INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 4 SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

We strive to reduce accident frequency and severity in wildland fire operations through aggressive risk management. A comprehensive safety plan built upon operational training, equipment, and ethical responsibilities recognizes the ideal level of risk may be zero; however, a hazard free work environment is not a reasonable or achievable goal in fire operations. Through organized, comprehensive, and systematic risk management, we will determine the acceptable level of risk that allows us to provide for safety yet still achieve fire operational objectives. Risk management is intended to minimize the number of accidents, injuries or fatalities experienced by wildland firefighters.

OBJECTIVES The Division’s first priority is firefighter and public safety. This priority is implemented in conjunction with all fire management plans. All project activities shall reflect this commitment.

The commitment to and accountability for safety is a joint responsibility of all firefighters, managers and administrators. Every supervisor, employee and volunteer is responsible for following safe work practices and procedures, as well as identifying and reporting unsafe conditions.

INTERAGENCY SAFETY POLICY DOCUMENTS The Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands under Utah Code 34 A Chapter 6 Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act in Section 204 is as follows: • 34A-6-204. State agencies and political subdivisions to establish programs. • The head of each state agency and each political subdivision of the state shall establish and maintain an occupational safety and health program equivalent to the program for other employment in the state. 34A-6-307 Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 375, 1997 General Session NWCG and interagency supporting documents: • Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) (PMS 461, NFES 1077). • Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book) NOTE: NASF is not a signatory to this document. It is used for guidance only. • Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide (PMS 210)

Other agency supporting documents: • BLM – BLM Handbook 1112-1, 1112-2 25 • FWS – Service Manual 241 FW7, Firefighting 26 • NPS – DO-50 and RM-50 Loss Control Management Guideline 27 • FS – FSH-6709.11 Health and Safety Code Handbook • Wildland Firefighter Health & Safety Report (Annual MTDC Publication) • National Interagency Mobilization Guide (NFES 2092) • FFSL - Safety Handbook (Current Edition)