Emergency response is an important topic. Although some may never see an incident that requires such structure, prevention is the goal so being proactive is paramount. We here at Safety Training Services, Inc. enjoy educating others on safety topics and for today, our topic is an very important one. We will be covering the importance of the Incident Commander and why you should know what they and an Incident Command System are.

First off, what is an Incident Command System?

Well an Incident Command System, or ICS for short, is a way to standardize the structure of emergency response to allow responders to follow an integrated organizational structure so that any incident can be structured similarly without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.

ICS was developed to address the following problems:

• Different organizational structures for emergency response.
• Inadequate communications
• Lack of reliable incident information
• Too many people reporting to one supervisor
• Unclear lines of authority
• A lack of structure for coordinated planning among agencies
• Difference of terminology among agencies
• Unclear or unspecified incident objectives
   

An ICS divides an emergency response into five manageable functions essential for emergency response operations:

1. Command
2. Operations
3. Planning
4. Logistics
5. Finance & Administration

What is an Incident Commander?

The incident commander, IC for short, is the overall manager of the emergency response. They directly control the resources and personnel involved in the response. In fact, the IC is responsible for all aspects of the response. This also includes setting priorities and defining organized roles for the response.

Even if other positions are not assigned, the Incident Commander will always be designated.

IC Responsibilities

Unless otherwise specified, the following are some of the complex responsibilities of the Incident Commander.

• Review OSHA's Common Responsibilities (osha.gov)
• Assess the situation and/or obtain a briefing from prior IC
• Brief the Command Staff and Section Chiefs
• Review meetings and briefings
• Establish immediate priorities especially the safety of responders, other emergency workers, bystanders, and people involved in the incident
• Establish an appropriate organization
• Approve the use of trainees, volunteers, and auxiliary personnel
• Stabilize the incident by ensuring life safety and managing resources efficiently and cost effectively
• Determine incident objectives and strategy to achieve the objectives
• Authorize release of information to the news media
• Ensure planning meetings are scheduled as required
• Establish and monitor incident organization
• Approve the implementation of the written or oral Incident Action Plan (IAP)
• Ensure that adequate safety measures are in place
• Coordinate activity for all Command and General Staff
• Coordinate with key people and officials
• Approve requests for additional resources or for the release of resources
• Keep agency administrator informed of incident status
• Ensure incident Status Summary (ICS Form 209) is completed and forwarded to appropriate higher authority
• Order the demobilization of the incident when appropriate

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

‘If PPE is to be used to reduce the exposure of ICS/UC workers to hazards, a PPE program should be initialized and maintained. This program should contain identification and evaluation of hazards in the scene and if use of PPE is an appropriate control measure; if PPE is to be used, how it is selected, maintained and its use evaluated; training of workers using the PPE; and vigilance of the program to determine its effectiveness in preventing worker injury or illness. For more on PPE, see OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety and Health Topics Page.‘

The FOUR Keys to Successful Implementation

• Learn

• Plan

• Start Early

• Practice

Independence Day (AKA ‘Fourth of July’) has been celebrated with fireworks since 1776, when the United States declared its independence from Great Britain (now known as the United Kingdom).

Fireworks themselves are dated back to 7^th century China, where they were invented and used in many festivities. Fast forward to mid-17^th century; Europe was blown away by Chinese fireworks and the popularity would rise and they were used for celebration of many important events. Finally in the late 18^th century, the early European settlers brought this love of fireworks to this country and used them as rally devices, political attractions, and of course to celebrate important events.

In times past, pyrotechnicians were highly respected individuals and the art of making fireworks was a complex science with its own knowledge and techniques. Today, we have fireworks displays for festivals and celebrations, and even competitions, around the world. Did you know that the largest consumer of fireworks in the United States is the Walt Disney Corporation?

Unfortunately somewhere down the line fireworks got arguably too popular and now we have many individual consumers purchasing and igniting their own. This isn’t in itself bad, but two things are happening: people are not taking proper safety precautions and the injuries are piling up yearly, and other people are making their own. Remember when I said pyrotechnics were an art and a science? Making your own fireworks is a recipe for disaster unless you are a professional, and the numbers below will show it. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people seem to truly understand the associated risks including devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

Failure to follow these fireworks safety tips can lead to serious burns, injuries, or even worse! In 2012, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. 36% of this number was under the age of 15. In fact, children between the ages of 10 and 14 are at three times the risk of fireworks-related injuries than the general population.

Quick Facts/Statistics about Fireworks
 

• In 2011, fireworks caused about $32 million in direct property damage.
  
