HomeMy WebLinkAboutR&R 101.03 REVISED 8-2016_SOGs101.03 — Standard Operating Guidelines
Effective: 4/5/2009
Revised: 8/5/2016
Replaces: 2007 R&R -Introduction 1 "�
I. Guiding PhilosophX
Standard Operating Guidelines exist so that operations across the department are handled
in a predictable manner, and so that the department's expectations for performance and
employees' work-related responsibilities are communicated effectively.
II. Purpose
The primary purpose of this policy is to define the system of development, revision,
distribution and applicability of the department's Standard Operating Guidelines.
III. Goals
The goals of this policy are to:
A. Communicate the general parameters relating to Standard Operating Guidelines.
B. Detail the applicability of Standard Operating Guidelines.
C. Discuss the methods of distribution and location of Standard Operating Guidelines.
D. Discuss the parameters involved in the review, revision and proposal of new
guidelines.
IV. Definitions
A. Policy —declared intent or objective that shall be used as a basis for decision and
action.
B. Procedure — prescribed or acceptable routine or method of performing or
implementing a desired course of action.
V. General Parameters
A. Guidelines cannot and are not intended to include all possible life or work situations,
but are provided to serve as a roadmap to guide personnel in the exercise of their
judgment where specific situations are not addressed.
B. Nothing in any of the department's Standard Operating Guidelines are to be construed
to limit the power and authority granted to the Fire Chief of Beaumont Fire -Rescue
Services by the code of ordinances of the City of Beaumont, pertinent State and
Federal laws applicable to the emergency response activities, or contractual
agreements. Neither will they be construed as abrogating the priority of civil and
criminal law concerning employment in the State of Texas.
C. The Fire Chief is vested with the authority by City ordinance to establish policies,
procedures and guidelines to facilitate the effective operation of the department.
D. Standard Operating Guidelines address both policy and procedural aspects of
department operations.
E. Standard Operating Guidelines will be sufficiently comprehensive to cover, either in a
specific or general way, the responsibilities, obligations, and duties of the members of
the department.
1. Guidelines will not provide a solution to every question or problem that may
arise in an organization charged with rendering emergency services.
2. Guidelines are not intended to limit any member in the exercise of good
judgment or initiative in taking the action that a reasonable person would take
in extraordinary circumstances.
3. By necessity, much is left to the commitment, integrity, and compassion of
members. To the degree that the individual member demonstrates possession
of these qualities in the conscientious discharge of their duties, and to that
degree alone, will the Department attain service excellence.
F. If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or word is, for any reason, held to be legally
invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the
department's most currently approved edition of its Standard Operating Guidelines.
G. The contents of the Standard Operating Guidelines manual shall supersede any
conflicting information contained in any other departmental publication.
VI. Applicability
A. Standard Operating Guidelines apply to all uniformed fire department employees.
B. Each employee is expected to maintain a thorough working knowledge of all policies,
procedures, and guidelines that affect him/her.
C. Compliance with policies, procedures, and guidelines is expected.
VII. Distribution
A. The drafting, revision, and distribution of all policies, procedures, and guidelines will
be coordinated through the Administration & Finance Section.
B. The Administration & Finance Section will maintain all master copies.
R&R 10 1. 03 — Standard Operating Guidelines Page 2 of 3
C. Copies of the fire department's foundational documents will be available through
Laserfiche.
D. Updates to SOGs are official and effective only after they have been approved and
distributed through the Fire Chief s office.
VIII. Review, Revision & Proposal of New Guidelines
A. Operating guidelines should be critically reviewed for quality improvement purposes
on an annual basis if possible.
B. The formal review and revision process will be jointly coordinated through the
Management Team, respective advisory group(s), distributed for member comment
through the Solutions Box process, and monthly training memo process.
All personnel are encouraged to submit suggestions through their chain of
Command or the Solutions Box process.
2. All revision proposals should provide specific information referencing the
guidelines to be changed, and/or the operational area or situation currently
needing further definition. Examples include:
a. Number & title of the guideline to be changed,
b. Section and items to be modified,
c. Proposed modifications, additions or deletions in wording.
d. Why the change is necessary.
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