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| Photo courtesy of LAFD Photo | Harry Garvin |
The two standards that address the organization of fire departments and provision of firefighting services, NFPA 1710 (career) and NFPA 1720 (volunteer), outline five systems that must be in place for effective fire department management.
Safety and Health System. An occupational safety and health program must be provided. This program must meet the requirements of, and be established in accordance with, NFPA 1500.
NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program, specifies the minimum occupational safety and health program requirements for organizations that provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services.
Incident Management System (IMS). The incident management system is a crucial component of all fire department operations, as it provides the foundation for all operation types.
NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System and Command Safety, defines the roles and responsibilities of command functions and describes the essential elements of an incident management system.
Training Systems. Having a training system in place ensures that all members are trained for, and competent to, execute the fire department's stated responsibilities. Training programs should be based on the communities hazards and risks, and the minimum criteria stated in the following code sections:
- NFPA 1710 - Chapter 4, Organization and Chapter 5, Fire Department Services
- NFPA 1720 – Chapter 4, Organization, Operation, and Deployment
- NFPA 405, Standard for the Recurring Proficiency of Airport Fire Fighters (for departments providing ARFF services)
Communications Systems. All emergency services organization must have a reliable communication system. These are essential for the prompt delivery of fire, rescue, and EMS services.
NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems, provides guidance and requirements for facilities, equipment, staffing, and operational procedures for emergency communications centers.
Pre-Incident Planning. A communities structures, hazards, and risks, should be identified and potential emergencies planned for. A priority for pre-incident planning are those facilities considered to be target hazards.
NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, should serve as a guide in developing plans that will assist in managing incidents and protecting lives and property. Elements of pre-incident planning should include, fire protection systems, building construction type, building contents, and facility functions and operating procedures.
For successful fire department operations and the safety and security of your community these five systems must be in place. With the overwhelming amount of responsibilities, tasks, and requests that need to be addressed, keeping these five critical systems in mind, will keep your department focused and on the path of forward progress.
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- Four Components of a Service Delivery Evaluation
- Seven Response Objectives for Fire Departments
- How Many Firefighters Do You Need?
- Career, Combination, or Volunteer?
- Staffing for ARFF Departments
