or
availability of apparatus. As conditions are altered, for whatever reasons, and the number of
vehicles in service is reduced or limited, it is the Dispatcher's responsibility to advise the Incident Commander or the duty chief of the situation and make arrangements to provide the maximum protection possible.
If the Dispatcher alters a standard response, the Incident Commander shall be notified immediately of the change in response.
The Dispatcher should inform the Incident Commander of any potential problems, such as
delayed response by service agencies, Ambulance shortage, etc.
UNIT STATUS
All companies are either AVAILABLE or OUT OF SERVICE.
Available- Refers
to a unit’s availability to accept dispatch to an incident. When Companies
are available they are either:
• Available In Quarters, or
• Available on Radio, or
• Available on Scene.
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Out of Service- A
unit is OUT OF SERVICE when it is not available for incident assignment.
Units changing status must at all times communicate to Dispatch the change in status.
TYPES OF RESPONSES
Apparatus will respond in one of two (2) modes:
1. ROUTINE - Without emergency lights or siren. Classed as a non-emergency
response.
2. EMERGENCY - An emergency response with both emergency lights and
siren.
STANDARD DISPATCH MODEL
All incidents, with the exception of public service calls, will be dispatched in the same manner. Once a Dispatcher has determined the level of response and the vehicle assignment, firehall alert tones shall be generated from the Communications Centre followed by available
information as follows:
1. Apparatus involved
2. Brief description of the incident (Alarm type name if possible)
3. Location
4. Name of building or business (if applicable)
5. Tactical channel - if assigned
6. Pre Plan Number - if applicable
7. Map Coordinate
8. Repeat message
For Example:
“West Van Quint 4, West Van Engine 1, West Van Tower 1;
Alarms Ringing Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Cross Creek;
Channel Echo 5; Pre-Plan 502; Map Delta 8.
repeat:
“West Van Quint 4, West Van Engine 1, West Van Tower 1;
Alarms Ringing Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Cross Creek;
Channel Echo 5; Pre-Plan 502; Map Delta 8.”
Once all vehicles are responding, the Dispatcher shall relay information updates as they
become available. It is important that such additional information be given after all units are
responding rather than delaying them at their firehall.
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Altering a Normal Response
Only the first-in Company Officer is permitted to vary the normal response by requesting
additional apparatus before any fire crews have arrived at the scene. See OG2.03.01.03
Requesting Additional Apparatus Before Arrival.
TACTICAL CHANNELS
NOTE: Radio traffic on tactical channels cannot be heard by Fire Dispatch. If Dispatch
needs to be contacted, it must be done on the dispatch channel.
1. Most minor incidents, such as medical calls, public service calls, nuisance
fires, etc. can be handled on the dispatch channel without assignment to a tactical channel.
2. Many small incidents occurring simultaneously will require a tactical channel
assignment for any new incidents, when the dispatch channel radio traffic
becomes unusable for dispatching because of apparatus radio chatter. This will
be determined by the dispatcher.
3. As not all radios on the North Shore are alpha-numeric, tactical channels will
be assigned both numbers and letters in the following format:
D 4 = “DELTA FOUR”,
E 5 = “ECHO FIVE”,
F 6 = “FOXTROT SIX”,
G 7 = “GOLF SEVEN”,
H 8 = “HOTEL EIGHT”
4. If apparatus are moved from one area to another, dispatch will make them
aware of the possible change to any tactical channel assignment.
5. Most areas can transmit and receive on at least two tactical radio channels.
6. All radios have the first three channels reserved for dispatch frequencies, and
are labeled as;
a) NORTH - 1, for all of North Vancouver,
b) WEST - 2, for West Vancouver up to and including Horseshoe Bay,
c) BOWEN - 3, for Bowen Island and West Vancouver north of Horseshoe
Bay.
Tactical Channel Assigned on Initial Dispatch
The dispatcher should make tactical radio channel assignments immediately for incidents that
typically require a lot of local radio communications. These incidents include, but are not limited to;
• Fire Calls;
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• Rescue incidents;
• Hazardous material incidents;
• Major medical incidents, MVA's etc.
1. When a tactical channel is assigned during the initial dispatch of apparatus, all
responding units, once underway, will communicate to Dispatch on the dispatch channel that they are responding to the Incident.
2. While enroute to the incident, the officer of each unit will ensure that all portable radios assigned to the unit are switched to the tactical channel.
3. Apparatus mobile radios will stay on the dispatch channel and all radio transmissions while on route to the incident will be on the dispatch channel.
4. The first unit arriving on scene will give their on-scene report and truck
assignments on the dispatch channel.
5. All incoming units will receive and acknowledge their assignments from the
Incident Commander on the dispatch channel. Once all responding units are
on scene, all units will then switch their radios to the assigned tactical channel.
Assigning Tactical Channels other than on Initial Dispatch
1. The dispatcher is responsible for assigning incidents to a tactical channel.
2. If a tactical channel has not yet been assigned, the Incident Commander is the
only person authorized to request from Dispatch the use of a tactical channel.
3. When a request has been made to Dispatch for the use of a tactical channel, all
units will wait until a channel has been assigned to them by the dispatcher,
before switching from the dispatch channel to the tactical channel.
Example: Switching to Tactical Channel
Unit - Dispatch, West Van Engine 1 switching to 5 Echo;
Dispatch - West Van Engine 1 switching to 5 Echo;
Unit - Dispatch, West Van Quint 4 switching to 5 Echo;
Dispatch - West Van Quint 4 switching to 5 Echo;
Unit - Dispatch, Chief Smith Switching to 5 Echo.
Protocol for Communications between Dispatch and the Incident Commander
When an incident is underway on an assigned tactical channel and communication needs to
take place between Dispatch and the IC, such communication has to take place on the dispatch
channel:
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The IC will need two radios, one set on the dispatch channel and one set on the tactical channel. In cases where two portable radios are not available for the IC, a mobile radio on a unit of
fire apparatus or the command vehicle can serve to monitor the dispatch channel.
Returning to Dispatch Channel
1. No unit will switch back to the dispatch channel until directed by the Incident
Commander or Dispatch.
2. When units are cleared from an incident by command, they will report back
on Dispatch Channels, individually, to Fire Dispatch.
Example: Switching Back to Dispatch Channel
Unit - Dispatch, West Van Engine 1 Back on Dispatch Channel
Dispatch - West Van Engine 1 on Dispatch.
** It is the responsibility of each of the company officers to ensure that all their members have
switched to the assigned channel. Company officers should ensure that their crew switch their
portable radios to the assigned tactical channel enroute to the incident.
Monitoring of Tactical Channel while at an Incident
Crews, on standby or otherwise not involved in the incident, will monitor the dispatch channel. If standby crews wish to monitor the incident that is underway, they may listen on a second radio that is switched to the tactical channel.
Tactical Channels for Training
Tactical channels can also be used for training purposes:
When a tactical channel is used for training purposes, at least one radio at the training location
must be monitoring the dispatch channel for potential dispatch to incidents.
TRANSMISSION OF RECEIPT OF ALARM
When responding from the firehall, a company will acknowledge receipt of the alarm immediately after the dispatch transmission, from the firehall base radio. The location and nature of
the incident will be repeated back to dispatch from the firehall base radio. This will allow Dispatch to immediately correct the location of the incident, if it has been repeated incorrectly.
The sooner the correct location is confirmed, the less chance there is of crews referencing the
wrong location on firehall maps, etc. An example of an acknowledgement from the firehall:
“Firehall 1 received. Structure fire in the 2400 block of Marine Drive.”
Companies responding from out of the firehall will give their location when acknowledging, if
it will significantly effect arrival time or normal response routes, i.e. “West Van Engine 1
responding from Klahanie Park to the 2400 block of Marine Drive for a Structure fire.”
All chief officers will acknowledge by radio using their radio call sign.
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TRANSMISSION OF RESPONSE
All fire and medical incidents will be emergency responses unless otherwise indicated by Dispatch or Command. On Special Call responses, it will be the discretion of the Company
Officer to determine whether to respond routine or emergency.
All responding units, once underway, will communicate to Dispatch that they are responding
to the Incident.The only information that needs to be transmitted from the truck is that they are
now responding to the incident:
“Dispatch, West Van Engine 1 responding”.
While responding, companies may communicate with each other if radio traffic permits. Factors such as occupancy hazards, access, traffic conditions, response routes and hydrant assignments may be communicated.
Transmission of Response when Assigned a Tactical Channel
1. When a tactical channel is assigned during the initial dispatch of apparatus, all
responding units, once underway, will communicate to Dispatch on the dispatch channel that they are responding to the Incident.
2. While enroute to the incident, the officer of each unit will ensure that all portable radios assigned to the unit are switched to the tactical channel.
3. Apparatus mobile radios will stay on the dispatch channel and all radio transmissions while enroute to the incident will be on the dispatch channel.
4. The first unit arriving on scene will give their on-scene report and truck
assignments on the dispatch channel.
5. All incoming units will receive and acknowledge their assignments from the
Incident Commander on the dispatch channel. Once all responding units are
on scene, all units will then switch their radios to the assigned tactical channel.
ARRIVAL
Company officers shall notify Dispatch of their arrival when arriving at the incident. The location, if the same as originally dispatched, does not need to be transmitted. For example:
“West Van Engine 1 on scene.”
The actual address or location only needs to be transmitted if it is different from the address or
location that the apparatus was originally dispatched to. Correcting the address or location
upon arrival at an incident allows Dispatch to research the property information and correct
the run sheet.
Second and subsequent arriving units transmit to Dispatch that they are on scene and what
they are doing. For example:
“West Van Engine 3 on scene, reporting to Command.”
or “West Van Quint 4 on scene, standing by the hydrant.”
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On-Scene Report
The initial on-scene report is critical because it sets the stage for the actions of each subsequently arriving company and prepares the dispatcher for requests for additional resources, or
the redeployment of existing resources. A good on-scene report raises the situational awareness of all responders and the dispatcher. It should include the following five elements:
1. Extent of fire progress (e.g., nothing showing, smoke showing, smoke and fire
showing, fully involved);
2. Fire location (e.g. alpha side, second floor);
3. Building type (e.g. three story ordinary construction);
4. Occupancy (e.g. school, retail store);
5. Who is in Command (e.g. West Van Engine 1 is Main Street Command).
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Incident Management communications procedures shall be used at all incidents.
Once 'Command' has been established, all communications with Dispatch shall come from
“Command”. Dispatch will acknowledge incident milestone reports from “Command” only.
The first arriving apparatus must direct, by direct radio communication, all other responding
apparatus. Do not request dispatch to operationally direct apparatus, that is a function of the
first arriving apparatus, and it increases the workload of the dispatcher. Request the dispatcher
to relay only if communications between apparatus is not working.
Example:
West Van Engine 1, West Van Engine 3 and West Van Tower 1 have all been dispatched. West
Van Engine 1 arrives on scene and has radioed dispatch, given an on-scene report and taken
Command. As the first arriving apparatus, West Van Engine 1 directs the other responding
apparatus as follows:
Command- “West
Van Engine 3 this is Marine Drive Command”;
West Van Engine 3- “Marine
Command- “West
Drive Command this is West Van Engine 3”;
Van Engine 3, lay into West Van Engine 1 from the hydrant at 123 Main
Street”;
West Van Engine 3- West Van Engine 3 laying into West Van Engine 1 from the hydrant at 123
Main Street”;
Command- “West
Van Tower 1 this is Marine Drive Command”;
West Van Tower 1- ““Marine
Command- West
Drive Command this is West Van Tower 1”
Van Tower 1, assistance not required, West Van Tower 1 released”;
West Van Tower 1- “West
Van Tower 1 released”
West Van Tower 1 then radios to Dispatch- “West
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.01
Van Tower 1 available on radio”.
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Additional Alarms or Personnel
Dispatch will activate Multi Alarm responses or initiate callback of off-duty personnel only on
orders from “Command”. See OG2.05 Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
for definition of second and subsequent alarm responses.
Progress Reports
A Progress Report, where practical, shall be transmitted approximately ten (10) minutes after
the initial on-scene report, and every 15 - 20 minutes thereafter for the first hour of duration of
the incident. Progress reports will be transmitted on the tactical channel.
A Progress Report is a verbal picture of what is occurring at the scene and should include:
1. Description of the fire or emergency zone;
2. location of the fire;
3. description of exposures;
4. description of the strategy, tactics and resources being employed to control the
situation;
5. an appraisal of expected outcome and timing of the current actions;
6. any other facts important to the situation.
The practice of regularly communicating a verbal picture of on-scene conditions through a
Progress Report to Dispatch, assists the IC to better organize and understand the incident;
keeps senior officers and standby companies informed of the progress of the incident; and creates a permanent record of the actions and reported conditions at regular intervals.
Progress Reports help personnel prepare themselves for operational changes and new tasks.
Safety is enhanced by keeping personnel aware of changing conditions. Progress Reports also
prepare the Dispatcher for requests for additional resources.
A Progress Report should always be transmitted whenever there is a change in operational
conditions. Important milestones in operational conditions include:
Primary Search All Clear- The
first significant benchmark in the control of an incident is usually the completion of a primary search or the removal of all trapped or injured victims from
danger. This also holds for all types of serious incidents including victims trapped by automobile accidents or people threatened by hazardous material incidents.
Under Control- Once
an incident is no longer growing in magnitude or severity, an incident
may be said to be under control. By reporting that the incident is under control, the IC is
declaring that the incident can be managed with the resources available at the scene.
Loss Stopped- By
reporting Loss Stopped, an Incident Commander gives notice that further
property loss has been stopped.
Fire Struck- The IC declares a Fire Struck, when the fire has been completely extinguished and
all overhaul has been completed.
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RELEASING COMPANIES
Releasing Companies from an Incident
Once Companies have arrived at an incident, only the on scene Commander can release them
from the Incident. Apparatus released from the scene from an Incident will notify Dispatch of
their status.
Releasing Companies before Arrival
If Companies are enroute to an incident, but have not arrived yet, they may be released before
their arrival in two (2) ways:
1. By the on scene Incident Commander through Dispatch
2. By Dispatch enroute to a False Alarm
Release by Incident Commander- Apparatus enroute, but not yet at the incident are released by
the Incident Commander through Dispatch.
For Example:
Unit - Dispatch this is Main Street Command;
Dispatch - Main Street Command this is Dispatch;
Unit - This is a false alarm, no other units are required.
Dispatch - False Alarm, no other units required;
Dispatch - West Van Quint 4, West Van Rescue 1, you are
released;
Unit - West Van Quint 4 available on radio;
Unit - West Van Tower 1 available on radio.
Release by Dispatch Enroute to a False Alarm- Dispatch may release apparatus enroute to a
False Alarm if there is not yet a Unit on scene. If Dispatch receives information that a call is a
“False Alarm”, Dispatch shall immediately transmit a message to all responding Units. The
message will contain the following information:
1. All Responding Units
2. Incident Location
3. False Alarm reported - indicating details
The closest Engine Company shall continue to respond - ROUTINE. All other Units will be
released.
For Example:
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Dispatch - Dispatch to all responding units- this is a confirmed
false alarm, West Van Quint 4 may continue routine, all other
units are released.
Unit - Dispatch, confirmed false alarm, West Van Quint 4
responding routine;
Unit - Dispatch, confirmed false alarm, West Van Engine 1
available on radio;
Unit - Dispatch, confirmed false alarm, West Van Tower 1 available on radio;
TERMINATION OF AN INCIDENT
When the last company clears an incident, Command should be formally terminated. This
indicates that no department resources are committed to the incident, and the scene is no
longer under control of the fire department. If the scene is left under the control or supervision
of another agency, that should be part of the termination message, as it leaves a permanent
record of the transfer of responsibility.
For Example:
Unit - Dispatch, this is Marine Drive command;
Dispatch - Go ahead, Marine Drive command;
Unit - Marine Drive command is terminated, West Van Engine 3
available on radio.
Dispatch - Marine Drive command is terminated, West Van
Engine 3 available on radio.
MUTUAL AID
Units responding on Mutual Aid calls will communicate with the Department they are assisting by radio if possible. Dispatch will provide the tactical channel assignment for radio communication. If radio communication is not possible, Dispatch will relay status and
information.
REQUESTING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The on scene Incident Commander may request additional resources through additional
Alarms or by specifying the desired numbers of additional unit types, unit capabilities or specific units. See OG2.05 Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures.
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MAYDAY
The term MAYDAY, spoken as “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” will be utilized by any unit
encountering an immediately perilous situation and will receive the highest communications
priority from all radio users.
EXAMPLE:
West Van Engine 1- MAYDAY,
Dispatch- West
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Dispatch this is West Van Engine 1.
Van Engine 1 this is Dispatch, MAYDAY received, go ahead.
West Van Engine 1- West
Van Engine 1 involved in MVA at Marine Drive and 13th, One Firefighter down, send an ambulance.
Dispatch- West Van Engine 1 this is Dispatch, involved in MVA at Marine Drive and 13th,
Firefighter down, send an ambulance.
West Van Engine 1- Affirmative
or...
Attack 1- MAYDAY,
Command- Attack
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Marine Drive Command, this is Attack 1;
1, this is Marine Drive Command, MAYDAY received, go ahead;
Attack 1- Firefighter
down in Alpha-Bravo corner.
Command- Firefighter
down in Alpha-Bravo corner...
THE AIR ABSOLUTELY BELONGS TO ANY PERSON DECLARING MAYDAY.
Reference
OG2.03.05 Radio Terminology; OG2.05 Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures; OG2.03.01.03 Requesting Additional Apparatus Before Arrival.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.01
Issued 08/10/01
Replaces: R7
Modified
10/22/01
02/09/03
03/27/03
11/14/06
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.01
Dispatch of Duty Chiefs
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.02: Dispatch
OG - 2.03.02
of Duty Chiefs
Purpose
To provide a clear policy to when a Duty Chief responds to an Emergency Incident
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
The Duty Chief will respond to Emergency Incidents as stated in this Operational Guideline.
Procedure
The Duty Chief is on-duty during the day shifts of the Platoons he/she is assigned to. At night,
Duty Chiefs are first on-call on a rotating basis. Occasionally when the Duty Chief is away
due to vacation, sickness, etc., he/she may be replaced with an Acting Duty Chief.
1. Twenty four (24) hours a day, the Duty Chief will respond to all confirmed
serious Emergency Incidents, such as, but not limited to the following types:
100 STRUCTURE FIRE
111 MARINE FIRE (WATER)
112 MARINE FIRE (LAND/DOCK)
113 TRAIN/RAIL FIRE
as well as serious Rescue Incidents, Train Derailments, serious
Motor Vehicle Accidents, and serious Hazardous Materials
Incidents.
For confirmed serious Emergency Incidents it is the on-scene
IC’s responsibility to request attendance of the Duty Chief if the
Duty Chief was not initially dispatched.
2. The procedure outlined in OG2.03.06 Radio Pagers will be followed to dispatch the Duty Chief.
3. The Duty Chief may respond to other Emergency Incidents at their discretion.
4. Not withstanding Section 1. and Section 3. above, at any emergency Incident
of a serious nature, where there are extenuating circumstances, the on scene
Incident Commander can direct Dispatch to contact the Duty Chief and have
them respond to the incident.
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Reference
OG2.03.06 Radio Pagers; OG2.03.01.02 Response Procedures.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
192
Issued 7/31/00
Replaces:
Modified
03/13/01
10/28/02
03/28/03
11/10/03
Administration D1
Dispatch D5
Suppression D9
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.02
Mechanic Callback
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.03: Mechanic
OG - 2.03.03
Callback
Purpose
To provide for Mechanic callback when necessary.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
The Mechanic can be called-back, if necessary, in the event of mechanical failure with vehicles and equipment.
Procedure
1. In the event of mechanical failure with vehicles and equipment, during the
Mechanic's off-duty hours, the Duty Chief, or his/her replacement will be
notified and will decide if it is necessary to call-out the mechanic.
2. The mechanic may be called-back to the scene of an incident if requested by
the IC.
Reference
OG2.05.07 Personnel Callback
Section 2: Operations
Communications
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.03
Issued 8/27/00
Replaces: M6
Modified
Suppression M6
193
Mechanic Callback
OG - 2.03.03
194
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.03
Off-Road or Wildland Rescue Dispatch Procedure
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.04: Off-Road
OG - 2.03.04
or Wildland Rescue Dispatch Procedure
Purpose
To have a consistent Fire Dispatch policy for off-road rescue incidents.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
Fire Dispatch personnel will follow the procedure below for notification of West Vancouver
Fire & Rescue and other agencies for off-road or wildland rescue incidents that occur within
the District of West Vancouver.
Procedure
1. Fire Dispatch will determine approximately how many minutes walking time
“off-road” the patient is located.
2. If the dispatcher determines that the patient MAY BE located 30 MINUTES
OR LESS off-road, then the dispatcher will notify the following:
a) Appropriate Fire/Rescue companies;
b) Duty Chief;
c) BCAS;
and if requested by the Fire & Rescue Incident Commander:
d) Police and/or North Shore Rescue SAR Manager.
3. If the Dispatcher is certain that the patient is located MORE THAN 30 MINUTES off-road, then the dispatcher will contact and advise:
a) Police;
b) North Shore Rescue;
c) BCAS.
(These agencies may call West Vancouver Fire & Rescue for assistance
as required.)
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.04
195
Off-Road or Wildland Rescue Dispatch Procedure
OG - 2.03.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
None.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
196
Issued: 03/07/03
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.04
Radio Terminology
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.05: Radio
OG - 2.03.05
Terminology
Purpose
To formally adopt standard radio terminology.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Whenever possible, Fire Department personnel will use standardized terminology when transmitting over radios.
2. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will adopt Fire Dispatch Radio terminology
and their definitions as standard terminology.
Procedure
The following radio terminology, and their definitions, are standard across all fire departments
dispatched by Surrey Fire Service and should be use whenever possible:
10-33- The code that is transmitted to Fire Dispatch for requesting police when there is a threat
to the safety of the fire crew.
Acknowledge- Let
me know that you have received and understood this message.
Aerial Apparatus- Tower
Affirmative- That
is a platform; Ladder is straight ladder; Truck may be either.
is correct. Yes, or permission granted.
Air (and number)- Breathing
Alarm- The
Air Unit.
respective magnitude of an incident such as 1st Alarm, 2nd Alarm, or 3rd Alarm.
Ambulance- Replaces
“EHS” or “BCAS”.
Available on Radio- Unit is available on the air (replaces available out of station). This term is
also used for units in delayed response.
Available On Scene- A standard term indicating a unit is on scene, but is ready for assignment
if required because there is no apparent requirement to keep the apparatus tied up at the incident.
Burn Victim- Burn
victim.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.05
197
Radio Terminology
OG - 2.03.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Call Back- The
arrangement made for the return to work of off duty personnel for emergency
reasons.
Call Signs- Designation
or I.D. of vehicles and personnel.
Chief (and number)- Chief
Officers.
Code 9- Calls
received from BCAS that are identified as infectious disease calls, will be
referred to as a “Code 9".
Command- A
standard term to describe the Incident Commander. The call sign shall be preceded by an identifier to indicate the location of the incident. For example: “Park Royal Command”.
Command Terminated- Leave
scene; situation terminated.
Communicable Disease- Patient
Correction- An
with AIDS or communicable disease.
error has been made in the transmission. The correct message is...
Emergency Traffic- Emergency
Engine (and number)- First
traffic radio priority.
line pumper stationed at a firehall.
Evacuate the Building - Get Out- Emergency
evacuation of the building.
Fire Boat (and number)- Fire
Boat.
Firefighter Down- Firefighter
injured on scene.
Fire Struck- This indicates that the fire has been extinguished and that any overhaul necessary
to ensure no extension of fire, has been completed.
Fire Watch- Personnel
First Alarm- A
left at scene to watch.
pre-determined initial response of resources to an incident.
Fully Involved- Working
fire.
Generator (and number)- “Electrical
Go Ahead- Proceed
with your message.
Hazardous Materials Unit- “Hazmat”
How do You Read?- How
Incident- Any
generator.
and number.
well do you receive me.
event requiring the response of the fire department to a specific location.
Incident Commander- A
member of the fire department who has the responsibility to com-
mand an incident.
In Quarters- A
standard term indicating a unit is in quarters ready for assignment.
Investigating Alarms Ringing- Investigating
I Say Again- Use
I Spell- Advises
198
alarms ringing.
instead of “I repeat”.
receiver that you will spell the word using the Phonetic Alphabet.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.05
Radio Terminology
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Ladder (and number)- Aerial
Loss Stopped- Property
OG - 2.03.05
truck with straight ladder.
loss is stopped.
Mayday- Reports of safety or evacuation
orders that require immediate transmission. Any
member that declares “Mayday” has unrestricted priority to the radio channel.
Mechanical (and number)- Mechanical
MESA- Medical
unit.
aid incident.
Mutual Aid- Ordered by the Incident Commander. It is a request for help from neighbouring
fire departments under a written agreement.
Negative- No,
or that is not correct, or I do not agree, permission is not granted.
Nothing Showing- Nothing showing.
On Scene (at location)- A
standard term that indicates that the unit is at the scene of the incident that it has been dispatched to.
Out of Service- Will not respond. A standard term indicating a unit is not available for incident
Police- West Vancouver Police in West Vancouver. RCMP in North Vancouver, Bowen Island
and on Highway 99 north of West Vancouver.
Police Emergency or 10-33- member
in trouble; police assistance needed.
Primary Search All Clear- Completion
of primary search.
Public Service- The
non-emergency response of an apparatus to provide help or assistance to
the public. Examples are: flooded basements, child locked in bathroom, etc. It is “non-fire”
related and does not include calls to check out a fire that has been extinguished.
Quint (and number)- Refers
RCMP- Royal
to Engine apparatus with aerial capability.
Canadian Mounted Police.
Release- Term
used by IC or Disp. To release vehicle from assignment.
Rescue (and number)- Rescue
company.
Respond Emergency- Respond
with lights and siren.
Responding (routine/emergency)- Responding
Respond Routine- Respond
to incident.
without lights and siren.
Reserve Engine- n unstaffed pumping apparatus kept in ready reserve. The Vehicle takes on
the designation of the firehall that it is assigned to.
Returning to Quarters- Leaving
Say Again- Transmit
scene and returning to firehall.
the message again (use instead of “repeat”).
Second Alarm- Ordered by an Incident Commander when it is apparent that the severity of the
incident is greater than the capability of a first alarm assignment.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.05
199
Radio Terminology
OG - 2.03.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Snorkel- First
line aerial or snorkel apparatus at a firehall. i.e.: Snorkel 1 (DS1) from North
Vancouver District Number 1 Firehall.
Smoke and Fire Showing- Smoke
Smoke Showing- Smoke
and fire showing.
showing.
Special Call- Any
request by an Incident Commander for specific units, equipment or manpower for standby or use at the emergency scene, that is not part of our normal level of
response or the established First, Second and subsequent Alarm directives.
Staged (at location)- Unit
staged.
Standby- I
must pause for a few seconds or minutes, please wait. Also, action taken by Dispatch to place fire apparatus strategically throughout the municipality to provide maximum
coverage with available equipment.
Staging- A location designated by the incident commander or incident staff to have additional
apparatus respond to.
Status/Roll Call- Used
when the Incident Commander would like to know the location, status
and number of staff in a specific Group or Division.
Sudden Death- Sudden
death.
Suspicious Fire- Possible
arson.
That is Correct- Self-explanatory.
Third Alarm- Ordered
by the Incident Commander when it is apparent that the severity of the
incident is greater than our First and Second Alarm and cannot be expediently handled by
“Special Call” procedures. A Third Alarm can be requested without calling for a Second
Alarm. However, the Dispatcher must complete all the procedures outlined for both Alarms.
Tower (and number)- Aerial
Platform truck.
Unavailable- Not able to respond. Unit is unable to accept a dispatch because of an assignment
to an Incident or other reason such as being cut-off for an extended period by a train. Units
assigned to an Incident are considered unavailable until released by the IC.
Under Control- The
forward progress of the fire has been stopped.
(Unit) In Firehall- A
standard term indicating a unit is in quarters and available for response.
Utility (and number)- Unit
for moving personnel.
You Spell- Advises the receiver to spell
the word using the Phonetic Alphabet.
PHONETIC ALPHABET
The phonetic alphabet is recognized for use in the Fire Dispatch radio system.
Use of the phonetic alphabet is to clarify any misunderstanding of a word you are trying to
say.
200
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.05
Radio Terminology
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.03.05
Example: A license plate number 123-ABC would be transmitted as one, two three, Alpha,
Bravo, Charlie.
Say the word you are going to spell, then spell it phonetically, then repeat the word. Where
isolated letters or groups of letters are pronounced separately or when communication is difficult, the alphabet can be easily used.
Phonetic Alphabet:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
ALPHA
BRAVO
CHARLIE
DELTA
ECHO
FOXTROT
GOLF
HOTEL
INDIA
JULIETT
KILO
LIMA
MIKE
NOVEMBER
OSCAR
PAPA
QUEBEC
ROMEO
SIERRA
TANGO
UNIFORM
VICTOR
WHISKEY
X-RAY
YANKEE
ZULU
NUMBERS
This is the accepted procedure for use of numbers in the Fire Dispatch. The ten code is no
longer in use in Fire Dispatch
Pronunciation of Numbers
All numbers, except whole thousands, will be transmitted by pronouncing each digit separately. Whole thousands will be transmitted by pronouncing each digit in the number of thousands followed by the word “thousand”.
10 becomes - One Zero
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.05
201
Radio Terminology
OG - 2.03.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
75 becomes - Seven Five
100 becomes - One Zero Zero
5800 becomes - Five Eight Zero Zero
11000 becomes - One One Thousand
68009 becomes - Six Eight Zero Zero Nine
Decimals
Numbers containing a decimal point will be transmitted as above, with the decimal point indicated by the word “Decimal”.
Example:
121.5 becomes - One Two One decimal Five
Reference
OG2.03.01 Communications
Section 2: Operations
Communications
202
Issued 10/16/00
Replaces:
Suppression R7(i)
Dispatch R2(i)
Modified 05/22/01
11/14/06
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.05
Radio Pagers
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.06: Radio
OG - 2.03.06
Pagers
Purpose
To provide a policy for alerting selected West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel by selective call radio pagers.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. To reduce the time that dispatchers spend contacting personnel, Dispatch will
alert certain Fire Department personnel by radio pagers.
2. For selected Dispatch Codes, personnel will be automatically paged.
3. The on-scene Incident Commander (IC) can request to have a Duty Chief
alerted by pager.
4. When a page is received, it will be acknowledged by radio.
Procedure
PERSONNEL EQUIPPED WITH RADIO PAGERS
1. The following personnel are equipped with radio pagers:
a) Duty Chief
b) Training personnel
2. All radio pagers share the same frequency and activation tone. When Dispatch
transmits a “WVCO” (West Vancouver Chief Officer) page, the above personnel receive it.
ACTIVATING RADIO PAGERS
1. Fire Dispatch will activate the radio pagers upon initial dispatch when “DWV
DUTY CHIEF” appears as part of the apparatus response.
2. For incidents where a Duty Chief is not initially dispatched, Fire Dispatch will
active the radio pagers when a Duty Chief is requested by the on-scene IC.
3. When activating pagers, Fire Dispatch will transmit the location and nature of
the Incident and other relevant information.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.06
203
Radio Pagers
OG - 2.03.06
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
ACKNOWLEDGING A PAGE
When personnel receive a radio page intended for them, they will acknowledge receipt of the
page by contacting Fire Dispatch by radio.
Reference
OG2.03.01.01 Dispatch of Duty Chiefs; Motorola Minitor IV User’s Guide.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
204
Issued 11/26/00
Replaces:
Modified 03/14/00
06/09/03
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.06
Requesting Additional Apparatus Before Arrival
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.07: Requesting
OG - 2.03.07
Additional Apparatus Before Arrival
Purpose
To standardized the procedure for requesting additional apparatus prior to arriving at the scene
of an emergency incident.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Fire apparatus are dispatched in accordance with Operating Guidelines and/or
FDM Alarm levels.
2. Fire Dispatch ensures that appropriate fire apparatus are dispatched to all
emergency incidents.
