When should firefighters conduct a risk assessment?

Firefighters should conduct a risk assessment before and during operations to identify hazards because this practice is crucial for ensuring safety in dynamic and potentially dangerous environments. A risk assessment involves systematically evaluating the conditions and potential risks associated with a fire scene or emergency situation. By assessing risks before and during operations, firefighters can identify new hazards that may arise as conditions change, whether due to fire spread, structural instability, or other evolving factors.

This proactive approach allows firefighters to implement necessary safety measures and operations to mitigate risks, thereby protecting not only the responders but also civilians and property at risk. Conducting a risk assessment solely at the beginning of operations could leave firefighters unprepared for hazards that develop later in the incident. While training sessions are essential for learning risk assessment procedures, they do not replace the need for real-time assessments during actual operations. Assessing risks post-operation cannot influence ongoing safety practices and response strategies, making it ineffective for preventing accidents or injuries during active firefighting.