swannanoa volunteer fire department & rescue squad … sd/sog 03-9-2013 revision change to...
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Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Inc.
Standard Operating Guidelines
Revised 03/9/2013
Index & References
1.0 Statement of intent
2.0 Management of the SVFD Standard Operating Guidelines
3.0 Membership & Probation
4.0 Benefits (General issues, see Appendix B for details)
5.0 Personal response
6.0 Insurance
7.0 Medical requirements
8.0 Department conduct procedures
9.0 House rules
10.0 General
11.0 Public Relations
12.0 Communications
13.0 Use of utility vehicles owned by SVFD
14.0 Emergency POV procedures
15.0 Fireground procedures
15.1 Two-In Two-Out Policy (Reference to Appendix C)
15.2 Incidents and using divisions and other location terminology
15.3 Minimum size & type of hoseline selections
15.4 Accountability and Emergencies during fires
15.5 Cleanup
15.6 Ventilation equipment requirements
16.0 Rescue procedures
General - 16.1 Extrication (hoseline down)
17.0 Officers positions
18.0 Turnout gear policy
19.0 Disciplinary Actions
20.0 Revisions & updates of the SOP
Appendixes Appendix A. Training -
A1.Covers requirements for hours of training, how crediting hours applies for use of videos, textbooks, and certain other functions, explains details of Hazardous
material crediting
A2. Engineer program - Sets forth guidelines for becoming a Driver/Operator or trainer and basic Operational principles of a SVFD Driver/Operator
Appendix B. Benefits - Lists and describes amounts of benefits received from Federal, state and local sources and certain procedures to be carried out to assure coverage Appendix C. SVFD Respiratory Protection Program
Appendix D. Employee Assistance Program
Appendix E. Infection Control Procedures Appendix F. SVFD Drug Policy
Appendix G. Conflict of Interest Policy
Appendix H. Large Incident & Hazardous Material Plan Appendix I. ATV Policy
Appendix J. Safety & Health Program
J1. Incident Exposure Form J2. Incident Safety Report
J3. Vehicle Accident Report
J4. Safety Committee Action Form Appendix L. SVFD Employee Manual
Appendix M. Search & Rescue Plan
M1. Initial Report of Lost Person M2. Lost Person Questionnaire
M3. IRT Briefcase Checklist
M4. Track Report M5. SarPack Checklist
M6. Search Urgency Worksheet
Appendix N. Requisition & contracting of personally owned vehicles and equipment Appendix O. Landing Zone Directory
Appendix P. Equipment Response Order
Appendix R. Auxiliary
Appendix T. Traffic Control
Appendix W. Water related plans
W1. Dive Rescue & Recovery guidelines W2. Swiftwater & Flood
W3. Boat Operations
1.0 Mission statement & statement of intent
MOVED TO CHAPTER 1
1.1. Mission statement - All functions are lead by four basic operating principles. They are used consistently
from dealing with emergencies and preparing for them, day to day decision making, personnel
working together and with the public. They should be used as a tool before decisions are made but may
also be used during critiques or reviews of a situation. If some problem has been noted for a situation,
it will be found that one of the four operating principles have been compromised
1. Prevent Harm 2. Be Justified 3. Be Ready 4. Be Nice
MOVED TO CHAPTER 1
1.2 Statement of intent - A. It is our intention to serve the citizens of the Swannanoa Valley and to protect life and property
throughout our community to the best of our ability.
B. Members of the Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. shall familiarize themselves with all
matters contained in the following Standard Operating Guidelines, it=s appendixes and also with the
By-Laws of the Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Inc.
C. Members should understand that the Standard Operating Guidelines are guidelines and are not
intended to cover everything which may arise in the performance of their duties. Some matters must
be left up to their individual judgment and discretion but should be based on the four operating
principles outlined in 1.1.
D. Procedures herein described will not supersede any by-laws set forth by the Board of Directors.
2.0 Management of this Standard Operating Guideline
DELETED REFERENCES TO SECTION 20 AND NOW REFLECTS CURRENT USE OF THE
“CHANGE LOG” ONLINE AND FLOW OF INFORMATION PROCESSES.
A. Sections 1.0 - 20.0 are considered the AMain Body@ of the Standard Operating Guideline. Any changes to
the Main Body will be reviewed by the Fire Officers of the department with final approval by the Chief.