• In 2012, more than 36% of fireworks-related injuries in Indiana were to children under 18 years old.
• Also in 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks-related injuries.
  • 55% were to the arms/legs combined and 31% were to the head.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for 2 out of 5 of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
• 65% of the fireworks injuries in 2013 occurred during the month surrounding July 4^th.
• Illegal and homemade fireworks were involved in all 8 fireworks-related deaths reported in 2013.
• Top 2 fireworks types from injuries were Sparklers (31%) and Firecrackers (11%).
  • Sparklers burn at extremely hot temperatures, from 1200 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
    
    

And finally, I leave you with the 10 tips to keep you safe this Independence Day.

1. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
2. Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, which is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers. And remember, homemade fireworks are also dangerous and illegal!
3. Never ignite fireworks indoors. Fireworks should only be lit on a smooth, flat surface; and should always be away from buildings, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.
4. Never ignite fireworks in a metal or glass container.
5. Keep any type of ladder or pole (used to set up or light fireworks) at least 10 feet from any power lines.
6. Never point or throw fireworks at a person, animal, or building.
7. Fireworks should not be used by persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
8. Light fireworks one at a time, then back away quickly. Never place any part of your body directly over the fireworks themselves when lighting the fuse and never attempt to relight a “dud.”
9. Have a fire extinguisher, water hose, or water-filled bucket nearby. Fireworks stay hot for a bit after they’ve burned out. Douse and dispose!
10. Never allow young children to use fireworks. This includes sparklers, as they burn at temperatures hot enough to melt some metals. For older children, always have adult supervision when they are using or around fireworks. (Glowsticks make a great alternative to fireworks for young children).

Remember to stay safe this holiday and practice situational awareness. Accidents are preventable, if we practice good safety culture. 

And remember, July is also National UV Safety Month! Head over to our previous July blog article covering safety tips to beat the heat. Click here to read 5+ Tips to Survive UV Safety Month this July.

Safety Training Services is here for ALL your safety needs! Whether its OSHA compliant safety training, first aid kits & fire extinguisher, equipment & supplied air rentals, field (rescue) work, or consulting, STS can help you and your company! Click here for 'Real Experience. Real Training. Real Results.'

July is UV Safety Month.

This month, we take a look at educating ourselves and other individuals on how to protect
ourselves from overexposure to the sun. The sun emits radiation in the form of ultraviolet (UV) light. This is classified into 3 types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC, the shortest length, never reaches us on the ground because our protective ozone layer blocks all UVC light. But UVA and UVB pass right through. This is potentially dangerous as UVA light is what causes wrinkling or leathering of the skin and UVB causes sun burns. They both can cause skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) ray's. These UV rays can weaken the immune system, increase sun spots and wrinkles, cause blotchy skin, and lead to premature aging.

The two most common types of skin cancer,

1. Basal cell

2. Squamous cell carcinomas

are highly curable!

Melanoma, the 3rd most common type of skin cancer, is more dangerous. About 65-90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light. Skin cancer affects people of all ages, including older adults.

Although anyone get skin cancer, those with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes are at the greatest risk. But everyone else should still take precautions, as everyone is at an equal risk for eye damage due to overexposure to the sun's UV rays. 

Today’s older Americans face increased sun-related health problems because when they were growing up, little was known or communicated about protection from UV rays. The good news, however, is skin cancer can be prevented! Here are some safety tips to protect your skin while being outdoors this summer:

• Choose sunglasses based on 100% UV protection of both UVA and UVB rays. The color and how expense they were mean nothing compared to the REAL reason we wear sunglasses.
• Go for the wrap arounds. That means they wrap around your temples so that the sun's rays can't enter from the side.
• You may have contact lenses with UV protection, but don't rely on this; remember your sunglasses.
• Put on sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside. Don't wait until you are outside and already exposed.
• Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against overexposure from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Put on sunscreen before applying makeup, insect repellent, or tanning oils.
• The longer the amount of time that you plan to be outside, the higher the SPF on your sunscreen should be.
• Reapply sunscreen as needed, about every 2 hours; even if its water-resistant.
• Be careful between the hours of 10 am & 4 pm. These are peak sunlight hours where the UV light is most intense.
• UV light is also more intense at higher altitudes.
• Intense UV light can be reflected off of water, snow, sand, and cement.
• In addition to sunglasses, wear a hat. Broad-brimmed hats especially, protect your eyes, ears, face, and neck.
• Don't forget the children; they too are at risk!

UV radiation is not limited to just us humans either. Both plants and other animals are affected by it. For example, a plant's overexposure to the sun could mean affecting its photosynthesis. This can affect the growth of the plant, and therefore can potentially impact the structure of an ecosystem in a negative way. Animals, especially those with little to no hair, can get sunburn just like any of us. This is why pigs (and other similar animals) roll around in the mud, they use it like sunscreen!