NFPA Standard Explorer

Recommended practice providing a systematic approach to risk identification, evaluation, and control for emergency service organizations. Helps departments build a structured risk management program beyond reactive safety responses.

Most emergency service injuries and LODDs involve identifiable, manageable risk factors—not purely random events. A risk management program that proactively identifies and controls operational, training, and administrative risks reduces exposure systematically rather than incident by incident.

• Risk management process concepts: identify, evaluate, prioritize, control, monitor (high level)
• Operational risk assessment frameworks (conceptual)
• Near-miss reporting and learning program concepts
• Administrative and training risk control concepts
• Documentation and performance measurement concepts
• Integrating risk management into daily operations and planning

• Developing a department-wide risk register covering operational, training, and administrative risks
• Building a near-miss reporting system that captures learning without punitive barriers
• Integrating risk assessment into pre-incident planning and training design
• Conducting post-incident reviews with a structured risk lens rather than a pure blame focus
• Presenting risk management findings to department leadership and elected officials

• Risk management is only about paperwork and compliance (effective risk management drives real operational decisions and resource allocation).
• Near-miss reporting is admitting failure (it's a leading indicator system—departments with robust near-miss programs learn before injuries occur).
• We manage risk intuitively on the fireground (instinct-based risk management works for familiar hazards but misses systemic and latent risks).

• Start with a simple risk register: list top 10 operational risks, estimate likelihood and consequence, and assign a control action to each
• Build a no-fault near-miss reporting system and share learnings at company level monthly
• Connect risk register items to training objectives—known risks should drive training priorities
• Review the risk register annually and after any significant incident or near-miss