B. Certain appendixes referred to in this guideline are managed by the Board of Directors with the Chief and
are subject to change based on their approval or updates from the Board, they are as follows:
Appendix F - SVFD Drug Policy
Appendix G - Conflict of Interest Policy
Appendix L - SVFD Employee Manual
Appendix N - Requisition & contracting of personally owned vehicles & equipment
C. Revisions or changes from the last Standard Operating Guideline will be listed in Section 20.0 and the
previous section 20.0 list will be deleted and accepted as a normal part of the SOG.
D. Other appendixes not mentioned above are managed by the Officers, committees and individuals
delegated with responsibilities in specialized areas or by nature of their position in the department. These
appendixes do not require review by the Board of Directors, however they will be reviewed by the Board if
they directly or questionably affect items covered by the SVFD By-Laws, Appendixes F,G,L,N.
E. Any changes to this Standard Operating Guideline or its appendixes must be notified to applicable
personnel to assure compliance and knowledge of the change.
F. The Chief will assure through Chain of Command that all applicable members have received updated
information.
G. Captains of the Department, when notified of changes, will update information presented during a new
member=s orientation.
H. This Standard Operating Guideline and all of it=s appendixes & forms will be labeled with the date of the
latest revision. The Deputy Chief will maintain and post a list containing the current revision dates for each
and members and their supervisors are responsible for assuring that they are operating under the proper
revision.
3.0 Membership & Probation period MOVED TO CHAPTER 1
3.1 To gain membership with the department as a Firefighter, the individual.... A.Must be at least 18 years of age.
B. Must not have been convicted of a Felony.
C. Each applicant must complete the application and a ASVFD Notification and Release statement@ (Release form for background check) in order to be considered for employment/membership as a
Firefighter or Auxiliary member.
D. Must be interviewed by the Officers of the department at the designated Officer=s meeting and receive a
majority vote for acceptance.
E. Must be a U.S. citizen
F. Must have a high school diploma or GED
G. Must have a valid Driver=s License.
CHANGING MOST 30, 60 & 90 DAY REFERENCES TO REFLECT CURRENT ORIENTATION
PROGRAM.
3.2 Issues for Firefighters after acceptance to the department A. A current member will be dismissed immediately from the department if convicted of a Felony.
B. A firefighter that is accepted to the department will be placed on a 90 day probation period unless the
firefighter has significant experience, the probation may then be voted on by the officers of the department to
be altered.
C. During the probation period, in the first 60 days the firefighter will be issued a radio or other means to be
alerted of calls and also issued turnout gear for training purposes. The Firefighter will be monitored as to how
well they attend drills, meetings and also on how they are progressing with their training and interaction with
the department=s personnel & policies. During this 60 day period the firefighter will not be allowed to respond
to the scene of any incident but may report routinely to the fire station to assist in cleanup or other duties. This
will favorably reflect on the 60 day review by the Officers.
D. The remaining 30 days the firefighter will be allowed to respond to calls and will be monitored as to how
well they are attending drills, meetings and if they are meeting the response requirements and functioning
properly.
E. During the firefighter=s probation period their progress will be reviewed by the officers after the first 60
days and also after their last 30 days. At any time during this probation period the firefighter can be dismissed
from the department for rules & regulation violations or for not meeting the requirements set forth by the
department.
F. Upon completion of the firefighters 60 day probation period they will be reimbursed $3.00 $5.00 per
each appropriate toned call that is answered with the exception of work details & meetings. (You must sign-in
to be reimbursed)
G. Any member being accepted to the department who is 18 years of age and still in High School will be
subject to the following rules:
You may not respond to calls during normal school hours unless school has been cancelled for that day
You may not be at the station or department function during normal school hours or days
You will be required to maintain a C grade average
You must bring your report card to the Chief at the end of each grading period for review
If you quit school during your membership, you will be dismissed immediately
DELETED MOST OF THE TEXT NAD THE APPENDIX FILE AND REPLACED WITH A
TABLE WHICH LINKS TO THE PROGRAMS ONLINE (keeps us from updating amounts)
4.0 Member Benefits
A. Being a member of the Swannanoa Fire Department carries with it certain benefits because of your
service to the community. Benefits are originated from the department itself, State & Federal laws and our
affiliation with certain associations.
B. The variety of benefits may require certain actions to be taken by the member by filling out applications,
obtaining proper training requirements and proper actions during operations
C. The benefits are outlined in detail in Appendix B of this SOG
5.0 Personal response
DELETING 60 DAY REFERENCES AND REFERRING TO
PROBATIONARY/ORIENTATION PROGRAM
A. Upon completing your 60 day probation period Firefighters will be required to respond to calls and
participate as outlined. You will be expected to continue acceptable participation throughout your
membership with the Swannanoa Fire Department.
