Risk Management & Safety Protocols Flashcards

In the hierarchy of hazard controls, which control is considered the MOST effective?

Answer: Elimination of the hazard

Elimination physically removes the hazard and is ranked highest in the hierarchy of controls, while PPE is the least effective.

Under the ICS, who has the authority to immediately stop or prevent unsafe acts during incident operations?

Answer: Safety Officer

The Safety Officer has emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts and must then inform the Incident Commander.

Which ICS form documents the hazard analysis and mitigations for each work assignment and helps the Safety Officer build the safety message?

Answer: ICS 215A

The ICS 215A Incident Action Plan Safety Analysis identifies hazards and mitigations for tactical assignments.

How often must a jurisdiction's THIRA be completed under current FEMA guidance?

Answer: Every three years

Since 2018 FEMA requires the THIRA every three years, while the Stakeholder Preparedness Review is done annually.

A county buys flood insurance for its public buildings instead of elevating them. Which risk management strategy is this?

Answer: Risk transfer

Insurance shifts the financial consequences of a loss to another party, which is risk transfer.

Which OSHA standard governs Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) for responders?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.120

29 CFR 1910.120 sets HAZWOPER training and safety requirements, including emergency response to hazmat releases.

During a hazmat response, in which zone is decontamination of personnel and equipment performed?

Answer: Warm zone (contamination reduction zone)

The warm zone is the contamination reduction corridor between the hot and cold zones where decon happens.

A responder must enter an unknown atmosphere with high vapor hazard to skin and eyes. Which EPA level of protection is required?

Answer: Level A

Level A provides a fully encapsulating vapor-tight suit with SCBA for the highest respiratory and skin protection.

What is the minimum benefit-cost ratio generally required for a mitigation project to be considered cost-effective under FEMA HMA programs?

Answer: 1.0

A BCR of 1.0 or greater shows that project benefits equal or exceed costs.

Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, how often must local hazard mitigation plans be updated and re-approved to stay eligible for HMA funding?

Answer: Every 5 years

Local hazard mitigation plans must be reviewed, updated, and re-approved by FEMA every five years.

Which wildland firefighting safety acronym stands for Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, and Safety zones?

Answer: LCES

LCES is the core wildland safety system that must be established before engaging a fire.

In the FEMA risk formula, risk is commonly expressed as a function of which three factors?

Answer: Threat, vulnerability, and consequence

Risk is generally assessed as a combination of threat/hazard likelihood, vulnerability, and consequence.

How far from doors, windows, and vents does CDC recommend placing a portable generator to reduce carbon monoxide risk?

Answer: At least 20 feet

CDC advises operating portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from openings to prevent CO poisoning.

What does a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) confirm during an incident?

Answer: That all assigned personnel are accounted for

A PAR is a roll call by supervisors confirming that every assigned member is accounted for.

How much moving water can knock an adult off their feet, according to the National Weather Service?

Answer: 6 inches

Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult, which is why 'Turn Around Don't Drown' is stressed.

A state with an approved Enhanced State Mitigation Plan may receive HMGP funding of up to what percentage of estimated disaster assistance?

Answer: 20%

Enhanced plans raise the HMGP ceiling from 15% to 20% of estimated aggregate disaster assistance, subject to sliding scales.

Which statement BEST describes residual risk?

Answer: Risk remaining after mitigation measures are applied

Residual risk is the risk left over once controls and mitigation have been put in place.

Which FEMA tool provides a nationwide, county- and census-tract-level score combining expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience?

Answer: National Risk Index

The National Risk Index combines expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience into risk scores.

Responders working in high heat should follow which practice to reduce heat-related illness?

Answer: Use acclimatization and scheduled work-rest cycles with regular hydration

OSHA and NIOSH recommend acclimatization, rest cycles, shade, and frequent hydration to prevent heat illness.

When debris crews come across a downed power line, what is the correct safety assumption?

Answer: It is energized and dangerous until the utility confirms otherwise

Treat every downed line as energized and keep away until the utility de-energizes it.