If there is no IAP when the ISO is appointed, the ISO should?

When the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is appointed but there is no Incident Action Plan (IAP) in place, the immediate course of action should be to initiate a conversation with the Incident Commander (IC) to establish an IAP. The ISO plays a crucial role in ensuring safety on the incident scene, which includes understanding the operational objectives and strategies necessary to protect personnel effectively.

Engaging with the IC to develop an IAP is vital because it helps outline the specific goals for the incident, identifies hazards, and sets forth the operational procedures that will be followed. This collaborative step not only ensures that safety considerations are integrated into the overall strategy but also aligns the ISO’s safety measures with the incident's operational needs. By establishing an IAP, the ISO can more effectively monitor ongoing operations and adjust safety protocols as necessary to mitigate risks and ensure the wellbeing of all personnel involved.

In contrast, simply waiting for instructions does not contribute to establishing a proactive safety framework, while assessing the situation without a plan may leave personnel vulnerable to unforeseen hazards. Following existing protocols without an IAP tailored to the current incident can also lead to inadequate safety measures not suited for the specific circumstances at hand. Hence, proactive communication with the IC to create an IAP is the most