*Appropriate calls means:
If you are not certified as emergency medical personnel you would be expected to respond to:
Structure fires, brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, searches, fire alarms and other events
If you are certified as an emergency medical person, you are expected to respond to all calls
6.0 Insurance
DELETING THIS ENTIRE SECTION. THIS IS A BOARD LEVEL TOPIC
All department owned equipment, trucks, buildings, etc. have insurance coverage
6.1 Workman=s Compensation
All firefighters are required by the state of North Carolina to be covered by Workman=s Compensation, this
includes volunteers & paid employees. The Workman=s Compensation goes into effect any time you are
involved with a fire department function or when you leave your residence responding to a call. Auxiliary
members are also covered by Worker=s Compensation.
6.2 Vehicle insurance The department has insurance combined with their vehicle insurance that is designed to cover the
firefighters deductible if they are involved in an accident while responding to or from a call. This will cover up
to a $500.00 deductible.
7.0 Medical requirements
MOVE TO CHAPTER 2. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY & HEALTH
*Current medically related records listed below must be on file at the Swannanoa Fire Department
*All the required medical issues below must be maintained or the member will be subject to limited response,
no response or dismissal. Paid employees may be subject to other disciplinary actions until compliance or
dismissal.
* Locations for completing the below requirements are limited, see the Chief for current details.
7.1 Annual physical Under the SARA Legislation 1910.120 on hazardous materials, the Swannanoa fire department is required
to see that each Firefighter receives a annual physical at no cost to the individual. (This includes volunteer and
paid employees). This will be completed prior to being released for response to calls.
7.2 Medical evaluation for Respiratory protection standard OSHA 1910.134 A. Employees who are either required to wear respirators (SCBA), must pass a medical exam before being
permitted to wear a respirator on the job. The exam is conducted by way of a questionnaire that is filled out by
the required individual and taken to the physician who is involved and aware of the program.
B. Employees are not permitted to wear respirators until a physician has determined that they are medically
able to do so. Any employee refusing the medical evaluation will not be allowed to work in an area requiring
respirator use.
C. Refer to Appendix C of this Standard Operating Guideline for the ARespiratory Protection Program@ section 4.5 for further details
7.3 Hepatitis b vaccinations: The Swannanoa Fire Department is required by OSHA to see that all Firefighters have received the series
of three Hepatitis B Vaccinations. The new Firefighter must receive their first shot before beginning
responses.
7.4 Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
Firefighters must receive a Tuberculosis test each year
MOVED TO CHAPTER 1
8.0 Department conduct procedures
A. All department members are expected to act responsibly and morally while attending any fire department
function or call and also while being away from the station. Remember that the community judges the fire
department on your actions while you are on calls and when they see you in the community.
B. All problems that arise within the department are to remain inside the department and will be dealt with
internally.
C. If a problem arises between members, and cannot be resolved between those members first, they are to
report to their immediate supervisor in the chain of command to resolve the problem. The Chain of Command
will be utilized progressively until the situation is handled.
D. If all avenues through the Chain of Command cannot resolve an issue, the member may file a grievance
by filling out the appropriate form from the Chief. The Chief will present the completed form to the Personnel
Committee from the Board of Directors.
E. Other than reporting a problem through the Chain of Command, review or evaluation for supervisory
purposes, members shall refrain from conversations and statements that would be considered detrimental to
another member=s character or abilities without that said member’s presence for defense of the issue.
F. Under no circumstances will any member publicly or while on a mission, question, ignore, or refuse to
obey an order from their superior officer, unless the member has good reason to believe that obeying same
would questionably subject said member or others to certain injury or death. Otherwise, members should
execute the order to the best of their ability. The matter will then be discussed upon our return to the station
through the proper chain of command.
G. Under no circumstances will there be any arguments or disputes between members on the scene of a call.
H. Under no circumstances will fighting be allowed on the property of the Swannanoa Fire Department.
I. Under no circumstances will alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs be allowed in the station or on any call.
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs,(illegal or prescription) will be subject to actions set forth in
the Swannanoa Fire Department=s Drug Policy (Appendix F of this SOG). NOT NEEDED SINCE DRUG
POLICY EXISTS
J. Profane language will not be permitted.
K. All fire department visitors shall be treated courteously and the proper attention shown to them.
MOVED TO CHAPTER 1
9.0 House rules:
A. All members who use the fire department facilities shall assist in keeping them neat and in proper order.
B. Fire department personnel may work on their personal vehicles, use recreational equipment (TV, etc.), or
other activities around the station provided there are no functions taking place that the activities would
interfere with or that the member should be participating in. They must also clean the area or equipment used
after they have finished.