3. Only the first-in Company Officer can vary the normal response.
Procedure
Fire Dispatch dispatches fire apparatus according to standard Operational Guidelines and/or
FDM Alarm levels. For each type of emergency incident, Fire Dispatchers ensure that the
appropriate fire apparatus are dispatched.
For some incidents there may be reason to ask Fire Dispatch for additional fire apparatus prior
to arriving at the scene. The following procedure will be followed when requesting additional
fire apparatus before arrival on the scene:
1. Only the first-in Company Officer is permitted to vary the normal response by
requesting additional apparatus before any fire crews have arrived at the
scene.
2. Fire Dispatch shall dispatch the requested apparatus if it is available.
3. Fire Dispatch will not question the first-in Company Officer’s requests, but
Dispatch can inform the officer that the requested fire apparatus is unavailable.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.07
205
Requesting Additional Apparatus Before Arrival
OG - 2.03.07
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Fire Dispatch Centre, Dispatch Communique, July 17, 2000.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
206
Issued 10/30/00
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.07
Call Signs for Reserve Engine Companies
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.08: Call
OG - 2.03.08
Signs for Reserve Engine Companies
Purpose
To provide a policy of assigning reserve Engines a radio call sign when they are staffed and in
service.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
Reserve Engines will be assigned a radio call sign when they are staffed and available.
Procedure
1. The first reserve Engine to be staffed and available will have a call sign of
“West Van Engine 5”.
2. The second reserve Engine to be staffed and available will have a call sign of
“West Van Engine 6”.
3. When a reserve Engine first becomes staffed and available, the senior member
of the crew staffing the Engine will contact Dispatch to report their status and
confirm the Engine call sign.
Reference
OG205.07 Personnel Callback.
Section 2: Operations
Issued 11/17/00
Communications
Modified 06/25/
06
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.08
Replaces:
207
Call Signs for Reserve Engine Companies
OG - 2.03.08
208
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.08
Cell Phones on Fire Apparatus
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.03.09: Cell
OG - 2.03.09
Phones on Fire Apparatus
Purpose
To have a policy that provides cell phone communication to Firehall Officers while they are
out of the firehall.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. A cellular telephone is assigned to the Captain at each of the four firehalls.
2. A cellular telephone is assigned to the Suppression Lieutenant.
3. The cellular telephones assigned to Suppression Captains and Lieutenants will
be used as outlined below in Procedure.
4. Cellular telephones are to be used for Departmental business only.
Procedure
USE OF CELL PHONES
1. Firehall Officers that have been assigned a cell phone will ensure that it is kept
charged at all times.
2. When Companies are “Available On Radio,” the cell phone must be turned on
and be available for the Officer to answer.
3. Whenever practical, Companies that are assigned to an incident, should have
their cell phone turned on and be available for the Officer to answer.
Reference
See Cell Phone Instructions card for directions on how to operate and charge cell phones.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.09
Issued 11/23/01
Replaces:
Modified
209
Cell Phones on Fire Apparatus
OG - 2.03.09
210
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.03.09
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.04 Apparatus
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
211
OG -
212
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Apparatus Standby for Training, Fuelling, Etc.
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.04.01: Apparatus
OG - 2.04.01
Standby for Training, Fuelling, Etc.
Purpose
To provide a clear policy for when standby apparatus is required for Engine Companies leaving their area
for non-incident related purposes.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Standby coverage for Engine Companies that are out of their area, will be provided where practical.
2. Multiple Company training sessions may reduce the availability of standby
Companies.
3. When outside of their area, Company Officers will not delay in returning their
unit to its firehall area.
Procedure
While the following are general procedures, the Duty Chief may approve alternate standby
arrangements if required.
Standby While Training at Cypress Training Ground
When training at the Cypress Training Ground, there will always be at least two Engine companies available at standby locations, one in the west and one in the east. The standby coverage will be as follows:
1. At least one Engine Company will cover the Horseshoe Bay Firehall and the
Caulfeild Firehall areas. When one Engine Company is covering both areas
the standby location is anywhere in Firehall 2’s area.
2. At least one Engine Company will cover the Ambleside Firehall and British
Properties Firehall areas. When one Engine Company is covering both areas
the standby location will be anywhere in Firehall 1’s area.
When an incident occurs in the central portion of the municipality a response from the Training Ground may be more appropriate. An available unit at the Training Ground may contact
Dispatch and transmit that they are available to respond.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.01
213
Apparatus Standby for Training, Fuelling, Etc.
OG - 2.04.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Standby While Training at Other Locations
Complete standby coverage may not be practical when multiple Engine Companies are
attending training sessions at a single location. When training outside of their area without
standby coverage, Company Officers will not delay in returning their Engine to its firehall
area.
1. Engine Companies training outside of their area without standby coverage,
will return to their firehall area for lunch breaks.
2. Engine Companies training outside of their area without standby coverage,
will return to their firehall area immediately at the conclusion of training.
Standby Coverage for Fuel
West Van Quint 4 is not required to arrange standby coverage for fuelling at Firehall 1. When
fuelling, the Company Officer of West Van Quint 4 will not delay in returning to their area.
West Van Engine 2 and West Van Engine 3 will switch areas when an Engine requires fuel
from another Firehall:
1. The Company Officer of the Engine requiring fuel will arrange coverage with
the Officer of the Standby Company.
2. Each Engine Company will report to Dispatch when they leave and re-enter
their area.
Engine Company Call Signs
Engine Companies will keep their own Engine designation when in another firehall coverage
area, i.e. When West Van Engine 2 goes into West Van Engine 3’s area to standby, the Company remains West Van Engine 2.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Apparatus
214
Issued 12/06/00
Replaces:
Modified 03/16/05
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.01
Apparatus at Public Functions
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.04.02: Apparatus
OG - 2.04.02
at Public Functions
Purpose
To provide a policy for keeping Fire Companies in service at public functions.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Every effort will be made to ensure that all Fire Companies will be kept in service while participating at a public function.
Procedure
While on-duty and attending public functions Company Officers will ensure that:
1. Apparatus is parked safely and attended or clearly within sight at all times.
2. Apparatus will be parked with exit access unimpeded.
3. If apparatus is placed out of service due to the nature of its placement, extension of aerial device, etc., suitable spare replacement apparatus is available at
the scene so that the Company remains in service.
Notwithstanding the above, the Officer-in-Charge may use his/her discretion regarding the
length of time apparatus will placed be out of service, or the distance that apparatus is located
from their normal response area.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Apparatus
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.02
Issued 01/18/01
Replaces:
Modified
215
Apparatus at Public Functions
OG - 2.04.02
216
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.02
Vehicle Accident Procedure
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.04.03: Vehicle
OG - 2.04.03
Accident Procedure
Purpose
To provide a clear procedure for dealing with an accident involving a municipal vehicle.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The employee that is operating the municipal vehicle at the time of the accident is responsible
for following the Vehicle Accident Procedure described below.
Procedure
REPORTING AN ACCIDENT
Operator Responsibilities
1. The operator of the vehicle will verbally report the accident as soon as practical to his/her supervisor. Verbal reporting of the accident will then go up the
chain of command to the Deputy Chief.
2. The operator will call Police to the accident location whenever:
a) Aggregate damage to vehicle(s) appears to be in excess of $3000.00
b) The other driver is uncooperative.
c) The accident occurred in unusual circumstances.
d) There are injuries.
3. The operator of the vehicle will complete a Municipal VEHICLE ACCIDENT
REPORT with all pertinent information within 24 hours, and ensure that the
completed report is forwarded to the Deputy Chief.
The operator will gather all information related to the event and based on that
information while filling out the VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT must
answer some basic questions like:
• Who-Who was involved? Witnesses?
• What-What happened (people, places, vehicles)? What were you doing when it
happened?
• When-When did it happen? Date, time, time in work cycle.
• Where-Where did it happen? Exact location including address or other location.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.03
217
Vehicle Accident Procedure
OG - 2.04.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• Why-Why did it happen? What caused it?
• How- How did it happen? Very similar to why but usually concentrates on the
immediate or obvious causes.
If Police have become involved, the Police File No. must be included in the VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT.
Responsibility of Immediate Supervisor (Company Officer)
The Company Officer will ensure that the VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT is accurate and
completely filled in as much as possible and confirm this by signing the report.
Responsibility of Deputy Chief
1. When received, the Deputy Chief will send the completed VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT by FAX to:
a) The Municipal Risk Management Coordinator at 604-925-5959; or
b) The Municipal Garage Superintendant at 604-925-7140.
2. The VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT will be forwarded to the Administrative Assistant who will make a copy for Department records, and send the
original by internal mail to the Municipal Risk Management Coordinator.
CLAIM PROCESSING FOR MUNICIPAL CARS
If the accident has occurred to a municipal car, the ICBC Claim Form is then placed at reception at the Lloyd Avenue ICBC Claim Centre and the operator is able to take the vehicle
through (if necessary) at any time without an appointment. Collision repairs are carried out,
on the North Shore unless specialized work is required.
Should you be operating a car that has a broken window which is NOT resulting from an accident, please take your car directly to ICBC; no appointment is required and the Municipality
does not track this type of claim.
TOWING
Municipal Vehicles will be towed by the current Towing Contractor, which at the time of issue
is Payless Towing at 604-988-4176.
Reference
218
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.03
Vehicle Accident Procedure
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.04.03
None.
Section 2: Operations
Apparatus
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.03
Issued 10/12/01
Replaces:
Modified
219
Vehicle Accident Procedure
OG - 2.04.03
220
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.03
Out-of-Service Fire Companies
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.04.04: Out-of-Service
OG - 2.04.04
Fire Companies
Purpose
To provide a policy where Fire Dispatch, the Duty Chief and on-duty personnel are notified
when a Fire Company is out-of-service.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
Fire Dispatch, the Duty Chief, and all West Vancouver firehalls will be notified when a Company is out-of-service and when the Company is placed back into service.
Procedure
NOTIFICATION
Fire Companies that are “out-of-service,” are not available for incident assignment. This is
usually because of mechanical breakdown or crew shortage. It is not the same as “unavailable” (see OG2.03.05 Radio Terminology).
1. The Company Officer of an out-of-service unit is responsible for notifying
Fire Dispatch, the Duty Chief and all West Vancouver firehalls that the unit is
out-of-service, as soon as practical.
2. The Company Officer of quint apparatus is responsible for notifying the other
three firehalls when a quint has been replaced with a spare engine. This gives
prior notice to other Companies what kind of apparatus to expect in multicompany responses.
3. Company Officers are responsible for notifying Fire Dispatch, the Duty Chief
and all other West Vancouver firehalls when their unit is placed back into service.
REPLACEMENT APPARATUS
When an Engine Company is out-of-service due to mechanical breakdown, the Duty Chief
will arrange replacement apparatus in the following order:
1. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue reserve engine;
2. WVFR tower truck;
3. WVFR rescue truck;
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.04
221
Out-of-Service Fire Companies
OG - 2.04.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4. Reserve apparatus from neighbouring municipalities.
Reference
OG2.03.05 Radio Terminology.
222
Section 2: Operations
Issued 12/20/01
Apparatus
Modified 5/28/03
Replaces:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.04
Apparatus Standby
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.04.05: Apparatus
OG - 2.04.05
Standby
Purpose
To standardize standby procedure for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue fire apparatus.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. It will be the dispatcher’s responsibility to manage apparatus standbys, except
when the Incident Commander makes specific standby requests due to exceptional circumstances.
2. Standby coverage and locations for fire apparatus will be managed as outlined
in Procedure below.
Procedure
STANDBY COVERAGE
1. During confirmed multi-apparatus incidents it will be the Dispatcher’s responsibility to:
a) Automatically send apparatus to standby; and
b) determine and manage the appropriate apparatus standby location(s) as
outlined below; and
c) release units from standby as other units become available.
2. During single apparatus incidents, engine company officers should request
standby coverage immediately when it is estimated that their unit will be
unavailable for an extended period of time. An extended period of time is anything longer than the typical duration of an emergency medical incident. The
intent of this guideline is not to move apparatus to standby locations for coverage of typical 10 to 15 minute medical incidents.
Once the occupied engine becomes available, it is the dispatcher’s responsibility to release the standby unit.
3. For single apparatus incidents, Firehall 1 and Firehall 4 are located close
enough to each other that one can standby for the other from their respective
firehall:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.05
223
Apparatus Standby
OG - 2.04.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
a) When West Van Engine 1 is unavailable due to an incident, West Van
Quint 4 can provide engine coverage of Firehall 1’s area from Firehall 4.
b) When West Van Quint 4 is unavailable due to an incident, West Van
Engine 1 can provide coverage of Firehall 4’s area from Firehall 1.
WEST VANCOUVER STANDBY LOCATIONS
The determination of standby location(s) for fire apparatus is the responsibility of the dispatcher using the guidelines below:
There are three standard apparatus standby locations in West Vancouver:
• Trans-Canada Highway and Caulfeild interchange,
• Trans-Canada Highway and Westmount interchange,
• Skilift Road and Folkestone Way.
Standby Location for Coverage of Firehalls 2 and 3
The standby location for (1) Engine covering both the Horseshoe Bay Firehall and Caulfeild
Firehall is:
• One (1) Engine - Trans-Canada Highway and Caulfeild interchange.
Standby Locations for Two Engines Covering the Full Municipality
The standby locations for two (2) Engines covering the full municipality is:
• One (1) Engine - Skilift Road and Folkestone Way; and
• One (1) Engine - Trans-Canada Highway and Caulfeild interchange.
Standby Location for One Engine Covering the Full Municipality
The standby location for one (1) Engine covering the full municipality is:
• One (1) Engine - Trans-Canada Highway and Westmount interchange.
Note: -
• When standing by at Trans-Canada Highway and Caulfeild interchange during
business hours, the maximum amount of time permitted in Caulfeild Village is 15
minutes. Further standby time is to be spent on the interchange access roads.
STANDBY COVERAGE IN NORTH VANCOUVER
When West Vancouver fire apparatus is requested for standby coverage in North Vancouver
the following guidelines apply:
1. The Dispatcher or Incident Commander should request the standby coverage;
2. The Dispatcher should determine and state the standby location;
224
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.05
Apparatus Standby
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.04.05
3. West Vancouver apparatus assigned to standby locations in North Vancouver
should be dispatched in the following priority order: West Van Quint 4, West
Van Engine 1, West Van Engine 3, West Van Engine 2.
4. The West Vancouver Duty Chief will be contacted each time a unit of West
Vancouver fire apparatus is sent to a standby location and/or released from a
standby location in North Vancouver.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Apparatus
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.05
Issued: 11/15/02
Replaces: S24
Modified: 11/26/02
05/15/03
03/23/04
225
Apparatus Standby
OG - 2.04.05
226
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.05
Apparatus Inspections
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.04.06: Apparatus
OG - 2.04.06
Inspections
Purpose
To ensure that emergency apparatus are maintained in a state of readiness and to establish a
procedure for checking department apparatus at the start of every shift.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Drivers of department apparatus are responsible for ensuring the vehicle, and
all equipment on the vehicle, is safe, secure and in a serviceable condition at
the beginning of each shift.
2. Firefighters not assigned as drivers, are responsible for ensuring spare apparatus, and all equipment on spare apparatus, is safe, secure and in a serviceable
condition at the beginning of each shift.
3. If a firefighter is unable to check his or her assigned vehicle at the change of
shift, due to incidents, etc., the vehicles shall be checked as soon as possible
after returning to the firehall.
Procedure
DAILY VEHICLE INSPECTION
As part of the daily vehicle inspection it is the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to:
1. Complete all equipment checks and inspect the vehicle at the beginning of
every shift as per the Daily Vehicle Inspection Form.
2. Correct defects that are found provided the member has the expertise, tools,
and supplies to do so.
3. Report problems that cannot be repaired to the Mechanic using the Work
Order Request Form (see OG1.07.05.01 Mechanical Work Orders).
4. Complete an equipment check and inventory following all incidents where
equipment was used or after apparatus is returned.
5. Request permission from the Officer-in-Charge before exchanging or removing any equipment from spare apparatus.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.06
227
Apparatus Inspections
OG - 2.04.06
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
WEEKLY APPARATUS INSPECTION - MONDAYS
On Monday mornings it is the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to complete the
Weekly Vehicle Inspection portion of the Daily Vehicle Inspection Form.
PLACING APPARATUS OUT OF SERVICE
Whenever a defect requires that a vehicle be placed out of service, the driver shall notify the
Officer-in-Charge. The Officer-in-Charge shall place the vehicle out of service and arrange for
replacement apparatus by following OG2.04.04 Out of Service Apparatus.
CREWS ASSISTING DRIVERS
Notwithstanding the above the Officer-in-Charge may assign crews to assist the driver as
required.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Daily Vehicle Inspection Form;
OG1.07.05.01 Mechanical Work Orders;
OG2.04.04 Out of Service Apparatus;
Section 2: Operations
Apparatus
228
Issued: 07/07/03
Replaces: D 10
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.04.06
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.05 Response to Calls
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
229
OG -
230
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05: Fire
OG - 2.05
and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
Purpose
To provide uniform emergency operation Dispatch Nature Code response and to ensure minimum staffing at all Emergency Incidents.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
All Personnel and Fire Dispatch will adhere to the uniform emergency operation response procedures for the Incident Nature Codes listed below.
The Standard Response listed below for each Incident Nature Code, is for a First Alarm
assignment.
Procedure
STANDARD COMPLEMENT OF APPARATUS
West Vancouver Fire and Rescue has a standard Fire Apparatus availability of:
1. Four (4) Engine Companies and
one (1) Rescue Company, or
one (1) Ladder Company
(both staffed with the same two members).
A Duty Chief is on-call 24 hours a day (see OG 203.01.01 and OG203.06).
STANDARD FIRST ALARM RESPONSES FOR INCIDENT NATURE CODES
STRUCTURE FIRE
Building types listed below will have a First Alarm Emergency response of three (3) Engine
Companies and one (1) Ladder Company and one (1) Duty Chief.
MULTI FAM/HIGHRISE
MULTI FAM/APARTMENT
COMM/INDUST
HOTEL/MOTEL
SCHOOL/COLLEGE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05
231
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
OG - 2.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
HOSPITAL/RESTHOME
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
OTHER
Building types listed below will have a First Alarm Emergency response of three (3) Engine
Companies and one (1) Rescue Company and one (1) Duty Chief.
SINGLE FAMILY
ALARMS RINGING
Building types listed below will have a First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine
Companies and one (1) Ladder Company.
MULTI FAM/HIGHRISE
MULTI FAM/APARTMENT
COMM/INDUST
HOTEL/MOTEL
SCHOOL/COLLEGE
HOSPITAL/RESTHOME
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
All other building types not mentioned above (houses), will have a First Alarm Emergency
response of two (2) Engine Companies
MARINE FIRE (WATER)
FIRE - BOAT/SHIP
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company.
MARINE FIRE (LAND/DOCK)
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Ladder Company.
TRAIN/RAIL FIRE
FIRE - TRAIN/RAIL
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Ladder Company
in a commercial/industrial area.
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies in a non-commercial/industrial area.
VEHICLE FIRE
CAR/TRUCK
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company.
CAR/TRUCK HWY 1
232
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.05
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies.
BUS
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies.
ACCIDENT - TRAIN RAIL
FIRE - TRAIN VEHICLE
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Rescue Company.
FIRE MISCELLANEOUS
FIRE - DUMPSTER/CONTAINER
FIRE - BUSH/GRASS
FIRE - RUBBISH
FIRE - POLE/TRANSFORMER
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company.
FIRE - ILLEGAL BURNING
FIRE - OTHER
First Alarm Routine response of one (1) Engine Company unless an Emergency response is
suitable.
CHIMNEY FIRE
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Ladder Company.
MVA - NO OR UNKNOWN
MVA - UNKNOWN INJURIES
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company and one (1) Rescue Company.
MVA - FIRE - ON HWY
MVA - INJURIES
MVA - HWY1
MVA - WITH FIRE
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Rescue Company.
RESCUE
RESCUE - CANYON
RESCUE - CONFINED SPACE
RESCUE - INDUSTRIAL
RESCUE - CRANE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05
233
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
OG - 2.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Rescue Company.
RESCUE - OTHER
RESCUE - OTHER
RESCUE - JUMPER
First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and one (1) Rescue Company.
MEDICAL AID FROM EHS
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company or one (1) Rescue Company or
one (1) Ladder Company.
MEDICAL AID - NOT FROM EHS
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company or one (1) Rescue Company or
one (1) Ladder Company.
INVESTIGATION
INVESTIGATION - SMOKE/ODOUR
INVESTIGATION - LINES DOWN
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company.
INVESTIGATION - OTHER
INVESTIGATION - SUBSTANCE IN CREEK
First Alarm Routine response of one (1) Engine Company.
HAZ MAT
NATURAL GAS LEAK
PROPANE LEAK
GASOLINE/DIESEL SPILL
RAIL TANK CAR SPILL
TRUCK SPILL
MATERIAL SPILL
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company and one (1) Rescue Company,
unless the Incident is of a minor nature to require a routine response as an INVESTIGATION.
MARINE - OTHER
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company unless the Incident is of such a
nature to require a Routine response.
BOAT/SHIP TAKING WATER
First Alarm Emergency response of one (1) Engine Company.
234
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.05
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
HYDRANT OPENED
PUMP BASEMENT
LOCK OUT
OTHER (including elevator rescue)
First Alarm Routine response of one (1) Engine Company.
NON EMERG MEDICAL ASSIST
MEDICAL ASSIST - BC AMB.
MEDICAL ASSIST (LIFT PATIENT)
First Alarm Routine response of one (1) Engine Company or one (1) Rescue Company or one
(1) Ladder Company.
ASSIST TO OUTSIDE AREA
As requested by Outside Area Incident Commander, with consultation with Duty Chief.
UNREPORTED FIRE
As required.
SECOND ALARMS
A Second Alarm for a Structure Fire (Dispatch Code 100) is two (2) Engines, one (1) Ladder
truck, one (1) Chief Officer and four (4) Callbacks.
A Second Alarm for a Rescue (Dispatch Code 310) is one(1) Engine and one (1) Chief
Officer. If more resources are needed the on-scene IC can request them through Special Call.
Standard Second Alarms for all other incident types is one (1) Engine. If more resources are
needed beyond one Engine, the on-scene IC can request them through Special Call.
THIRD ALARMS
A Third Alarm for a Structure Fire (Dispatch Code 100) is two (2) Engines, one (1) Ladder
truck, one (1) Chief Officer and four (4) Callbacks.
There are no standard Third Alarms for other types of incidents. If more resources are needed,
the on-scene IC can request them through Special Call.
GENERAL ALARM
General Alarm- Call out of all available resources and firefighters as required including additional Mutual Aid resources.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05
235
Fire and Emergency Incident - Response Procedures
OG - 2.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
SPECIAL CALL
Special Call- Any request by an Incident Commander for specific units, equipment or staffing
for standby or use at the emergency scene, that is not part of our normal level of response or
the established First, Second and subsequent Alarm directives.
Reference
OG 203.01.01 Dispatch of Duty Chiefs and OG203.06 Radio Pagers.
Section 2: Operations
Communications
236
Issued 12/04/00
Modified
03/26/01
09/13/02
10/07/02
05/12/04
07/26/06
Replaces:
Dispatch F6, F8
Suppression F10, F12
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05
Motor Vehicle Accident Response
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05.02: Motor
OG - 2.05.02
Vehicle Accident Response
Purpose
1. To provide sufficient personnel and apparatus to all Motor Vehicle Accidents
(MVA’s).
2. To provide a coordinated response to MVA’s located on the Trans-Canada
Highway (TCH).
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
A sufficient number of personnel and apparatus will respond to all MVA’s to ensure the safety
of Fire Department members.
A sufficient number of personnel and apparatus will respond to all MVA’s in a coordinated
response to ensure that the operation is effective.
Procedure
LEVEL OF RESPONSE
1. The standard response for a Motor Vehicle Accident located within West Vancouver other than on the Trans-Canada Highway or Highway 99, shall be one
(1) Engine Company and one (1) Rescue Company.
2. The standard response for a Motor Vehicle Accident located on the TransCanada Highway or Highway 99, shall be two (2) Engine Companies and one
(1) Rescue Company.
3. Not withstanding the above, at any MVA, the on scene Incident Commander
can direct that Fire Dispatch respond additional units and/or personnel to the
Incident.
4. At any MVA of a serious nature where there are extenuating circumstances,
the on scene Incident Commander can direct that Fire Dispatch contact the
Duty Chief (or his/her replacement) and have him/her respond to the incident.
Coordination of Response to MVA’s on TCH:
1. When responding to a MVA located on the Trans-Canada Highway, the Company Officers of each responding apparatus will coordinate their response.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.02
237
Motor Vehicle Accident Response
OG - 2.05.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2. When unsure of the direction of the lane of travel of the MVA, Company
Officers, when practical, will coordinate their response to approach the MVA
from different directions.
Reference
OG203.01.01 Dispatch of Duty Chiefs
Section 2: Operations
Response to Calls
238
Issued 10/24/00
Replaces:
Modified
Dispatch M4
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.02
Public Service Calls for Assistance
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05.03: Public
OG - 2.05.03
Service Calls for Assistance
Purpose
To provide a policy for response to Public Service Calls for assistance.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
Every effort will be made to respond when members of the public request assistance.
Procedure
1. Every reasonable request for public assistance, whether large or small, will be
treated as having importance.
2. The request will be taken by Dispatch and transferred to the appropriate crew
for action.
3. The Officer-in-Charge will assess the capability to assist, based on staff availability and the safety of the crew.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Response to Calls
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.03
Issued 03/13/01
Replaces:
Modified
239
Public Service Calls for Assistance
OG - 2.05.03
240
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.03
Response to Areas Without an Aid Agreement
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05.04: Response
OG - 2.05.04
to Areas Without an Aid Agreement
Purpose
To provide a policy stating that West Vancouver Fire & Rescue does not provide services to
areas outside of the municipality that have not entered into an aid agreement.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
To conform with the provisions contained in the BC Community Charter and the West Vancouver Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw, West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will
not respond to, or provide services in areas where the District has not entered into an aid
agreement.
Procedure
Provincial Law and the Municipal Fire Protection Bylaw restricts the Fire Department from
providing services to areas that have not entered into an aid agreement with the District. Currently, our Department has signed agreements with all other lower mainland municipalities,
including North Vancouver District, North Vancouver City and Lions Bay.
The area not covered by an aid agreement is located between Lions Bay and West Vancouver,
and the area north of Lions Bay. Therefore, to conform with Provincial and Municipal Law:
1. Fire Dispatch will not dispatch Department apparatus to calls for assistance
located in the area between the northern boundary of West Vancouver and
Lions Bay, or areas north of Lions Bay.
2. If requested, West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will not respond to calls for assistance located in the area between the northern boundary of West Vancouver
and Lions Bay, or areas north of Lions Bay.
The area between West Vancouver and Lions Bay includes:
•
•
•
•
Montizambert Wynd
Strachan Creek
Strachan Point
Ocean Point
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.04
241
Response to Areas Without an Aid Agreement
OG - 2.05.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
BC Community Charter, Bill 14 - 2003
Services outside municipality
13 (1) A municipality may provide a service in an area outside the
municipality, but it must first obtain consent as follows:
(a) if the area is in another municipality, the council must obtain the
consent of the council of the other municipality;
(b) if the area is not in another municipality, the council must obtain
the consent of the regional district board for the area.
West Vancouver Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw 4366, 2004, Section 7.5:
7.5 Limits Of Jurisdiction
The geographical limits of the jurisdiction of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
shall be the area within the boundaries of the Municipality, and no apparatus
of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue shall be used beyond the limits of the
Municipality without an express written agreement providing for the supply
of fire fighting services outside the municipal boundaries or the prior
approval of the Mayor.
Section 2: Operations
Response to Calls
242
Issued 07/04/01
Replaces: O3; S2
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.04
Response to Lions Gate Hospital (LGH)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05.06: Response
OG - 2.05.06
to Lions Gate Hospital (LGH)
Purpose
To ensure that the response assignment to Lions Gate Hospital coordinates with North Vancouver response assignments.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. First alarm apparatus responding to LGH from West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
will conform with the standard apparatus assignments of City of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue as stated in Procedure below.
2. A duty chief will be dispatched to LGH if two (2) or more units of apparatus
has been requested from West Vancouver.
Procedure
CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS TO LGH
Engine 10
Proceed to Emergency entrance off St. Georges Avenue and work to best advantage.
Ladder 10
Standby on St. Georges Avenue at west end of main building for tasking.
Engine 1
Connect to hydrant at 14th Street and St. Andrews Avenue. Prepare to connect to F.D. connections and wait for tasking.
Engine 2
Standby at 13th Street entrance to main building for tasking.
Snorkel 1
Standby on 15th Street east of driveway for tasking.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.06
243
Response to Lions Gate Hospital (LGH)
OG - 2.05.06
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Van Quint 4
Standby on front apron of Firehall for tasking.
Command Post
Fire alarm annunciator panel on 13th Street entrance of main building.
2nd Alarm
Report to command post for tasking.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Response to Calls
244
Issued 04/03/02
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.06
Callback of Personnel
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05.07: Callback
OG - 2.05.07
of Personnel
Purpose
To standardized emergency incident related personnel Callback procedures.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. The Fire Chief or designate may call off duty members back to work during a
large incident.
2. Off duty personnel called-back for duty by West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
will be contacted by Fire Dispatch as stated below in Procedure.
3. Members shall be compensated for callback duty according to the Collective
Agreement.
4. Spare Engines staffed by called-back personnel will respond to subsequent
incidents as stated below in Procedure.
Procedure
DEFINITION OF CALLBACK
Callback- Members may be called back to duty when emergency conditions require additional
personnel to mitigate the emergency.
CALLING BACK MEMBERS TO DUTY
Fire Department Act
Callback is authorized by the authority given the Fire Chief under Section 8 of the Provincial
Fire Department Act (Two Platoon Act):
Full attendance at large destructive fire
Despite this Act, the fire chief may require the attendance of all members of
the fire brigade for work during a large destructive fire if the fire chief considers their attendance necessary for the control of the fire.
1. The Incident Commander may request that Fire Dispatch call off-duty members back to duty during an emergency.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.07
245
Callback of Personnel
OG - 2.05.07
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2. The IC may request a specific number of members be called-back directly to
the emergency, or may request specific units of fire apparatus to be staffed.
3. Spare Engines staffed with called-back personnel will be staffed with a crew
of four (4).
RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS
When some callback personnel have arrived at a firehall to staff an Engine and the full fourmember crew has not yet arrived, the following procedure will be followed:
1. When dispatched to a new non-structure fire incident, units staffed by calledback personnel will immediately respond if staffed with a minimum of two (2)
members.
2. When dispatched to a new structure fire incident, units staffed by called-back
personnel will immediately respond if staffed with a minimum of three (3)
members.
Reference
Fire Department Act of B.C.
Collective Agreement
OG2.03.03 Mechanic Callback
OG2.03.08 Call signs for Spare Engine Companies.
Section 2: Operations
Response To Calls
246
Issued 11/19/02
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.07
Secondary Response Apparatus
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.05.08: Secondary
OG - 2.05.08
Response Apparatus
Purpose
To provide a policy for the secondary response of apparatus to an emergency incident that is
already underway.
Scope
All Personnel;
Fire Dispatch.
Policy
Fire apparatus staffed with a minimum of one (1) may respond to an incident already underway for the purpose of delivering the apparatus and its inventory of equipment to the incident.
Procedure
DEFINITONS
Primary Response Apparatus- Fire apparatus that is staffed with a crew and is: Available InQuarters, Available On Radio, Available at Scene, or Out-of-service.
Secondary Response Apparatus- Fire
apparatus staffed with a minimum of one (1) that can
respond to an in-progress incident only for the purpose of delivering the apparatus and its
inventory of equipment to the incident.
SECONDARY RESPONSE APPARATUS
There is sometimes a need for Secondary Response Apparatus to respond to incidents. An
example would be a confirmed fire occurring when the rescue truck is occupied at another
incident. In this case there is not a crew available to staff the aerial platform truck as a First
Response Apparatus. Since the tower truck carries spare SCBA air bottles and other important
equipment, there is a need for the truck to attend the incident.
