INVESTIGATION – RESIDENTIAL FIRE ALARMS

S.O.G. No.:01-014

Revision: Jan 2007

Effective Date: Jan. 2007

1. PURPOSE

1.1 In the interest of the department member’s health and safety, this document is established to provide guidelines maintaining a safe work environment.

2. REFERENCES

2.1 Union Fire District Board of Wardens Policy

3. OSHA REQUIREMENTS

3.1 The department shall maintain a safe working environment during the response in accordance with OSHA

4. PROCEDURE

4.1 Accountability tags will be taken to the command post prior to entry.

4.2 Upon arrival at a scene where any investigation is needed, the following equipment will be worn and taken by the entering crews:

• 4.2.A  Full PPE (Bunker Pants, Bunker Coat, boots, hood, gloves and SCBA with activated PASS device.
• 4.2.B  Carryachargedhandlight.
• 4.2.C  Each team will carry a portable radio on designated channel, permission to enter request will be transmitted to the IC.
• 4.2.D  Crew will bring hand tools, Flathead Ax, Haligan Tools, etc)
• 4.2.E  A charged water can will be brought in during the investigation.
• 4.3  Safety, communications and teamwork are critical on all investigations; crews will not split up unless each division has a portable radio and informs command of their new assignment and location.
• 4.4  If the residential structure is locked and the owner or a key holder is not on site a complete 360 of the building must be done by two firefighters. Check in the windows and doors for any signs of smoke, fire, or water flow. Check the chimney for heavy smoke. Check roof trim boards for smoke. The IC may require a ladder be placed to check into a second floor window.
• 4.5 If the homeowner or alarm company calls prior to arrival to cancel, one unit will continue to have a visual check of the structure and confirm the situation with the resident.