The Chief Fire Officers Association

Publicity Line

Operational doctrine represents a framework to deliver the operational health and safety of firefighters and how this should be managed and delivered.  It definers the ownership of the strategic, generic and specific risk assessments and the responsibility for the control measures designed to manage those risks.  Operational doctrine is underpinned by the safe person concept which seeks to control operational risks through equipment (including information), safe practices and competent people.

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

• Operational doctrine relates to health and safety in the Operational Environment and does not cover the more generic employer duties.

• Operational procedures are not the entirety of Operational Doctrine, but they are part of the risk control measures.

• CFOA maintains that the Minister for Fire retains responsibility for the Strategic Risk Assessment that defines the role of fire and rescue services.

• Generic risk assessments are also the responsibility of the Minister with responsibility  Fire, examples are Compartment Fires and Liquid Fuel Fires.

• Fire and Rescue Authorities are responsible for the development of specific risk assessments, although on occasions, it maybe beneficial for these to be developed at a national or regional level to avoid duplication and for cost effectiveness.

• The development of Standards, Facilities, Equipment, Training and SOPs (whether developed/delivered at a national, regional or local level) are components of Operational Doctrine.

• CFRAU should advise the Minister on strategic risks and should support the generic and specific assessment to manage the hazard.