C. No private vehicles are to be parked in front of the apparatus bays, or parked in the parking lot in any way
to obstruct the apparatus. NC State Law, GS'20-162.
D. Any member that is at the station will be required to help the duty personnel perform functions if needed.
May include cleaning at night, assistance with an individual duty or placing equipment back in service.
E. Smoking is allowed only in the bay area and the exterior of the building with the understanding that
smoking materials be placed into ash trays.
There will be no use of tobacco products of any kind in apparatus or FD vehicles.
There will be no use of Styrofoam or other type cups for tobacco products whether a member has purchased
them or not. Chewing tobacco must be in a closed/sealable container during use and when placed into the
trash. There will be no spitting in trashcans, sinks or on concrete pads in front of stations. When wearing an
SCBA mask, a member may not spit tobacco products through the regulator hole.
F. Equipment may be loaned from the station, with Chief Officer’s approval, with the understanding that if
the equipment is damaged it will be your responsibility to have it repaired.
G. Permission for use of the building or grounds must be approved by the Chief.
H. No children (under 16) are allowed in the bay without being accompanied directly by a parent or
guardian.
I. With the exception of law enforcement officers, all firearms are prohibited on the Swannanoa Fire
Department and/or properties under control of the Swannanoa Fire Department. Appropriate action, including
discharge, if necessary, will be applied in cases involving violation.
MOVED TO CHAPTER 1
10.0 General: A. All personal will be responsible for any equipment issued to them, and will be held responsible for any
malicious damage to the equipment.
B. Any Firefighter that will be unable to respond for an extended period of time will need to notify the chief
of the department. (2 weeks or longer).
C. Volunteer Firefighters may request a Leave of Absence for up to 6 months. The individual must fill out
the request form from the Chief. Members taking a leave of absence are still applicable to a prorated 50 hours
of training per calendar year as outlined in Appendix A1 of this SOG.REMOVE SENTENCE BECAUSE
TRAINING AND PRORATING IS ALREADY DESCRIBED IN TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
SECTION
MOVED TO CHAPTER 3. COMMUNICATIONS
11.0 Public relations:
A. To assure the accuracy of the information and to protect the privacy of the individuals, all public
communications pertaining to the department will not be released by anyone other than the Chief, Deputy
Chief, Assistant Chief, or an appointed individual from the board for board level matters.
B. Incident information will be released to the media only by the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief,
Incident Commander or the Public Information Officer (PIO) that has been assigned for that specific incident.
C. Patient information will not be released by any member of the Swannanoa Fire Department.
D. Members shall refrain from using your affiliation with the Swannanoa Fire Department for any type of
personal gain. (Refer to Appendix G, Conflict of Interest Policy that each member must sign)
MOVED TO CHAPTER 3. COMMUNICATIONS
12.0 Communications:
A. To properly use the radio system, messages must be kept short and to the point. Remember that the
public is monitoring our system and judge us by what they hear in most cases. We are also under FCC
regulations and may be monitored for violations.
B. All personnel will use free speech on the radio. Before using the radio, each person should think about
what needs to be said, then say it as professionally, briefly and concisely as possible with a normal tone.
C. No one except an engine or piece of equipment, first fireman on the scene or the first officer on the scene
should check on the scene. All incoming equipment will check on the scene.
D. Military time will be used as much as possible.
E. There will be no long distance phone calls made unless authorized by the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant
Chief or Board of Directors.
F. All telephone calls are to be handled professionally and courteously. If it is an emergency call the
following information should be obtained:
A. The callers name.
B. The callers address.
C. The nature of the problem.
D. A call back number.
G. Only Firefighters are allowed to answer the telephone at the fire station. Law Enforcement officers or
other Mutual Aid companies standing by at our station are also permitted to answer the phone.
