ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE SYLLABUS: 

FIRE DEPARTMENT SAFETY OFFICER 

COURSE INFORMATION 

Days and hours of instruction: 5 days; 40 hours 

CONTACT INFORMATION

AFC staff and contact email:
Bart Marshall:bmarshall@alabamafirecollege.org
Kevin Pate kpate@alabamafirecollege.org
Jimmy Conner: jconner@alabamafirecollege.org

AFC web address: www.alabamafirecollege.org 

Textbook/Other Materials

Supplementary readings:
NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer, 2002 Edition,
Available from NFPA at www.nfpa.org 

Please note: Test questions are taken from the instructor's lecture AND the assigned reading. While some questions from the assigned reading may not be covered during class due to time constraints, students are responsible for knowing and understanding ALL information assigned in the syllabus.

Instructor materials:
Teaching Outline and PowerPoint: Rev. 12/2003

Course Description/Objectives

Goals:
The purpose of this course is to specify, in terms of performance objectives, the minimum requirements for professional service as a fire department safety officer. This course shall cover the requirements for the Fire Department Safety Officer: Health and Safety Officer and Incident Safety Officer.  

Objectives:
HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

• The health and safety officer shall be involved in the development, implementation, and management of the official written risk management plan as specified in Chapter 4 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall communicate the health and safety aspects of the risk management plan to all members through training and education
• The health and safety officer shall make available the written risk management plan to all fire department members
• The health and safety officer shall monitor the effectiveness of the risk management plan and shall ensure the risk management plan is revised annually as it relates to fire fighter health and safety
• The health and safety officer shall develop an incident risk management plan that is implemented into the fire department’s incident management system. This risk management plan shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall develop, review, and revise rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures pertaining to the fire department occupational safety and health program. Based upon the directives and requirements of applicable laws, codes, and standards, the health and safety officer shall develop procedures that ensure compliance with these laws, codes, and standards. These recommended or revised rules, regulations, or standard operating procedures shall be submitted to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative by the health and safety officer
• The health and safety officer shall periodically report to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative on the adequacy of, effectiveness of, and compliance with the rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures specified in 5.2.1
• The fire chief shall define the role of the health and safety officer in the enforcement of the rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that training in safety procedures relating to all fire department operations and functions is provided to fire department members. Training shall address recommendations arising from the investigation of accidents, injuries, occupational deaths, illnesses, and exposures and the observation of incident scene activities
• The health and safety officer shall cause safety supervision to be provided for training activities, including all live burn exercises. All structural live burn exercises shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions. The health and safety officer or qualified designee shall be personally involved in preburn inspections of any acquired structures to be utilized for live fire training
• The health and safety officer shall develop and distribute safety and health information for the education of fire department members
• The health and safety officer shall manage an accident prevention program that addresses the items specified in this section. The health and safety officer shall be permitted to delegate the development, direct participation, review, or supervision of this program
• The accident prevention program shall provide instruction in safe work practices for all fire department members. This shall include safe work practices for emergency and nonemergency operations
• The accident prevention program shall address the training and testing of all fire department drivers, including all fire apparatus driver/operators
• The health and safety officer shall periodically survey operations, procedures, equipment, and fire department facilities with regard to maintaining safe working practices and procedures. The health and safety officer shall report any recommendations to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative
• The health and safety officer shall develop and implement procedures to ensure that a member(s) suffering a life-threatening occupational injury or illness is provided immediate emergency medical care and transportation to medical facilities. These procedures shall also ensure that all occupational injuries and illnesses are treated at the most appropriate health care facilities
• The health and safety officer shall investigate, or cause to be investigated, all occupational injuries, illnesses, exposures, and fatalities, or other potentially hazardous conditions involving fire department members and all accidents involving fire department vehicles, fire apparatus, equipment, or fire department facilities
• The health and safety officer shall develop corrective recommendations that result from accident investigations. The health and safety officer shall submit such corrective recommendations to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative
• The health and safety officer shall develop accident and injury reporting and investigation procedures and shall periodically review these procedures for revision. These accident and injury reporting procedures shall comply with all local, state, and federal requirements
• The health and safety officer shall review the procedures employed during any unusually hazardous operation. Wherever it is determined that incorrect or questionable procedures were employed, the health and safety officer shall submit corrective recommendations to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative
• The fire department shall maintain records of all accidents, occupational deaths, injuries, illnesses, and exposures in accordance with Chapter 4 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. The health and safety officer shall manage the collection and analysis of this information