Secondary Response Apparatus may only respond to incidents under the following conditions:
1. Primary Response Apparatus are already on scene at a confirmed emergency
incident;
2. The IC has requested or approved the responding of the Secondary Response
Apparatus;
3. Extra caution is taken when responding EMERGENCY with a driver only;
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.08
247
Secondary Response Apparatus
OG - 2.05.08
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4. The Secondary Response Apparatus is not dispatched to any incident as a First
Response Apparatus;
5. The Secondary Response Apparatus once on scene at an in-progress incident,
is not tasked for duties until a crew is assigned to it.
Once Secondary Response Apparatus is staffed with members already on scene, it may be
used as First Response Apparatus.
Fire Dispatch will be notified by the IC of a change in apparatus status.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
REsponse to Calls
248
Issued 02/17/03
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.05.08
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.12 Hose
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
249
OG -
250
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Hose Testing
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.12.01: Hose
OG - 2.12.01
Testing
Purpose
To ensure that all fire hose is tested annually and is fit for continued use.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Fire hose will be tested following safe work practices.
2. Fire hose must also be tested prior to being returned to service after:
a) being damaged;
b) frozen;
c) driven over;
d) repaired;
e) upon new issue; and
f) following installation of new or used couplings.
3. The responsibility for fire hose service testing will be rotated throughout the
four (4) suppression shifts on an annual basis.
Procedure
SAFETY NOTES:
• Make sure all air is out of the hose lines before increasing to the test
pressure;
• Do not straddle hose while testing;
• Inspect pressurized hose from a distance;
• Everyone involved in testing hose is to keep alert in case of hose rupture or a coupling blowing off;
• Keep the public away from the testing area.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
REVIEW OF TESTING PROCEDURE
Prior to the hose test procedure, the Company Officer will conduct a quick review of the hose
test procedures. This review will discuss the importance of following safe procedures while
the test is conducted.
RESPONSIBILITIY FOR HOSE TESTING
Responsibility for testing fire hose will rotate in the order A,B,C,D with B-Shift testing hose
in the year 2007.
Annual fire hose testing will commence by July 1 and be completed by September 30 of each
year.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Each length of hose should be visually inspected prior to the service pressure test. The visual
inspection will look for chemical damage, burns, cuts, abrasions and other damage.
Couplings should be visually inspected for the following:
1. damaged slots and connectors,
2. hose slippage,
3. out-of-round,
4. missing or loose allen bolts,
5. swivel not rotating freely,
6. missing gasket,
7. other defects.
Hose lengths that fail visual inspection should be tagged with a description of the
defect(s) and sent to Hall 3 for repair.
4” HOSE - TESTING PROCEDURE
1. 4” hose should be tested with a pumper truck.The Company Officer should
find a test location that will allow enough room for the testing process. The
testing area should be located where there is little chance for the public to
come in proximity to the hose.
2. A hose test gate-valve (which is a gate-valve with a 1/4” hole drilled through
the gate) must be used on a 2-1/2” discharge port. The 1/4” opening permits
the pressure to be raised to the test pressure, while minimizing the reaction of
the hose in case of a burst section.
3. A 2-1/2” male to 4” Storz adapter is placed on the hose test gate-valve.
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4. The 4” hose is connected to the adapter and laid out without kinks. A 4” Storz
to 2-1/2” wye is attached to the far end of the hose.
5. With the hose test gate-valve fully open the air is bled from the 4” hose under
low pressure (under 45 psi). When all the air is expelled from the hose, both
valves on the wye are closed.
6. Before reaching test pressure the hose adjacent to each coupling should be
marked with chalk or pencil to determine if the hose is creeping during the
test.
7. Fully close the hose test gate-valve, and slowly build the pressure to 200 psi,
and hold for five (5) minutes.
Care should be taken to fully purge the air from the hose before the pressure is
raised to test levels. There is a serious accident potential should a hose fail with
air in the system.
8. While the pressure is holding at 200 psi, walk off to the side of the hose for the
entire length, and look for any water leakage.
9. If a hose section breaks, leaks or bursts during the test, the service test should
be stopped and the defective length removed and tagged. The service test
should then be resumed for another five (5) minutes at 200 psi.
10. After five (5) minutes at 200 psi the pump should be slowly shut down and the
hose test gate-valve slowly opened, so the hose pressure can equalize with the
source. Close the pump discharge port, and open pump discharge drain.
11. Open 4” to 2-1/2” wye at far end of hose to drain.
12. The marks placed adjacent to each coupling should now be inspected for slippage. If there is any sign of hose creeping out of the coupling, the hose fails
the service test and should be tagged for repair.
Expect a 1/16 to 1/8 inch uniform movement of the coupling on newly coupled
hose. This movement is normal during initial testing but should not occur during
subsequent tests.
13. Hose records for each length of hose should be updated to indicate the results
of the test.
14. Hose that fails either the visual or pressure test should be removed from service and tagged for repair. The damaged hose should have the specific area of
defect marked with a black marking pen and a strip of cloth firmly tied around
the hose at the site of the defect. All defective hose is sent to Hall 3 for repair.
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2 1/2” AND SMALLER HOSE - TESTING PROCEDURE
2-1/2” and smaller hose should be tested with the hose testing machine. Hose should be laid
out without kinks or twists. Shutoff nozzles should be attached to the far end of each line. Do
not have test lengths more than 300 feet long. With the shutoff nozzles and valves on the hose
test machine open, the hose is filled with water. Hold the shutoff nozzle higher than the hose
testing machine and bleed the air off. When the air has been fully bled off, gently close each
shutoff nozzle.
Care should be taken to fully purge the air from each line of hose before the pressure is raised to test levels. There is a serious accident potential should a hose fail
with air in the system.
After each shutoff nozzle is closed, check all couplings for leakage and tighten with hose
spanners if required. The hose adjacent to each coupling should be marked with chalk or pencil to determine if the hose is creeping during the test.
Slowly build the pressure to 250 psi and hold for five (5) minutes. While the pressure is holding at 250 psi, walk the entire length of the hose lines and look for any water leakage.
If a hose section breaks, leaks or bursts during the test, the service test should be stopped and
the defective length removed and tagged. The service test should then be resumed for another
five (5) minutes at 250 psi.
After five (5) minutes at 250 psi the hose test machine should be turned off and the bypass
valve opened to relieve the pressure. Shutoff nozzles should now be opened to drain the hose
lines.
The marks placed adjacent to each coupling should now be inspected for slippage. If there is
any sign of hose creeping out of the coupling, the hose fails the service test and should be
tagged for repair.
Expect a 1/16 to 1/8 inch uniform movement of the coupling on newly coupled
hose. This movement is normal during initial testing but should not occur during
subsequent tests.
Hose records for each length of hose should be updated to indicate the results of the test.
Hose that fails either the visual or pressure test should be removed from service, dried and
tagged for repair. The damaged hose should have the specific area of defect marked with a
black marking pen and a strip of cloth firmly tied around the hose at the site of the defect. All
defective hose is sent to Hall 3 for repair.
After testing, hose that passes the test should be hung to dry and the female coupling stencilled with the distinctive colour that has been chosen for the respective year.
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OG - 2.12.01
Reference
IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, 4th edition
NFPA 1962, NFPA 1001: 3-5.4(a), 3-5.4(b), 4-5.3(a), 4-5.3(b).
Section 2: Operations
Hose
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.12.01
Created 8/10/00
Replaces:
Modified
255
Hose Testing
OG - 2.12.01
256
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.12.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.16 Rescue
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
257
OG -
258
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Confined Space Rescue Operations
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.16.03.02: Confined
OG - 2.16.03.02
Space Rescue Operations
Purpose
To ensure that appropriate safety precautions are taken during a Confined Space Rescue incident, and to establish procedures for entry and rescue operations in a confined space.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Only personnel trained in Confined Space Rescue operations will directly participate in a Confined Space Rescue incident.
2. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue is the agency responsible for Confined Space
Rescue of employees of the District of West Vancouver.
Procedure
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue shall assume command and control of any incident involving a
rescue that occurs within the District of West Vancouver and involves municipal workers.
ASSESSMENT
1. Locate and secure job site foreman and the entry permit.
2. Determine the location and number of victims.
3. Determine the mechanisms of entrapment or the nature of illness.
4. Make a conscious decision as to whether this is a rescue or a recovery.
5. Determine the number of entry points and locations.
6. Determine electrical/mechanical/chemical hazards.
7. Define hot, warm, and cold zones, secure their perimeters, and ensure an
access point:
DEFINITIONS
Hot Zone- is within 15 feet of the confined space entry point. No person allowed except rescue
personnel approved by Team Leader.
Warm Zone- is within 50 feet of hot zone. All rescuer staging occurs in this area. No apparatus
in the warm zone; designated by tape.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Cold Zone- is
within 150 feet of confined space. Apparatus and media are staged in this area.
Public is held outside the cold zone; designated by tape.
AREA MANAGEMENT
1. Establish an equipment staging area.
2. Ensure a sufficient rehab area is established.
3. Ventilate the general area if needed.
4. Ventilate the space. Continually assess the effectiveness of the ventilation by
continual atmospheric monitor readings. If possible, open all openings into the
space to assist with ventilation.
5. Ensure appropriate fire control measures are established. Do not allow sources
of ignition on site.
PRE-ENTRY
1. Ensure lockout, tag-out, blank-out procedures are completed.
• All mechanical devices and equipment capable of causing injury shall be placed in
a zero mechanical state.
• All electrical equipment (excluding lighting) shall be locked out in the open (off)
position with a key-type padlock and scissor lock. The padlock key shall remain
with person who placed the padlock on the scissor lock.
• In cases where lockout isn’t possible, equipment shall be properly tagged.
2. Ensure there is a backup team for every entry team. In the event the backup
team must enter to rescue, replace, or complement the entry crew, a new
backup team must be quickly established.
3. Members should operate inside the space in teams of two (2) or more. It is recognized, however, that under certain circumstances only one member may be
able to enter due to space restrictions. In these circumstances, constant contact
with the rescuer must be maintained.
Entry Team Equipment
Each entry team shall be equipped with the following items:
• ConSpace Communications system
• Intrinsically safe lighting such as Cyalume, or other explosion-proof light (Pelican
Super SabreLite, Pelican HeadsUp Light).
• Proper protective gear as deemed necessary by the Team Leader. At the minimum,
each entrant shall wear Nomex coveralls, boots, gloves, technical rescue helmet,
and respiratory protection - either SCBA or SABA (Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus). Additionally, in the presence or possibility of the presence of combustibles,
all entrants shall wear a Nomex hood.
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• Each entrant shall wear a Class III harness.
Prior to any rescue personnel entering the confined space, the technical rope rescue retrieval
system shall be in place.
ATMOSPHERIC MONITORING
Assume that the atmosphere in the confined space is toxic until testing has determined otherwise.
When a victim is unconscious inside a confined space, that space should be assumed to be
unsafe until testing has been completed.
Atmospheric monitoring shall occur prior to and during all entries into a confined space, at
five (5) minute intervals. These readings should be marked on the worksheet.
Atmospheric monitoring should be accomplished at the high, middle, and low areas of the
space.
All atmospheres shall be tested using a 4-gas meter, measuring for Oxygen deficiency/enrichment, Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), Hydrogen Sulfide, and Carbon Monoxide:
• Readings of greater than 23.5% or below 19.5% Oxygen content require the use of
SCBA or Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SABA) in the confined space at all
times.
• Readings of 10% LEL or greater prohibit the entering of the confined space. If the
LEL reaches or exceeds 10% while personnel are in the confined space, all personnel shall immediately vacate the space. Personnel will remain out of the space until
such time as the space is vented, and readings below 10% LEL are obtained.
• Readings of greater than 10 ppm Hydrogen Sulfide require the use of SCBA/
SABA in the confined space at all times.
• Readings of greater than 25 ppm Carbon Monoxide require the use of SCBA/
SABA in the confined space at all times.
In the event that, in the opinion of the Team Leader or the Safety Officer, the atmospheric
readings become unsafe to continue operations, all entry teams shall be removed from the
space until such time as the atmospheric conditions are corrected.
ENTRY
At the time of entry, each entrant shall be logged on a technical rescue worksheet with his/her
time of entry. This function shall be assigned to one member, who shall keep the Team Leader
appraised of the status of each team.
Teams shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes in the space.
Each team shall be assigned to rehab on removal from the space until rehydrated.
Once the victim has been located, decide:
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• Is this a rescue or recovery?
• Can a SABA unit be placed on the victim?
• Is an additional team required to assist removing the victim?
Once the victim is in the process of being rescued/recovered, and if he/she is to be moved
through an opening that is the only route of egress, then the following is to be followed:
1. Whenever possible, ensure that all team members are stationed on the egress
side of the opening in the event that the victim becomes lodged
2. Always try to avoid being blocked in by the victim. If this is not possible,
ensure that when the move is made, that it is made quickly and smoothly, leaving the time that the space is blocked for egress to a minimum. Additionally:
a) A plan must be agreed upon prior to blocking the space
b) All personnel shall be aware of the move
c) All air lines and connections must be clear of the victim and the path
along which the victim will be moved.
SAFETY
SCBA or SABA should be worn by all personnel entering a confined space, unless the space
has been determined to have a safe atmosphere through the use of testing equipment. It is
important that the lack of positive or alarm-level readings does not eliminate the requirement
for proper respiratory protection.
Only intrinsically safe equipment shall be used in the confined space operation. All electrical
cords, tools, and equipment shall be visually inspected for defects before use in a confined
space. Members should remove all jewelry, wallets, watches, pagers and other such electronic
devices before entering a confined space.
In the event of an air line failure on a SABA, the entire team shall immediately leave the
space, once they ensure that the rescuer with the problem is assisted.
• Notify the exterior team immediately of the problem and identify the line and the
specific problem
• Never leave a partner in trouble unless you must clear the way for his/her exit
• In the event a member using a SABA exhausts his/her escape bottle, it is acceptable to swap the airline between members to effect egress.
No one entering a confined space should travel past a point that would allow safe return to the
entrance, with a minimum of five (5) minutes of air remaining.
TERMINATION
1. Conduct a PAR.
2. Seal entry points to ensure no additional entries.
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Reference
Samples of the following forms are included as part of this Operational Guideline:
1. Confined Space Rescue Incident Command Checklist
2. Confined Space Rescue Team Leader Worksheet
3. Confined Space Rescue Atmospheric Monitoring Log
4. Confined Space Rescue Air Supply Log
Section 2: Operations
Confined Spaces
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.03.02
Issued 08/07/01
Replaces:
Modified
263
Confined Space Rescue Operations
OG - 2.16.03.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Vancouver Fire &
Rescue
Confined Space – Incident Command
Checklist
1. Incident Priorities
4. Rescue Operations
‰
Life Safety
‰
Incident Stabilization
‰
Property Conservation
‰
Action plan with backup plan
‰
Entry team ready
‰
Backup team in place
2. Size-up
Primary Assessment
Proper equipment
‰
PPE
‰
Explosion proof lighting and
‰
Secure Witness
communications
‰
Identify immediate hazards
‰
SCBA/SAR
‰
Identify location, number, and condition
‰
Remote air monitoring
of victims
‰
Personal atmospheric monitoring
‰
Secure entry permit
‰
Class III harness
Secondary Assessment
‰
Retrieval system with backup
‰
Type of space
Victim location/assessment
‰
Products in space
‰
Victim packaging/extrication
‰
Hazards – atmospheric, mechanical,
electrical
‰
Diagram of space
‰
Proper personnel and equipment on
scene
‰
Additional resources
o
o
o
o
Atmospheric monitoring
Ventilation
SCBA
Retrieval system
5. Termination
‰
Personnel accountability
‰
Remove tools and equipment
‰
Decontamination
‰
Secure scene
‰
Debriefing
‰
Rescue; or
‰
Recovery
3. Pre-Entry Operations
Ensure general area safe
6. Notes
‰
Establish perimeter
‰
Identify immediate hazards
‰
Traffic and crowd control
Ensure rescue area safe
‰
Establish accountability
‰
Test atmosphere
‰
Ventilate if required
‰
Lockout / tagout
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.16.03.02
West Vancouver Fire &
Rescue
Confined Space – Team Leader
Worksheet
Date
Incident
Location
Incident Commander
Team Leader
Air Supply Officer
Attendant
Ventilation
Safety Officer
Entry Team 1
Backup Team
Entry Team 2
Riggers
Additional Personnel
Victims
Name
Injured
Trapped
Accounted for
Hazards
O2
Toxicity
ˆ
ˆ
%LEL
ˆ
Electrical
Mechanical
ˆ
ˆ
HazMat
Other
ˆ
Access
Above Ground
Below Grade
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.03.02
Other Problems
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
Confined Space – Atmospheric
Monitoring Log
Date:
Incident:
Time
Page: of
Location:
Atmospheric Monitoring
Location
CO
(CO)
H 2S
(HS)
%LEL
(EX)
O2
(OX)
Action
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
Top
Middle
Bottom
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.16.03.02
West Vancouver Fire &
Rescue
Confined Space – Air Supply Log
Date:
Incident:
Location:
Incident Commander:
Air Supply Officer:
Page:
of
SCBA ˆ
Supplied Air ˆ
Entry 1
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
Entry 2
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
Entry 3
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
Entry 4
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
Entry 5
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
Entry 6
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
Entry 7
Team:
Time on Air Time off Air
Name
Notes
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.03.02
Marine Rescue
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.16.10: Marine
OG - 2.16.10
Rescue
Purpose
To provide a policy for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel at Marine Rescue Incidents.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
It is the policy of West Vancouver Fire and Rescue to assist in Marine Rescue Incidents, when
in the opinion of the Officer-in-Charge, the following conditions are present:
1. There is safety equipment available appropriate to the hazards; and
2. The assistance required is within the crew’s capabilities and training.
Procedure
The Officer-in-Charge must take all reasonable precautions necessary to ensure the health and
safety of firefighters assisting at Marine Rescue Incidents.
Firefighters must wear personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the hazards
to which they may be exposed:
1. Any firefighter who is placed in conditions which involve a risk of drowning
must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD).
2. Any firefighter who is exposed to an oxygen deficient atmosphere in the
course of his or her duties must wear adequate respiratory protection.
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue is not equipped with Department owned rescue boats or equipment, other than PFD’s. Any boats and/or equipment that are commandeered for use by West
Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel must be suitable for the hazards present.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Occupational Safety and Health Program
OG1.02 Respiratory Protection Program
WorkSafe BC OH&S Regulations.
Section 2: Operations
Rescue
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.10
Issued: 02/21/01
Replaces:
Modified
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.10
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.16.11: Rapid
OG - 2.16.11
Intervention Team (RIT)
Purpose
To state the policy and procedure for the deployment of a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. A RIT will be established whenever personnel are engaged in a hazardous
atmosphere.
2. The RIT must consist of a minimum of two (2) fire suppression personnel and
must be established on scene, prior to a second entry team entering, but not
more that ten (10) minutes after the initial entry.
3. The RIT will be immediately available to the IC for the purpose of personnel
rescue.
4. When a RIT is deployed, a second RIT must be established.
5. Large or complex operations may require that more than one RIT be established.
Procedure
A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is a team of back-up rescuers formally assembled for the
purpose of quickly responding to cases of missing or incapacitated firefighters. RIT members
must not engage or be assigned to activities that limit their abilities to make a prompt response
to rescue and endangered firefighter. Examples of where a RIT may be required:
•
•
•
•
Structure Fires
Confined Spaces
Hazmat Incidents
Other areas with hazardous atmosphere or high risk
DUTIES OF A RIT
1. Report directly to the IC in full PPE and SCBA.
2. Receive briefing on locations, activities and numbers of firefighters committed to interior operations.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
3. Establish the RIT staging location. Identify and quickly establish a rapid
deployment area that allows for RIT entry, but does not interfere with firefighter operations and is outside the collapse zone and away from other hazards.
4. Obtain Pre-Fire Plan (if available) and read it.
5. Acquire and deploy the RIT equipment (see below).
6. Conduct a visual 360 size-up of the structure, if possible, with special attention to entrances and stairway locations. Consider pre-placing ground ladders
if firefighters are working on floors above ground.
7. Monitor the designated radio channel with attention to interior crew activities.
8. Standby at RIT location in a ready state with full protective equipment.
If Rescue is Required
The call “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” followed by the nature of the problem. such as
“firefighter down interior second floor bravo side” will likely cause the IC to activate the RIT.
1. Following a “MAYDAY” all radio communication shall cease (see OG2.03.01
Communications).
2. The RIT will report, face-to-face or by radio, to Command for a briefing on
required rescue operations.
3. Conduct RIT operations:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
determine the number and last known location of missing firefighters
determine the entrance used by firefighters
decide on most effective path into the hazard area
determine which rescue tools to utilize
consider the use of PPV to clear area
start rescue efforts towards last know location
communicate search direction and RIT location to IC.
4. Only the IC, RIT and MAYDAY caller will use radio communication until the
MAYDAY is terminated.
STANDARD RIT EQUIPMENT
•
•
•
•
•
272
staging tarp
radio
charged hose line
haligan tool and flathead axe
utility rope
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.11
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.16.11
• spare SCBA or RIT Pack
• other equipment as required
Reference
For “MAYDAY” procedure, see OG2.03.01 Communications.
Section 2: Operations
Rescue
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.11
Issued 07/05/02
Replaces: R 14
Modified
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.16.11
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.17 Fire Suppression
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
275
OG -
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
High-rise Fire Emergencies
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.17.04: High-rise
OG - 2.17.04
Fire Emergencies
Purpose
To provide a safe and coordinated procedure for managing fire emergencies in high-rise buildings.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. High-rise Fire Emergency guidelines as outlined in Procedure below, will be
followed when dealing with a fire emergency in any building that is 3 stories
and higher that has a standpipe system.
2. Fire Emergency operations in high-rise buildings shall be applied uniformly
throughout the Department.
Procedure
In order to keep this document to a manageable size, the details of how to perform many procedures referred to in this Operational Guideline are contained in the Highrise Operations
Training Manual. Understanding the reference materials contained in the manual is an integral
part of using this guideline.
LEVEL OF RESPONSE FOR INCIDENT TYPES
There are three general levels of response for high-rise fire incidents:
Alarms Ringing (Incident Code 110)
High-rise buildings have a First Alarm Emergency response of two (2) Engine Companies and
one (1) Ladder Company.
If trucks were initially dispatched as Alarms Ringing, and it is discovered once on scene that
there is a confirmed fire, the first arriving unit should immediately have Dispatch upgrade the
response to Structure Fire 100 (see below).
Structure Fire (Incident Code 100)
Highrise buildings have a First Alarm Emergency response of three (3) Engine Companies
and one (1) Ladder Company and one (1) Duty Chief.
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Working Fire
As soon as it has been determined that there is a working high-rise fire, the IC may specifically request additional units through Special Call (defined in OG 2.03.05 Radio Terminology)
or call in a full second alarm. If sizable flames or heavy smoke is showing a second alarm
should be called immediately.
Second Alarm
A second alarm for a working high-rise fire is two (2) Engines, one (1) Ladder, one (1) Chief
Officer and four (4) Callbacks of off-duty personnel to staff a spare engine.
The IC, when requesting a second alarm from Fire Dispatch, should specify the response location, generally a specified staging area a block or two from the incident.
A second alarm may be called in prior to the arrival of any fire department units under the following conditions:
• the unit calling in the second alarm will be the first arriving unit on scene; and
• there is visual confirmation of a working fire.
ALARM SILENCING
The building alarm system should continue in operation until there is no longer a threat to
building occupants. The system may be silenced when the Incident Commander is sure that all
occupants are safe from danger. Examples are:
• Confirmed false alarm
• Building evacuation is complete
• Fire is extinguished and occupants not threatened by smoke
EQUIPMENT
Each attack crew at a fire emergency will bring as a minimum the following equipment with
them into the building:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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portable radio
One (1) - Thermal imaging camera
Two (2) - 1 1/2” x 75’ high-rise hose packs w/nozzles
One (1) - 2 1/2” - 1 1/2” gated wye with short length of 2 1/2” hose
One (1) - 2 1/2” - 1 1/2” reducer
One (1) - haligan tool
One (1) - flat-head axe
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• One (1) - handlamp
• One (1) - door marking crayon
• Door wedges
FIRST ALARM UNIT ASSIGNMENTS
First Arriving Chief Officer
The first arriving Chief Officer (or other officer in command until a chief officer arrives)
should establish the Command Post outside of the building in a location safe from falling
debris. If there is not sufficient personnel to assign to Lobby Control, the Command Post may
be temporarily established in the building lobby. Once a Lobby Control officer has been
assigned, the Command Post should be moved outside of the building.
First Arriving Engine
The first arriving Engine Company should drive past the front of the building and preferably
park slightly past the far corner of the building. This provides the first officer a 3-sided assessment of the building as part of the size-up. Size-up report will include building side (A,B,C or
D) and floor number if flame or smoke is visible from the building’s exterior. Take the time to
properly count floors.
1. If the Duty Chief is not on the scene, the first arriving engine officer will
assume command as part of the on-scene report.
2. The full crew of the Engine will enter the lobby, carrying the appropriate
equipment (see “Standpipe Operations” on page 286).
3. Upon entering the building, the crew will consult any source which may provide valuable information regarding the incident including:
a) annunciator panel;
b) building manager or supervisor;
c) occupant witnesses; and
d) pre-fire plans.
4. After collecting information about the incident, the crew will proceed to
investigate the fire emergency.
5. Until the first arriving officer is relieved of command by the second arriving
engine or the duty chief, Command will be mobile.
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Second Arriving Engine
Depending on the nature of the high-rise incident, there are generally three hose-lay options
for the Second Arriving Engine:
Conditions Upon Arrival:
Second Arriving Engine Hose Lays:
Alarms Ringing - Nothing Showing
Locate nearest hydrant and pumper ports and lay no hose
Indications of Fire - Unconfirmed
Lay hydrant to truck - wet; truck to pumper ports - dry
Indications of Fire - Confirmed
Lay hydrant to truck - wet; truck to pumper ports - wet
Nothing Showing- Upon
arrival to a high-rise incident with “nothing showing,” the second
arriving engine will locate the nearest hydrant and building pumper ports. While the incident
is being investigated by the first arriving engine, the officer of the second engine and a firefighter may leave the driver with the second engine and enter the lobby to establish Lobby
Control.
If there are indications of fire, the crew of the second arriving engine will follow the procedure below:
Indications of Fire- Upon
arrival to a high-rise incident with indications of fire, the second
arriving engine will take the hydrant and hook-up to the building’s pumper ports by initiating
the following procedure:
1. When deciding where to locate the second arriving Engine, the crew should be
alert to the location of the building’s pumper ports and the danger of falling
glass to themselves, other personnel and to the fire hose while pumping.
2. The second arriving engine will locate the hydrant, estimate fire flow requirements, and supply water to the building’s pumper ports.
a) With an unconfirmed fire, the pump operator will charge the line from
the hydrant to the pump only. The lines from the Engine to the pumper
ports will remain dry until a fire is confirmed. Once the fire is confirmed, pump as described in (b) below.
b) With a confirmed fire, the pump operator will charge the line through
the Engine, and supply water to the standpipe pumper ports. If the
pumper ports are supplying water to a sprinkler system, the water
should be supplied at 150 psi.
3. If the Duty Chief is not yet on the scene and the first arriving engine officer is
in-command while investigating the fire, the officer of the second arriving
engine will take the primary Passport and status board from his/her unit and
assume command after receiving a status report by radio. Once command has
been transferred and a Command Post established, the IC will assign a runner
to retrieve the Passport from the cab of the first arriving engine, and locate the
building keys.
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Third Arriving Engine
Assist first Attack crew or establish the RIT, or as tasked by the IC.
Tower/Ladder Truck
1. The first arriving Tower or Ladder Company will stage at the nearest intersection and wait for tasking, unless the fire is confirmed to be above the reach of
the device. Once the fire is confirmed to be above the reach of the aerial apparatus, the tower/ladder truck will park clear of the area required for the water
supply Engine, and the company will report to the IC for tasking.
When the tower/ladder truck arrives on the scene prior to the arrival of an
engine, where the engine is expected to be delayed, the truck will be staged as
in 1. above and the tower/ladder officer will assume command, gather information and establish lobby control.
2. If the IC tasks the aerial apparatus, the Tower/Ladder Company locates the
apparatus to best advantage, without impeding the water supply Engine Company operations.
COMMAND STRUCTURE
The Incident Command System (ICS) for high-rise fires employs several functions that are
not used at other structure fires: Resource Floor, Lobby Control and Stairway Support. The
structure of ICS for high-rise fires is discussed below.
Command Priorities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Size-up, give initial report and assume Command
Call for additional resources if working fire
Identify hazards (Hazmat, electrical, etc.)
Determine strategy and tactics
Investigate fire emergency
Establish a RIT
Establish elevator and lobby control
Designate firefighting and evacuation stairways
Command Post
The Command Post should be located outside at a specific location, or temporarily in the
lobby. The preferable location is outside the building, at a safe distance from the hazards of
falling glass, etc. The determining factor of whether to locate the Command Post in the lobby
or outside usually is decided by manpower availability. If sufficient personnel are available, a
Lobby Control Officer should be assigned to take care of lobby related duties and elevator
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control. But if there is not sufficient personnel available (for instance in the first stages of a
high-rise emergency), the IC also may act as the Lobby Control Officer.
Safety Officer
Due to the potential size and complexity of high-rise fires a Safety Officer should be assigned
by the IC as soon as practical. In a larger fire there may be numerous locations where firefighting operations are taking place at any one time. In this situation the Safety Officer may
require additional dedicated safety personnel to monitor the different locations simultaneously.
As part of their duties the Safety Officer should be aware of specific hazards that arise at highrise fires such as the danger of falling glass. The Safety Officer should keep bystanders and
firefighters away from the base of the building where shards of glass may fall from either ventilation related window breaking or from intense heat. Police assistance should be requested.
Lobby Control
At minor high-rise incidents the command post may be temporarily located in the building
lobby and many of the duties of the Lobby Control Officer are performed by the IC. At major
high-rise incidents the command post should be located outside the building and a Company
or member(s) assigned to Lobby Control (see High-rise Training Manual for Lobby Control
duties).
Elevator Control
All elevators shall be recalled to the main floor and placed out of service, except those elevators required for Department use.
Control of Keys
Lock box keys will be left at the Command Post or with Lobby Control unless it has been
determined that they are needed by the Attack crew.
Stairwell Support
Members assigned to Stairwell Support will patrol the attack and evacuation stairwells and
assist occupants and assist in moving equipment to the Resource floor.
ELEVATOR OPERATIONS
Improper use of elevators during a high-rise fire may expose firefighters and/or the public to
the risk of injury or death. It is the policy of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue to avoid elevator
use whenever possible during a fire emergency. Procedure for elevator use at a fire emergency
are as follows:
1. The first arriving crew investigating a fire emergency in a high-rise building
will walk up and not use the elevator.
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2. Non-firefighter elevators will not be used during a fire emergency. All nonfirefighter elevators shall be called down to the ground floor and placed out of
service.
3. Only “Firefighter” elevators shall be used during a fire emergency. Firefighter
elevators may only be used to transport firefighters from the second and subsequent arriving units if all the following conditions are met:
a) Firefighter elevators will not be used to transport firefighters if the fire
emergency is located on the 7th floor or lower.
b) For incidents above the 7th floor, firefighter elevators will not be used to
transport firefighters until it has been determined that the full elevator
shaft is not threatened by fire or water damage.
c) All elevators required for Fire Department use, if so equipped, shall be
placed into “Firefighter” mode prior to use. While grounded, the elevator door controls will be tested for correct operation.
d) During a fire emergency, all firefighters using elevators must be wearing
SCBA with PASS devices activated and be equipped with a portable
radio, handlamp and forcible entry tools.
e) All firefighters and equipment shall be delivered two floors below the
fire floor.
f) A record of elevator use by firefighters will be kept by the Lobby Control Officer (LCO), or the IC if a LCO has not been assigned.
EVACUATION
Deciding on evacuation priorities is one of the most difficult decisions in managing a high-rise
fire emergency. During the early stages of the incident the IC needs to make a careful assessment of conditions and then decide whether it more appropriate to assign the preponderance
of resources to quickly extinguishing the fire, or to reduce the firefighting capability by concentrating on removing evacuees. In most cases the best way to improve conditions for building occupants is to assign adequate resources to investigate the fire and extinguish it as
quickly as possible.
