TO: ALL DEPARTMENT MEMBERS
This
manual is for the guidance of Fire Department Personnel. It’s purpose is to give the department
members information regarding the rules, regulations, and standard operating
procedures for proper conduct and behavior of the members of the Oak Grove Fire
Department.
In
service to the public, the department member must remember that his first duty
is to the citizens of
In
order to perform your duties properly, it is essential that the members of this
Fire Department familiarize themselves thoroughly with all the rules, regulations
and standard operating procedures pertaining to their position.
When
a situation arises that is not covered by this standard operating procedures
manual, common sense will be the order of the day.
Kevin B. Gibbs, Chief
“SMOKE
DETECTORS SAVE LIVES”
“MISSION
We are committed to being caring
and supportive citizens within our Community in which we operate. We are dedicated to CREATING VALUE for our
members and our whole Community by continued training of fire personnel, improvement
of facilities, upgrading of equipment, skills, and further education of the
public in general in methods of safety, fire prevention and fire
suppression. We strive to perform in a
manner that will enhance returns on investment and provide value in our service
on a continuing basis.
We think of our neighbors as
partners who, thru donation, membership or investment, share our goal of
achieving the highest standards and most consistent level of QUALITY FIRE
PROTECTION possible to all of our community.
Introduction
The
Oak Grove Fire Department can increase effectiveness of its fire control and
rescue efforts through the development of certain standard procedures relating
to fire ground operation. It is
difficult for a department to operate with any consistent effectiveness without
such directives. These describe the
standard procedures which apply on the fire ground within the framework of
local conditions, capabilities, limitations, and problems.
TABLE of CONTENTS
OAK GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
PROCEDURE |
SECTION |
PAGE |
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES |
1 |
1 |
|
GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURE |
2 |
3 |
|
APPARATUS DRIVER PROCEDURE |
3 |
4 |
|
P O V RED LIGHT AND SIREN PROCEDURE |
4 |
6 |
|
STATION RULES |
5 |
7 |
|
RETURNING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT TO SERVICE |
6 |
8 |
|
MISCELLANEOUS RULES |
7 |
9 |
|
TRAINING |
8 |
10 |
|
|
|
|
*additional procedures will be added as developed
Professional
Conduct And Responsibilities
101: Standard
of Conduct
Members shall conduct their private and professional lives in such a manner as to avoid bringing a discredit to the department or to it’s members.
102: Cooperation
Cooperation between fire fighters is essential in effective fire fighting; therefore, every member is required to cooperate with his fellow firefighters.
103: Assistance
All members are required to aid a fellow firefighter exposed to danger.
104: General Responsibilities
At all times members shall take appropriate action to protect lives and property, and seek compliance with all the laws and ordinances within the department jurisdiction.
105: Duty Responsibilities
Officers and firefighters shall perform all duties delegated to them in the manner prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction. Officers and firefighters shall acquire the knowledge of operation of all the various types of apparatus, tools, and equipment in use by this department. Maintain such apparatus, tools, and equipment, in a clean condition and readiness for operation at all times. Officers and fire fighters shall observe and study the principles of modern fire fighting, fire prevention, and rescue operations.
106: Knowledge of Laws and Regulations
Every officer and member is required
to establish and maintain a working knowledge of the laws and ordinances in
force within the State of
107: Performance of Duty
All officers and members shall perform their duties as required or directed by law, department rules, policy, or by orders of a superior officer.
108: Criticism of Orders
Officers and members shall not publicly criticize instructions or orders of a superior officer.
109: Insubordination
Failure or deliberate refusal of any officer or member to obey a reasonable request / order given by a superior shall be insubordination.
110: Inspections
From time to time the Chief or other officers may call for an equipment inspection. Officers and members shall report with all department issued equipment for inspection. Unauthorized absence could result in disciplinary action.
111: Prohibited Activity on Duty
Officers and members shall not at any time report for duty under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The carrying of firearms on emergency alarms in prohibited.
112: Address and Telephone Numbers
Immediately upon being accepted to the department, members shall inform the department of their correct address and phone number. Change of address and /or phone number shall be reported within seven (7) days of such change.
General
Operating Procedures
201: Personnel shall wear all protective clothing provided by the department, on all incidents, unless otherwise directed by the officer in charge.
202: Personnel arriving at the scene of an incident where one or more apparatus has arrived, report to the first arriving unit or to the officer in charge.