• The health and safety officer shall identify and analyze safety and health hazards and shall develop corrective actions to deal with these hazards
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that records on the following are maintained as specified in Chapter 4 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program:
  • Fire department safety and health standard operating procedures
  • Periodic inspection and service testing of apparatus and equipment
  • Periodic inspection and service testing of personal safety equipment
  • Periodic inspection of fire department facilities
• The health and safety officer shall maintain records of all recommendations made and actions taken to implement or correct safety and health hazards or unsafe practices
• The health and safety officer shall maintain records of all measures taken to implement safety and health procedures and accident prevention methods
• The health and safety officer shall issue a report to the fire chief, at least annually, on fire department accidents, occupational injuries, illnesses, deaths, and exposures
• The health and safety officer shall review specifications for new apparatus, equipment, protective clothing, and protective equipment for compliance with the applicable safety standards in Chapters 6 and 7 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall assist and make recommendations regarding the evaluation of new equipment and its acceptance or approval by the fire department in accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall assist and make recommendations regarding the service testing of apparatus and equipment to determine its suitability for continued service and in accordance with Chapter 6 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall assist and make recommendations regarding the service testing of apparatus and equipment to determine its suitability for continued service and in accordance with Chapter 6 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall develop, implement, and maintain a protective clothing and protective equipment program that will meet the requirements in Chapter 7 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, and provide for the periodic inspection and evaluation of all protective clothing and equipment to determine its suitability for continued service
• The health and safety officer shall ensure all fire department facilities are inspected in accordance with Chapter 9 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that any safety or health hazards or code violations are corrected in a prompt and timely manner
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that the fire department complies with the requirements of Chapter 10 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall incorporate medical surveillance, wellness programs, physical fitness, nutrition, and injury and illness rehabilitation into the health maintenance program
• The health and safety officer shall be a member of the fire department occupational safety and health committee
• The health and safety officer shall report the recommendations of the fire department occupational safety and health committee to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative
• The health and safety officer shall submit recommendations on occupational safety and health to the fire chief or the fire chief’s designated representative
• The health and safety officer shall provide information and assistance to officers and fire fighters for surveying their districts, so they will be able to identify and report safety and health hazards that could have adverse effects on fire department operations
• The health and safety officer shall maintain a liaison with staff officers regarding recommended changes in equipment, procedures, and recommended methods to eliminate unsafe practices and reduce existing hazardous conditions
• The health and safety officer shall maintain a liaison with equipment manufacturers, standards-making organizations, regulatory agencies, and safety specialists outside the fire department regarding changes to equipment and procedures and methods to eliminate unsafe practices and reduce existing hazardous conditions
• The health and safety officer shall maintain a liaison with the fire department physician to ensure that needed medical advice and treatment are available to the members of the fire department
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that an occupational safety and health committee is established by the fire department
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that the occupational safety and health committee meets the requirements of Chapter 4 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, and Section 5.9 of this standard
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that the fire department’s infection control program meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1030, Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, and NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program
• The health and safety officer shall maintain a liaison with the person or persons designated as infection control officer to assist in achieving the objectives of the infection control program as specified in NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program
• The health and safety officer shall function as the fire department infection control officer if an infection control officer position does not exist in the fire department
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that the fire department establishes a critical incident stress management (CISM) program. The critical incident stress management program shall meet the requirements of Chapter 12 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
• The health and safety officer shall ensure that the critical incident stress management program is incorporated into the fire department’s member assistance program
• The health and safety officer shall develop procedures to ensure that safety and health issues are addressed during postincident analysis
• The health and safety officer shall provide a written report that includes pertinent information about the incident relating to safety and health issues
• The health and safety officer shall include information based upon input from the incident safety officer. This information shall include the incident action plan and the incident safety officer’s incident safety plan
• The health and safety officer shall include information about issues relating to the use of protective clothing and equipment, personnel accountability system, rehabilitation operations, and other issues affecting the safety and welfare of personnel at the incident scene