H. On the fireground, radio traffic will be handled on an assigned operational channel
L. Checking in with EOC (Emergency Operations Center) when responding apparatus or POV.
See AFireground Procedures@ section for communication issues when arriving on scene
L1. Responding first out Engine to a structure fire
To assist other members in decision making for 2in-2out (App C, Respiratory protection program,
Section 5.0) compliance, whether they should pick up next apparatus or respond to the scene, the
Driver or Officer on board of the apparatus should check in as follows:
AEngine 6 responding, repeat address here, # of firefighters that apply towards 2in-2out here@ AEngine 6 responding, 213 Lytle Cove Rd, 2 personnel@
L2. Responding department equipment to an EMS call
To assist other members in determining if 3 EMS personnel are responding, check in as
follows:
ARescue 6 responding, repeat address here, # of EMS personnel onboard here@ ARescue 6 responding, 321 Buckeye Cove Rd, 3 personnel@
L3. Responding to a water or dive rescue in first out apparatus
ASquad 6 responding, CD Owen lake, 3 personnel and 1 diver@ L4. Responding second out apparatus
AEngine 61 responding@ L5. Responding in a personal vehicle
AYour radio # here, responding@ L6. Responding when the department is handling more than one call
It is important for commanding personnel to know what resources are responding so they may
divert a resource to the higher priority call or where to assign other resources.
In apparatus responses where the address is stated during check-in, continue the same. Other
vehicles such as second out or POVs should state which address or call they are responding to.
MOVED TO CHAPTER 3. COMMUNICATIONS M. Social Media related
M1. No photographs or video may be taken during FD activities or grounds (scenes, training, duties,
fundraisers, shift time) without permission from the Incident Commander, Public Information Officer,
Chief officer or Board officer in charge of an event and/or time period.
M2. Photographs or video taken during FD activities shall not be posted to any social media site,
website, shared or transferred to another electronic device or displayed to another person without
approval of the Chief or Deputy Chief. An image may be emailed or transferred to the Chief or Deputy
Chief for evaluation purposes. After approval the media may be displayed as directed by the Chief or
Deputy Chief.
MOVED TO CHAPTER “Apparatus, Transport Craft & POVS”
13.0 Use of utility vehicles owned by SVFD A. These vehicles may be used by any Firefighter for situations involving official SVFD business only or
for employees conducting personal business within the district under the 2 hour exemption stated in the SOG
Appendix L (Employee Manual) Section 2.3, second paragraph.
B. A Swannanoa Fire Department Firefighter may use one of these vehicles to aid in an emergency
involving a spouse or child of a member during snowy, icy or other hazardous road conditions.
MOVED TO CHAPTER/SECTION “Apparatus, Transport Craft & POVS”
14.0 Emergency POV (personally owned vehicles) procedures: A. POVs may not respond emergency unless they are in the Swannanoa Fire District with the exception of
Chief Officer=s POVs with combination of siren and redlight.
B. When responding in a private vehicle, all state and local laws apply as though you were a normal citizen.
C. All vehicles shall attempt to park on the same side of the road and/or in an area that:
C1. Allows other emergency vehicles to enter, exit and operate
C2. Allows other POVs to enter or exit
C3. Does not compromise safety from the scene, whether from other traffic, a fire exposure,
Hazardous Material exposure or other hazards.
D. Emergency lights on personal vehicles are generally limited to the following maximum combinations
and are subject to approval from a Chief officer before operation or public display:
D1. 1 Dashlight, 2 auxiliary Flashing or strobe grill lights, 2 auxiliary Flashing or strobe lights facing
the rear of vehicle.
D2. 1 Mini-Bar Light, 2 auxiliary Flashing or strobe grill lights, 2 auxiliary Flashing or strobe lights
facing the rear of vehicle.
D3. 1 Full Barlight and 2 auxiliary Flashing or strobe grill lights
E. Emergency warning equipment may not be installed or displayed on a vehicle of a member that has not
completed their probationary period and allowed to respond.
F. White lights are allowed only if projecting forward of the POV and in combination with Red
GS'20-130.3
G. Alternating headlights are not allowed (Federal Highway Safety Standards), however are permitted on
FD Emergency Vehicles by exemption included in GS'20-130 (d)
H. No sirens are allowed in any POV other than the Chief, Deputy Chief or Battalion Chiefs. GS'20-125(b)
I. Emergency warning lights in or on your POV do not give you the right to break state or local laws, they
also do not automatically give you the right of way when responding to a call. Response in a POV with a
redlight operating still means you must operate as though you were a normal citizen driver.
MOVED TO CHAPTER 17. FIRE CONTROL
15.0 Fireground procedures:
A. It is the responsibility of the first officer or firefighter on the scene to report a size up upon their arrival
Example of radio report:
AEngine 6 on scene, 2 story ..........
