Policy 1201: Risk Management
REFERENCE: WAC 296-305-05001(5)
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to utilize risk management procedures at all emergency operations.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
Risk Assessment - to set or determine the possibility of suffering harm or loss, and to what extent.
Risk Management – The development of strategy and tactical plans are based on an accurate risk assessment taking into consideration current and potentially changing scene conditions.
3.0 THE INCIDENT COMMANDER TO EVALUATE
It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) to evaluate the risk to members with respect to the purpose and potential results of their actions in each situation. Risk assessments shall be an on-going process until incident operations are terminated.
4.0 THE IC SHALL INTEGRATE RISK MANAGEMENT INTO THE REGULAR FUNCTION OF THE INCIDENT COMMAND.
The concept of risk management shall be utilized on the basis of the following principles.
4.1 Activities that present a significant risk to the safety of members shall be limited to situations where there is a potential to save endangered lives..
4.2 Activities that are routinely employed to protect property shall be recognized as inherent risks to the safety of members, and actions shall be taken to reduce or avoid risks.
4.3 The compromising of the safety of members shall not be acceptable when there is no possibility to save lives or property.
4.4 The IC shall evaluate the risk to member with respect to the purpose and potential results of their actions in each situation.
4.5 The district will provide adequate number of personnel to safely conduct emergency scene operations. Operation shall be limited to those that can be safely performed by the personnel available at the scene.
4.6 It must be recognized that every situation is unique, and that an all encompassing definition for undue risk is impossible. The ability for an IC to ability for an IC to use discretion on a situational specific basis is very important. It is not the intent of this policy to mandate how an IC will react in every situation
5.0 MATRIX TO BE CONSIDERED
It is recommended that the working incident Fire Matrix be considered where applicable. (See appendix)