If during the early stages of the incident, the fire is extensive and appears uncontrollable with
the resources available, resources should be immediately assigned to clearing smoke from the
stairwells and helping occupants out of the building.
Be aware that smoke conditions in the building may require evacuation operations to extend
well past the extinguishment of the fire. Evacuees will require close supervision as they leave
the building so as not to interfere with firefighting operations or become injured by equipment
or falling glass.
To provide for the well being of evacuees, the Emergency Social Services (ESS) system may
need to be activated by Dispatch through the IC. See OG 4.05.02 Emergency Social Services
(ESS).
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Limited Evacuation
Regardless of whether resources are concentrated on extinguishing the fire or focussed on
conducting a mass evacuation, the occupants in the immediate area of the fire should be evacuated as quickly as possible. The IC may choose to conduct a limited evacuation of the building. A limited evacuation may span from evacuating the fire floor to evacuating most of the
building. The order of evacuation for a limited evacuation should be:
1. evacuate fire floor hallway;
2. evacuate stairwells above fire;
3. evacuate floor above fire;
4. evacuate other floors above fire;
5. evacuate below fire.
The evacuation should be conducted in manageable blocks that will not overwhelm the stairwells. The building’s intercom system, if so equipped, should be used by Lobby Control or the
IC to direct which floors are to be evacuated. The intercom may also be used to contact other
floors and direct occupants to shelter in place.
Firefighting and Evacuation Stairwells
The stairwell that is used for fire attack will usually be determined by the attack crew that is
investigating the fire. Once the crew has decided which stairwell will be used for the initial
attack, the officer will announce this information over the radio i.e “All units, this is Attack
One; Attack One will be attacking the fire from Stairwell A.” The officer then announces that
all other stairwells may be used for evacuation.
DEPLOYMENT AND EQUIPMENT
Deployment Floor
The deployment floor is located one floor below the fire floor. Connections to standpipes are
usually made on the deployment floor stairwell or hallway standpipes.
Equipment
Each attack crew at a fire emergency will bring as a minimum the following equipment with
them to the deployment floor:
•
•
•
•
•
•
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SCBA for each firefighter
portable radio
Two (2) - 1 1/2” x 75’ high-rise hose packs w/nozzles
One (1) - 2 1/2” - 1 1/2” gated wye with short length of 2 1/2” hose
One (1) - 2 1/2” - 1 1/2” reducer
One (1) - haligan tool
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• One (1) - flat-head axe
• One (1) - handlamp
Staging Area
Staging is an area a block or two away from the incident that is assigned for subsequently
responding apparatus to gather prior to task assignment by the IC. It is not to be confused with
the Resource Floor, which is located in the interior of the building. The IC should designate a
staging area that is at least a block away from the incident so as not to confuse unassigned
units with assigned units. Staged units are not permitted to leave the staging area until directed
to do so by the IC.
At major high-rise incidents, the IC should assign a Staging Officer to manage the staging
area. For instance, the first arriving apparatus on a second alarm may be tasked to manage the
Staging Area until their unit is needed.
The member assigned the duty as Staging Officer must keep track of staged apparatus and let
the IC know when more resources are required. It is the duty of the Staging Officer to hold
and manage the accountability tags of the staged crews until the crew is assigned.
Resource Floor
The Resource Floor is formed at high-rise fires where multiple crews will be rotated in and
out of the attack area. The Resource Floor should be located two floors below the fire floor,
and possibly lower depending on smoke conditions. All incoming crews that report to the
Resource Floor, other than the first attack crew, should carry one spare SCBA bottle per firefighter to stockpile the area.
Equipment that should be stockpiled in the Resource Floor include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SCBA units and spare bottles
refreshments
forcible entry tools
handlamps
spare hose and nozzles (1 1/2” and 2 1/2”)
6’ or 8’ pike poles
First-aid, O2 therapy kit and A.E.D.
Thermal imaging camera
If there are sufficient personnel available, the IC should assign a company or member to manage the Resource Floor. The member assigned the duty as Resource Officer must keep track of
resources and let the IC know when more personnel and/or equipment is required.
Crews rehabilitating at the Resource Floor should assist in the operation of the resource area
under the direction of the Resource Floor Officer if requested to do so, due to personnel shortages.
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Duties of the Resource Officer include:
• Manage all activities on the resource floor
• Clear area of furniture as required
• Request personnel from the IC as required, seeking to always maintain one spare
company to rotate into service.
• Request equipment from Lobby Control or the IC as required
• Set aside separate areas for first-aid, full SCBA cylinders, empty SCBA cylinders,
refreshments and other equipment
• Send empty bottles for re-filling
All personnel assigned to attack functions that become separated from their company will
report back to the resource area.
Standpipe Operations
During standpipe operations, take all practical precautions to use one stairwell as an attack
stairwell and reserve other stairwells for evacuation.
The normal location to connect to the standpipe shall be one landing or floor below the fire
floor.
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
The RIT must be comprised of at least two properly equipped firefighters who are available to
perform a rescue of other firefighters if required (see OG2.16.11 Rapid Intervention Teams).
Suitable staging locations for the RIT are-- attack stairwell or the deployment floor.
The RIT may perform other tasks, such as hose handling, as long as they are prepared, and are
ready to immediately deploy and perform RIT functions.
VENTILATION
The Incident Commander should ensure that the stairwell conditions are checked early and
monitored regularly throughout an incident. This will ensure occupant safety and provide
advance warning if stairwell conditions begin to deteriorate.
In high-rise buildings the basic methods of smoke control are:
• Horizontal or vertical ventilation using natural air currents by way of opening windows and/or doors or breaking glass;
• Forced/Mechanical ventilation by way of blowers, ejectors, hydraulically with fog
streams, HVAC systems;
• Confinement of smoke;
• Or a combination of the above methods.
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The Ventilation Officer should consult building pre-plans, the building manager and other
building personnel for information regarding Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
(HVAC) systems and smoke removal systems.
Every effort shall be made to maintain the integrity of pressurized stairwells and elevator
shafts.
Vertical ventilation should only be performed after it is confirmed that smoke shafts and stairwells are clear of occupants.
HVAC Systems
When fighting a fire in a high-rise building, always consider the effect the HVAC (Heating
Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system may be having on the intensity of the fire and the
spread of smoke throughout the building. As a general rule, shutdown the HVAC system if
smoke is being moved from one area of the building to another through components of the
system. Many newer buildings shutdown the HVAC system upon alarm, except for elevator
shafts and stairwells.
Upon arrival of the building engineer, the HVAC system may be re-activated to remove smoke
from the building. Where there is any doubt as to the operation of the HVAC system, only the
building engineer should operate the system.
SEARCH
A Search Officer should be assigned as soon as possible to coordinate and control search and
rescue efforts. In many high-rise fire incidents the best way of rescuing occupants from the
effects of fire and smoke is through knocking the fire down quickly through a coordinated
plan of attack. Every effort must be made to confine the fire and smoke as much as possible.
A high priority in Search operations is to check and confirm the safety of all occupants on the
fire floor and the attack stairwell above the fire floor. The initial attack may have to be delayed
to evacuate any occupants who may be in danger in these areas.
However, it may be unnecessary to have occupants of unaffected suites on the fire floor evacuated. If the units are clear and the occupants are safe, there may be no need for evacuation. If
a quick knock-down is expected, occupants may be safer sheltering-in-place in their suites and
avoiding the smoke filled hallway. A well organized Search Officer is necessary for this operation.
While in continuous contact by radio, and in a coordinated effort with other functions, search
teams may ventilate as they go, if necessary. Crews should try to perform horizontal ventilation as soon as possible after the onset of the fire. This will give the search and attack teams
relief from heat and smoke. This tactic can also benefit crews by notifying any outside observers where they are and what is being accomplished.
When crews are searching in a high rise building they must consider that apartment doors may
be left open by evacuating occupants. This may lead crews to incorrect suites. Crews will use
radios to confirm locations and reports of fire and smoke.
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Marking Doors to Suites or Search Floors
1. While a suite and/or floor is being searched, the doors to the suite and/or floor
shall be marked with a single diagonal line with a rescue crayon as described
in the High-rise Training Manual.
2. Upon completion of a suite and/or floor search, the doors to the suite and/or
floor shall be marked with a second diagonal line with a rescue crayon as
described in the High-rise Training Manual.
COMMUNICATIONS
Where there is communications equipment present in a building the IC should ensure that the
equipment is used to:
• notify building occupants of the current situation
• direct building occupants of actions to be taken and provide periodical updates
• provide fire crews with internal communications
Building Public Address System
In buildings so equipped, the public address system should be utilized to inform building
occupants of the arrival of the Fire Department and to direct evacuation. Most public address
systems have the option of broadcasting an “All Call” message throughout the full building, or
selecting areas of the building by zones or floors. When the building’s P. A. system is activated, the alarm system will temporarily silence so that the message can be heard. Upon
release of the microphone button, the alarm system will reactivate.
Building Emergency Telephone System
In buildings so equipped, the Emergency Telephone system should normally be utilized when
at all possible to provide hardwired communication between the various operational floors
and the lobby. This will serve to reduce the amount of on-air radio traffic.
Reference
WVFR High-Rise Operations Training Manual.
Section 2: Operations
Fire Suppression
288
Issued 04/29/03
Replaces:
Modified 05/17/05
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into Buildings With Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere
Purpose
To provide a clear policy on entering buildings with an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Personnel will follow the procedures below when entering structures with an oxygen deficient
atmosphere.
Procedure
WORKSAFEBC REGULATIONS
All personnel will follow the following WorkSafeBC Occupational Health & Safety Regulations:
8.35 IDLH or oxygen deficient atmosphere
(1) If a worker is required to enter or work in an IDLH or oxygen deficient atmosphere the worker must
(a) wear a full facepiece positive pressure respirator which is
either an SCBA, or an airline respirator with an auxiliary selfcontained air cylinder of sufficient capacity to permit the
worker to escape unassisted from the contaminated area if the
air supply fails, and
(b) be attended by at least one other worker stationed at or near
the entrance to the contaminated area who is similarly equipped
and capable of effecting rescue.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) applies if there is a significant risk of accidental release into a worker's breathing zone of quantities of an
air contaminant sufficient to produce an IDLH atmosphere.
31.23 Entry into buildings
(1) When self-contained breathing apparatus must be used to
enter a building, or similar enclosed location, the entry must be
made by a team of at least 2 firefighters.
(2) Effective voice communication must be maintained between
firefighters inside and outside the enclosed location.
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(3) During the initial attack of an incident at least one firefighter
must remain outside.
(4) A suitably equipped rescue team of at least 2 firefighters
must be established on the scene before sending in a second
entry team and not more than 10 minutes after the initial attack.
(5)The rescue team required by subsection (4) must not engage
in any duties that limit their ability to make a prompt response
to rescue an endangered firefighter while interior structural firefighting is being conducted.
INTERPRETATION OF WORKSAFEBC REGULATION 31.23
OHS Regulation 31.23 has been interpreted to mean that a minimum of four (4) firefighters
must be on scene at an incident before firefighters can enter a building wearing SCBA. For
information on the rescue team mentioned in subsections (4) and (5) of regulation 31.23, see
OG2.16.11 Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
The following interpretation of 31.23 is from WorkSafeBC:
“This guideline discusses the application of section 31.23, with consideration of the requirements of section 8.35 of the Regulation, which must also be met during firefighting operations.
Section 31.19 states “Firefighters who may be exposed to an oxygen deficient atmosphere or
to harmful concentrations of air contaminants must wear a self-contained breathing apparatus
of a positive pressure type having a rated minimum duration of 30 minutes”. A firefighter
entering a part of a building or similar enclosed location that is burning or smoke-filled is considered to be exposed to such an atmosphere. The atmosphere is potentially immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) or oxygen deficient. Section 31.23(1) requires such an entry by
firefighters to be made by a team of at least 2 firefighters. Section 8.35 requires that whenever
a worker enters or works in an IDLH or oxygen deficient atmosphere, the worker must be
attended by at least one other worker stationed at or near the entrance who is similarly
equipped and capable of effecting rescue.
Section 31.23(4) allows firefighters at the scene to start their initial attack of a fire or a rescue
operation involving entry if additional firefighters are expected to be on scene and able to provide a suitably equipped rescue team within 10 minutes of the start of the initial attack. To
establish there are additional firefighters likely to be on the scene within 10 minutes means
there needs to be effective communication between the crew at the scene, the incident commander and other firefighters being dispatched to the incident. This may be achieved either by
direct communication between the firefighters or by coordination through a central dispatch.
However, during this 10 minute “window”, a third firefighter must be dressed, equipped and
available to be the rescue worker required by section 8.35. Generally standard operating procedures for firefighter entry into a burning building or similar enclosed area stipulate the entry
team take with them a hose which is charged and capable of spraying water should the need
arise. This means a firefighter or other qualified worker must remain at the fire engine pump
controls and act to ensure the water supply is available to the firefighters making the entry.
This pump operator cannot be the rescue worker required by section 8.35 as the pump opera290
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tor cannot leave the pump to perform rescue duties. Hence the minimum number of crew
required on scene prior to commencing entry into a hazardous area for the initial attack of a
fire or to search for occupants would be four if a charged hose is to be taken in by the entry
team. Note other equipment operators, such as the operator of an aerial platform, who are
required to remain at an equipment operating position, would be in the same position as the
pump operator and cannot be designated to perform rescue duties.
There may be incidents requiring firefighters to use SCBA to enter a building or similar
enclosed location even though there is no fire and no smoke. For example, a refrigeration
plant leaking ammonia may require an emergency response by firefighters to rescue a person
or to shut off or control the leak. (Note section 31.5(2) requires the fire department have written procedures for such situations if they will do such responses.) In such circumstances the
entry team would not likely need to take a charged hose in, so minimum crew size would be 3,
for the first 10 minutes. All 3 firefighters would need to have donned the required protective
clothing and breathing apparatus. Two would be the entry team, and the third firefighter would
be the rescue worker required by section 8.35. The crew would have to establish prior to their
initial entry that, within 10 minutes of the initial entry, a fourth firefighter with the required
protective clothing and breathing apparatus is expected to be on scene and ready to join the
rescue firefighter to establish the rescue team required by section 31.23(4).
If, during the first 10 minutes of the initial attack, circumstances change so there will be a
delay beyond the 10 minute “window” in arrival of the additional crew needed to establish the
2 firefighter rescue team, the initial attack must be terminated until the rescue team can be
established.”
Reference
WorkSafeBC OHS Guidelines, Part 31;
OG2.16.11 Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).
Section 2: Operations
Fire Suppression
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.09
Issued: 04/19/07
Replaces:
Modified:
291
Entry into Buildings With Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere
OG - 2.17.09
292
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.09
Lighthouse Park - Wildfire Preparedness Plan
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.17.13.01: Lighthouse
OG - 2.17.13.01
Park - Wildfire Preparedness Plan
Purpose
To provide a guideline to protect against wildfire in Lighthouse Park.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
It shall be the policy of this Department to follow the Fire Preparedness Procedures put in
place by West Vancouver Parks Division in consultation with West Vancouver Fire & Rescue.
Procedure
HIGH FIRE HAZARD PROCEDURES
After 3 days in High Hazard:
• Fire Chief and Community Forester to meet as often as is needed throughout periods of High or Extreme hazard to monitor, discuss and assess the situation.
• Lighthouse Park Attendant moves from a 4 hour shift to an 8 hour shift.
• Lighthouse Park Attendant puts up temporary signs that warn of the High Fire
Hazard.
After 7 days in High Hazard
• Security Company employed to patrol park after Park Attendant goes off shift until
23:00 hrs.
• Security Company closes gates after hours (23:00 hrs.)
After 2 days of Extreme Hazard.
• Security Company employed to control gate 24 hours a day to warn people of the
Extreme Hazard and to patrol park after the Park Attendant goes off shift. To continue patrols all night.
• Security Company closes gates after hours.
• Fire Chief, Community Forester, Park Manager and Director of Parks and Community Services to meet to discuss the possible closure of the Park.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.01
293
Lighthouse Park - Wildfire Preparedness Plan
OG - 2.17.13.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
WATER SUPPLY LOCATIONS
294
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.01
Lighthouse Park - Wildfire Preparedness Plan
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.17.13.01
HYDRANTS AND STANDPIPES
1. All hydrants located in the park, except Nos. 14, 15 & 16 are charged year
round.
2. To charge hydrants 14, 15 & 16, pump from hydrant 13 to hydrant 14.
3. West Vancouver Parks Department services and charges all 1 1/2” standpipes
seasonally.
PRE PLAN AND EQUIPMENT
1. Lighthouse Park Pre Plan is Pre Plan No. 549.
2. Hydrant 7, located on the north side of the open field near the outdoor theatre,
is the closest hydrant to the cabins.
3. The log cabin near the turnaround (at the cabins) contains the following firefighting equipment:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2-Shindaiwa GP 25 mini Fire Pumps with suction hoses
20-50ft. lengths of Shindaiwa output hose.
2-Gal. of mixed gas for Shindaiwa Pumps
3-Backpack pump cans
4-Forest fire shovels
2-Full size shovels
3-Pulaski's
2-Pairs of loppers
1-Machete
3-Picks
1-Double bitted axe
1-Brush hook
2-Steel rakes
2-Mattocks
1-Standpipe key
Reference
Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw No. 4366, 2004
Section 2: Operations
Fire Suppression
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.01
Issued 05/28/01
Replaces: L 3
Modified
295
Lighthouse Park - Wildfire Preparedness Plan
OG - 2.17.13.01
296
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.01
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.17.13.02: Wildland/Urban
OG - 2.17.13.02
Interface Fires
Purpose
To provide a clear policy for Wildland/Urban Interface fire suppression.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue (WVFR) will work with the Community Forester and utilize all available resources to suppress wildfire within West Vancouver.
2. All personnel taking wildfire suppression action must have the minimum of
British Columbia Forest Service (BCFS) S100 training.
Procedure
DEFINITIONS
Community Forester- A
position outlined under West Vancouver’s Fire Protection Bylaw
which has the authority to prevent or suppress fires where there is a fire or risk of fire in a forest or woodland. The Community Forester works within the Parks & Community Services
Division.
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)- A pre-designated facility established by a local government or jurisdiction to coordinate the overall agency or jurisdictional response and support to
an emergency. EOCs are established to provide site level support. Local jurisdictional needs in
support of a large incident or incidents are handled at the West Vancouver EOC which is
located at the Municipal Operations Centre.
When a major emergency or disaster strikes, centralized emergency management is needed.
An EOC provides a central location of authority and information and allows for face-to-face
coordination among personnel who must make emergency decisions. This facilitates a coordinated response by senior District management, emergency responders and representatives
from the District and other organizations who are assigned specific emergency management
responsibilities. The EOC is activated when ordered by the Mayor, CAO, or a Division Director (i.e. Fire Chief).
Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre (PREOC)- A facility established and operated at the regional level by provincial staff and, as required, other agencies to help manage
the coordination of emergency response.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.02
297
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires
OG - 2.17.13.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Unified Command- Unified Command may be applied when more
than one agency shares
management responsibility. Unified Command is also used when the incident is multi-jurisdictional in nature, or when more than one individual designated by his or her jurisdiction or
agency shares overall management responsibility.
Wildland Urban Interface- The wildland urban interface is defined as the area where structures
and other human development meet with wildland areas containing flammable vegetation.
(trees, brushes, grasses). A fire occurring in this area is called a interface fire.
WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING IN WEST VANCOUVER
While the mandate for fighting wildfires rests with the British Columbia Forest Service, fire in
municipal areas is the responsibility of local government, its fire department and other local
resources.
Community Forester
In West Vancouver, wildfire suppression is the responsibility of both the Fire Department and
the Community Forester. West Vancouver’s Fire Protection Bylaw grants the Community Forester powers to prevent or suppress fires where there is a fire or risk of fire in a forest or woodland. To provide this capability, the Community Forester has trained personnel and equipment
available through existing Parks and Public Works services.
Local Government Roles and Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of municipal government, the fire department and the Community Forester to work together to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Monitor interface fire risk.
Provide public information and advise on resident action plans.
Implement fire prevention/mitigation measures.
Identify and source equipment and other resources.
Establish response parameters in consultation with BCFS and Office of the Fire
Commissioner (OFC) representatives.
Establish operations centre(s) to support on-site structural fire fighting.
Direct local response (structural fire fighting) and assist BCFS fire crews as
requested.
Coordinate evacuation and care of residents.
Maintain liaison with Incident Commander(s), BCFS Fire Control Centre and
PREOC.
Municipal Wildfire Responsibilities
Access to the site of an interface fire can be very difficult, if not impossible, for the fire
department. In West Vancouver, the fire department is generally responsible for wildfire sup298
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.02
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.17.13.02
pression activities for the first 1000 feet of interface into the wildland area from a road that is
accessible to fire apparatus.
Beyond the 1000 feet interface strip, the Community Forester is generally responsible for
wildland suppression activities.
The above is a rule of thumb only, and both the fire department and the Community Forester
work together to suppress any wildland fire they are capable of attacking whether it is located
in the 1000 foot interface or not.
RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES
Response to Wildland Fires
Fire Companies and Chief Officers will respond to single alarm and multiple alarm wildland
fires as they do other multiple alarm incidents and report to their pre-assigned responsibilities
or staging as directed by the Incident Commander.
Command Post
A Command Post should be set up as soon as possible. The Command Post should be set up in
a location that will be safe, provides a view of the fire and not have to move if the fire changes
direction.
Large Wildfires within West Vancouver
For any large wildfire occurring within West Vancouver, the Incident Commander should activate the following through Dispatch:
• Notify the municipal Fire Control Officer and Fire Boss through Dispatch or direct
at:
DWV Fire Control Officer: 604-645-0124
DWV Fire Boss: 604-645-0153
• Notify the Coastal Fire Centre at 1-250-951-4000 or 1-800-663-5555
• Notify Police
• Notify a Chief Officer to activate the municipal Emergency Operations Centre
EOC (see municipal Emergency Plan)
• Notify the North Shore Emergency Management Office: 604-983-7440
• Notify GVRD if fire is in Capilano Regional Park or in the Watershed
BRITISH COLUMBIA FOREST SERVICE
The British Columbia Ministry of Forests/Forest Protection Branch/British Columbia Forest
Service has the primary responsibility for wildland fire protection and response on crown
land, outside of organized areas and local jurisdictions.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.02
299
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires
OG - 2.17.13.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Local governments have the primary responsibility for fire protection and fire suppression
within their jurisdiction.
BCFS Coastal Fire Centre
The Coastal Fire Centre maintains an established commitment to mutual aid on all wildfires
which are beyond the capability of a local fire department. Upon request the BCFS (if able)
will assist the local government in response to a wildland fire event and, upon request, the
local government (if able) will assist the BCFS in response to a brush (wildland) fire. This
means wildfires within municipal boundaries are not the responsibility of the BCFS. The
BCFS will assist in suppressing wildfires within municipal boundaries if requested and only if
resources are available.
To request BCFS assistance contact the Coastal Fire Centre at 1-250-951-4200 or 1-800663-5555 and be prepared to supply them with the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
300
Name of Department
Location of fire
What is burning
What is being threatened
What kind of equipment is enroute or on scene
What kind of access is there to the fire
What kind of help is required
a) water bomber
b) helicopter with bucket
Fire potential and fire behaviour
Fire Intensity Ranking (see below)
Known water sources in area
Power lines, gas lines and other safety concerns
Our radio frequencies:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.02
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Name
Channel Name
NORTH
1
NORTH
WEST
2
WEST
BOWEN
3
BOWEN
DELTA
4
DELTA
ECHO
5
ECHO
FOX
6
FOX
GOLF
7
FIRE C
HOTEL
8
HOTEL
INDIA
9
INDIA
ECHO 2
10
JULIET
FIRE C
11
M 16
COPPER
12
M 22A
SILVER
13
ECHO 13
GOLD
14
COPPER
Marine 22A
15
SILVER
Marine 16
16
GOLD
OG - 2.17.13.02
Assignment
Mobile RX
DISPATCH
169.23
DISPATCH
159.39
DISPATCH
154.8
Bowen Island tac
165.39
West Van tac
165.63
Dispatch tac
162.69
Fire Commiss
162.12
DNVF#2 Hall tac
169.74
WV DUPLEX TAC
162.12
NV DUPLEX TAC
165.63
Marine 16
155.46
Marine 22A
164.91
portable repeater
169.89
WV Portables FORESTRY 163.83
WV Portables FORESTRY 157.1
WV Portables FORESTRY 156.8
Mobile TX
158.97
158.97
158.97
165.39
165.63
162.69
162.12
169.74
165.39
162.12
155.46
164.91
169.89
163.83
157.1
156.8
Radio Frequencies Available to West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
Note: Any aircraft dispatched by BCFS will try and make initial radio contact with
WVFR crews on SILVER.
Fire Intensity Ranking
Rank Intensity
Fire Condition
Rank One
Smouldering ground or creeping surface fire
Rank Two
Low vigour surface fire
Rank Three
Moderately vigorous surface fire
Rank Four
Highly vigorous surface fire, torching (or passive crown fire)
Rank Five
Extremely vigorous surface fire or active crown fire
Rank Six
Blow-up or conflagration, extreme fire behaviour
Command Structure
BCFS management of wildland-urban interface fire response activities occurs under the British Columbia Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS). BCERMS has adopted
the Incident Command system as its management structure for all emergency incidents. All
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.02
301
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires
OG - 2.17.13.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Forest Service personnel that fire crews come into contact with will be fully conversant with
ICS.
When the BCFS and local agencies (including the fire department) work mutually on a wildfire, the command structure will be maintained within the spirit of Unified Incident Command.
Wildfire Investigation
The BCFS investigates all wildfires to determine the cause. Every effort should be made to
preserve and gather evidence wherever possible. BCFS will cooperate with providing fire
departments and police with pertinent evidence and anticipates similar cooperation in
response.
Compensation
Where Provincial Crown lands such as Cypress Park exist within a fire department’s boundaries, and wildfire occurs, the fire department is entitled to compensation from the Province,
provided that the action was approved by the Coastal Fire Centre.
The Province will also compensate the Municipality if wildfire suppression is taken on land
outside of West Vancouver if that action has been pre-approved by the Coastal Fire Centre.
The BCFS will take command of a wildfire outside municipal boundaries at the earliest
opportunity when so requested by the fire department.
BCFS Assistance
When a wildfire occurs within West Vancouver and BCFS responds to the wildfire, a determination will be made on site by BCFS, the Fire Chief, and the Community Forester on how to
proceed with extinguishment of the wildfire.
Reference
Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw No. 4366, 2004;
West Vancouver Emergency Plan;
Wildland Fire Service - Coastal Fire Centre Operational Guideline #1.06.01 Wildfire Suppression and Local Government;
British Columbia Wild-Land/Urban Interface Fire Consequence Management Plan (Interim
2002);
BC Suppression Training Series S-100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety Student Workbook;
BC Suppression Training Series S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface.
Section 2: Operations
Fire Suppression
302
Issued: 06/05/04
Replaces:
Modified: 06/18/04
11/09/05 06/2807
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.13.02
Fires at Marijuana “Grow” Operations
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.17.16: Fires
OG - 2.17.16
at Marijuana “Grow” Operations
Purpose
To ensure the safety of all personnel when dealing with fire incidents involving marijuana
grow operations.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
Upon discovery of a “grow” operation, appropriate procedures as set out below will be
employed to minimize the health and safety risk to personnel.
Procedure
PROCEDURE:
1. Prior to entry - If the structure is identified as a “grow” operation, the priority
is to eliminate or minimize hazards to personnel. A defensive attack should be
used providing the Incident Commander has determined that rescue is not
required. Should rescue be required, all health and safety precautions must be
taken and immediate withdrawal shall occur after the rescue is completed.
2. After entry - If the structure is identified as a “grow” operation after initial
firefighter entry, then all personnel will withdraw and a defensive attack will
be implemented. This is providing the Incident Commander has determined
that rescue is not required. Should rescue be required, all health and safety
precautions must be taken and immediate withdrawal shall occur after the rescue is completed.
3. The Incident Commander will have B.C. Hydro cut all power to the building
at the hydro pole. All other utilities will be shut-off.
Note: In the case of a Meth or Ecstasy lab, hydro power is not cut off (see
OG2.25.01)
4. In the case of suppression operations, once the hydro is disconnected and all
utilities have been shut-off crews will re-enter the structure for extinguishment and overhaul, if deemed safe and appropriate by the Incident Commander. If at anytime interior crews become concerned about safety they will
withdraw and continue with a defensive attack.
5. The Incident Commander shall notify Police immediately. When the incident
involving a “grow” operation does not involve fire, it must be recognized that
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.16
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Fires at Marijuana “Grow” Operations
OG - 2.17.16
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
many of the same hazards still exist; therefore, the same precautions must be
taken.
INDICATORS
Indicators of a “grow” operation:
1. Covered windows - covered with black plastic, heavy curtains pressed against
windows or blinds that are tightly shut and pressed against windows to prevent any light from escaping, and to prevent outside light from interrupting
the artificial light cycles. Note: some cultivators will camouflage windows.
2. Condensation - humidity inside a grow room is approximately 65%, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 35 degrees celsius and these conditions manifest
themselves through condensation on the inside of windows.
3. Smell - marijuana can best be described as the unique smell of rotting cabbage
or skunk-like odor mixed with a sweet vegetative smell.
4. Sounds of electrical humming, fans, trickling water - some of the components
of an indoor operation, such as transformers, create humming sounds. Also
listen for fans, trickling water and watch for poor electrical installations.
5. Bright lights - high intensity 1000 watt lamps are used and are not always disguised.
6. Discarded equipment - may include nutrient containers, pots, wiring, etc. High
unkept grass and brush may also be apparent.
7. “Beware of Dog” signs or guard dogs - may be on the property or in the premises.
8. Rental accommodation - usually the preferred option because of the damage
caused to the structure.
9. Booby traps - acid throws, nail beds, falling floors, guns and ammunition, grenades and vicious dogs are all items that could be confronted.
10. None of the above may be present at all; therefore, awareness at all times is
imperative.
Reference
See OG2.25.01 Clandestine Drug Labs
Section 2: Operations
Fire Suppression
304
Issued: 08/06/03
Replaces:
Modified: 01/30/06
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.17.16
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.22 First Responder First Aid
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
305
OG -
306
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Orders
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.22.03: No
OG - 2.22.03
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Orders
Purpose
To provide appropriate Fire Department response to patients who have been issued a No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Order (No CPR Order) by a physician or are wearing a “No
CPR” bracelet.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Personnel shall obey signed No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Orders provided on the approved BC Ministry of Health form.
2. Personnel will look for a “No CPR” bracelet prior to starting CPR on a
patient.
Procedure
Note: Resuscitation is defined as cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a patient in respiratory and/or cardiac arrest.
1. If a patient is in cardiac or respiratory arrest, First Responders must determine
if a No CPR Order is in effect for that patient by obtaining and verifying a
written No CPR Order on the approved BC Ministry of Health form (see
example at the end of this OG);
OR
First Responders must determine if a No CPR Order is in effect for that patient
by looking for and verifying that the patient is wearing a Medic Alert© “NO
CPR” bracelet.
2. If there is a proper No CPR Order or No CPR bracelet, then do not perform
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
3. If there is no proper No CPR Order and no bracelet, then proceed with CPR,
as required.
4. In the exceptional case where a First Responder reasonably believes that the
No CPR Order is clearly inappropriate (i.e. where a patient doesn’t match the
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.22.03
307
No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Orders
OG - 2.22.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
description on the No CPR Order, then the No CPR Order may be refused and
the First Responders shall administer treatment.
WARNING: Verbal No CPR Orders are not acceptable
Reference
Ministry of Health HLTH 302.1/No CPR.
Section 2: Operations
First Responder First Aid
308
Issued 05/03/01
Replaces: Admin D3
Supp D 13
Modified
01/10/02
5/28/02
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.22.03
No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Orders
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.22.03
OG - 2.22.03
309
No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Orders
OG - 2.22.03
310
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.22.03
Infectious Diseases - FR Responses
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.22.05: Infectious
OG - 2.22.05
Diseases - FR Responses
Purpose
To ensure the safety of First Responder personnel to calls for medical assistance at “Code 9"
(see Policy below) infectious disease patients.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
Effective immediately calls received from BCAS that are identified as infectious disease calls,
will be referred to as a “Code 9".