....residential, commercial, industrial, or Health Care Facility,
....light/heavy smoke showing, 25%, 50%, 75% or fully involved@ ASquad 6 on scene, 2 car MVA, will advise on PI (# of persons injured)@ ABrush 6 on scene, approximately 2 acres, fast moving fire, no structures endangered@
To help determine fire size, an area 208' x 208' equals 1 acre
B. The first in officer or qualified firefighter shall immediately do a fire scene size-up. They shall gather
information about victims, attempt to eliminate electrical service and determine the best attack. This
information shall be relayed to the incoming commanding officer.
C. It shall be standard for incoming personnel at a working fire to immediately don full Personal Protective
Equipment and report to staging.
*Note - Members should refer to the SVFD Respiratory Protection Program manual for more detail
D. No firefighter shall be allowed in or near a fire scene or an area that has been determined as having an
IDLH environment (Immediately Dangerous To Life & Health) without complete personal protective
equipment. They shall not enter a structure or hazardous environment without self contained breathing
apparatus with the personal alarm activated. This procedure shall be enforced on all vehicle fires and accidents
where applicable.
E. The following basic objectives will be accomplished on every fire where applicable: Size-up, Ventilation, Rescue, Confinement, Exposure protection, Extinguishment, Salvage, Overhauling, Clean-up, debriefing,
Investigation F. Engines will not return to the station until the officer in charge is satisfied that the scene is secured. When
returning, all apparatus will obey state laws.
MOVED TO CHAPTER 6 “Respiratory Protection Program” PORTION. WILL LIKELY
BE SOME WORDING IN FORE CONTROL WHICH LEADS A PERSON TO THE
2IN-2OUT DESCRIPTION AND TO RIT REQUIREMENTS. 15.1 Two in - Two out policy for interior structural firefighting
All firefighters should review Appendix C (SVFD Respiratory Protection Program) section 5.0
WILL MOVE TO A SECTION MOST LIKELY NAMED “Incident Process” WHICH WILL
COVER ICS or WILL REVERT TO SECTIONS UNDER CHAPTER 17 FIRE CONTROL. 15.2 Incidents and using divisions and other location terminology
A. Structures - Fires, collapse, other structure related incidents
The following divisions will be used on every structure fire scene and other calls where appropriate
ACommand@: Incident Commander
AOperations@ : Operations
Division A: front of building. Division A will typically be determined by the side of the structure facing the
most prominent road/street or main entrance. The IC should clarify on each incident the Div Location
or refer to established preplans
Division B: left side, Division C: rear, Division D: right side
AVentilation@: Roof or Function group title
Division 1: First floor interior
Division 2: Second floor interior and so on
Sub-Division 1: First level below grade interior (Basement)
Sub-Division 2: Second level below grade interior
Exposure Ids: If there were 2 exposures on Div C, they would be designated as Exposure C1 and Exposure C2
B. Wildland Fires - Geographical divisions
Wildfires use the phonetic alphabet. A 4 sided fire will be: Left- Alpha, Head-
Bravo, Right- Charlie, Base (Bottom)- Delta. If it expands: Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel,
India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Pappa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey,
X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu
Division designations may expand using the rest of the phonetic alphabet
MOVED TO CHAPTER 15 FIRE HOSE CHANGED ALL 1.5” to 1.75”
15.3 Minimum hoseline selections for certain incidents Type incident
Size hoseline to be used
Brush fires & minor vehicle fires only
Booster line, 1" forestry line
Working vehicle fires
12@ or larger
Structural fires
12@ or larger with a backup line equivalent of the primary or larger
Urban-Interface Structural protection
Two 12@ lines with sufficient length for both streams to meet around the structure if
fire conditions are exterme
WILL BE MOVING TO CHAPTER/SECTION ON INCIDENT PROCESS or CHAPTER 17
FIRE CONTROL 15.4 Accountability and Emergencies during fires & Incidents
A. A special identification card that is used to account for your presence and location at a scene. In case of
a building collapse, a report of a missing firefighter, an explosion or for purposes of tracking personnel on a
scene, the Staging Officer will know who is on the scene, who is missing and their Division area assignment.
B. The ID cards are to be given to the Staging Officer or placed in a designated location on the apparatus
upon arriving at incidents such as structure fires, Haz-Mat incidents, brush fires and other type calls that
would normally present difficulty tracking personnel. They are not used during smaller calls such as an
In-House medical call or calls where one person can easily account for all personnel and their locations
without interfering with their other job functions at the scene.
C. You may only check out from the scene by going through staging and retrieving your ID card
D. Other incidents may require you to sign in and out on an ICS-211 form
Declaring a fireground emergency and actions to be taken E. The HI-LO siren sound is reserved only for an evacuation of a building or area, it is never used while
responding apparatus to or from the scene. Repetitive & continual air horn blasts are also used as an
evacuation signal.
