What is the primary role of the ISO at an incident?

The primary role of the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) at an incident is to oversee safety. This entails monitoring the scene to ensure that safety protocols are being followed and that all personnel are working in a safe manner. The ISO is responsible for identifying hazards and assessing risks associated with the incident, providing recommendations to mitigate those risks. They play a crucial role in ensuring that all operations are conducted without unnecessary exposure to danger, which is vital during emergency response efforts.

The role of overseeing safety is essential since it directly impacts the well-being of all personnel involved in the incident response. The ISO is an advocate for safety, ensuring that all team members are aware of their surroundings and that safety measures are implemented effectively. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment, and effective communication skills to coordinate with other team members and inform them of potential hazards.

While other roles, such as managing fire suppression, handling logistics, or communicating with dispatch, are indeed important in an incident, they do not specifically focus on the overarching responsibility of ensuring the safety of all involved, which is the core function of the ISO.