Procedure
The following procedures will be used on all calls determined to be possible infectious disease
exposure risks:
1. Maximum of two First Responders will approach the dwelling. The Officer
will determine the staffing needs, if any.
2. All Code 9 calls will require complete medical PPE, including gloves, eye
protection and face masks.
3. Red garbage bags will be used for all Code 9 calls to collect gloves, masks and
any used disposable equipment. The red garbage bag will be sent with BCAS
to the hospital for disposal as biomedical waste.
4. Equipment used on scene will not be returned to the jump kit (in service) until
it has been properly cleaned, as per the First Responder training manual
instructions. Unclean equipment is a major concern for cross-contamination.
5. Clothing that has been contaminated will be sprayed with Spritz cleaner,
removed and cleaned.
6. Spritz is not to be used in any area where food is prepared, served or stored.
7. Instructions for the use of Spritz, as well as MSDS sheets, are available at the
firehalls.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.22.05
311
Infectious Diseases - FR Responses
OG - 2.22.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
None.
Section 2: Operations
First Responder First Aid
312
Issued 01/28/03
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.22.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.23 Hazardous Materials
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
313
OG -
314
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Hazardous Materials Incidents
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.23.00: Hazardous
OG - 2.23.00
Materials Incidents
Purpose
To provide a policy for managing a Hazardous Materials Incident.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Department personnel may become operationally involved with Hazardous
Material Incidents that are less than or equal to Level D Hazards under NFPA
471 (see Reference below).
2. Department personnel will not become operationally involved with Hazardous
Materials Incidents that involve Level A, B or C Hazards under NFPA 471.
3. Mutual Aid will be used for Level A, B, or C Hazards.
4. ICS will be initiated at all Hazardous Materials Incidents.
5. The Passport Accountability System will be used at all Hazardous Materials
Incidents, see OG1.04.01.
Procedure
INITIAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Hazardous materials, due to their complexity and capacity for widespread harm, require a
careful response. Upon arrival, the on-scene IC must gather critical information and perform a
number of tasks before operational decisions can be made. Then the incident must be managed in a manner that is safe to the responders, the public and the environment.
The three primary objectives of initial Incident Management for responding personnel is to:
1. Establish a Command Post
2. Identify the Hazard
3. Isolate the Hazard
Arrival
The first arriving unit upon arrival should attempt to:
• Approach the incident from upwind and uphill
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.23.00
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Hazardous Materials Incidents
OG - 2.23.00
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• Position the apparatus at least 100 metres from the hazard
• Report this information to other responding units during the initial size-up report
• Establish a Command Post
Identify Hazard
From a distance, try to identify the nature of the hazard from all available sources:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reports from people involved
Appears as liquid, gas or solid
Shipping labels
Shipping placards and/or shipping documents
Detection equipment
Emergency Response Guidebook
Isolate the Hazard
If there is any doubt as to the nature of the Hazard, error on the side of caution. The primary
focus of Department personnel for a Level A, B, or C Hazard is to isolate the affected area and
deny entry to the Hot Zone (see below), except to a properly equipped and trained HazMat
Team. The size of the isolation zone depends on the nature of the Hazard and recommendations from the Emergency Response Guidebook and other available sources. Generally, the
Isolation zone should extend around the “Hot Zone” as defined below:
Hot Zone.- The hot zone is the area immediately surrounding a hazardous materials incident,
extending far enough to prevent adverse effects from hazardous materials releases to personnel outside the zone. This zone is also referred to as the exclusion zone or restricted zone in
other documents.
Warm Zone.- The warm zone is the area where personnel and equipment decontamination and
hot zone support take place. It includes control points for the access corridor and thus assists
in reducing the spread of contamination. This zone is also referred to as the decontamination,
contamination reduction, or limited access zone in other documents.
Cold Zone.- The cold zone contains the command post and such other support functions as are
deemed necessary to control the incident. This zone is also referred to as the clean zone or
support zone in other documents.
Ignition sources should be eliminated whenever possible at incidents involving releases, or
probable releases, of ignitable materials.
OPERATIONS
1. Consider the need for assistance from specialized agencies.
2. Consider whether large scale evacuation is required and liaise with Police.
a) In all cases the evacuation perimeter should be the outer edge of the
“Cold Zone”.
316
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.23.00
Hazardous Materials Incidents
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OG - 2.23.00
b) The evacuation zone should be controlled by Police.
3. Personnel arriving for HazMat assignments will only be assigned to positions
their training will permit them to operate.
a) West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Personnel will only be assigned operational duties for Level D Hazards.
4. For Level A, B or C Hazards, the IC will contact Fire Dispatch for Mutual Aid
assistance:
a) to request that City of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue’s HazMat unit
(TECH 10) respond and/or;
b) to request that District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services HatMat unit (HAZMAT 1) respond and/or;
c) to request that Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services HazMat Team
respond.
5. The HazMat Team leader will be the highest ranked person trained to that
level that is present at the Incident.
6. A Tactical Channel will assigned for all serious HazMat Incidents.
Reference
NFPA 471 HAZARD RATINGS:
Level A protection should be used under any of the following conditions:
(a)
When the hazardous material has been identified and requires the highest level of protection for skin, eyes, and the respiratory system based on either the measured (or potential
for) high concentration of atmospheric vapors, gases, or particulates; or the site operations and
work functions involve a high potential for splash, immersion, or exposure to unexpected
vapors, gases, or particulates of material that are harmful to skin or capable of being absorbed
through the intact skin
(b)
When substances with a high degree of hazard to the skin are known or suspected to be
present, and skin contact is possible
(c)
When operations need to be conducted in confined, poorly ventilated areas, and the
absence of conditions requiring Level A has not yet been determined
Level B protection should be used under any of the following conditions:
(a)
When the type and atmospheric concentration of substances have been identified and
require a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection
(b)
When the atmosphere contains less than 19.5 percent oxygen
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
(c)
When the presence of incompletely identified vapors or gases is indicated by a directreading organic vapor detection instrument, but the vapors and gases are known not to contain
high levels of chemicals harmful to skin or capable of being absorbed through the intact skin
(d)
When the presence of liquids or particulates is indicated, but they are known not to
contain high levels of chemicals harmful to skin or capable of being absorbed through the
intact skin
Level C protection should be used under any of the following conditions:
(a)
When the atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes, or other direct contact will not
adversely affect or be absorbed through any exposed skin
(b)
When the types of air contaminants have been identified, concentrations have been
measured, and an air purifying respirator is available that can remove the contaminants
(c)
When all criteria for the use of air purifying respirators are met
(d)
Atmospheric concentration of chemicals must not exceed IDLH levels. The atmosphere must contain at least 19.5 percent oxygen.
Level D protection should be used when both of the following conditions exist:
(a)
The atmosphere contains no known hazard
(b)
Work functions preclude splashes, immersion, or the potential for unexpected inhalation of or contact with hazardous levels of any chemicals
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR NFPA 471 HAZARD LEVELS:
Personal protective equipment is divided into four categories based on the degree of protection afforded.
Level A Protective Equipment
Level A equipment is to be selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. The following constitute Level A equipment and should be used as appropriate:
(a)
Pressure-demand, full facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or pressure-demand air line respirator with escape SCBA, approved by the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
(b)
Vapor-protective suits: totally encapsulating chemical-protective suits (TECP suits)
constructed of protective clothing materials that meet the following criteria:
1.
Cover the wearer’s torso, head, arms, and legs
2.
Include boots and gloves that may either be an integral part of the suit or separate and
tightly attached
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3.
Completely enclose the wearer by itself or in combination with the wearer’s respiratory equipment, gloves, and boots
(All components of a TECP suit, such as relief valves, seams, and closure assemblies, should
provide equivalent chemical resistance protection. Vapor-protective suits should meet the
requirements in NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Suits for Hazardous Chemical
Emergencies.)
(c)
Coveralls (optional)
(d)
Long underwear (optional)
(e)
Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant
(f)
Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
(g)
Boots, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank
(h)
Hard hat (under suit) (optional)
(i)
Disposable protective suit, gloves, and boots (depending on suit construction, can be
worn over totally encapsulating suit)
(j)
Two-way radios (worn inside encapsulating suit)
Level B Protective Equipment
Level B personal protective equipment should be used when the highest level of respiratory
protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed. The following constitute
Level B equipment and should be used as appropriate:
(a)
Pressure-demand, full facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or pressure-demand air line respirator with escape SCBA, NIOSH approved
(b)
Hooded chemical-resistant clothing that meets the requirements of NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Suits for Hazardous Chemical Emergencies (overalls and
long-sleeved jacket, coveralls, one- or two-piece chemical-splash suit, disposable chemicalresistant overalls)
(c)
Coveralls (optional)
(d)
Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant
(e)
Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
(f)
Boots, outer, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank
(g)
Boot covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable) (optional)
(h)
Hard hat
(i)
Two-way radios (worn inside encapsulating suit)
(j)
Face shield (optional)
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Level C Protective Equipment
Level C personal protective equipment should be used when the concentration(s) and type(s)
of airborne substance(s) is known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met.
The following constitute Level C equipment and should be used as appropriate:
(a)
Full-face or half-mask, air purifying respirators, self-contained positive pressure
breathing apparatus, NIOSH approved
(b)
Hooded chemical-resistant clothing that meets the requirements of NFPA 1993, Standard on Support Function Protective Garments for Hazardous Chemical Operations (overalls,
two-piece chemical-splash suit, disposable chemical-resistant overalls)
(c)
Coveralls (optional)
(d)
Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant
(e)
Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant
(f)
Boots, outer, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank
(g)
Boot covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable) (optional)
(h)
Hard hat
(i)
Escape mask (optional)
(j)
Two-way radios (worn under outside protective clothing)
(k)
Face shield (optional)
Level D Protective Equipment
A work uniform affording minimal protection, Level D personal protective equipment should
be used for nuisance contamination only. The following constitute Level D equipment and
should be used as appropriate:
(a)
Coveralls
(b)
Gloves (optional)
(c)
Boots/shoes, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank
(d)
Boots, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable) (optional)
(e)
Safety glasses or chemical-splash goggles
(f)
Hard hat
(g)
Escape mask (optional)
(h)
Face shield (optional)
(h) Insures compliance of reporting requirements
(i) Conducts a critique of incident
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Section 2: Operations
Issued 10/17/01
Hazardous Materials
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.23.00
OG - 2.23.00
Replaces: H 3
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.23.00
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
2.25 Special Operations
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Clandestine Drug Labs
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.25.01: Clandestine
OG - 2.25.01
Drug Labs
Purpose
To ensure the safety of all personnel when dealing with incidents involving clandestine drug
labs.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
Upon discovery of a clandestine drug lab, appropriate procedures as set out below will be
employed to minimize the health and safety risk to personnel.
Procedure
GENERAL PROTOCOLS
1. Crews will establish a protective Hot Zone immediately.
2. SCBA will be utilized upon discovery of a suspected clandestine drug lab.
3. West Vancouver Police are to be notified immediately upon the discovery of a
lab.
4. Mutual Aid HazMat teams are to be requested for decontamination.
5. The incident commander or designate shall liaise with the police to establish
an appropriate location for a decon station.
6. Power and utilities to the structure are not to be turned off unless under the
direction of the Police Clan Lab Team (This is due to the exothermic reaction
that may depend on electrical appliances to cool the reaction and prevent overheating and/or possible explosion).
7. Members shall not open, inhale, touch or taste any substance found on the premises.
8. Members shall not eat, drink, or smoke anywhere near or at the lab site.
9. Crews rendering medical aid to contaminated persons shall exercise all Universal Precautions (gloves, goggles and masks).
10. West Vancouver Transit or the North Shore Emergency Management Office
will be notified in the event of displaced persons for purposes of transport to
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.01
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
temporary shelter facilities (see OG4.05.02 Emergency Social Services (ESS))
DRUG LAB - WITHOUT FIRE
The priority is to first minimize hazards to all personnel.
In the event of a small or moderate sized lab a recommended minimum 50 meter hot zone be
created around the structure. In the event of a large lab a recommended minimum 100 meter
hot zone be created. Emergency Response Guide #111 should be consulted.
1. In the event a clandestine lab is confirmed, all personnel should be immediately withdrawn from the structure, once it is determined that rescue is not
required or possible.
2. The Incident Commander should assign an Incident Safety Officer as soon as
possible.
3. Upon exiting, all personnel who had been inside the structure are to be immediately isolated and prepared for decontamination.
4. A 1 ½” hoseline shall be established as a initial Level 1 decon station. This
should be established as personnel exit the hot zone through the designated
exit (prior to the actual decon station being activated).
5. A 2nd charged 1 ½” hoseline is to be in place at all times to facilitate the
extinguishment of any responder should their clothing or body become
involved in fire.
6. Approach should be from the upwind direction.
7. West Vancouver Environment Officer and/or BC Environment and/or Environment Canada to be notified immediately for containment of contaminated
run off.
8. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to be notified of contamination if
contaminated runoff potentially may contact the ocean.
DRUG LAB - WITH FIRE SHOWING
In addition to all protocols listed above, the following will be implemented if the structure is
on fire:
1. Firefighting approach should be from the upwind direction.
2. All personnel should be immediately withdrawn from the structure, once it is
determined that rescue is not required or possible.
3. Structural fire fighting is to be defensive if the property in question is on fire.
Adjacent properties are to be protected without placing members in a position
to take unnecessary risks.
4. Upon extinguishment, all crews will be thoroughly decontaminated.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.25.01
Reference
RESOURCE CONTACT NUMBERS
RCMP E Division Clan Lab Team: 604-264-2470
Health Canada: 1-800-668-5155
Poison Control: 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911
DEA Blaine resident office: 360-332-8692
DEFINITIONS
Catalyst- Any
chemical or substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.
Endothermic- Requires heat
for the reaction to occur.
Exothermic- Gives
off heat, or produces it's own heat.
pH Scale- indicates
how acidic or basic a substance is:
• pH scale ranges from 0 to 14
• 0 being acid and 14 being a base
Precursor- The raw material that is going to be converted into a drug, and becomes part of the
finished product.
Reagent- The main force or element that will react with a Precursor causing it to convert to the
desired drug.
Reflux- To
cook; a distillation operation.
Solvent- A
liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances.
Synthesis- Changing
a precursor chemical into a drug through chemical reaction.
Drug Street Names:
MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine)- Ecstasy,
Methamphetamine- Speed,
Ex, E, X, XTC, Love Drug
Ice, Crystal, Glass, Meth, Shards, Gak, Jib
Common Indicators of Methamphetamine labs
•
•
•
•
•
Hydriotic acid
Iodine
Anhydrous Ammonia
Ice
Rock Salt
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• Lithium Battery casing
• Cold medication tablets (containing Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine)
• Coffee filters with a white pasty substance, a dark red sludge or small white crystals
• Cans of paint thinner, Camp fuel, acetone, lye, drain cleaners, ether muriatic or sulphuric acid, (excessive amounts)
• Propane tanks with blue stained fittings
• Strips of a metal type ribbon stored in oil or kerosene
• Match books with the striker plates removed
• Glassware with rubber tubing attached
• Jars containing a clear liquid with a white or red liquid coloured solid on the bottom
• Strong smell of Cat urine and or Chemical smell emitting from the area.
• Red Phosphorous
• Too much of any one thing
Common Indicators of an “Ecstasy lab”
328
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safrole
Isosafrole
Acetic Acid
Ammonium Formate
Formic acid
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrogen peroxide
Sulphuric acid
Lithium aluminum hydride
Sodium dichromate
Sodium borohydride
Cuprous Oxide
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium hydroxide
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mercuric chloride
Hydrobromic acid
Methyl amine
Ether
Ethanol
Methanol
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.01
Clandestine Drug Labs
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.25.01
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Acetone
Section 2: Operations
Special Operations
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.01
Issued: 02/07/06
Replaces:
Modified:
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330
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.01
Electrical Operations
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.25.05: Electrical
OG - 2.25.05
Operations
Purpose
To ensure the safety of personnel when dealing with incidents that involve electrical hazards.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Department personnel will follow the following procedures when dealing with electrical hazards.
Procedure
NOTIFICATION OF FIRE DISPATCH
Fire Dispatch must be advised of:
• any incidents involving electrical equipment or conductors; and
• working structural fires so BC Hydro may be notified immediately.
LIMITS OF APPROACH
Upon arrival on scene of an incident involving electrical equipment or conductors, an operational perimeter must be established, with uninvolved personnel and the public kept outside
the perimeter. The limits of approach to electrical hazards will be set using the following
guidelines:
Incidents Involving Downed Power Lines
• Keep back minimum of 10 metres / 33 feet from point of contact
• Position vehicle a minimum of 15 metres / 50 feet from point of contact
Incidents Involving Electrical Kiosks
• Keep back minimum of 10 metres / 33 feet
Incidents Involving Fires and Explosions in Underground Electrical Vaults
• Keep back minimum of 15 metres / 50 feet
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Incidents of Fires Involving Electrical Equipment of Unknown Voltage
• Keep back minimum of 10 metres / 33 feet
• Use fog stream at 30° and minimum100 psi at nozzle
Incidents Involving Transmission Line Right of Ways (60 to 500 kv)
• Keep back minimum distance from the outer conductors listed in table below:
Fires in Transmission Line Right of Way
Voltage
Minimum Distance
Metres
Feet
60 kv
10
33
230 kv
14.5
47.5
287 kv
18
60
360 kv
22
72
500 kv
32
108
LIMITS OF APPROACH FOR AERIAL DEVICES AND LADDERS
Incidents Involving Approach to Overhead Powerlines (Aerial devices or ladder)
• Keep back minimum distances in table below:
Limit of Approach for Overhead Powerlines
Voltage
Minimum Distance
Phase to Phase
Metres
Feet
750 V to 75,000 V
3
10
75 kV to 250 kV
4.6
15
250 kV to 550 kV
6.1
20
Personnel trained in electrical safety and taking extra precautions may operate within the
Adjusted Limit of Approach table below. The extra precautions that MUST be taken are:
1. Restrict entry into the area where the aerial device or ladder is working; and
2. Designate a safety watcher; and
3. The aerial device operator and workers must be on the apparatus, not on the
ground; and
4. Ensure there is enough room for a full range of movement without violating
the limits of approach; and
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OG - 2.25.05
5. Be aware of the possibility of hydraulic creep on aerial devices.
Adjusted Limit of Approach
Voltage
Minimum Distance
Phase to Phase
Metres
Feet
Over 750 V to 20 kV
0.9
3
Over 20 kV to 30 kV
1.2
4
30 kV to 75 kV
1.5
5
If the above noted extra precautions are not taken, the minimum approach distance is 3 metres
/ 10 feet.
BC HYDRO
Any electrical line or circuit must be grounded by BC Hydro personnel before it can be considered safe.
If BC Hydro personnel are not on scene at an incident involving electrical lines, a standby
crew will remain on scene unless the Incident Commander determines that no risk to the public exists.
Reference
WorkSafe BC Regulation 19.24 - 19.28;
BC Hydro Edukit “Electrical Safety for Firefighters”;
BC Hydro Guide “Electrical Hazards Facing Firefighters”
Section 2: Operations
Special Operations
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.05
Issued 02/11/03
Replaces: E11
Modified
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.05
Bomb Threats
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.25.08: Bomb
OG - 2.25.08
Threats
Purpose
To establish procedures for incidents involving bomb threats.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. Bomb scares or threats are the responsibility of the Police.
2. Protection of life must be given first consideration. Property is of secondary
importance.
3. Under no circumstances will a member of the West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
handle any suspected explosive device.
4. The following procedure will apply should an incident involving an explosive
device occur.
Procedure
BOMB THREATS
Reports of bomb scare/threats are to be referred to the Police. At the request of the Police, fire
department personnel will attend to assist in evacuation and fire suppression if needed.
During bomb threats the following operations shall be conducted as required:
1. Incident Command is under direction of the Police.
2. Companies shall respond non-emergency unless Police request an emergency
response.
3. All responding apparatus and personnel shall stage together and away from
the immediate scene, but within eyesight of the police command post, if possible. The second due engine shall stage at the closest hydrant outside of the
“hot zone”.
4. The first fire officer arriving at staging shall establish Fire Command. Fire
Command shall be responsible for Fire Department resources while on scene.
5. Fire Command will coordinate with the police for assignments, and will delegate the assignments verbally at the staging area.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.08
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
6. Fire Department personnel shall not communicate with radio and/or cellular
telephone within 300 feet of the structure and/or suspect device.
7. If Fire personnel see a suspicious item in or around the incident scene, notification shall be made to the Incident Commander. Do Not Touch and/or Move
the Item in any Way!!
8. All forms of the news media shall be directed to the Police. No Fire personnel
shall make statements to the news media unless authorization has been given
through the Police.
9. Notification shall be made to the On-call Chief when the Fire Department is
involved in a bomb threat.
10. Bomb search is conducted by the Police. Fire department personnel do not
perform this function.
11. Calling bomb disposal units is the responsibility of the Police.
AFTER AN EXPLOSION
1. In the event of a detonation, Fire Command will be responsible for fire suppression tactics and operations. Police will remain as Incident Command.
2. In the event of a detonation and resulting fire, fire companies shall initiate fire
suppression activities at the direction of the Fire Commander. To the extent
possible, defensive firefighting tactics shall be utilized to protect firefighters
against the possibility of a second explosive device.
3. Fire Department personnel will not remove any debris where possible. Always
endeavour to prevent destruction of any evidence found at the scene.
4. Keep all unauthorized people away from the scene. Always consider the possibility of a second bomb which has not yet exploded.
Reference
None.
Section 2: Operations
Special Operations
336
Issued 02/20/03
Replaces: B2
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.08
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.25.16: Carbon
OG - 2.25.16
Monoxide (CO)
Purpose
To establish a procedure for response to Carbon Monoxide (CO) incidents.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Personnel will follow this Operational Guideline when responding to incidents were there is a potential for CO being present.
2. Responding Personnel will determine if anyone at the scene is exhibiting any
symptoms of CO poisoning.
3. The Incident Commander will ensure that CO levels will be tested, when there
are reports of the odour of natural gas coming from natural gas appliances.
Procedure
DANGER OF CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that is deadly. It is a by-product of a
fuel burning process. Many appliances such as furnaces, kitchen stoves, hot water heaters,
automobiles, etc., can produce carbon monoxide. When a faulty or unusual condition exists,
carbon monoxide may be vented into areas where people are present.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may be difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are similar to the flu,
which may include headache, nausea, fatigue and dizzy spells. Where headaches are present
because of CO exposure, they are often located at the front of the head.
WorkSafe BC has established a maximum safe exposure level (EL) for carbon monoxide at 25
parts per million (ppm) over an 8 hour period, and a 15 Minute EL of 100 ppm. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established that residential levels are not to
exceed 9 ppm over an 8 hour average.
RESPONSE PROCEDURE
Response to carbon monoxide alarms will depend upon information received in the initial dispatch message, and/or from updates received from other agencies that may also be responding
to the incident.
Regardless of the response, the following procedure is established:
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1. When there are complaints of natural gas odours related to a natural gas appliance, the Incident Commander will ensure that CO levels in the surrounding
area are tested.
2. If an alarm has sounded, verification shall be made if the alarm is coming
from a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector.
a) If the alarm is coming from a smoke detector:
- investigate the cause of the alarm;
- take the necessary action to mitigate the situation.
b) If the alarm is coming from a carbon monoxide detector:
- Determine if any persons at the scene are exhibiting symptoms
of carbon monoxide poisoning; if so, immediately evacuate and
ventilate the premises;
c) Request the necessary BCAS response;
d) Begin the investigation procedure.
3. If no one exhibits any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, it will not be
necessary to evacuate or ventilate the premises unless a level of over 9 ppm
(over the zero baseline) is detected by the CO metering device.
4. The Incident Commander shall request that BC Gas respond to the scene if:
a) A CO level of over 9 ppm (over the zero baseline) is detected by the
metering device;
b) or someone is showing signs of being ill due to carbon monoxide;
c) or the Incident Commander feels a response by the gas company is
needed.
5. Gather information from the homeowner/occupant(s) about what they were
doing and what if any combustion appliances were being used.
a)
b)
c)
d)
How long has the detector been alarming?
Has the dwelling been ventilated? If so, how long?
Was a car running in the attached garage?
Where is the detector located?
Carbon Monoxide Investigation Procedure
1. Zero the meter in fresh air (determine zero baseline) and comply with all start
up procedures as recommended by the manufacturer of the metering equipment.
2. Initiate a survey of the premises to determine if there are any amounts above 9
ppm of carbon monoxide present.
3. All personnel shall use SCBA in any atmosphere in excess of 100 ppm of CO.
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WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.25.16
Carbon Monoxide Readings of 9 ppm or Less
1. Inform the owner/occupant(s) that the Department's CO detection equipment
DID NOT detect an elevated level of CO at this time.
2. Recommend the owner/occupant(s) check their CO detector per the manufacturers recommendations.
3. Attempt to reset the detector.
4. Inform the owner/occupant(s) that if the detector activates again to call 9-1-1.
Carbon Monoxide Readings of more than 9 ppm but less than 100 ppm:
1. Any reading above 9 ppm shall be considered an above normal reading.
2. Inform the owner/occupant(s) that the Department's CO detection equipment
DID detect a potentially dangerous level of CO.
3. Recommend that all persons leave the premises and begin ventilation.
4. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIRS OR ADJUSTMENTS TO POTENTIALLY MALFUNCTIONING EQUIPMENT
5. Once the premises have been reduced to a safe level of CO the premises may
be occupied- at the discretion of the owner/occupant(s).
6. An attempt shall be made to reset the detector.
7. Inform the owner/occupant(s) that if the detector activates again to call 9-1-1.
8. The owner/occupant(s) shall be informed of the action that has taken place
and that the gas company has been requested to respond by the Fire Department.
Carbon Monoxide Readings of 100 ppm or greater:
1. Any reading of 100 ppm or greater shall be considered a potentially lethal
reading.
2. Inform the owner/occupant(s) that the Department's CO detection equipment
DID detect a potentially lethal level of CO.
3. Order all persons to leave the premises and begin ventilation.
4. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIRS OR ADJUSTMENTS TO POTENTIALLY MALFUNCTIONING EQUIPMENT
5. Once the premises have been reduced to a safe level of CO the premises may
be occupied- at the discretion of the owner/occupant(s).
6. An attempt shall be made to reset the detector.
7. Inform the owner/occupant(s) that if the detector activates again to call 9-1-1.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
8. The owner/occupant(s) shall be informed of the action that has taken place
and that the gas company has been requested to respond by the Fire Department.
Reference
Common Sources of CO:
• leaky heat exchangers in furnaces
• improper or blocked exhaust vents for gas appliances
• wood burning appliances e.g. fireplaces or stoves that may be blocked or improperly vented
• idling vehicles in garages attached to houses
• underground garages
• large collections of idling vehicles
Facts about CO:
•
•
•
•
•
odourless, colourless
same weight as air
disperses rapidly in air
can percolate through concrete hours after vehicles have left garage
gas forms when fuels like natural gas, oil or wood do not burn completely in appliances such as furnaces and stoves, water heaters, ranges and ovens.
Symptoms of CO poisoning:
• Exposure to low levels of CO causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, fatigue
• High level exposure can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, impaired vision, convulsions, coma and eventually death
Section 2: Operations
Special Operations
340
Issued 02/23/02
Replaces: C14
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.25.16
Incident Reporting
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2.26.05: Incident
OG - 2.26.05
Reporting
Purpose
To provide a standard guideline for the preparation of reports of incidents that the department
has responded to.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
1. The company officer of the first arriving unit at an incident will be responsible
for preparation of the Officer’s Incident Report.
2. Further data gathered by an incident commander or other responder will be
entered by the person that gathered the information.
3. All Incident Reports will be locked, signed and dated by the company officer
of the first arriving unit.
Procedure
REPORTING GUIDELINES
1. All Incident Reports are to be completed in FDM.
2. An incident report is generated for every incident regardless of the type or
extent of that incident. An incident occurs when there is a response to any
alarm. This includes responses to actual emergencies as well as false incidents, situations when the responding units are returned by radio, and all other
incidents whether or not any work was performed at the scene.
3. For statistical purposes, the Incident Type and Incident Nature will be changed
as necessary to reflect the actual incident, not how it was received by Dispatch.
4. Two classes of information may be entered into Officer’s Incident Reports:
a) Preliminary Information
Information that is entered immediately after the incident by the
first arriving officer and other responders.
b) Supplemental Information
Further information that is entered after additional investigation.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.26.05
341
Incident Reporting
OG - 2.26.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
For example, the initial determination of how a fire started and
dollar loss may be adjusted upon further investigation by the
Fire Prevention Office. It is normal for supplemental information to sometimes contradict preliminary information.
DATA ENTRY
1. All fields in the Incident Report that can have relevant data entered will be
filled-out.
2. Information that is important to the reporting of the incident, gathered by a
responder other than the first arriving company officer, will be entered by that
responder. This is illustrated by the following example:
Multiple apparatus arrive at a house fire and the first arriving
officer goes to the rear of the house to attack the fire with his/
her crew. The duty chief arrives and assumes command. The
first officer stays at the rear of the house for the duration of the
incident.
During the incident, the IC is located at the front of the house
and directs other fire crews, talks to the media and liaises with
police.
When completing the Incident Report, the first arriving officer
enters all the responding personnel, and completes all the
required fields. The officer records what occurred in INC
Remarks Internal, and leaves the report unlocked.
The IC locates the report in FDM and creates a second INC
Remarks Internal record for the incident. The IC enters their
name as part of the title. The IC then describes the incident from
his/her perspective.
Once all remarks are entered, the report is locked, printed and
signed by the first arriving officer.
REMARKS
A narrative (INC Remarks Internal) is to be written for each incident. It shall include a brief
description of the events that occurred and the actions that were taken during the incident. The
report shall be accurate and thorough, and the remarks shall contain sufficient information to
allow the reader to re-create an accurate portrayal of facts and events surrounding each incident. The narrative for each incident should be detailed and complete enough to be used to
determine what happened at the incident if the document was to produced as an evidence
exhibit in a court of law. For example, the statement- “Followed First Responder protocol and
assisted BCAS” is not detailed enough on its own. It requires supporting information in the
narrative.
342
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.26.05
Incident Reporting
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 2.26.05
Accurate grammar and spelling is important. The narrative shall be limited to the facts and
shall not contain editorial comment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The company officer of the first arriving unit at an incident will be responsible
for entering and organizing the standard information required in an Incident
Report.
2. The Duty Chief is responsible for reviewing the completeness and accuracy of
reports generated by members under his/her command prior to forwarding
them to the administrative office.
3. The Fire Prevention Office shall review all incident reports prior to filing and
submittal to the Fire Commissioner’s Office.
INCIDENTS IN NORTH VANCOUVER
When responding to calls in North Vancouver, such as to Lions Gate Hospital, the major portion of the incident report is the responsibility of the company officer in North Vancouver.
The company officer from West Vancouver has only to do the following:
1. Locate the incident report
2. Add West Vancouver personnel responding
3. Add the driver(s) of West Vancouver apparatus
4. Create new INC Remarks Internal if required
TIMELY COMPLETION OF REPORTS
1. Whenever possible, officers shall complete incident reports during the same
working shift that the incident occurred.
2. Except when requested by a chief officer, an incident report for an incident
occurring near the end of a shift can be completed the following shift if the
following shift occurs during the same four day tour-of-duty.
3. All incidents that occur during each tour-of-duty must have incident reports
completed by the end of that tour-of-duty, except in the case it is estimated
that completion of an incident report will require overtime.
If it is estimated that completion of an incident report will require overtime,
officers must contact the duty chief for overtime authorization. Whenever possible, duty chiefs should be contacted for overtime authorization during their
regular working hours of 08:00 - 18:00.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.26.05
343
Incident Reporting
OG - 2.26.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
NFPA 901;
FDM Incident Reporting Manual
Section 2: Operations
Reports and Forms
344
Issued 10/07/02
Replaces: R1; I3
Modified
10/28/02
11/12/02
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 2.26.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Section 3:
TRAINING
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
345
OG -
346
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
3.01 Training Office
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
347
OG -
348
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Training Office Authority
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
3.01: Training
OG - 3.01
Office Authority
Purpose
To clarify the lines of authority and duties of the Training Office, its staff consisting of a
Training Officer and the Assistant Training Officer(s) or Instructors for special training
projects.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The Training Officer, Assistant Training Officer and Instructors who are assigned to special
training, shall have complete authority over personnel being trained during training sessions
ONLY.