F. If the HI-LO siren or repetitive air horn blasts are heard during a structure fire, each person and their crew
will report immediately to the exterior of the structure where the Officer of the group or crew will account for
each individual and report to the next supervisor up in the ICS system.
G. During a wildland fire, the HI-LO siren or repetitive air horn blasts may be activated which means
firefighters should proceed to the closest safety zone, account for personnel and report accountability to the
appropriate person in the ICS system.
H. To personally declare an emergency situation,
announce over the radio AMayday, Mayday, Mayday (Division___ ?)@ Command, operations or the immediate supervisor over that individual or crew shall announce, AClear
the channel for an emergency@ AGo ahead@
WILL BE MOVING TO “Incident Process” (Focus on Demobe section) 15.5 Clean-up:
A. Each Firefighter is expected to assist in placing appropriate apparatus & equipment back in service
B. The driver of each truck should see that their truck is ready for service. Tank filled, hose repacked,
equipment in place, truck fueled, rinsed & cleaned out. To assist in assuring the apparatus is ready for service,
the driver or an assigned person will fill out a driver=s checksheet after the apparatus has returned to the
station.
C. If for any reason a member must leave before all of the equipment is in service, they must first get
permission from the officer in charge.
Move to Chapter 13. Ventilation 15.6 Ventilation equipment requirements
When performing vertical ventilation (on a roof) at a structural fire, the crew shall have the following
equipment:
Full PPE, an access ladder, a radio, a roof ladder under personnel working on the roof, an 12@ or larger
hoseline available for immediate protection of ventilation crew and a flashlight or light source for night time.
Move to Chapter 23-24 “Hazardous Materials, WMDs & Terrorism” 15.7 Response to bomb threats: Swannanoa fire department members do not
1.) participate in searching for and/or
2.) remain within a potential hazardous proximity of,
potential explosive devices during bomb threat/explosive related type calls at other facilities.
Exception: evaluation of transportation incidents that would be handled under prudent actions normally
required during roadway responses and is not a malicious intent.
16.0 Rescue procedures:
MOVE TO CHAPTER 22. EMERGENCY MEDICAL
A. There are to be no more than three EMT's or FR's at the scene of an in-house or in-plant rescue call
unless working a full arrest or a call where the manpower is needed. This will be the responsibility of the
officer or Senior/highest Level EMS person on the scene to see that this rule is followed.
MOVE TO CHAPTER 10. TR/Extrication
B. MVA's, high level rescue, subjects trapped, etc. All members may respond due to the manpower needs.
C. All members are to follow the Swannanoa Fire Department Infection Control Procedures (Appendix E of
this Standard Operating Guideline) when involved with a rescue or medical incident. Already covered in Infection
Control Procedures
MOVE TO CHAPTER 23-24 “Hazmat, WMDs, Terrorism & Violence”
D. Rescue calls such as gun shots, stabbings, suicide attempts, fights and incomplete 911 Calls will not be
entered without the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department on the scene and the scene being secure.
MOVE TO CHAPTER 10. TR/Extrication
16.1 Extrication
During an extrication, a 12@ or larger hoseline shall be placed into service for potential fire problems and
protection of trapped victims and rescue personnel.
MOVE TO CHAPTER 1 Organization
17.0 Rank structure & Positions
You may refer to SOG Appendix Q (Qualifications & Personnel Development) for more detail 1. Chief
Responsible for administrative and operational management of the department. Delegates responsibilities to others to assure all fire department
functions and operations are completed. See the Swannanoa Fire Department By-Laws for further details. The chief is hired by the board of Directors.
2. Deputy Chief Fulfills duties of Chief in his absence, and general supervision of employees. Reviews employee duties and administers improvements and assistance to all aspects. Reviews policy and procedures. See the Swannanoa Fire Department By-Laws for further details. Appointed by the chief.
3. Battalion Chief Responsible for operation and direction of a Battalion or duty shift. Typically responsible for coordination of operational management on incidents and management of employees and volunteers during tour of duty. Direct supervision of the main station and of the Bee Tree station through the
Captain. Appointed by the chief.
3. Safety officer Is responsible for promoting/supervising safety at the station and on the fire ground & rescue scene. appointed by the officers of the department.