INCIDENT SAFETY OFFICER

• The incident safety officer shall be integrated with the incident management system as a command staff member, as specified in NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System
• Standard operating procedures shall define criteria for the response or appointment of an incident safety officer
• If the incident safety officer is designated by the incident commander, the fire department shall establish criteria for appointment based upon 6.1.1
• The incident safety officer and assistant incident safety officer(s) shall be readily identifiable on the incident scene
• The incident safety officer shall monitor conditions, activities, and operations to determine whether they fall within the criteria as defined in the fire department’s risk management plan. When the perceived risk(s) is not within these criteria, the incident safety officer shall take action as outlined in Section 4.5
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that the incident commander establishes an incident scene rehabilitation tactical level management unit during emergency operations
• The incident safety officer shall monitor the scene and report the status of conditions, hazards, and risks to the incident commander
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that the fire department’s personnel accountability system is being utilized
• The incident commander shall provide the incident safety officer with the incident action plan. The incident safety officer shall provide the incident commander with a risk assessment of incident scene operations
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that established safety zones, collapse zones, hot zone, and other designated hazard areas are communicated to all members present on scene
• The incident safety officer shall evaluate motor vehicle scene traffic hazards and apparatus placement and take appropriate actions to mitigate hazards
• The incident safety officer shall monitor radio transmissions and stay alert to transmission barriers that could result in missed, unclear, or incomplete communication
• The incident safety officer shall communicate to the incident commander the need for assistant incident safety officers due to the need, size, complexity, or duration of the incident
• The incident safety officer shall survey and evaluate the hazards associated with the designation of a landing zone and interface with helicopters
• The incident safety officer shall meet the provisions of Section 6.2 during fire suppression operations
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that a rapid intervention crew meeting the criteria in Chapter 8 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, is available and ready for deployment
• Where fire has involved a building or buildings, the incident safety officer shall advise the incident commander of hazards, collapse potential, and any fire extension in such building(s)
• The incident safety officer shall evaluate visible smoke and fire conditions and advise the incident commander, tactical level management units officers, and company officers on the potential for flashover, backdraft, blow-up, or other fire event that could pose a threat to operating teams
• The incident safety officer shall monitor the accessibility of entry and egress of structures and the effect it has on the safety of members conducting interior operations
• The incident safety officer shall meet the provisions of Section 6.2 during EMS operations
• The incident safety officer shall ensure compliance with the department’s infection control plan and NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program, during EMS operations
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that incident scene rehabilitation and critical incident stress management are established as needed at EMS operations, especially mass casualty incidents (MCI)
• The incident safety officer shall meet the provisions of Section 6.2 during hazardous materials incidents
• The hazardous materials incident safety officer shall meet the requirements of NFPA 472, Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents
• The incident safety officer shall attend strategic and tactical planning sessions and provide input on risk assessment and member safety
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that a safety briefing, including an incident action plan and an incident safety plan, is developed and made available to all members on the scene
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that hot, warm, decontamination, and other zone designations are clearly marked and communicated to all members
• The incident safety officer shall meet with the incident commander to determine rehabilitation, accountability, or rapid intervention needs. For long-term operations, the incident safety officer shall ensure that food, hygiene facilities, and any other special needs are provided for members
• The incident safety officer shall meet the provisions of Section 6.2 during special operations incidents. The individual who serves as the incident safety officer for special operations incidents shall have the appropriate education, training, and experience in special operations
• The incident safety officer shall attend strategic and tactical planning sessions and provide input on risk assessment and member safety
• The incident safety officer shall ensure that a safety briefing, including an incident action plan and an incident safety plan, is developed and made available to all members on the scene
• The incident safety officer shall meet with the incident commander to determine rehabilitation, accountability, or rapid intervention needs. For long-term operations, the incident safety officer shall ensure that food, hygiene facilities, and any other special needs are provided for members
• Upon notification of a member injury, illness, or exposure, the incident safety officer shall immediately communicate this to the incident commander to ensure that emergency medical care is provided
• The incident safety officer shall initiate the accident investigation procedures as required by the fire department
• In the event of a serious injury, fatality, or other potentially harmful occurrence, the incident safety officer shall request assistance from the health and safety officer
• The incident safety officer shall prepare a written report for the postincident analysis that includes pertinent information about the incident relating to safety and health issues. The incident safety officer shall participate in the postincident analysis
• The incident safety officer shall include information about issues relating to the use of protective clothing and equipment, personnel accountability system, rapid intervention crews, rehabilitation operations, and other issues affecting the safety and welfare of members at the incident scene

Instructional methods:  Classroom instruction 

COURSE SCHEDULE
(Tentative, subject to change depending on the progress of the class) 

Day Five:
Project #5, Review/Self Study, Critique, Certification Exam 

COURSE POLICIES

Tardiness:
Students must adhere to class schedules. Students are required to be punctual for all classes and class activities. Classes will begin promptly at the scheduled time unless specific instructions are given otherwise.

Class participation: 
This course will involve discussion, questions and answers on the materials, and case study.  Class participation is expected from all students.

Safety: 
Safety of the students is top priority to the Alabama Fire College. Students must adhere to safety regulations while attending a class at the Fire College. Safety instructions are posted in every classroom, as well as escape routes and tornado actions.

Academic misconduct:
Academic misconduct or dishonesty such as cheating and plagiarism is not permitted in class. Suspected cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the Executive Director. Conduct detrimental to the fire service on or off campus will not be tolerated. We will investigate any complaints, and if the complaint is valid the student will be dismissed and his/her agency will be notified.

Grading: 
Letter grades are assigned according to the following system for all certification courses for which students have registered. 
A – Excellent (90-100)
B – Good (80-89)
C – Average (70-79)

Satisfactory grades for certification are A, B, or C.  A mark of AU is assigned for course work performed as an audit.

Certification: 
There will be an examination for state certification provided by the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission.  An overall score of 70% is required to the successful completion of this examination. Re-tests may be taken after 30 days and within 12 months of the date of course completion. The Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission is accredited by the National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS). The Executive Director has generously decided to fund national registration and certification for all successful students, so each student will automatically receive certification from the NPQS upon successful completion of the course and exam. 

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission
2501 Phoenix Drive, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405-8546
E-mail: info@alabamafirecollege.org    Telephone: (205) 391-3744   Fax: (205) 391-3747