Procedure
The responsibility, adoption and approval of various training methods and procedures are
vested in the Fire Chief, and shall be supported through the Chain of Command.
The Training Office and its staff will report directly to the Deputy Fire Chief and has the full
support of the Fire Chief when carrying out their instructional duties.
The Training Officer, Assistant Training Officer or Instructors, shall communicate and coordinate with the Duty Chief or firehall Captain regarding use of personnel and equipment for
training sessions which may temporarily interfere with operations. All apparatus and equipment associated or assigned to training activities shall be returned in a clean and operational
condition.
When an incident occurs during a training session, authority and responsibility is immediately
transferred to the ranking suppression officer for the duration of the incident.
Training Office staff may, at their discretion, attend incidents for observation and other
assigned duties. At the direction of the Incident Commander, Training Office staff may
assume the role of a Safety Officer.
Reference
None.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 3.01
349
Training Office Authority
OG - 3.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Section 3: Training
Standards
350
Issued 02/11/03
Replaces: T8
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 3.01
Inspection of Training Structures
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
3.01.01: Inspection
OG - 3.01.01
of Training Structures
Purpose
To provide a procedure for inspection of structures prior to crew training exercises.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
Policy
The Procedure outlined below must be followed prior to any training exercises being performed in structures loaned to the Fire Department for training purposes.
Procedure
1. A completed WAIVER form shall be secured from the owner of the structure
in order for the fire department to conduct training evolutions within the
acquired building.
2. In order to secure optimum personal safety from unforeseen environmental
hazards for all participants, a Regulated Building Material Survey report or its
equivalent must be acquired for buildings that are to be demolished. For those
buildings not slated for demolition a careful examination of the building or
structure shall be conducted by the Training Office prior to any training taking
place. A regulated building material survey is a destructive inspection of the
structural materials, components, finishes, and mechanical systems that are
suspected to contain asbestos materials. A review for lead-based paints,
ozone-depleting substances, PCB’s and mercury may also be included. A
visual inspection for the presence/absence of underground storage tanks is
also required. The findings are intended to facilitate compliance with WorkSafeBC guidelines and regulations.
3. Removal or neutralization of all discovered hazardous storage and conditions
within the structure shall be accomplished prior to training. When there are
hazards that cannot be removed or neutralized then the structure will not be
used for any destructive type of activity like live fire training, burning, cutting, ax work or any activity that would damage the structure or its surfaces.
Where known hazards may be isolated then destructive activities may commence with the exception of live fire burns in the building as it may be impossible to confine live fire to the isolated area.
4. Consideration shall be given to the designation and layout of ingress/egress
routes in order to ensure their availability in the event of an emergency.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 3.01.01
351
Inspection of Training Structures
OG - 3.01.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5. The training exercise shall be stopped immediately when the instructor-incharge determines through ongoing assessment that the environment represents a potential hazard. The exercise shall continue only when the appropriate actions have been taken to reduce the hazard.
Reference
WVFR Request for Use of Property to be Demolished Letter Template #283529;
WVFR Waiver Form Document #135838;
NFPA 1403;
Workers Compensation Act – Sections 115 2(b)(i), 2(e);
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Sections 20.112, 31.4, 31.5 (2)(c), 31.10,
31.19;
WorkSafeBC Bulletin - Asbestos Hazards in Demolition, Renovation and Salvage WS 03-03
Section 3: Training
Training Office
352
Issued 06/25/03
Replaces:
Modified 10/17/06
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 3.01.01
Nourishment While Training Off-Site
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
3.02: Nourishment
OG - 3.02
While Training Off-Site
Purpose
To provide a policy on when nourishment is provided for off-site training.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Generally, personnel are responsible for providing their own nourishment
when engaged in a training course that is away from their regular workplace.
2. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will not cover the cost of nourishment for offsite training unless prior approval is granted though the Training Office.
Procedure
In certain circumstances, the Training Office may make arrangements for nourishment, or
reimburse the costs incurred for nourishment incurred while employees are attending a training course away from their regular workplace.
All such arrangements must be made through the Training Office Prior to the training
taking place.
Reference
None.
Section 3: Training
Issued: 04/27/05
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 3.02
353
Nourishment While Training Off-Site
OG - 3.02
354
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 3.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Section 4:
INTER-AGENCY
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
355
OG -
356
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
4.03 B.C. Ambulance Service
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
357
OG -
358
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Return Transportation from LGH
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4.03.01: Return
OG - 4.03.01
Transportation from LGH
Purpose
To provide a clear procedure for fire personnel that have accompanied an ambulance to Lions
Gate Hospital, and require transportation back to their firehall.
Scope
All Operations Personnel;
All Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
It will be the policy of West Vancouver Fire and Rescue to have BC Ambulance Service provide return transportation for fire personnel that require a ride from LGH back to their firehall.
Procedure
When a firefighter requires transportation from LGH back to his/her firehall, they must follow
the following procedure:
1. Call BC Ambulance Service at 872-5151 and request taxi transportation back
to their firehall.
2. BCAS will call North Shore Taxi and arrange transportation at their expense.
Note: Do not call North Shore Taxi directly. North Shore Taxi requires a Purchase
Order number from BCAS before transportation can be arranged. Otherwise the
Fire Department will be charged for the taxi fare.
Reference
None.
Section 4: Inter-Agency
Issued 10/05/00
BC Ambulance Service
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.03.01
Replaces: B6
359
Return Transportation from LGH
OG - 4.03.01
360
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.03.01
Biological Waste - Disposal
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4.03.02: Biological
OG - 4.03.02
Waste - Disposal
Purpose
To provide for safe the disposal of Biological Waste materials.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
Personnel will ensure that safety precautions are taken when handling Biological Waste
Personnel will dispose of all Biological Waste materials in accordance with the First
Responder Manual.
Procedure
1. As stated in the First Responder Manual, all Biological Wastes encountered at
an incident shall be disposed of by BCAS.
2. It is the responsibility of BCAS to transport Biological Wastes to a Hospital.
3. Should any Biological Waste be left at the incident, after BCAS has left for the
Hospital, these wastes must be transported to the local BCAS Station for disposal.
4. BCAS personnel are aware of their responsibility in the disposal of biological
waste.
5. When handling biological waste, all safety precautions should be taken as
when handling any hazardous material.
Reference
None.
Section 4: Inter-Agency
Issued 10/24/00
Replaces:
B.C. Ambulance Service
Modified
B11 - Suppression
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.03.02
361
Biological Waste - Disposal
OG - 4.03.02
362
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.03.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
4.05 Provincial Emergency Program
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
363
OG -
364
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Reimbursement
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4.05.01: Provincial
OG - 4.05.01
Emergency Program (PEP) Reimbursement
Purpose
To explain the procedure for reimbursement from the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP).
Scope
All Personnel;
All Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
It is the policy of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue to apply to PEP for reimbursement of costs
incurred whenever the Department is permitted to do so.
Procedure
INCIDENTS THAT QUALIFY FOR PEP REIMBURSEMENT
Incidents Outside West Vancouver Municipal Boundaries
PEP reimbursement is made for use of fire vehicles for search and rescue activities or for a
response to an emergency outside West Vancouver in area(s) where no other service exists. In
most cases, the location of this kind of response will occur north of our municipal boundaries,
or over water on Lions Gate Bridge. If the response occurs in these areas, PEP will reimburse
our department under the following circumstances:
1. the request must be made by the police, fire department, BCAS, local government emergency coordinator, Ministry of Transportation and Highways or a
PEP regional manager;
2. in the case of a fire, there must be an actual or suspected imminent threat to
life, (i.e., there is a person trapped);
3. in the case of a dangerous goods spill/leak, there must be an imminent threat
to life, or serious threat to life or property;
4. the service provided is not covered under a mutual aid agreement or extended
service bylaw.
It is also possible to claim for reimbursement of materials used, meals, and repair of lost or
damaged equipment, as long as receipts are available.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.05.01
365
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Reimbursement
OG - 4.05.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Incidents Within West Vancouver
Claims for reimbursement can be made for incidents inside of municipal boundaries for a rescue or fire vehicle(s) used in support of a search.
It is also possible to claim for reimbursement of materials used, meals, and repair of lost or
damaged equipment, as long as receipts are available.
OBTAINING A PEP TASK NUMBER
For reimbursement, a PEP TASK NUMBER must be obtained as soon as possible after initial
dispatching of apparatus.
A Task Number is obtained by calling 1-888-344-5888 or 1-800-663-3456.
The Officer-in-Charge or his/her designate may either call PEP directly by cell phone, or
direct Fire Dispatch to call for a Task Number. The request should include details of the incident, who requested the response (including police or BCAS file number) and estimated costs.
Reference
Provincial Emergency Program website located at-- http://www.pep.bc.ca;
PEP Policy Bulletin 00-11 Reimbursement for Municipal Services;
PEP Policy Bulletin 01-02 Road Rescue Services
Section 4: Inter-Agency
Provincial Emergency Program
366
Issued 05/10/02
Replaces: P9
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.05.01
Emergency Social Services (ESS)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
4.05.02: Emergency
OG - 4.05.02
Social Services (ESS)
Purpose
To provide a policy and procedure for contacting Emergency Social Services (ESS).
Scope
All Personnel;
All Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
The Officer-in-Charge or his/her designate may request the assistance of ESS to maintain the
well-being of civilians and/or first responders affected by an emergency or disaster.
Procedure
WHAT IS EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES?
Emergency Social Services (or ESS) is a provincial emergency response program. ESS are
those services required to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or
disaster.
Although ESS is designed to provide services to individuals affected by large disasters or
emergencies, ESS is also provided during smaller emergencies. For example, ESS may be
provided for a single house fire or for hazardous materials incidents involving mass evacuations.
ESS Teams assist evacuees, usually at reception centres. Reception centres may be located at
the recreation centre, church, or school.
ESS provides primary services such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
food;
shelter;
clothing;
family reunification;
first aid;
transportation services (i. e. transit buses);
on site services to response workers and others (i. e. Salvation Army catering
truck).
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.05.02
367
Emergency Social Services (ESS)
OG - 4.05.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
CONTACTING ESS
When is has been determined that ESS assistance is required at an incident, the Officer-inCharge or his/her designate should direct Dispatch to contact the North Shore Emergency
Management Office at:
604-983-7440
The emergency number is a 7 days per week / 24 hour service.
The Emergency Management Office then initiates the ESS call-out.
Reference
OG1.04.02.01 Provision of Nourishment at Emergency Incidents;
OG1.04.02 Incident Rehabilitation;
ESS website at-- http://www.ess.bc.ca/
Section 4: Inter-Agency
Provincial Emergency Program
368
Issued 05/07/02
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 4.05.02
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Section 5: ADMINISTRATION
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
369
OG -
370
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
5.01 Personnel
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
371
OG -
372
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Guide to Progressive Discipline
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.00: Guide
OG - 5.01.00
to Progressive Discipline
Purpose
To clearly explain West Vancouver Fire & Rescue progressive discipline guidelines.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. When administering discipline, West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Management
will adhere to the terms of the Fire Protection and Emergency Response
Bylaw No. 4366, 2004, the Collective Agreement, District Policy and other
applicable legislation.
2. Each situation will be considered on its own merits and circumstances.
Procedure
Self-discipline is the foundation for managing behaviour at the workplace. In situations where
Fire Department members do not adhere to these expectations, officers will take the necessary
action to correct the problem. The Fire Department's discipline procedure is designed to
ensure that in the application of discipline, all employees are treated equally and in a fair and
consistent manner; that all are aware of the procedures to be followed in the disciplinary process. This Operational Guideline will guide West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel in
understanding the discipline process, and also assist Management in its application.
DEFINITION
1. Discipline
Action taken to correct unsatisfactory conduct or performance
that requires a change or correction.
Generally “discipline” is viewed as a process which has the purpose of correcting an unsatisfactory situation.
ADMINISTRATION OF DISCIPLINE
Fire Department management will administer discipline in a corrective, progressive and lawful manner:
1. Corrective in the sense that management explains the causes and/or reasons
for a member's unsatisfactory behaviour, and clearly states the expected
behaviour, with the intent to correct the area(s) of concern.
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OG - 5.01.00
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
2. Progressive in that discipline will normally begin with a verbal reprimand or
warning and, when circumstances of separate or related incidents warrant,
proceed to written reprimand(s), suspension(s) with or without pay, and
finally to dismissal. An incident of misconduct may require any of these forms
of disciplinary action whether or not a lesser form has preceded the action.
This would depend upon the severity of the offense.
3. Lawful in that discipline and the procedure by which it is administered does
not violate any laws, policies of the District of West Vancouver, or the Collective Agreement.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Fire Chief
1. Approves policy and procedure as empowered under the Municipal Fire Protection Bylaw:
Part 1
1.1
Powers Of The Fire Chief
Scope
(a)
make rules for the proper and efficient administration and operation
of the Fire Department and change, replace or withdraw the rules
as he or she considers necessary;
(b)
make rules or take measures respecting the discipline of Members
of the Fire Department;
2. Maintains effective discipline and related procedures;
3. Administers the policy and procedures; and
4. Maintains records of all disciplinary actions.
Deputy Chief and/or Assistant Chief and/or Division Chief
1. Ensures that all Fire Department employees are familiar with the disciplinary
procedure;
2. Recommends changes in policy and procedures;
3. Initiates necessary disciplinary action according to the procedure; and
4. Assists subordinate supervisory personnel in matters that pertain to the disciplinary process.
Captains and/or Lieutenants
1. Ensures all employees in their unit are aware of the discipline procedures;
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.00
2. The supervising officer will counsel the employee and clearly define expectations of satisfactory performance, as well as the consequences of not correcting that behaviour; and
3. Reports unsatisfactory conduct or performance by initiating appropriate action
in consultation with the Duty Chief or other Chief Officer.
Human Resources
1. Advises departments in the correct application of policy and procedures;
2. Maintains records of all disciplinary actions;
3. Assists in coaching the employee and/or Management where required; and
4. Oversees the disciplinary process
Note: Union employees are offered the choice of being accompanied by a Union
Representative at any meeting involving discipline. When a member requests not
to be represented by a Union Representative in a disciplinary action and/or investigation, that request will be honoured and documented.The Union needs sufficient notice to attend any disciplinary procedure, unless the action required is too
serious to wait.
TYPICAL LEVELS OF DISCIPLINE
Oral Reprimand
Typically, if the problem is the first offence, the employee is given an oral reprimand and
advised that another offense may result in a written reprimand. The oral reprimand should
form part of a discussion of the problem with the employee. The oral reprimand is an important step in the disciplinary process, because it is at this point that cause for further action may
be prevented, or--if cause persists--it provides the foundation for further action. The oral reprimand normally takes the form of a caution to the employee that further action may be taken
if the matter is not resolved.
The oral reprimand is a chance for coaching of the employee, so that the employee is made
aware of the expectations of satisfactory performance, as well as the consequences of not correcting that behaviour.
Oral reprimands are not recorded in the employee's personnel file. A record of the oral reprimand is kept by the Fire Chief or designate for a period of one year.
Written Reprimand
In the event of a second offence (or for a serious first offence) which is not determined to warrant suspension or dismissal, an employee may be given a written reprimand and be advised
that another offence will most likely result in further disciplinary action.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.00
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Guide to Progressive Discipline
OG - 5.01.00
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1. The written reprimand is most often used in circumstances where the
employee has failed to heed to an earlier oral reprimand.
2. The written reprimand shall contain full disclosure of the penalty and reasons
for that penalty.
3. Where a first offence is sufficiently serious (but not serious enough to warrant
suspension or dismissal) a written reprimand is usually appropriate.
4. A report on the Written Reprimand, prepared by the Supervising Chief Officer
shall be placed in the employee's personnel file.
A copy of the written reprimand should, whenever possible, be delivered in person to the
employee at a meeting with Union representation present. When the employee requests not to be
represented by the Union, that request will be honoured and documented.
If the employee is unable to be present, because of sickness or other reason, the Written Reprimand should be forwarded by registered mail or courier to the employee. One copy should
be forwarded to the Director of Human Resources, one copy to the Union, and one copy to the
Fire Chief.
Suspension
In the event of a third offence, or for a first offence which is deemed very serious but which
does not warrant immediate discharge, the employee will normally be given up to four (4)
days' suspension without pay, and will be warned that another offence may result in discharge.
1. The decision to suspend with or without pay requires authorization by the Fire
Chief or his designate. The written notice of suspension must contain the reasons for discipline and the case history of the situation, if appropriate.
2. Upon the employee’s return to work, the employee may be interviewed in the
presence of Fire Department Management, a Human Resources Representative and a Union Representative and the interview will be documented.
Note: If there is any doubt as to the nature of the offense, it is best to suspend with
pay, until all the facts are obtained and tempers have cooled. If the decision is then
made to suspend without pay, that suspension should be made retroactive to
cover the earlier suspension with pay.
3. A detailed report on the suspension, prepared by the Supervising Chief Officer
shall be placed in the employee's personnel file.
Dismissal
1. Employee dismissal must have approval of the Fire Chief, Director of Human
Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer.
2. The most common reasons for dismissal are:
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a) A lack of response by an employee to corrective forms of discipline; or
b) An initial offence of a significantly serious nature; or
c) A “culminating incident,” which in itself would not normally result in
dismissal, but in consideration of other action taken, justifies dismissal.
3. When it becomes necessary to dismiss an employee, he or she shall be given a
termination letter indicating the reason for the dismissal. The termination letter may make reference to the failure of previous corrective disciplinary
action. The letter will specify when the dismissal is to become effective.
Whenever possible, dismissal shall be communicated verbally in the presence
of a Human Resources Representative and a Union Representative.
Other Penalties
Other penalties, such as disciplinary demotion or transfer, may be imposed. The circumstances will dictate the action taken. The decision to impose such other such actions shall be
made in consultation with the Fire Chief and Human Resources.
Note: In cases of all disciplinary action, the burden of proof of cause shall rest with
the Employer. In a subsequent grievance proceeding or arbitration hearing, evidence shall be limited to the grounds stated in the discharge/suspension notice to
the employee.
EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE RECORDS
1. Disciplinary action for Written Reprimand and above will become a part of
the employee's personnel file.
2. In imposing any discipline on a current incident, the employer representative
should not base the decision upon any prior unrecorded infraction of Municipal or Departmental rules or regulations.
UNION NOTIFICATION
The Union shall be notified of all dismissals, suspensions and discipline of employees within
their bargaining unit. Notification shall normally be before action is taken by the employer, so
that the Union can effectively represent their member, unless the conduct of the employee is
so serious that immediate action must be taken.
APPEAL OF DISCHARGE OR DISCIPLINE
Should a disciplined employee consider the disciplinary action to be improper, a grievance
may be presented through the established grievance procedure.
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DOCUMENTATION OF DISCIPLINE RECORDS
The following points are to be emphasized with respect to the preparation of reports and
records:
1. The records concerning the incident must be complete in detail and factual.
2. The records shall be dated and signed by the Fire Chief or other Chief Officer.
3. The records shall state the action taken to remedy the situation.
4. The incident(s), as well as the effects or potential effects of the incident(s),
shall be noted.
5. The factors which are considered relevant to the penalty shall be specified.
6. Verbal discussion, or written reprimands, previously given shall be indicated,
as well as specific dates and other relevant material.
GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION OF DISCIPLINE
1. Every situation requires careful consideration to identify potential extenuating
circumstances. For example:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Time interval between offences;
Length and quality of past service;
Emotional stress from other sources;
Other aggravating factors;
Ensuring that the proposed penalty is consistent with past practice and
the current incident.
2. The following examples lists typical infractions grouped roughly according to
level of severity. This is a guide only and may be reduced or increased,
depending upon the circumstances:
Example One
First Offence. . . .. . . . . . . . . Verbal warning
Second Offence . . . . . . . . . . .Written warning
Third Offence . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suspension
Fourth Offence. . . . . . . . . . . . . Longer Suspension
Fifth Offence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dismissal
• Absence from duty without prior permission from the appropriate authority;
• Leaving the working area without permission from the supervising authority;
• Undesirable conduct;
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• Neglect of work;
• Tardiness;
• Soliciting/canvassing of other employees, without permission, during working
hours;
• Failure to commence work at the beginning of the work period, and/or leaving
prior to the end of the work period;
• Creating or contributing to unsanitary or unsafe conditions;
• Use or possession of another employee's working equipment without said
employee's consent;
• Where the operation is continuous, leaving post without proper relief;
• Failure to report immediately any personal injury or equipment damage;
• Unsatisfactory work;
• “Hung-over”, where it effects job performance.
Example Two
First Offense . . . . . . . . . . . Written warning
Second or Third Offense . . . Suspension
Fourth Offense . . . . . . . . . . Dismissal or long-term suspension
• Neglect or carelessness in following safety regulations or disregard of common
safety practices;
• Neglect or carelessness in following Departmental Rules and Regulations;
• Supervisor failing to report unsatisfactory conduct or performance of a subordinate;
• Use of abusive or threatening language toward other employees or members of the
public;
• Failure to report an accident in which the employee was involved;
• Unauthorized use of Municipal property to do private work;
• Threatening or intimidating employees or supervisory authority at any time;
• Making or publishing of false, misleading or malicious statements concerning any
employee, supervisory authority, the Fire Department, the Municipality or its operation.
Example Three
First Offence . . . . . . . . . . Suspension or Dismissal
• Wanton or wilful neglect in the performance of assigned duties, or while caring
for, using, or in custody of Municipal property;
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• Being in possession of, or using, alcohol or non-prescription drugs at work;
(NOTE: Alcohol consumption by employees during work hours
is prohibited. Alcohol consumption by off duty employees on
Fire Department property is prohibited, except at Municipal or
employee functions approved by the Fire Chief.)
• Abuse or deliberate destruction of Municipal property;
• Altering another's or one's own record without authority;
• Wilfully giving false information, or withholding information called for in making
application for employment;
• Wilfully entering false information in Fire Department records or Log Books;
• Making false claims or misrepresentations in an attempt to obtain sickness or accident benefits;
• Attacking or fighting with another employee;
• Use of confidential Municipal information for private gain;
• Unauthorized removal from the Municipality of information such as drawings,
blueprints, lists, Municipal records, or confidential information of any nature, or
unauthorized release of any such information;
• Dishonest conduct: e.g. theft, pilfering, snooping through property of other
employees, or property of the Municipality. Making false statements to secure an
excused absence or to justify an absence or tardiness; making or causing to be
made inaccurate or false reports concerning any absence from work; making or
joining in a false statement to influence any official action by the Municipality, or
making a false statement concerning any matter pertaining to work or to employment. (The foregoing are examples only and do not limit the definition of the term
“dishonest”);
• Insubordination;
• Disobeying the command of a supervisor;
• Refusal to perform work as assigned, except as authorized under recognized Safety
Regulations.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire Department General Rules and Regulations (August 1994);
Fire Protection and Emergency Response Bylaw No. 4366, 2004;
District of West Vancouver - Human Resources Policy: Corrective Discipline
Section 5: Administration
Discipline Procedure
380
Issued 10/16/00
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.00
Attendance Management
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.02: Attendance
OG - 5.01.02
Management
Purpose
To provide an Attendance Management Policy that is clear to all members of West Vancouver
Fire & Rescue.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will follow the District of West Vancouver's Attendance Management Policy which can be viewed online while at work at: http://westnet2/intranet/policies/view_one.cfm?MenuID=21&ID=25.
Procedure
What Is Attendance Management?
Attendance Management is the process of working with employees to avoid any unnecessary
loss of time because of absences.
Attendance Management Principles
Attendance Management is based on a number of principles:
•
•
•
•
•
Illness is beyond the employee's control
Attendance at work is important
Genuine concern and assistance should be offered
Communication between the supervisor and employees is essential
Both the frequency and pattern of absences should be monitored
Remember: The employer has the right to confirm that the employee is legitimately ill.
It is impossible to manage attendance and to resolve attendance difficulties unless the attendance record is known for employees. Therefore Duty Chiefs should be aware of the attendance/absenteeism history for each employee (Perform a “Find” under the member's name in
FileMaker with Sick Leave and then Sick Leave - Union in the Description field).
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Creating a Climate for Regular Attendance
The Duty Chief's approach is very important in influencing an employee's attitude and motivation to attend work regularly. Effective communication and responsible use of sick leave
will be improved through the following activities:
• Ensuring departmental procedures are being followed to make sure employees are
reporting absences to the appropriate person and stating their expected day of
return to work.
• Ensuring the person taking the call from the absentee is filling out an Absentee
Notification form as completely as possible.
• Maintaining ongoing contact with all absent employees.
• Acknowledging employees returning from an absence (See “Return to Work Discussions” below).
• Identifying and meeting with employees who are not maintaining a satisfactory
attendance record to offer support and assistance.
• Exploring alternatives to provide time off for employees who have a legitimate
need to be absent (e.g. family matters) unrelated to illness.
• Being consistent in the treatment of staff regarding attendance.
The Initial Call
The Duty Chief should make a call to the absent employee during the first few hours of the
first missed shift. Steps to follow when making the initial call:
1. Review the Absentee Notification Form for the person you are calling prior to
making the call;
2. Establish the General Nature of the employee's illness and complete any other
details that are missing on the form;
3. Ask how long the employee expects to be away from work. If the employee
does not know, ask them to contact you on regular basis until a date for a
return can be established;
4. Follow the Collective Agreement:
“6 (b) (i) Where an employee is absent from their duties for reason of illness or
injury, other than as compensable under the Workers' Compensation
Act, the employee, subject to 6(b)(ii) below, is required to provide
medical certification from a medical doctor registered with the BC
College of Physicians and Surgeons or any other registry duly recognized by the BC Medical Plan. In addition, the employee may be
required by the Municipality to attend at a physician designated by the
Municipality; such attendance shall be at the expense of the Municipality.
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(ii) At the discretion of the Fire Chief, or designate, an employee may be
exempted from the requirement of 6(b)(i) above for up to three (3)
days' continuous absence.”
After the initial call…
Duty Chiefs will maintain contact with the employee. The Duty Chief should ask if there is
anything the Department or District can do to assist in the employee's return to work.
Employees who are ill have the right to use their sick leave benefits and should not be made to
feel guilty when they call to report their inability to attend work. If employees are experiencing difficulty in attending regularly, it is not appropriate to counsel them about their excessive
absenteeism over the telephone when they call to report their absence.
Return to Work Discussions
When an employee returns to work from an absence, the Duty Chief should speak with him/
her (this may only be a 10 or 20 second conversation). The Duty Chief should:
• let the employee know they were missed and that it is good that they are back to
work;
• show concern for the employee's health;
• ensure the employee is dealing with problems effecting their attendance;
• for most employees a short “chat” will indicate that their absence was noticed and
that the employer cares about them as employees. As such, a Duty Chief must
exercise good judgment with respect to “Return to Work Discussions”. It is important that this communication not be perceived as harassment. It is not meant to
annoy an employee who has been ill.
Ongoing Absentee Problems
If the Duty Chief identifies a developing absence problem, it is important to initiate a discussion immediately upon the employee's return to work. The Duty Chief should build awareness
that regular attendance is expected and that the Department is monitoring attendance. At the
same time, it is important to communicate to the employee that the Department is concerned
about their well being and that they will be provided any assistance that they may need.
Further problems with excessive absenteeism will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Reference
District of West Vancouver Attendance Management Policy at:
http://westnet2/intranet/policies/view_one.cfm?MenuID=21&ID=25;
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District of West Vancouver guide to Attendance Management Summary for Supervisors at
http://westnet2/intranet/documents/detail_view.cfm?MenuID=6&ID=2155.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
384
Issued: 08/02/06
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.02
Notification of Absence
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.02.01: Notification
OG - 5.01.02.01
of Absence
Purpose
To provide a clear procedure when notifying West Vancouver Fire & Rescue of employee
absence.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. The absent employee will notify the Department of their absence as soon as
possible.
2. When an employee will be absent for a shift that is within 24 hours of notification, the absent employee will make actual telephone contact with another onduty employee.
3. The employee receiving the call will fully complete an Absentee Notification
Form.
4. The Captain at Firehall 1 will ensure that a replacement for the absent
employee is arranged if required.
Procedure
08:00 - 18:00 HRS.
1. Between the hours of 08:00 - 18:00, an absent employee will contact the Duty
Chief or his/her replacement.
2. If the Duty Chief is not available, a message may be left on voice mail (604925-7392) for absences for shift(s) that are more than 24 hours from the notification time.
3. If the absence will be within 24 hours of the notification time, then the absent
employee will make direct telephone contact with the Duty Chief or his/her
replacement, or if not available, an other on-duty employee at Firehall 1.
18:00 - 08:00 HRS.
1. If the absence will be within 24 hours of the notification time, the absent
employee will make direct telephone contact with the Firehall 1 Captain, or if
not available, an other on-duty employee at Firehall 1.
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2. A message may be left on the Duty Chief’s voice mail (604-925-7392) for
absences for shift(s) that are more than 24 hours from the notification time.
ABSENTEE NOTIFICATION FORM
1. The employee taking the call from the absent employee will fully fill out the
Absentee Notification Form and forward it to the Duty Chief.
2. The Duty Chief will make a photocopy of the Absentee Notification Form for
the Union.
OVERTIME
If the absence will require overtime, the Firehall 1 Captain will confer with the Duty Chief to
ensure that a replacement is arranged for each shift that overtime is required.
Reference
See Absentee Notification Form (next page)
Section 5: Administration
Attendance
386
Issued 8/19/00
Replaces:
Modified 4/22/03
3/23/05
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.02.01
Notification of Absence
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
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ABSENTEE NOTIFICATION
THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY CALL TAKER
1.
DATE:
TIME OF NOTIFICATION:
NAME OF PERSON TAKING CALL:
PRINT NAME
SIGNATURE
NAME OF PERSON ABSENT
2.
DUTY CAPTAIN
NOTIFIED
Cpt. Initial
TIME
DATE
D/C. Initial
TIME
DATE
DUTY CHIEF
NOTIFIED
3.
REPORTED REASON FOR ABSENCE:
THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY DUTY CHIEF
RELATED PROBLEM
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Yes
No
Yes
No
REMARKS:
FOLLOW-UP CALL MADE ON:
DATE:
TIME:
PHOTOCOPY TO UNION TREASURER
Yes
No
Duty Chief’s Signature
(August 2006)
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.02.01
Electronic Mail (E-mail)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.03.01: Electronic
OG - 5.01.03.01
Mail (E-mail)
Purpose
To provide a policy for usage of Electronic Mail (E-Mail).
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All Personnel will become familiar with the use of their personal E-Mail account as outlined
below in Procedure.
Procedure
E-MAIL
1. All Personnel will become familiar enough with Microsoft Outlook that they
know how to send and receive E-Mail.
2. All Personnel are responsible for checking their E-Mail account for new messages at least once every day shift and once every night shift
Reference
Articles under “Help Desk” menu item online at WestNet.
Section 5: Administration
Conduct
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.01
Issued 05/30/01
Replaces:
Modified
389
Electronic Mail (E-mail)
OG - 5.01.03.01
390
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.01
Internet Usage Guidelines
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.03.02: Internet
OG - 5.01.03.02
Usage Guidelines
Purpose
To provide a clear policy on Internet Usage for West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Personnel.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. West Vancouver Fire & Rescue will conform to District of West Vancouver
(DWV) regulations for Internet usage.
2. All Personnel will read and conform to Internet Usage Guidelines for DWV,
which are included below, as part of this document.
Procedure
INTERNET USAGE GUIDELINES FOR DVW
All DWV employees granted Internet access are expected to have read and to conform to
the guidelines within this document.
The District of West Vancouver (DWV) provides identified staff with access to the vast information resources of the Internet. Our purpose is to help you do your job faster and smarter,
and be a well-informed business citizen. The facilities to provide that access represent a considerable commitment of organizational resources for telecommunications, networking, software, storage, etc. This guideline is designed to help you understand DWV’ s expectations for
the use of those resources and, in particular, the specific conditions of the Internet.