203: All news media releases will be made by the officer in charge of his appointed delegate. When there is serious injury or death involved either in a structure fire or a vehicle accident (10-46), the release of the victim names will be made by police officials in charge.
204: Firefighters should not discuss incident details with anyone; All information is confidential. Refer to officer in charge.
205: All personnel shall have their seat belts fastened anytime the apparatus in traveling on the roadway.
206: When electric meters are removed from a structure, the meter should not be left with the home owner, but left with RECC at the scene or arrangements made for RECC notification and pickup. When possible every effort should be made to leave the meter in place, due to the possibility of electric shock.
207: Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by all fire fighters entering a hazardous atmosphere. Personnel who enter without SCBA should be informed by his fellow firefighters to exit the hazardous area until he has donned a SCBA.
Apparatus
Driver Procedures
301: Vehicle Control
Members who drive department vehicles shall maintain control at all times. The driver shall drive the vehicle for one purpose; to arrive safely.
A. Drivers to be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age.
B. Drivers
to hold a valid
C. Drivers to have valid liability insurance.
D. Drivers shall drive to fit road conditions.
E. Use of red lights and siren does not give the driver the right to endanger the occupants of the apparatus, other drivers on the roadway, or the apparatus.
F. The driver is in full charge of the apparatus. He shall see to it that all personnel in his apparatus act in accordance with fire department standards.
G. When responding under a signal 9 condition (code 3), fire department vehicles may not exceed the posted speed limit.
H. Upon entering an intersection, the driver shall slow the vehicle sufficiently to able to stop, should another vehicle not heed the right-of way.
I. Upon entering the incident area, the driver shall be aware of the hazards that may be encountered. Location of the apparatus is very important, it should be located where it is most feasible for fire ground procedures.
302: Light and Siren Code
While responding, the driver shall heed the following codes;
A. Code One – No Lights or Siren, non-emergency driving. Obey all traffic laws.
B. Code Two – Light and Siren when needed. Obey all traffic laws.
C. Code Three – (SIGNAL 9) Full lights, full siren. Obey all traffic laws.
NOTE: All responses will be Code Three (SIGNAL 9), unless advised differently by the officer in charge.
303: Traffic Regulations
All drivers must obey all traffic regulations while responding to an emergency and when returning Code One.
NOTE: When responding to an emergency,
driver will in all cases yield and stop for a school / church bus with its red
flashers operating and wait for bus driver to give OK to proceed. Also when responding to an emergency, the
fire department will yield right of way to an ambulance and a police vehicle.
304: Light and Siren Return to Station
Use of red light and siren is strictly forbidden while returning to the station.
305: Route
Apparatus driver must use the most direct route to the scene of the emergency, unless otherwise directed.
306: Safety Responsibility
Apparatus driver will be held responsible for reckless, unsafe, or negligent driving.
307: Fantail Riding
Apparatus driver will enforce the no fantail riding rule, while responding to an incident or returning back to the station.
308: Refueling Apparatus
Apparatus driver is responsible for refueling the apparatus when the fuel level is ¾ or less.
309: Apparatus Out of Service
When a vehicle is taken out of service, vehicle keys will be pulled and out of service sign will be placed on the apparatus windshield. The Chief and / or the Assistant Chief will be notified.
310: Non-Members
Anyone that is not a member of the fire department shall not be permitted to ride the trucks or handle the equipment. Minimum age for membership / firefighters is 18 years old, due to insurance / Fire Commission Regulations.
P O
V Red Light and Siren Response
401: Where Used
Red lights and siren are to be used
in
402: Permission
All members using red lights and siren must have a card showing permission by the chief as stated in KRS – 189.950. All appropriate items of safety and fire department apparatus driver regulations in Section 3 will apply to the P O V responder.
403: Traffic Regulations
All members using red lights and siren must obey all traffic regulations when responding to an emergency.
NOTE: When responding to an emergency,
responder will in all cases yield and stop for a school / church bus with its
red flashers operating and wait for bus driver to give OK to pass. Also when responding to an emergency, the
fire department will yield right of way to an ambulance and a police vehicle.
404: Complaints
Any complaints brought against any member by a citizen or other member will be heard by a review board consisting of the Chief, Assistant Chief, and the President of the Board. The review board has the right to dismiss the complaint or to make a recommendation for disciplinary action.