3. Training officer Will coordinate all training activities dealing with the department and is responsible for setting the training schedule. Will also be responsible for
keeping all training records up to date. Has the authority to OK purchases for hotel accommodations, meal money and registration for out of town
schools and reimbursements to members. Appointed by the Chief
4. Captain Responsible for supervision of Lieutenants and firefighters within their Battalion. Performs orientations of new members and acts at the Division level of operations. Fills in for the Battalion Chief in their absence and manages operations at the Bee Tree Station You must hold a lieutenant position before being eligible for a captain’s position. You must then pass a written examination, several phases of
operational evaluations, workshops and an administrative review before being offered the full position
5. Sr. Lieutenant Responsible leading crews on fires, searches and other missions and has completed a phase level of officer development towards Captain that allows
greater assistance during orientations and other administrative needs. Appointed by the Chief
6. Lieutenant Responsible leading crews on fires, searches and other missions. You must have at least one year of experience with the Swannanoa fire department and you must pass a written exam, several phases of operational
evaluations, workshops and an administrative review before being offered the full position
7. Firefighter Crew members
Staging officer Appointed per Incident, assures and manages accountability of resources. Person would be responsible and act with authority regarding staging of
resources and accountability as the incident dictates.
All members keep in mind that this is only a brief description of the duties of each of the officer’s positions.
All promotions & demotions will be the chief's decision.
MOVE TO CHAPTER 6 PPE
18.0 Turnout gear policy
A. Structure fires All structure fires are considered to have an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environment
- Firefighters will wear the following NFPA approved, personal protective equipment:
SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) Fire boots, gloves, protective hood, helmet, turnout coat & pants Activated PASS
(Personal Alert Safety System) when entering IDLH environment B. Chimney fires Personal Protective Equipment gear, personnel working in an IDLH environment or potential to become an
IDLH environment shall include an SCBA. C. Vehicle fires Major fires - Personnel shall wear full Personal protective Equipment
Minor fires - Personnel shall wear full Personal protective Equipment, Officer may make decision on SCBA unless hazard exists D. Dump/dumpster fires Full Personal Protective Equipment. SCBA at officers Discretion unless firefighter has potential for
inhaling products of combustion or other hazards from the fire. E. Brush or woods fires Nomex pants, shirt, wildfire helmet, leather style lug soled work boots (no steel toes) and NFPA
approved fire shelter. Firefighters shall not wear structural firefighting gear F. Urban Interface Members should be prepared with brush and structural gear. G. Search missions Ultimately dictated by current and expected weather and environmental conditions
Members participating on a search crew should have the following:
A 24 hour pack with the equipment listed in the FUNSAR manual, Hiking boots, Personal clothing suitable for environment (not
jeans), An external thermal layer suitable for potential conditions H. HazMat Incidents Generally full PPE however the product involved may indicate that typical Firefighter=s full PPE is
inadequate for protection. Each HazMat incident shall be dictated by the product hazard and recommendations for protection I. Vehicles Accidents All personnel working in the vicinity of the involved vehicle shall at minimum wear turnout boots and
pants, jacket, gloves & helmet. At the supervisor=s discretion, helmet may be removed if it interferes with patient care. Fire
protections crews who are manning a hoseline during extrication shall be equipped as stated under a vehicle fire. J. Traffic control At minimum, Helmet and turnout coat or helmet and reflective vest.
IC will also have option to require full turnout gear
MOVE TO CHAPTER 1
19.0 Disciplinary actions
The disciplinary system at the station works as follows:
All disciplinary action is at the discretion of the chief and will be the chief's decision unless he deems it necessary to
bring it to the Board of directors. In the absence of the Chief, the Deputy Chief then the Assistant Chief will assume
this role. All disciplinary actions will be judged on the severity of the infraction or the conduct of the member.
Disciplinary action can range from a verbal warning to dismissal depending again on the severity of the infraction.
Verbal warnings: minor infractions
Written warnings: minor or major infractions. Written warnings may also be issued if you have already received a
verbal warning and have not met the conditions of the verbal warning or if you have had another infraction within the
time set forth by your verbal warnings.
Suspensions: major infractions, or if you have another infraction during the time set forth by your written warning.
Dismissal: major infractions, or any violation of the conditions set forth by your suspension.
All disciplinary actions will be on file permanently in the member’s personal file.
REVERTS TO CHANGE LOG
20.0 Revisions & updates of the SOG Changes from the 2/22/2013 revision:
Added section M. under communications related to social media policy
Changes from the 1/8/2013 revision:
Added section 15.7: response to bomb threats
Changes from the 7/20/2009 revision:
Added 9.0 I, rule on firearms. This rule was voted on and ordered to add to SOG from the 01/08/2013 Board of Directors meeting.