The Internet for DWV is a business tool, provided to you at significant cost. Therefore you are
expected to use your Internet access for business-related purposes, i.e., to communicate with
customers and suppliers, to research relevant topics and obtain useful business information.
DWV requires that you conduct yourself honestly and appropriately on the Internet, and
respect the copyrights, software licensing rules, property rights, privacy and prerogatives of
others, just as you would in any other business dealings. All existing DWV policies apply to
your conduct on the Internet, especially (but not limited to) those that deal with intellectual
property protection, privacy, misuse of company resources, sexual harassment, information
and data security, and confidentiality. Unnecessary or unauthorized Internet usage causes network and server congestion. It slows other users, takes away from work time, consumes supplies, and ties up printers and other shared resources. Unlawful Internet usage may also garner
negative publicity for DWV and expose DWV to significant legal liabilities.
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The chats, newsgroups and email of the Internet give each Internet user an immense and
unprecedented reach to propagate DWV messages and tell our business story. Because of that
power we must take special care to maintain the clarity, consistency and integrity of DWV’ s
corporate image and posture. Anything any one employee writes in the course of acting for the
DWV on the Internet can be taken as representing the DWV’ s corporate posture. Therefore,
DWV will expect you to exercise the utmost care and discretion when participating in chats or
newsgroups on DWV business. While DWV’ s direct connection to the Internet offers a large
variety of potential benefits, it can also open the door to some significant risks to our data and
systems if we do not follow appropriate security discipline. this may require preventing
machines with sensitive data or applications from connecting to the Internet entirely or
restricting some users from using certain Internet features like file transfers. The overriding
principle is that security is to be everyone’ s first concern. An Internet user can be held
accountable for any breaches of security or confidentiality.
Internet Guideline Provisions
A) Management and Administration- DWV limits Internet access to those employees who
demonstrate a legitimate business need as determined by the employee’ s supervisor or manager.
Employees may use their Internet facilities for non-business research or browsing during nonworking hours provided that all other usage policies and guidelines are adhered to.
Employees with Internet access may not use DWV Internet facilities to download entertainment software or games, or to play games against opponents over the Internet.
Employees with Internet access may not use DWV Internet facilities to download images or
videos unless there is an explicit business-related use for the material.
Employees with Internet access may only download software for direct business use after
appropriate approvals have been obtained from their supervisor or manager and the ITS
Department. All software must be used only under the terms of its license.
Employees with Internet access may not upload any software licensed to the company or data
owned or licensed by the company without documented authorization from the manager
responsible for the software or data.
Any software or files downloaded via the Internet into the DWV network become the property
of DWV. Any such files or software may be used only in ways that are consistent with their
licenses, copyrights and DWV policies.
Each employee using the Internet facilities of DWV shall identify himself or herself honestly,
accurately and completely (including function where requested) when participating in chats or
newsgroups, or when setting up accounts on outside computer systems.
Only those employees or officials who are duly authorized to speak to the media, to analysts
or in public gatherings on behalf of DWV may speak/write in the name of DWV to any newsgroup or chat room. Other employees may participate in newsgroups or chats in the course of
business when relevant to their duties, but they do so as individuals speaking only for themselves. Where an individual participant is identified as an employee or agent of DWV, the
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employee must refrain from any unauthorized political advocacy and must refrain from the
unauthorized endorsement or appearance of endorsement by DWV of any commercial product
or service. Only those employees who are authorized to speak to the media, to analysts or in
public gatherings on behalf of DWV may grant such authority to newsgroup or chat room participants.
DWV retains the copyright to any material posted to any forum, newsgroup, chat or World
Wide Web page by any employee in the course of his or her duties.
Use of DWV Internet access facilities to commit infractions such as misuse of DWV assets or
resources, sexual harassment, unauthorized public speaking and misappropriation or theft of
intellectual property are also prohibited by general policy.
B) Warnings- Be
aware, security systems are capable of recording (for each and every user)
each World Wide Web site visit, each chat, newsgroup or email message, and each file transfer
into and out of our internal networks, and DWV reserves the right to do so without notice.
Employees should not have expectations of privacy with respect to Internet usage.
DWV will comply with lawful requests from enforcement and regulatory agencies for logs,
diaries and archives on individuals’ Internet activities.
DWV reserves the right to inspect any and all files stored in any area of our network (including local disk drives) in order to assure compliance with policy and guidelines. DWV may
block access to any inappropriate or sexually explicit Internet sites. If you find yourself connected accidentally to a site that contains sexually explicit or offensive material, you must disconnect from that site immediately, regardless of whether that site had been previously
deemed acceptable by any screening or rating program.
C) Rules- Note: Violations of these rules can result in appropriate disciplinary action. A violation occurs when:
Graphic files or documents not directly related to the user’ s job or the District’ s business
activity are stored, viewed, printed or distributed.
Sexually explicit images or documents are displayed, archived, stored, distributed, edited or
recorded using DWV network or computing resources.
National, international, provincial or municipal laws and regulations are contravened.
Pirated software or data is downloaded or distributed using DWV facilities.
Any virus program is deliberately propagated using DWV facilities.
Confidential/protected information is released via newsgroups or chat facility.
DWV’ s security facilities are (or intended to be) disabled, defeated or circumvented.
D) Technical and Security- User IDs and passwords help maintain individual accountability for
Internet resource usage. Any employee who obtains a password or ID for an Internet resource
must keep that password confidential. DWV policy prohibits the sharing of user IDs or passwords obtained for access to any DWV technology.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Employees should avoid communications intensive operations such as large file transfers,
video downloads, mass emailings. If necessary, the ITS Department can assist with scheduling
these activities to minimize the impact on other users.
Any file that is downloaded must be scanned for viruses before it is run or accessed.
DWV has installed a variety of firewalls, proxies, Internet address screening programs and
other security systems to assure the safety and security of DWV’ s networks.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
394
Issued 12/06/00
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.02
Routine Duties
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.03.03: Routine
OG - 5.01.03.03
Duties
Purpose
To provide a clear outline of routine duties for Suppression Personnel.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. All personnel are required to know the duties expected of them, and to routinely perform the duties with minimum supervision.
2. Every working shift, Firehall Officers are responsible for determining what
routine duties are expected for that shift. Firehall Officers will then ensure that
firefighters under their supervision are assigned and perform the expected
duties.
3. When routine duties are interrupted by alarms, or Special Training Sessions,
Firehall Officers will ensure that firefighters under their supervision complete
the required duties as soon as is practical. This may entail completion of the
unfinished duties during the next working shift.
4. When it is impractical to complete unfinished duties during the next working
shift as stated in 3 above, the Firehall Officer is responsible for passing on the
unfinished duties to a Firehall Officer on another shift.
5. The routine duties specified below under Procedure are not exclusive, and
other duties may be assigned as required.
Procedure
All personnel perform routine duties as part of their work. For suppression personnel, these
duties range from conducting apparatus pre-trips every shift, to testing fire hose once a year.
The variation of duties is best managed by sorting them by frequency of occurrence.
Some duties are required to be done every day. Some duties are required to be performed once
a week; while others are required to be performed once a month, or once or twice a year. For
the purpose of clarity, the duties are categorized by:
•
•
•
•
Day Shift
Night Shift
Day of the Week
Month of the Year
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Routine Duties
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
The timetables for the routine duties outlined below are to be followed whenever practical.
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as high incident volume or full-day Special
Training Sessions, the block of time from 1000 - 1200 hrs. is to be used for Training purposes
and the period from 1300 - 1500 for the assigned Weekly or Monthly routine duties as specified below.
Notwithstanding the above, Firehall Officers will ensure that there is flexibility when
required, to complete the duties assigned.
DAY SHIFT ROUTINE DUTIES
0800 - 0945- Pre-trip
inspection of all vehicles and equipment. Washrooms cleaned and
stocked as required.
0945 - 1000- Break.
1000 - 1200- Training.
1200 - 1300- Lunch
Break.
1300 - 1500- Weekly
and Monthly routine duties (see below).
1500 - 1515- Break.
1515 - 1630- Hall
clean-up. Other duties as assigned.
1630 - 1800- Personal
Development, provided routine duties are completed. Members are
encouraged to devote this time to physical fitness activities and personal study. However, a
member may not engage in any activity that interferes with their ability to respond promptly
to an incident.
NIGHT SHIFT ROUTINE DUTIES
1800 - 1900- Pre-trip
inspection of all vehicles and equipment.
1900 - 2000- Weekly
and Monthly routine duties; and/or Personal Development.
2000 - 2200- Break
and Personal Development.
2200 - 0700- Rest.
0700 - 0800- Reveille
and making ready.
WEEKLY ROUTINE DUTIES
Monday
• Dip fuel tanks at Firehalls 1, 2 and 3.
• Test and operate standby generators.
• Check all portable equipment, including pumps, generators, saws, all electrical and
battery powered equipment.
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.03
Routine Duties
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.03.03
Tuesday
• Check apparatus inventories.
• Check, clean and lubricate, where necessary, all tools, fittings, axes and compartment hinges.
• Full SCBA air checks
Wednesday
• Clean all fridges, stoves and microwaves.
Thursday
• Sweep and mop apparatus floor.
• Check hose tower and take down and roll all dry hose. Clean and tidy hose tower.
Friday
• Clean windows as necessary.
Saturday
• Mow lawn (warm season) and weed eating. Weed firehall gardens as necessary.
• Sweep or wash outside areas of firehall.
• Wash, vacuum and fuel all vehicles. Check fluid levels and tires. Clean inside
vehicle windows as necessary.
Sunday
• Thoroughly clean all offices and living areas - basement, main floor, apparatus,
upper floor areas and all stairs. Empty waste baskets and recyle where possible.
• Clean shower stalls and mats.
MONTHLY ROUTINE DUTIES
January
• Test ground ladders.
• Test gas indicators.
• Public Education.
February
• Test ground ladders.
• Apparatus pump tests.
• Public Education.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.03
397
Routine Duties
OG - 5.01.03.03
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
March
• Wax all vehicles.
• Public Education.
April
• Change batteries in PASS devices.
• Public Education.
May
• Hydrants and lines.
• Public Education.
June
• Hydrants and lines.
• Hose testing.
• Public Education.
July
• Hydrants and lines
• Hose testing.
• Public Education.
August
• Hydrants and lines
• Hose testing.
• Public Education.
September
• Hydrants and lines
• Hose testing.
• Public Education.
October
• Wax all vehicles.
• Public Education.
398
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.03
Routine Duties
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.03.03
November
• Public Education.
December
• Public Education.
Reference
West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Job Descriptions:
Captain - Suppression, Lieutenant - Suppression and Firefighter - Suppression.
Section 5: Administration
Conduct
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.03
Issued 06/29/01
Replaces D7; D8
Modified
399
Routine Duties
OG - 5.01.03.03
400
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.03
Employee Lockers
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.03.04: Employee
OG - 5.01.03.04
Lockers
Purpose
To provide a procedure where each employee is assured of a locker.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
Lockers will be allocated to Department employees as outlined in Procedure below.
Procedure
LOCKER USE
1. Each employee will be allocated one locker at the firehall where they are regularly scheduled to work.
2. On each platoon, the suppression members regularly scheduled to be working
in the following three relief positions will be entitled to have one locker at
firehall 1, even if they are currently scheduled to be working at an outer firehall:
a) relief officer
b) relief driver
c) relief tailgate
Lockers identified to be containing personal belongings of members that do not meet Nos. 1
or 2 above, will have locks cut off and the personal belongings will be removed.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.04
Issued 04/03/02
Replaces: L1
Modified
401
Employee Lockers
OG - 5.01.03.04
402
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.04
Personal Information of Employees
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.03.05: Personal
OG - 5.01.03.05
Information of Employees
Purpose
To provide a policy to ensure the privacy of employees’ personal information.
Scope
All Personnel;
All Fire Dispatch Personnel.
Policy
Personnel will not provide personal information about WVFR employees to members of the
public.
Procedure
ENSURING PRIVACY
If a member of the public inquires about another WVFR member, all employees are directed
NOT TO give out personal information. Such personal information includes:
1. Home phone numbers;
2. Cell phone numbers;
3. Address information;
4. Medical information;
5. Location of where a member is working;
6. Other information considered personal.
TAKING MESSAGES
When a request for personal information is made from a member of the public, employees
may make note of the request and forward it to the respective WVFR employee by note, telephone, E-mail or other means.
Uncooperative callers should be referred to the Duty Chief.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.05
403
Personal Information of Employees
OG - 5.01.03.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
None.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
404
Issued: 11/12/04
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.03.05
Department Uniform
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.04: Department
OG - 5.01.04
Uniform
Purpose
To provide West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel a clear and consistent policy for the
wearing of uniforms and insignia.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. All uniformed personnel of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue shall dress in a
manner consistent with the policies contained in this guideline.
2. Officers shall ensure that personnel under their command are dressed in accordance with the guidelines.
3. The uniform dress guidelines detail those items authorized and the method of
wear.
4. When on duty, and in public, all personnel shall maintain uniformity of dress.
5. Changes in the policy, instructions, or designs of uniform and insignia shall
only be through approval of the Fire Chief.
Procedure
It is the responsibility of Supervising Officers to ensure that personnel under their supervision
present a neat appearance. It is the duty of all uniformed personnel to take pride in his/her
appearance and maintain a professional deportment at all times.
DEFINITION OF UNIFORM CLASSES
Uniformed Personnel are required to have and maintain three classes of uniform:
Class A Uniform
The Class A Uniform is the Department’s formal uniform. Class A Uniform consists of:
Dress uniform cap, dress tunic, dress pants, light blue or white
long sleeve or short sleeve dress shirt, black or navy blue tie,
black belt, black or navy socks, and black boots. Black shoes
may be worn in place of boots when protective footwear is not
required.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04
405
Department Uniform
OG - 5.01.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Class B Uniform
Class B Uniform is the standard workday uniform that is worn anytime a member represents
the Department with the public present. Class B Uniform consists of:
Navy blue, light blue or white long sleeve or short sleeve dress
shirt, dress pants or “EHS” pants, with and without black or
navy blue tie, black belt, black or navy socks, and black safety
boots. Black shoes may be worn in place of boots when protective footwear is not required. Dark blue nylon jacket or dark
blue or red Gore-tex jacket is optional. Sweater, Sweater-Vest or
Vest is optional. Vests shall not be worn as the only outer garment, when ties are required to be worn.
Class C Uniform
Class C is the informal firehall work uniform. It may also be worn for some specific out of
firehall activities. Class C consists of:
Approved cotton navy blue T-shirt or sweatshirt, dress or
“EHS” pants, black belt, black or navy socks, and black safety
boots, an approved ball cap is optional. Vest is optional.
UNIFORM DRESS
All uniformed Fire Department personnel shall have available at all times the items of B and
C Class Uniform and turn-out clothing they have been issued and shall maintain all items to
ensure readiness for use as required. All members shall have available with four days notice,
all items of Class A Uniform. Only the following items are approved uniform issue:
Ball Cap- Approved, current issue non-faded ball cap. Shall be worn outdoors only. Caps shall
be worn “squarely” upon the head, with the peak in-line with the forehead.
Belt- Approved,
current issue, black leather belt.
Boots- Approved, recent or current issue, black safety boots. Shall be kept clean and polished.
Cargo Shorts- Approved, current issue, dark blue cargo shorts. To
be worn with hiker boot.
Only to be worn May 1 to September 30. Shall be kept clean and pressed.
Dress Cap- Approved,
current issue, Dress Cap and appropriate Hat Badge. Hat Badge must
be centered vertically on the front with the upper quadrant placed 1/8” below the top piping of
the cap. Dress Caps shall be worn “squarely” upon the head, with the peak in line with the
eyebrows and three finger widths above the eyebrow.
Dress Shirt- Approved,
recent or current issue navy, light blue or white dress shirt. Officers
must wear appropriate collar dogs and epaulet slip-ons, signifying their rank. Shirts shall be
kept clean and pressed. Long sleeve shirt sleeves shall not be rolled-up, except while working
in and around the firehall. When worn without a tie, only the top collar button will be unbuttoned. Navy blue or light blue dress shirts may be worn with or without an undershirt. If an
undershirt is worn, it shall be Fire Department approved issue navy blue in colour with a flat
406
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04
Department Uniform
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.04
crew style collar. White dress shirts may be worn with or without an undershirt. If an undershirt is worn, it shall be white in colour with a flat crew neck collar.
Dress Trousers- Approved,
recent or current issue, dark blue dress pants. Shall be kept clean
and pressed.
Dress Tunic- Approved,
current issue, Dress Tunic. Shall be kept clean and pressed. When
worn, must be fully buttoned. Service Bars shall be worn by all uniformed personnel with
over five years service. Each Service Bar represents five years of continuous service. Service
Bars shall be worn on the left sleeve, centered and mounted 1” from the bottom edge of the
sleeve. Service Bars shall be attached to the sleeve without spaces between one and another.
Firefighters and Company Officers wear silver Service Bars. Chief Officers wear gold Service
Bars. Officers must wear appropriate coloured sleeve striping and collar dogs, signifying their
rank.
EHS Trousers- Approved, current issue, dark blue “EHS”
style pants. Shall be kept clean and
pressed.
Fleece Jacket- Approved, current issue fleece
Gore-tex Jacket- Approved,
jacket. Shall be kept clean.
current issue, dark blue or red Gore-tex Jacket. Shall be kept
clean.
Nylon Jacket- Approved, recent or current issue, nylon jacket. Officers must wear appropriate
epaulet slip-ons, signifying their rank. Shall be kept clean.
Shoes- Approved,
recent or current issue, black shoes or black safety shoes. Shall be kept
clean and polished.
Socks- Navy
blue or black socks only.
Sweater- Approved,
current issue, navy blue “Commando Sweater”. Shall be kept clean.
Officers must wear appropriate epaulet slip-ons, signifying their rank.
Sweater Vest- Approved,
current issue, navy blue sweater vest. Shall be kept clean.
Sweatshirt- Approved,
current issue, non-faded navy blue Sweatshirt. No other Sweatshirt
allowed as a top shirt. Shall be kept clean, with no holes or rips. To be worn only as a nightshirt between 22:00 to 07:00 hrs.
Tie- Approved
ties can be clip-on or tied, black with no designs.
Toque- Approved,
current issue toque shall be worn outdoors only, during the winter months.
Shall be kept clean.
T-shirt- Approved,
current issue, non-faded navy blue T-shirts (white T-shirts for chief officers). No other T-shirts allowed as a top shirt. Shall be kept clean, with no holes or rips.
Vest- Approved,
current issue navy blue vest. Shall be worn as part of Class B Uniform with
dress shirt (not with T-shirt or sweatshirt).
Workout Shorts- Approved,
current issue shorts. Shall be kept clean.
Workout T-shirts/Sleeveless Shirts- Approved, current issue T-shirts or Sleeveless Shirts. Shall
be kept clean.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04
407
Department Uniform
OG - 5.01.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
WEARING UNIFORM OFF-DUTY
Unless the Fire Chief otherwise directs, all uniformed personnel will wear their uniform only
while on duty, except:
1. While proceeding directly to or from their place of work; or
2. Fire Department sanctioned functions, where wearing of the uniform is appropriate; or
3. Other public functions that the Fire Chief has authorized.
While wearing approved issue Fire Department T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Vests, Shorts, Ball Caps
or Toques, personnel will conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner, keeping in mind that while wearing Fire Department issue off-duty, you represent the image of the
Department.
METHOD OF WEAR
At the commencement of each shift, all members will be examined by the Firehall Officer and shall be wearing the correct uniform of the day. All of the named items must be neat and clean.
When on duty and appearing in public, attending meetings, or
representing the Department, all members shall appear with the
same dress. All personnel shall maintain uniformity of dress.
When Class C uniform is permitted to be worn, T-shirts and
Sweatshirts must be current issue, non-faded, and without rips
or tears.
Fire Chief / Deputy Chief
The Fire Chief and Deputy Chief while on duty shall wear Class B Uniform with white long
or short sleeve dress shirt and tie. At more formal occasions, Class A Uniform will be worn.
From May 1st to September 30th ties are optional with Class B Uniform, except during this
period, ties shall be worn when meeting the public, attending meetings, or representing the
Department.
Assistant Chiefs
Assistant Chiefs while on duty shall wear Class B Uniform with white long or short sleeve
dress shirt. At more formal occasions such as meeting the public, attending meetings, or representing the Department, ties shall be worn.
Company Officers
Company Officers, while on duty, except where otherwise allowed, will wear Class B Uniform with light blue long or short sleeve dress shirt. See Class B Uniform, below.
408
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04
Department Uniform
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.04
Firefighters
Firefighters, while on duty, except where otherwise allowed, will wear Class B Uniform with
navy blue long or short sleeve dress shirt. See Class B Uniform, below.
Fire Inspectors
Fire Inspectors, while on duty, will wear Class B Uniform with light blue long or short sleeve
dress shirt. From October 1st to April 30th ties shall be worn when meeting the public through
inspections, attending meetings, or representing the Department.
Class A Uniform
Class A Uniform are worn anytime a member represents the Department in a formal setting.
Class A Uniform will be worn to Departmental parades, graduation ceremonies, funerals,
while appearing in court on Department related cases, or other occasions as directed by the
Fire Chief. Chief Officers wear white long sleeve or short sleeve Dress Shirts with Class A
Uniform. Company Officers and Firefighters wear light blue long sleeve or short sleeve Dress
Shirts with Class A Uniform.
Class B Uniform
Class B Uniform, with tie optional, is the standard workday uniform that is worn when leaving the firehall and when casual public contact is expected; examples are: district review, prefire planning, training sessions, and shopping for firehall meals. Class B Uniform, with tie
optional, is worn when attending off-site training sessions, except where excused by the Fire
Chief or his designate.
From October 1st to April 30th Class B Uniform with tie, shall be worn when meeting the
public through inspections, attending meetings, public functions, or representing the Department.
When wearing Class B Uniform in public, the Officer-in-Charge will ensure that there is uniformity of dress.
Class C Uniform
Class C Uniform is permitted to be worn in the following circumstances:
1. responding to incidents, while wearing turnout gear; or
2. performing hydrant maintenance; or
3. training where there is physical exertion; or
4. training in turnout gear; or
5. working out; or
6. where Firehall Officer deems it appropriate, i.e. cutting lawns, testing hose,
waxing vehicles, etc.; or
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04
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Department Uniform
OG - 5.01.04
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
7. other occasions, such as extended hot weather, as permitted by the Fire Chief
or his designate.
Class C Uniform is not permitted in the Firehall when attending training sessions with other
outside personnel or the public is present for an organized tour, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
Suspenders
Suspenders are not permitted, except with turnout pants.
Working Out
When working out on Fire Department property, personnel must wear an approved Department issue T-shirt or sleeveless shirt or sweatshirt, and shorts.
Other Items of Wear
If an item of wear is not included in this guideline, it is not authorized to wear while on duty.
This includes all union purchased clothing or caps.
ANNUAL INSPECTION
An annual inspection will be held once a year in order to determine what articles of Class A
uniforms members are missing. The inspection will be held in the early part of the year prior
to the distribution of the clothing issue form.
DEFACING OF UNIFORM
It is an offense to deface any article of Fire Department wear or insignia.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Department Uniform
410
Issued 11/03/00
Replaces:
Modified
11/07/00
06/22/06
09/26/06
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04
Uniform Cleaning, Repair and Alterations
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.04.01: Uniform
OG - 5.01.04.01
Cleaning, Repair and Alterations
Purpose
To provide a clear policy regarding responsibility for uniform cleaning and alterations.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All uniformed personnel will follow the procedure below.
Procedure
UNIFORM PICK-UP AND DELIVERY
Background
The current uniform cleaning contractor provides a pick-up and delivery service from
Firehall 1. This convenience is not covered in the cleaning contract with the contractor, but is
a special arrangement made a number of years ago between the union executive and the contractor.
Collective Agreement
Section 18(c)(iii) of the collective agreement reads as follows:
“Delivery to and Pick-up from Contractor
Each employee is responsible for the delivery of their clothing
to the premises of the contractor and the pick-up of same from
the contractors’s premises.”
Missing Uniform Items
1. When an employee determines that an item of uniform clothing is missing
from the normal cleaning delivery to Firehall 1, it is the responsibility of the
employee to contact the cleaning contractor directly.
2. If after contacting the contractor, the item of clothing cannot be found, and the
contractor assumes liability for it, the employee may direct the contractor to
contact the Assistant Chief - Administration to arrange for replacement at the
contractor’s expense.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04.01
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Uniform Cleaning, Repair and Alterations
OG - 5.01.04.01
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
REPAIRS
For minor repairs to uniform clothing caused by normal wear-and-tear, such as missing buttons or small rips, the employee may request that the repairs be done by the contractor at
employer expense.
ALTERATIONS
Alterations to new uniform issue such as hemming of EHS pants, are at the employee’s
expense. The employee is also responsible for arranging the alterations, including drop-off
and pick-up.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
412
Issued 02/27/01
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.04.01
Critical Incident Stress
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.05: Critical
OG - 5.01.05
Incident Stress
Purpose
1. To establish a program to lessen the psychological impact of Critical Incidents
on fire department personnel.
2. To establish a Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
3. To provide a process for the incorporation of on-scene management, defusings
and formal debriefings.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
It shall be the policy of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue to initiate the Critical Incident Stress
Management process when a specific incident is identified as a critical stress-related incident.
Such incidents may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Death or serious injury of a Fire Department member occurring on or off shift.
2. Death or serious injury of a Police Officer when other emergency personnel
are involved.
3. Death or serious injury of a civilian occurring during Fire Department operations.
4. Death or serious injury of a child resulting from:
a) neglect;
b) violence;
c) conditions so extreme as to have a lasting effect on Fire Department personnel.
5. An incident that is charged with profound emotion, i.e., a firefighter placed in
danger due to firearms, hostage situation, or threats of physical harm.
6. An incident where firefighters have been exposed to toxic or unknown chemicals which are likely to have lasting physical or mental side effects.
7. Any situation where an individual feels they must receive assistance.
8. Serious or life threatening illness to firefighter or family.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.05
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
.
Note: Critical Incident Stress is the result of the interaction between the fire-
fighter's generalized stress level and the severity of the current incident. For example, a seemingly minor incident could evoke a C.I.S. reaction if the firefighter's
stress level is already elevated by other factors in his personal and/or professional
life.
Procedure
DEFINITIONS
Critical Incident Stress Management Program- Studies
of major incidents where numerous
injuries or fatalities occurred, have revealed that a significant number of firefighters experienced some form of stress-related symptoms following the incident. Many of these stressrelated symptoms were transitory and most personnel had no long-term detrimental effects.
However, the studies have also revealed that a small percentage of personnel experience continuing, long-term detrimental effects resulting from exposure to such incidents. Some of
these effects have been delayed, surfacing later after a period of no apparent symptoms. Without professional intervention, personnel experiencing these long-term effects show declining
work performance, deterioration of family relationships, and increased health problems.
Critical Incident- Any situation faced by firefighters that causes
them to experience unusually
strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function
either at the scene or later.
Facilitator- A professional licensed clinician who is trained in disaster psychology, crises intervention, stress level assessment, and the use of the CISD program. The facilitator is responsible for the training of Peer Debriefers.
Co-Facilitator- A
health professional working with or under the direction of the facilitator.
CISD Coordinator- The West Vancouver Fire Department designated representative responsible for coordinating the CISD program.
Peer Debriefer- A
representative of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, of any rank, trained and
approved by the facilitator and the Steering (Advisory) Committee to assist in the CISD program.
CISD Team- A typical team may be comprised of one facilitator and as many peer debriefers as
the facilitator may deem necessary, dependant on the size of the debriefing. The Fire Department team members role in the debriefing process will be to assist and support the professional counsellors. Any FOLLOW-UP care will be administered by the counselling
professionals.
414
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.05
Critical Incident Stress
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.05
OBJECTIVE
1. To provide policy, guidelines, and procedures relative to the process known as
Critical Incident Stress Management.
2. To provide professional intervention immediately after critical incidents, in
order to minimize stress-related injury to Fire Department personnel.
RESPONSIBILITY
1. The responsibility of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team (CISD) is to
provide an organized approach to the management of stress responses for firefighters having been exposed to, or showing signs of traumatic stress experiences in the line of duty.
2. Fire Department personnel shall be alert to recognize and promptly report any
incident or changes in behaviour resulting from a Critical Incident which may
adversely effect West Vancouver Fire & Rescue personnel.
3. Company Officers shall be responsible for immediately reporting any event,
or behaviour which may require Critical Incident Stress Management. Reports
are to be submitted to the Duty Chief.
4. The Duty Chief shall notify the Deputy Chief, of the incident and begin gathering all pertinent information.
5. Peer Debriefers shall provide support, and referral as necessary to individuals
involved in the Critical Incident, and should be regarded as a resource to
Command. At the scene, peer debriefers will report to Command or an otherwise designated sector.
6. The Deputy Chief/CISD Coordinator shall immediately notify the Fire Chief
and the Debriefing Team Facilitator by phone or pager of the incident and
report any actions he may have taken, i.e.:
a) Place all affected companies out of service, if possible, and request the
Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
b) Arrange a “hot” defusing before the end of the working shift.
c) Arrange an in-service debriefing for all affected companies on the next
scheduled working shift, pending a comprehensive review of reports,
evidence and other facts surrounding the incident.
7. Upon notification, the debriefing team facilitator shall initiate actions appropriate to the incident and necessary to ensure that all affected members receive
proper care.
8. Critical Incident Stress Management shall be conducted in a location remote
from the incident scene and in an area that will comfortably accommodate all
personnel. All management sessions to be STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.05
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Critical Incident Stress
OG - 5.01.05
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
9. Any discussions, opinions, or observations associated with a Critical Incident
Stress Management shall not cause or affect transfers, hamper promotional
opportunities, or result in disciplinary action.
10. Individuals who feel a need to seek assistance regarding a critical incident
may contact the Debriefing Team Facilitator directly.
11. Critical Incident Stress Debriefings should be held before the Post Incident
Analysis. This will enhance the PIA process.
12. All personnel are expected to be in attendance at a defusing/debriefing, for the
betterment and well being of the group affected by the incident. Direction to
attend debriefing/defusing sessions will be made by supervising officers.
COMPONENTS OF THE CIS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
On Scene Support Services
Intervention at or near the scene of operations. In most cases these services will be provided
by the Peer Debriefers, although a facilitator may be requested, dependent on the severity of
the situation. On scene support will consist of the following types of services:
1. One-on-one counselling to those firefighters showing obvious signs of distress
as a result of the incident or their participation.
2. Advise and counsel to incident commanders on topics of stress management.
Specifically issues related to the critical incident.
3. Control victims, survivors and families to ensure the work of the firefighting
units will not be impeded by these individuals, until more appropriate agencies arrive.
Defusings
Defusings are performed after the incident and after the unit has returned to the firehall. The
purpose is to offer information, support, allow initial ventilation of feelings, to set up or establish a need for a formal debriefing, and to stabilize firefighters so they can go home or back in
service. It is similar to a “mini-debriefing” but is not as detailed or as long.
Formal Debriefing
An organized discussion with firefighters brought together to defuse the potential for longterm emotional trauma disorders. The structured discussion emphasizes that firefighters are
experiencing normal responses to abnormal events - they are not unique. CISD is not the same
as a Post Incident Analysis, as Fire Department operations and performance is not discussed.
The debriefing process provides formats in which firefighters can discuss their feelings and
reactions, thus reducing the stress which results from exposure to critical incidents. It will produce a therapeutic effect and it will “accelerate” normal recovery process in normal persons
suffering normal effects after an encounter with an abnormal situation. All debriefings will be
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
416
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.05
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.05
Reference
None
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.05
Issued 11/25/02
Replaces: C11; S9
Modified
417
Critical Incident Stress
OG - 5.01.05
418
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.05
Parking
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.07
5.01.07: Parking
Purpose
To provide a policy for parking at Firehall 1.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
All personnel will follow this Operational Guideline while parking personal vehicles.
Procedure
1. At all times, personnel will not park their personal vehicles in the upper parking lot at Firehall 1, unless they have a designated parking space (i.e. Finance
Officer).
