General Order 08-10 – Risk Management (Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, roles, standards, and programs outlined in General Order 08-10 on Risk Management for the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.

Occupational Safety and Health Program

Department-wide initiative that identifies, analyzes, and abates hazards to reduce injuries, property loss, and service interruptions.

Risk Management (office)

Unit commanded by a Major/Manager that oversees safety programs, analyzes accidents, maintains records, and reports directly to the Administrative Services Deputy.

Safety Officer

Designated individual with authority to identify hazards, halt unsafe operations, collect accident data, and recommend corrective actions in accordance with NFPA 1521.

NFPA 1521

Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer (2008 edition) outlining required duties, qualifications, and authority of safety officers.

Lieutenant Colonel (safety role)

Senior officer charged with ensuring a safe work environment, enforcing safety policies, and holding subordinates accountable for preventable losses.

Majors/Managers/Division Commanders

Supervisors responsible for publishing work rules, training personnel, and running safety sub-programs within their areas of responsibility.

Battalion Chiefs/Volunteer Chiefs/Station Supervisors

Operational leaders accountable for safe actions of crews, monthly workplace inspections, and immediate correction of hazards.

Employees/Members

All personnel who must follow safety rules, use PPE, report hazards and injuries, and strive toward a zero-accident goal.

Vehicle Accident Prevention Program

Core subprogram aimed at reducing apparatus crashes through driver training, inspection, and incident analysis.

Safety Committee

Formal group of management and labor representatives that identifies hazards, sets goals, and recommends policy updates to improve safety.

Safety Investigation Team

Team that investigates Fire Department vehicular accidents involving fatalities, serious injuries, or major vehicle damage (GO 08-18).

Preventable Accident

Incident in which the driver failed to do everything reasonably possible to avoid the collision, per National Safety Council definition.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing and gear required for firefighter safety; governed by General Order 08-13 and NFPA standards.

Job Safety Analysis

Process of identifying hazards in tasks and developing methods or PPE to eliminate or minimize associated risks.

Hazardous Situation

Circumstance that can cause serious injury or death, such as oxygen-deficient atmospheres or electrical hazards.

Hazardous Operation

Activity inherently dangerous to personnel, e.g., repairing a chlorine gas leak or working in a toxic environment.

Imminent Hazard

Condition posing an immediate threat that the Safety Officer can order corrected or halt operations to eliminate.

NFPA 1500

Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program (2007 edition) referenced for record keeping and equipment requirements.

NFPA 1002

Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications (2009 edition).

NFPA 1021

Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (2009 edition).

NFPA 1561

Standard on Fire Department Incident Management System (2008 edition).

NFPA 1581

Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program (2010 edition).

General Order 08-05

Department directive outlining vehicle accident and loss-damage reporting procedures.

General Order 08-16

Department directive detailing procedures for reporting injuries on the job.

General Order 08-04

Driving regulations governing emergency and non-emergency operation of Fire Department vehicles (no smoking on moving apparatus).

Protective Clothing Program

Initiative to develop, implement, and maintain firefighter protective gear compliant with NFPA 1500 and General Order 08-13.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Records of occupational injuries/illnesses coordinated by Risk Management with the Office of Personnel, Pensions and Benefits.

Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Yearly report prepared by County Risk Management and posted for 30 days at all worksites, as required by MOSH.

Zero Accident Goal

Department expectation that employees work toward eliminating all accidents as an integral part of their duties.

Administrative Services Deputy

Command staff officer to whom the Risk Manager reports, receiving periodic updates on safety program status.