405: Complaints Written
All complaints must be submitted in writing.
406: Responsibility
The Oak Grove Fire Department will not be responsible for any accidents or other events when said equipment is in use without proper permission or found to have been misused.
Station
Rules
501: Meeting rooms shall be left in an orderly and clean condition at all times.
502: Empty trash and drink containers are not to be left setting on the floor, tables, or the counters at any time.
503: The sinks are to be wiped clean after each use.
504: Paper towels and toilet tissue are to be replaced at once, after roll is depleted.
505: All floors are to be kept clean at all times. (Meeting room swept and mopped, bay areas swept and hosed down.
506: All members shall be alert for fire hazards and report them to the Chief or Assistant Chief.
507: Department personnel are afforded the privilege of using the bay area for performing work or washing of their personal vehicle’s. Personnel are to clean up their mess after they have completed their task. No apparatus is to be moved outside when the temperature is below 32 degrees.
508: When activity at Station is completed and the Station is to be closed, lights are to be turned off, heat to be turned down to minimum setting (winter), and doors to be secured and locked.
Returning
Apparatus and Equipment To Service
601: Responsibility
Returning apparatus and equipment to a ready status is as important as responding to the incident. If the equipment is not replaced, stored, or cleaned properly, the next incident will point out the deficiencies. All personnel are responsible for assisting in preparing the equipment for the next response.
602: Public Relations
Appearance of the apparatus affects the opinion that the general public has of the organization.
603: Personnel
All personnel, before leaving the fire scene, will report to the officer in charge, and inquire if needed back at the fire station to help return equipment back in service.
604: Timing
Equipment used at a incident shall be cleaned and properly stored after each response.
604a: No Manpower
In the event that all personnel need to report to their jobs and time does not allow for the proper cleaning, storing, or an adequate check of the equipment, a special time will be set to finish.
605: Defective Equipment
Equipment that is found to be deficient in operation shall be left off the apparatus.
605a: Defective Equipment Tag
The person finding such equipment shall tag the equipment stating the problem and notify a Chief Officer explaining the problem.
606: Apparatus Driver
The apparatus driver shall report to a Chief Officer deficiencies found during vehicle operation, upon return to the station.
Miscellaneous
Rules
701: Fire Department Property
Fire department property must be protected from waste and abuse, property lost or destroyed through gross negligence may be required to be replaced by those responsible.
702: Honesty
Any firefighter knowingly removing
anything not belonging to him from the scene of a fire or fir department
property, shall be immediately suspended and his case presented to the review
board with the recommendation that he be suspended. If the case warrants it, he shall also be
subject to prosecution in civil court.
703: Alcoholic Beverages
There shall be no drinking of alcoholic beverages in or around the fire station at any time unless approved by the Board of Directors.
704: Children
Children are not to play on or in any of the apparatus or with any fire fighting equipment. Members of this department will not leave their children in the station without the supervision of a parent, guardian, or responsible person. (Children – under 18)
705: Games of Chance
Any form of Game of Chance must be approved by the Board of Directors.
706: Fund Raising
Any fund raising activity to be done by any group of this department must be approved by the Board of Directors.
Training
801: Training Reports
Training reports are to be filled out completely by the officer in charge of the training.
802: Training Session
A training session will be defined as any subject matter pertaining to the operation of this fire department, put on by a qualified instructor.
803: KFS-1
Proof of extra credit training shall be in writing on a KFS-1 and turned into the training officer.
804: Credit
Any personnel who is unable to participate in a training session due to health reasons, shall receive full credit, providing he arrives at the starting time of the training session.
805: Credit
Any personnel who leave before the training session is over, will receive credit, depending on his participation. This will be at the discretion of the officer in charge of the training session.
806: Credit
Any personnel who does not fill out a KFS-1 form or registration form will not receive credit for the training.
807: Training Requirements
All personnel are required to maintain a minimum of 20 hours per year to stay on the active roster.
808: Active / Inactive Status
If the minimum hours are not met the
firefighter will be put on inactive status and will not be able to participate
in fire ground activities or respond to any emergencies. Upon reapplication, the firefighter will be
put back on active status. If after a 6
month period of inactivity there has been no effort to reapply to active
status, his unit number shall be reassigned.
It is the responsibility of the firefighter to keep the Chief informed
of his intentions to remain a member.
809: Certification
App personnel are urged to become a certified firefighter, and to maintain said certification.