Safety Advisor Field

Scope

The Safety Advisor Field (SAF) is responsible for monitoring the overall health, safety, and wellbeing of personnel deployed within an incident ground.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Key Accountabilities

• Review strategies and tactics implemented by the Divisional Commander (Div Com)/Sector Commander and provide advice as necessary.
• Conduct a risk assessment of hazards and specify appropriate precautions to be observed including identifying escape routes and refuges. This is to include consideration of risks likely to emerge and propose actions to prevent and/or mitigate such risks.
• Identify and report to the Safety Officer on significant unsafe conditions or practises.
• Identify inappropriate and/or inadequate allocation of resources for the incident to be controlled safely or for the provision of reasonable contingencies.
• Exercise delegated authority to immediately suspend any activity where there is an immediate threat of significant injury or fatality and immediately advise the Incident Controller (IC)/Safety Officer.
• Liaise with and draw the attention of the appropriate officer within the chain of command to ensure the rectification of any health and safety issue.
• Monitor that all personnel are properly briefed by their supervisor, receive a safety briefing, are made aware of all known hazards and control measures, and are kept informed.
• Monitor that all personnel are adequately supervised and are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPC/PPE).
• Monitor that all personnel are using equipment appropriate to the activity being undertaken.
• Monitor operations/safety information flow between the Incident Management Team (IMT) and the personnel on the ground, including the provision of maps, warnings, etc.
• Monitor the health and wellbeing of all personnel at the incident, including rotation, travelling time, refreshment, recuperation, rest and welfare.
• Recommend the preparation and dissemination of Special Safety Warnings when significant hazards are identified or operational changes indicate significant risk.

Special Considerations

• The SAF reports to the Safety Officer, when appointed.
  • When a Safety Officer is not appointed, the SAF reports to the IC or function responsible for safety.
• At a Level 1 incident where Safety is delegated by the IC but remains in the field, RFS OPG - Safety Officer applies.
• At large incidents, a SAF may be appointed to each Sector or Division.
• Notwithstanding the above criteria, a SAF may be appointed during any operation if the IC and Safety Officer believe it is appropriate given the prevailing situation.
• If appropriate attend safety incidents/accidents that may occur to assist with functions as required.
  • This may include ensuring appropriate reporting is completed, capturing details and photos from incident scene.
  • The SAF should have the operational competency equivalent to their level of deployment (i.e. Crew Leader for Sectors or Group Leader for Division) or agency training in Safety Adviser Field.

Related Information

• RFS OPG - Incident Ground Health, Safety and Welfare
• RFS OPG - Safety Officer
• RFS Safety Hub