2. Personnel are not to park personal vehicles in the reserved parking spaces in
the lower parking lot at Firehall 1 (i.e Fire Prevention). This is in effect at all
times.
3. Personnel are permitted to stop their personal vehicle in the upper parking lot
for up to five minutes to load and unload fire department related equipment, as
long as the placement of their vehicle does not interfere with fire department
vehicles, or take up a designated parking space.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Issued 02/23/02
Personnel
Modified 10/17/
07
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.07
Replaces: P3
419
Parking
OG - 5.01.07
420
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.07
Rotation of Personnel in Firehalls
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.09: Rotation
OG - 5.01.09
of Personnel in Firehalls
Purpose
1. To standardize the assignment and rotation of personnel through firehalls.
2. To provide better service to the public through:
a) increased familiarization of co-workers’ capabilities,
b) increased familiarization of apparatus and equipment;
c) increased familiarization of a firehall’s response area.
d) increased integration of firefighters into the neighbourhood.
3. To provide clear officer accountability for firehall duties.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Captains will be posted to each firehall for a period of one (1) calendar year.
2. Captains will rotate through the firehalls in the order 1, 2, 4, 3.
3. Assistant Chief - Operations will assign the firefighters for each Platoon as
outlined below under Procedure.
Procedure
CAPTAINS
1. Captains will rotate to their assigned firehalls on the first day of the Tour of
Duty that falls on or after January 1st of each year.
FIREFIGHTERS
1. Firefighters will be stationed at each firehall for a period of six (6) months on
a rotational basis.
2. Firefighters rotate firehalls on the first day of the Tour of Duty that falls on or
after April 1st and October 1st of each year.
3. Assistant Chief - Operations will assign firefighters the firehall that they will
be posted at. Assistant Chief - Operations has the discretion to decide when
junior firefighters are ready to be posted to Firehalls 2, 3 or 4.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.09
421
Rotation of Personnel in Firehalls
OG - 5.01.09
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
CONTINUITY
The rotation of firefighters and captains is offset, so that when an officer or firefighter moves
to a new firehall, at least one other member has been there for at least 3 months and can provide some continuity.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Captains are posted to a firehall on a calendar year basis, so that he/she is clearly accountable
for all duties and programs related to that firehall for that respective calendar year.
When a captain is off due to vacation or sickness, etc., it is the relieving member’s duty to
familiarize themselves with the status of assigned duties related to that firehall.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
422
Issued 08/03/01
Replaces:
Modified 06/21/02
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.09
Shift Exchanges (Shift Swaps)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.11: Shift
OG - 5.01.11
Exchanges (Shift Swaps)
Purpose
To provide a clearly understood policy for operations personnel exchanging shifts.
Scope
All Operations Personnel.
Policy
1. Exchanging working shifts is allowed to employees working the two platoon
system, however, employees must be aware that exchanging shifts is a privilege that must not be abused.
2. The opportunity of an employee to participate in exchanges is subject to
restriction where the individual's use of the privilege reflects unfavorably
upon the District or the Fire Department or any other reason, at the discretion
of the Fire Chief or designate.
3. The spirit of the shift exchange policy is to allow an employee to exchange a
shift or shifts in order to attend a function or functions for personal and family
pleasure, which normally cannot be accommodated due to the shift system.
4. Fire department personnel must exchange shifts at no cost to the employer.
5. Substitutions shall not impair operational efficiency. At no time will shift substitutions be a priority over the operational or training needs of the department.
Procedure
DEFINITIONS
Shift Exchange- A
shift exchange is an arrangement where two firefighters, following
approved Department policy, contract with one another to exchange working shifts. Also
known as Shift Swap.
Multiple Shift Exchange- A multiple shift exchange is a three (3) day or four (4) day shift
exchange within one tour of duty.
Temporary Stand-ins- are short-term stand-ins of less than 4 hours. Approval forms are not
required, although the firehall Captain must grant prior approval.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.11
423
Shift Exchanges (Shift Swaps)
OG - 5.01.11
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
SHIFT EXCHANGES
Members working substitutions shall not work more than two (2) shifts (24 hours) consecutively.
One and Two Day Shift Exchanges
Captains may authorize the approval process for a one (1) day or two (2) day shift substitution.
Multiple Shift Exchanges
Employees are limited to two (2) multiple shift exchanges per year. Multiple shift exchanges
must be approved by the Assistant Chief - Operations or Duty Chief. Under extenuating circumstances, further multiple day shift exchanges may be approved by the Fire Chief or designate.
Union Shift Exchanges
When union executive officers use shift exchanges to conduct union business, such shift
exchanges will not effect the member's shift exchange entitlements.
Members of the Executive of Local 1525 requesting a union shift substitution for the conducting of necessary union business must ensure that the necessary forms are filled out and
approved.
Shift Exchanges for Probationary Firefighters
Firefighters within their first six months of service shall not be eligible for shift substitutions,
except in extenuating circumstances to be approved by the Fire Chief or designate.
Shift Exchanges for Officers
An officer must make every effort to exchange shifts only with another officer or with a qualified member of the officers' pool. In the case of a confirmed officer being unable to contract
with a confirmed or qualified member of the officers' pool, the requesting officer must secure
agreement of both the junior member agreeing to work and an on-shift qualified member to be
“bumped-up.” The qualified member being bumped-up does thereby agree to forego any
claim to acting pay.
REQUESTING A SHIFT EXCHANGE
1. Each shift exchange shall be requested in writing on a Shift Exchange Request
Form available in the Forms section of the Department intranet.
2. The form shall fully be filled-out to specify all pertinent information.
3. The member requesting the exchange and the member agreeing to work the
shift shall sign the application. The proposed exchange shall become effective
only with the signature of all parties. Substitute signatures are not allowed.
424
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.11
Shift Exchanges (Shift Swaps)
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.11
4. A proposed shift exchange shall become effective only with the signature of
the Captain of the firehall and shift affected. When shift changes are needed
while a captain is on days off, the form may be signed by the on-duty Captain
if telephone approval has been granted by the off-duty Captain.
5. The properly completed form shall be posted in the captain's office at Firehall
1 not less than 24 hours before the requested exchange is to take effect. Short
notice of 24 hours or less must have approval of the Duty Chief.
6. Once a Shift Exchange Form has been approved, the shift exchange will be
entered into the Shift Exchange Book at Firehall 1.
7. Failure to have the form properly approved and documented will result in the
regularly scheduled member being classified as absent without leave, and may
be subject to progressive discipline.
All potential conflict must be resolved prior to the start of a substitute shift. The Fire Chief or
designate will have final judgment where conflict is not promptly resolved.
RESPONSIBLITIES
Responsibilities of Member Requesting Shift Exchange
It is the responsibility of the member requesting a shift exchange to:
• have shift exchange properly documented and approved;
• enter the shift exchange in the Shift Exchange Book;
• supply a substitute of equal rank or position.
Captain’s Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Captain to:
• refuse an application for an exchange of working shift that would, in their opinion,
place a less qualified individual in a position of responsibility;
• refuse an application when the originator of the shift exchange is scheduled to
attend special training programs.
Member Working an Exchange Shift
It is the responsibility of the member agreeing to work and exchange shift to:
• report to the proper shift and firehall;
• be responsible for the coverage they have agreed to. In the event a member cannot
fulfill the shift exchange commitment, that member is solely responsible to ensure
appropriate coverage. Failure to meet this obligation shall result in the member
scheduled to work the exchange shift being classified as absent without leave, and
may be subject to progressive discipline.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.11
425
Shift Exchanges (Shift Swaps)
OG - 5.01.11
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
In the case of unavoidable lateness, the coverage will be provided at no cost to the municipality by having employees stand-in for each other. At no time shall substitutions create cost to
the fire department. Overtime will not apply for standby coverage for late arrivals.
If a member fails to report to work for an approved substitution shift, all associated extra costs
due to the failure to report will be taken out of that member's LSL, vacation or gratuity bank.
BENEFITS
• Acting Officer remuneration during shift exchanges will accrue only to the Acting
Officer scheduled to work and requesting the exchange.
• Overtime shall be submitted only at the rate for the position worked.
• Statutory holiday pay will accrue to the member working the exchanged shift.
• Benefits that accrue due to a member working an exchange shift will accrue to that
member: i.e. extended tour of duty, etc.
Reference
Shift Exchange Request Form, Doc145723.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
426
Issued: 10/08/03
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.11
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.12: Flag
OG - 5.01.12
Protocol
Purpose
To provide a clear policy on flag protocol.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
It is the policy of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue to follow flag protocol as stated below.
Procedure
FLAGS - GENERAL
Flags should always be treated with respect and should be maintained and folded properly
when not being flown.
Only flags in good condition should be flown. Never fly a tattered, faded or stained flag.
When to Fly the Flag
In principle, the flag is only flown in daylight hours, being raised at sunrise and lowered at
sunset. For department purposes, flags should be raised at 08:00 hours and lowered at 18:00
hours.
FLAG - DISPLAYS
The National Flag of Canada, when flown or paraded, takes precedence over all other national
flags. When flown with other flags, all flags should be flown on separate staffs and at the
same height, all being of the same size, with the Canadian flag occupying the position of
honour.
The Canadian Flag should be raised first and lowered last, unless the number of flags permits
their being raised and lowered simultaneously.
Flag Precedence
(as seen by the viewer facing the flags)
• Two Flags: Senior flag on your left
• Three Flags: Senior flag in the centre; next senior on your left; third on your right
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.12
427
OG - 5.01.12
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
• Four Flags or More: Senior flag on your left, then other flags in order of precedence, left to right
Order of Precedence: Vice-Regal Standard; National flag; Visiting Country; Provincial flag;
Union Jack; other provincial flags; city and other flags.
The following are examples of how to display flags when used for ceremonial occasions:
Two Flags
With another flag, the National Flag of Canada should be on the left of the observer facing the flags; both should be at the same
height (right).
Crossed Flags
When crossed with another flag, the National
Flag of Canada should be on the left of the
observer facing the flags; the staff should be
in front of the staff of the other flag.
428
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.12
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.01.12
Three Flags
In a line of three flags, the National Flag of
Canada should be in the centre. The other
two flags should be placed to the left and
right of the Canadian flag (alphabetical order
for flags of sovereign nations), from the
point of view of the observer facing the three
staffs.
OFFICIAL FLAG
For a full honours funeral ceremony, the flag will be used to drape the pass over the casket.
When draped over a casket, or being handled, the flag shall not touch the ground, or be so
placed as to be below the eye level of a seated person.
The flag shall not cover any object other than a casket, monument or photograph.
For a full honours funeral ceremony, the official flag shall be presented to the spouse/partner
or next of kin.
HALF-MASTING FLAGS
Flags are flown at the half-mast position as a sign of mourning.
Death of an Active West Vancouver Firefighter
Flags shall be dipped to half-mast as soon as notification is received of an active West Vancouver firefighter's death. They shall remain at half-mast until sunset the day of burial. The
Fire Chief or designate should notify the municipal clerk, so that their flags may be flown at
half-mast.
Death of a Retired or Past West Vancouver Firefighter
Flags shall be dipped to half-mast on the day of the funeral.
On-Duty Death of a Canadian Firefighter
Flags shall be dipped to half-mast on the day of the funeral.
Other On-Duty Death of a Firefighter(s)
As directed by the Fire Chief or designate.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.12
429
OG - 5.01.12
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Death of Non Fire Department Dignitaries
On the death of (“on the death of” includes from notification of death until the day of burial):
• the Sovereign or a member of the Royal Family related in the first degree to the
Sovereign (spouse, son or daughter, father, mother, brother or sister), the Governor
General, the Prime Minister, a former governor general, a former prime minister,
or a federal cabinet minister;
• within a province, on the death of the Lieutenant Governor, the Premier or another
person similarly honoured by that province;
• within his/her own riding, on the death of the Member of the House of Commons,
or the Member of the Provincial/Territorial Legislature;
• at his/her place of residence, on the death of a Senator, a Canadian Privy Councillor, or a Mayor
Position of Half Mast Flag
The position of a flag at half-mast depends on its size and the height and location of the flagstaff. Generally, however, the centre of the flag shall be halfway down the flagstaff.
The flag is brought to the half-mast position by first raising it to the top of the mast then
immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. It must be lowered at least to a position recognizably “half-mast” to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen
away from the top of the mast owing to a loose flag rope. A satisfactory position for halfmasting is to place the centre of the flag exactly half-way down the staff.
Reference
Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Reference Manual;
Canadian Heritage Flag Etiquette in Canada website:
www.pch.gc.ca/ceremonial-symb/etiquette/flag_e.htm
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
430
Issued 06/24/02
Replaces:
Modified
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.12
Exercising While On-Duty
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.01.13: Exercising
OG - 5.01.13
While On-Duty
Purpose
To provide a clear policy as to when it is permissible to exercise while on duty.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
1. Developing a regular exercise program is important to instill from the first day
that a recruit starts with WVFR. It is the policy of West Vancouver Fire &
Rescue to encourage personnel to exercise regularly throughout their full
career.
2. Exercising while on duty will not take precedence over work related duties,
whether such work or training is regularly scheduled, or whether it is work
that is unanticipated.
Procedure
As long as all work and training duties have been satisfactorily completed, exercising while
on duty will be permitted during the following hours:
Day Shift
• Lunch Hour
• After 16:30 weekdays
• After 15:00 weekends
Night Shift
• After 19:00
Notwithstanding the above, and upon discretion of the firehall captain, personnel may start
exercising as early as:
• 16:00 on weekday day shifts;
• 18:30 on night shifts if all truck checks and other duties have been completed.
Exercising is not permitted before trucks and equipment have been checked.
Reference
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.13
431
Exercising While On-Duty
OG - 5.01.13
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
None.
Section 5: Administration
Personnel
432
Issued: 01/21/04
Replaces:
Modified:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.01.13
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
5.02 Finance
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
433
OG -
434
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No.
Daily Fuel Report
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
5.02.08: Daily
OG - 5.02.08
Fuel Report
Purpose
To provide a system to monitor the consumption of fuel from fire department fuel pumps.
Scope
All Personnel.
Policy
The captain at Firehalls 1, 2 and 3 are responsible for ensuring that the Daily Fuel Report is
entered as stated below in Procedure.
Procedure
At Firehalls 1, 2 and 3, fuel consumption data will be entered daily into the firehall computer
using the Daily Fuel Report (see example report at the end of this OG).
It is the captain's responsibility at Firehalls 1, 2 and 3 to assign a member to enter the day’s
fuel data on the firehall computer. Night shift personnel should enter the data after 18:00 hours
for the current day.
Directions for Fuel Report Data Entry
The directions for filling-in the Daily Fuel Report are as follows:
1. Locate the paper copy of the Daily Fuel Report and take it to the computer.
2. Open Daily Fuel Report in FileMaker.
3. If there is not already a computer record created for the current day's date, create a new record (All firehalls share the same record).
4. When a new record is created, the current date is entered automatically in the
Date field.
5. Locate the correct section of the form for the pump used, i.e. Firehall 1 - Gas,
Firehall 1 - Diesel, Firehall 2 - Diesel or Firehall 3 - Diesel.
6. Go to the Vehicle field and choose the appropriate vehicle from the list that
pops up in the field.
7. Enter the corresponding odometer reading for each vehicle in the Odometer
field.
8. Enter the corresponding litres of fuel for each vehicle in the Litres field.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.02.08
435
Daily Fuel Report
OG - 5.02.08
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
9. Enter the closing fuel pump meter reading in the Meter Closing Field (the
opening reading should automatically be entered from the closing reading of
the day before).
10. The meter total on the right of the form should equal the total of fuel pumped
on the left of the form. The Out of Balance field should be zero.
11. If the Out of Balance field is negative by more than more than two (2) litres,
the discrepancy will be investigated.
The handwritten paper copy of the Daily Fuel Report should be stored at the respective firehall for a period of one month and then disposed of.
Reference
None.
Section 5: Administration
Finance
436
Issued 11/29/02
Replaces:
Modified 07/26/06
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.02.08
Daily Fuel Report
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OG - 5.02.08
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
Daily Fuel Report
Date
M
Vehicle
Odometer
Litres
Th
HALL 1 - GAS
1.
2.
Meter Opening Reading
ea
dis
Meter Closing Reading
Meter Total
Out of Balance
Total Gas
Vehicle
Odometer
Litres
HALL 1 - DIESEL
Meter Opening Reading
Meter Closing Reading
Meter Total
Out of Balance
Entered By
Total Diesel
Vehicle
Odometer
Litres
HALL 2 - DIESEL
Meter Opening Reading
Meter Closing Reading
Meter Total
Out of Balance
Entered By
Total Diesel
Vehicle
Odometer
Litres
HALL 3 - DIESEL
Meter Opening Reading
Meter Closing Reading
Meter Total
Out of Balance
Entered By
Total Diesel
Monday Fuel Dips: Hall 1 Gas
cm
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.02.08
Hall 1 Diesel
cm
Hall 2
cm
Hall 3
cm
437
Daily Fuel Report
OG - 5.02.08
438
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE No. 5.02.08
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
INDEX
A
Absentee Notification Form, 386, 387
Absenteeism
ongoing problems, 383
Accident - Train/Rail
response procedures, 233
Accident Form for Work Place Injuries, 47
Accident Investigation, 45
Accident Procedure
for vehicles, 217
Accountability System, 85
Additional Alarms, 186
Additional Apparatus
requesting, 205
Aerial Apparatus
fall protection, 143
on firehall apron, 145
Agencies
response to a working fire, 101
Air Horn, 116
Alarms Ringing
response procedures, 232
Apparatus, 211
at public functions, 215
exhaust extraction system, 153
inspections, 227
inventories, 149
out of service, 221, 228
replacement, 221
requesting additional, 205
safe parking of, 125
secondary response, 247
standby, 213, 223
Arrival at an Incident in a Neighbouring
Municipality, 163
Assist to Outside Area
response procedures, 235
Attendance Management, 381
Available
unit staus, 179
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
B
BC Community Charter, 242
BCAS
response to a working fire, 101
taxi from LGH, 359
BCERMS, 166, 301
BCFS, 297
Biohazardous Contamination, 109
Biological waste
disposal of, 361
Boat/Ship Taking Water
response procedures, 234
Bomb Threats, 335
Boots
turnout boots, 75
Bridge Weight Limits, 123
British
Columbia
Emergency
Management System, 166, 301
British Columbia Forest Service, 297
Response
C
Call Signs, 177
collective call signs, 178
for reserve engine companies,
207
Callback
of mechanic, 193
of personnel, 245
Carbon Monoxide, 337
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
No CPR Orders, 307
Cell Phones
on fire apparatus, 209
Changes to Operational Guidelines, 19
Chaps, 76
Chimney Fire
response procedures, 233
CIS, 41, 413
Clandestine Drug Labs, 325
Cleaning
439
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
personal protective equipment,
110
Coastal Fire Centre, 299
Cold Zone
hazardous materials, 316
Collective Agreement
and attendance management, 382
and callbacks, 245
and nourishment at incidents, 91
and uniforms, 411
Communications, 177
at high-rise incidents, 288
Community Forester, 297
Companies
out of service, 221
Confined Space
rescue, 259
Rescue Air Supply Log, 263
Rescue Atmospheric Monitoring Log, 263
Rescue Incident Command Checklist, 263
Rescue Team Leader Worksheet, 263
Contamination
biohazardous waste., 109
Couplings, 252
leakage of, 254
CPR
No CPR Orders, 307
Critical Incident Stress, 41, 413
Crowd Control, 96
Cypress Park
wildfires in, 302
D
Daily Fuel Report, 435
Daily Vehicle Inspection, 227
Damage
to turnout clothing, 76
Dangerous Goods, 313
Death of a Firefighter
flag protocol, 429
Definitions
of Terms in OG’s, 7
radio terminology, 197
Demotion, 377
Department Safety Officer, 37, 39
Department Uniform, 405
Departmental Operations Centre, 165
Diesel Emissions
minimizing in firehalls, 155
440
Discipline
demotion, 377
dismissal, 376
oral reprimand, 375
progressive, 373
records of, 377
suspension, 376
written reprimand, 375
Dismissal, 376
Dispatch Codes
Fire and Emergency Incidents,
231
Dispatch Model, 180
Dispatch Procedures
off-road or wildland rescue, 195
Dispatcher Responsibilities, 179
Disposal
of sharps, 105, 109
Division Officer
and passport system, 87
DOC, 165
Drug Labs, 325
grow operations, 303
Duties
day shift, 396
monthly, 397
night shift, 396
weekly, 396
Duty Chief
response to emergency incidents, 191
response to MVA’s, 237
E
Electrical Operations, 331
Electronic Mail, 389
Elevators
at high-rise incidents, 282
E-Mail, 389
Emergency Incident
nourishment at, 91
response procedures, 231
Emergency Lights, 115
Emergency Operations Centre
EOC, 297
Emergency Program, of B.C., 363
Emergency Response
definition of, 180
varying normal, 205
Emergency Social Services, 367
Emissions
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
minimizing diesel emissions in firehalls,
155
Employee
absence, 385
attendance, 381
personal information,
403
Entry into Buildings With Oxygen Deficient
Atmosphere, 289
enty into buildings with, 289
Equipment
for high-rise incidents, 284
inventories, 149
ESS, 367
Evacuation
at high-rise incidents, 283
Exercising
while on-duty, 431
Exhaust Extraction System, 153
Explosions, 335
Extinguishers
inspection of, 36
First Alarm, 231
First Responder First Aid, 305
Flag Protocol, 427
Flagperson
at incidents, 116
Food
at emergency incidents, 91
Forms
absentee notification, 387
Fuel
standby location for, 213
Fuel Report, 435
G
Gate-valve
for hose test,
252
turnout, 76
turnout gloves,
Facial Hair
75
Goggles, 76
Goods
and SCBA,
71
Fall Protection
Dangerous,
313
Group Officer
aerial apparatus, 143
WCB requirements, 144
and passport system,
False Alarm
87
Grow Ops
fires at, 303
releasing companies from,
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
43
Gloves
F
187
Fire and Emergency Incident
response procedures, 231
Fire Apparatus
inspection of, 135
Fire Department Act, 245
Fire Dispatch
dispatch codes, 231
requesting apparatus, 205
Fire Miscellaneous
response procedures, 233
Fire Protection and Emergency
Bylaw, 242
Fire Protection Bylaw, 17
Fire Pump Testing, 36
Fire Services Act, 17
Fire Suppression, 275
at grow operations, 303
Firehall Log Book, 175
First Aid
attendants, 43
first responder, 305
services and equipment,
supplies, 157
H
Response
Hazardous Materials Incidents, 315
Hazardous Materials Information System, 37
Hazmat
response procedures, 234
Hearing Protectors, 76
Hearing tests, 41
Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Systems, 287
Helmet
lights, 75
turnout helmet, 75
Hepatitis B Vaccinations, 41
Highrise Fire Emergencies, 277
Highway 99
MVA response, 237
441
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
of Accidents and Disease, 45
response procedures, 234
Hood
turnout hood,
75
Hose, 249
couplings, 252
creeping of, 254
inspection of, 36
stenciling, 254
test gate-valve, 252
testing, 251
testing 2 1/2" and smaller,
testing 4", 252
L
Ladders
inspection of,
personal protective equipment,
254
Hot Zone
hazardous materials, 316
HVAC Systems, 287
Hydrants
clearing, 139
maintenance, 139
painting lines, 140
ICS, 161
identification of personnel,
110
Leg Protectors, 76
LEL, 261
LGH
response to, 243
taxi from, 359
Lighthouse Park
firefighting equipment, 295
hydrant locations, 294
Wildfire Preparedness Plan, 293
I
169
Incident
potential for violence at, 95
Incident Command
high-rise fires, 281
Incident Command System, 161
Incident Management
communication procedures, 185
Incident Nature Codes, 231
Incident Rehabilitation, 89
Incident Reporting, 341
Incident Safety Officer, 39
Information Officer, 170
Injuries
reporting, 57
Insignia, 405
Inspection
apparatus, 227
of fire department equipment, 35
of ladders, 36
of SCBA and Fire Apparatus, 135
of training structures, 351
of turnout clothing, 76
Inspection of Personal Protective Equipment, 55
Internet Usage Guidelines, 391
Inventory
for apparatus, 149
Investigation
442
36
Laundering
Lions Bay, 241
Lions Gate Bridge
weight limits, 124
Lions Gate Hospital
response to, 243
taxi from, 359
Live Fire Training, 32
Lockers
employee use of, 401
Lockout Procedures, 97
Log Book, 175
Lower Explosive Limit, 261
M
Marine - Other
response procedures,
234
Marine Fire (Land/Dock)
response procedures, 232
Marine Fire (Water)
response procedures, 232
Marine Rescue, 269
MAYDAY, 189
and RIT, 272
Mechanic, 193
callback of, 193
Mechanical Work Orders, 147
Medical Aid - Not from EHS
response procedures, 234
Medical Aid from EHS
response procedures, 234
Medical Examinations and Health Monitoring, 41
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Medical Incidents
protective clothing at, 75
Monitoring of Workplace Exposures, 39
Montizambert Wynd, 241
Motor Vehicle Accident
response to, 237
Mutual Aid
use of radios, 188
MVA
response to, 237
MVA - Fire on Hwy
response procedures, 233
MVA - No or Unknown
response procedures, 233
N
Neighbouring Municipality
arrival at an incident in, 163
No CPR Orders, 307
Non Emerg Medical Assist
response procedures, 235
Notification of Absence, 385
Nourishment
at Emergency Incidents, 91
while training off-site, 353
O
Occupational Safety and Health Committee, 51
Occupational Safety and Health Policy, 27
Occupational Safety and Health Program, 25
review of, 59
Ocean Point, 241
Officer’s Firehall Log, 135
Off-Road Rescue
dispatch procedures, 195
On-Scene Report, 185
Operational Guidelines, 20
crew familiar with, 19
definitions, 5
modified, 19
new, 19
policy, 17, 19
rescinded, 19
Operations
Special, 323
Oral Reprimand, 375
Out of Service
apparatus, 228
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
fire companies, 221
unit status, 180
Overtime
captain’s responsibilities, 386
Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere, 289
P
Parking
at Firehall 1, 419
fire apparatus at incidents,
125
PASS Device, 79
alarm procedure, 80
inspection of, 79
Passport
primary, 85
secondary, 85
Passport Accountability System, 85
PEP, 363, 365
Personal Alert Safety Devices, 79
Personal Flotation Device, 269
Personal Information
of employees, 403
Personal Protective Clothing, 29
at medical incidents, 75
Personal Protective Equipment, 75
for hazardous materials, 318
inspection of, 55
Personnel
callback of, 245
Platform Truck
bridge weight limits, 123
on firehall apron, 145
Police
response to a working fire, 101
Policy
Operational Guidelines, 17
PPE, 75
laundering of, 110
PREOC, 297
Privacy of Personal Information, 403
Progress Reports, 186
Progressive Discipline, 373
Protective Clothing, 75
at medical incidents, 75
Provincial Emergency Program, 363
Reimbursement, 365
Public Assistance
response procedures, 235
443
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Non Emerg Medical Assist,
Public Assistance, 235
Rescue, 233
Rescue - Other, 234
Structure Fire, 231
Train/Rail Fire, 232
Unreported fire, 235
Vehicle Fire, 232
Public Functions, 215
Public Service Calls, 239
Pump Testing, 36
R
Radio
terminology,
178, 197
Radio Call Signs
for reserve engine companies,
Response Procedures
207
Radio Communications, 177
Radio Frequencies, 300
Radio Pagers, 203
Radio Terminology, 197
Rapid Intervention Team, 271
Records and Statistics, 57
Recruit Training and Orientation Program, 31
Regular Inspections and Monitoring, 35
Rehabilitation
at an incident, 89
Releasing Companies, 187
Replacement Apparatus, 221
Reporting
incidents, 341
injuries, 57
Rescue
response procedures, 233
Rescue - Other
response procedures, 234
Reserve Engine Companies
call signs, 207
Respiratory Protection Program, 63
Response
altering, 181
Response Codes
Accident - Train/Rail, 233
Alarms Ringing, 232
Assist to Outside Area, 235
Boat/Ship Taking Water, 234
Chimney Fire, 233
Fire Miscellaneous, 233
Hazmat, 234
Investigation, 234
Marine - Other, 234
Marine Fire (Land/Dock), 232
Marine Fire (Water), 232
Medical Aid - Not from EHS, 234
Medical Aid from EHS, 234
MVA - Fire on Hwy, 233
MVA - No or Unknown, 233
444
235
by apparatus staffed through callback, 246
emergency incident, 231
routine and emergency, 180
to areas without an aid agreement, 241
to Lions Gate Hospital, 243
RIT, 271
Roads
stopping traffic on,
129
Roll Call
and passport system,
87
Rotation of Personnel in Firehalls, 421
Routine Duties, 395
day shift, 396
monthly, 397
night shift, 396
weekly, 396
Routine Response, 180
S
SABA, 261
Safe Parking & Positioning of Fire Apparatus, 125
Safe Work Procedures, 29
Safety
electrical, 331
vehicle response, 119
Safety Committee, 35, 51
Safety Cones, 115
Safety Officer, 39, 170
and training office, 349
Safety Vests
when to wear, 76
Salvation Army, 92
SCBA, 261
and facial hair, 71
as protective equipment, 76
checking of, 63
doffing, 67
donning, 66
emergency operation, 68
facepiece cleaning, 68
facepiece testing, 69
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
inspection of, 36, 135
inspection procedures, 64
regulator cleaning, 69
Search and Rescue
at high-rise incidents, 287
Secondary Response Apparatus, 247
Service Records, 57
Sharps Disposal, 105, 109
Shift Exchanges, 423
Shift Swaps, 423
Siren
use of, 116
Smoking, 30
Special Operations, 323
Specialty Equipment
transport of, 131
Staging
for high-rise incidents, 285
Staging and Rehabilitation
and passport system, 86
Staging Officer, 170
Standards
Training, 347
Standby
for training, fuel, etc., 213
in North Vancouver, 224
of apparatus, 223
Stopping Traffic on Roadways, 129
Strachan Creek, 241
Structure Fire
response procedures, 231
Supervision of Workers, 33
Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus, 261
Suppression
Fire, 275
Suspenders
wearing of, 410
Suspension
and discipline, 376
Sweatshirts
wearing of, 407
T
Tactical Channels, 181
switiching to, 182
TCH
MVA response, 237
Team Leader, 170
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Termination of Incident, 188
Terminology
radio, 197
Terms
definitions of, 7
Testing
fire pumps, 36
hearing, 41
hose, 251
Towing Municpal Vehicles, 218
Traffic Cones, 126
Train/Rail Fire
response procedures, 232
Training
and tactical channels, 183
for Firefighters and Officers, 31
inspection of structures, 351
nourishment while training off-site,
stand-by coverage for, 214
standby for, 213
353
Training Ground, 213
Training Office Authority, 349
Training Records, 57
Training Standards, 347
Trans-Canada Highway
MVA response, 237
Transferring Command
and passport system, 86
Transport of Specialty Equipment, 131
T-shirts
wearing of, 407
Turnout Gear, 75
damage to, 76
inspection of, 76
washing of, 76
Two Platoon Act, 245
U
Uniform, 405
cleaning, repair and alterations,
411
Unit Status, 179
Unreported Fire
response procedures,
235
Updates
to operational guidelines,
19
Utilities
response to a working Fire,
101
445
WEST VANCOUVER FIRE & RESCUE
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
V
Vehicle Accident Procedure, 217
Vehicle Fire
response procedures, 232
Vehicle Response Safety, 119
Ventilation
for high-rise incidents, 286
Vests
wearing of in ICS, 169
Violence at an Incident, 95
W
Waiver Form, 351
Warm Zone
hazardous materials,
316
Warning Devices
Emergency Operations, 115
Non-Emergency Operations, 117
WCB
lockout regulations, 97
Weight Limits
for bridges, 123
WHMIS, 37
Wildfire Equipment
transport of, 131
Wildland Rescue
dispatch procedures, 195
Wildland/Urban Interface Fires, 297
Work Orders
mechanical, 147
Work Place Injuries
WCB
reporting injuries to, 47
Workers’ Compensation Board
fall protection requirements, 144
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System, 37
Written and Practical Safe Work Procedures, 29
Written Reprimand, 375
446
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES