If appointed without an existing IAP, what should the ISO do first?

When an Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is appointed in the absence of an Incident Action Plan (IAP), the immediate priority is to engage with the Incident Commander (IC) to discuss the need for an IAP. This is crucial because the IAP serves as a foundational document that outlines the objectives and strategies for managing the incident, as well as the safety considerations necessary for effectively addressing the situation.

Engaging the IC ensures that safety is prioritized right from the start of the incident response. The ISO must ensure that there is a coordinated approach to safety that aligns with the operational goals. By having this conversation, the ISO can better understand the operational context, the current challenges, and the resources available. Without this communication, there is a risk that safety issues could be overlooked as the incident unfolds, potentially leading to dangerous situations for all personnel involved.

While surveying the scene, beginning the IAP, or reviewing operations are important tasks, they should occur after establishing this key communication with the IC. The priority must always be the health and safety of responders, which starts with a clear and collaborative understanding of the incident's strategy.